In the new graphic novel Girl on Fire, Lolo is fourteen but already in tenth grade with her older brother, James. Their father, Billy Wright, owns his own moving company. Their grandmother, Vivian, lives with them in the projects.
High school in the inner city is tough on Lolo. She is bullied by the mean girls and called know-it-all by the hoodlums. Luckily, Lolo has some superhero powers. Now, if she can just control them while keeping them hidden. And also figure out her connection to Michael.
Girl on Fire is an empowering read for high schoolers. It addresses the pressures modern students face—and not just in urban environments. The fact that it is a colorful graphic novel about a female superhero learning to use her powers should make it popular. However, the conclusion was a bit of a letdown for me. 3 stars.
Thanks to Harper Alley and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.