Review: Soul Machine

Soul Machine

Author and illustrator: Jordana Globerman

Annick Press, June 2025

ISBN: 9781773219585 (hardcover)
9781773219592 (paperback)
9781773219608 (eBook)

$31.99 CAD (hardcover)
$22.99 CAD (paperback)
$15.99 CAD (eBook)

228 pages

Ages: 12 to 16 years old

Soul Machine, Jordana Globerman’s debut graphic novel, is a sci-fi dystopian tale about family, connection, humanity, meaning and technology. Ever since their father disappeared, Chloe’s older sister Lacey runs the family business, spinning the fibers of a plant called breth into souls by hand. With crops of the plant failing and with the MCorp corporation’s threat to take over with their new synthetic Digibreth technology, Chloe goes on a mission to find answers in the city and beyond. With beautiful and vibrant illustrations and very unique worldbuilding, Globerman explores complex topics in an engaging way. A great addition to a high school library or classroom, Soul Machine is an accessible story addressing big ethical and philosophical questions about corporate greed and a culture of commodification. It is an excellent book club selection sure to encourage lively discussion.