Blankets by Craig Thompson

This autobiographical novel about first love is set in the context of the author's small-town, repressive Catholic upbringing. It does an excellent job of conveying both the anguish and joy of adolescent love amid flash-backs of Thompson's often-cruel childhood. Through the arc of the story we see Thompson stuggle with his beliefs and develop as an artist. The stark, energetic black and white illustrations are a perfect complement to the powerful emotions this story expresses. - JEP