Newark Library Blog

 Emiko Superstar by Mariko Tamaki, illustrated by Steve Rolston

I found this graphic novel on the Powells.com website and I am so glad I did. 

 This graphic novel is a light but charming fantasy for girls everywhere – especially if you feel like you’re awkward and just don’t fit in. Emiko is half-Japanese, half-Causcasian Canadian and her summer looks pretty grim – a summer of no friends and a babysitting job.  She accidentally stumbles on an underground performing arts scene inspired by Any Warhol’s ‘Factory.’.

Emiko eventually gets up the courage to go on stage dressed in her grandmother’s mod outfits from the 60’s and she becomes a minor celebrity.  All is not perfect, her new friends are very complex and some of The Factory people are not what they seem. 

I really liked Emiko and the b/w drawings of her face are very expressive. She is incredibly brave and also very innocent, which can be a dangerous combination, but she is safe in the end and learns much about herself. 

Kathy Steel-Sabo