11 May Review: Mall Goth
Mall Goth
Written by Kate Leth; illustrated by Kate Leth (illustrator), Diana Sousa (colorist), Robin Crank (letterer)
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2023
ISBN: 9781534476943 (paperback)
ISBN: 9781534476950 (hardcover)
ISBN: 9781534476967 (eBook)
$18.99 CAD (paperback)
$30.99 CAD (hardcover)
$11.99 CAD (eBook)
256 pages
Ages: 12 years old and up
Review by: Erin Dunlop
Mall Goth follows fifteen-year-old Liv, a bisexual goth girl, as she tries to find her place in a new school. Her dad is never home, her mom doesn’t want to talk about it– the one place she finds solace is at the mall. She has a hard time opening up to anyone, until her English teacher starts paying her extra attention, making her feel special both in-person and online. Through the support of new friends, Liv realizes that Mr. Williams’ behaviour is not okay and not her fault. Tackling important subject matter like first relationships, acceptance, divorce, and grooming in a serious and thoughtful way, this graphic novel is both an engaging and important read for kids aged 12 years and more. Its punchy art style and nostalgic setting took me right back to teenage trips to the mall for punk rock CDs and band t-shirts. I highly recommend it to teenagers today and former emo/goth kids everywhere.