Freshman Year written and illustrated by Sarah Mai, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: A graphic memoir that captures the unique mixture of excitement, anxiety, and self-discovery that comes with transitioning to college life. Sarah, a recent high school graduate from suburban Wisconsin, embarks on her freshman journey at a Minnesota college, filled with aspirations to impress her professors, meet new friends, and grow as an artist. However, her optimistic outlook is quickly challenged by the realities of college life, including the pressure from her high-achieving roommate, the end of her summer romance, and the overwhelming sense of freedom and isolation in this new environment. Drawing inspiration from her personal college journals, Mai expertly illustrates the struggles and triumphs of an 18-year-old navigating the complexities of her first year away from home. The narrative unfolds without conventional chapters, instead using brief narrative markers to denote the passage of time and significant events like midterms and finals. This structure mirrors the chaotic nature of college life and emphasizes Sarah's emotional journey. With its blend of humor, heart, and honesty, Freshman Year resonates with anyone who has faced the daunting yet exhilarating challenge of stepping into adulthood. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: A great choice for any reader who is becoming curious about the college experience and the challenges of transitioning from high school to college. The graphic novel's relatable themes of self-doubt, friendship, and personal growth can serve as a springboard for workshops that explore emotional well-being and resilience in students preparing for higher education. This could be a great choice for a book club, encouraging students to share their thoughts and feelings about their own experiences or anxieties regarding college. The graphic format can also appeal to reluctant readers, making it a valuable resource for promoting literacy. By connecting this book to broader themes of identity and change, librarians can foster a supportive environment where students feel comfortable discussing their aspirations and concerns about the future.  I would say this book is a happy for now book because the story is not over.  While there was a breakup, the main character definitely explores her love for her family, her friends and gets tingly feelings about new guys she meets at school :)