August 1, 2023
Gr 6 Up-In a magical 1930s Mississippi, a group of queer broom racers of color struggle to survive systemic oppression. To avoid her young cousins getting forcibly taken to a residential magic academy, Luella (who is Choctaw) suggests twins Mattie and Emma join the world of underground broom racing, where they could earn money to pay for exemption. Billie Mae, Luella's sweetheart and captain of the Night Storms, has racing in her blood, but Black folks are banned from using magic in most states. Billie Mae wants to lead the team to victory and raise enough money to head out west, hopefully to more tolerance and racing opportunities. Between best friend Loretta (who is also Black), Chinese closeted transmasculine Cheng-Kwan, and the twins, these teammates have a lot at stake just by existing as their authentic selves. As law enforcement closes in and the biggest race yet looms near, the Night Storms must rely on their community more than ever to hit the big score that could save them all. This graphic novel offers a rich world and endearing characters. Flashbacks set up existing interpersonal dynamics, though they are occasionally tough to distinguish from present-day plot lines. DuVall's palette is warm and dynamic; traditional line work and paneling shape a compelling plot. Characters are depicted with a range of skin tones and abilities that Walls expands on in a creator's note; Loretta uses an assistive device, and one of the twins communicates using sign language. VERDICT A sweet, entertaining found-family story that weaves magic with historical injustice; recommended for teen graphic novel shelves.-Ashleigh Williams
Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
Starred review from August 14, 2023
In an alternate 1930s Mississippi, magic is carefully regulated among marginalized communities by white people in power. Because of this, Black teen best friends Billie Mae and Loretta, alongside their transgender teammate Cheng-Kwan, who is of East Asian descent, participate in illicit broom races as the Night Storms, hoping to raise enough money to pay the government exemption fee that would allow them to practice magic legally. At the urging of Billie Mae’s crush, Latina and Choctaw teen Luella, the Night Storms take on Luella’s Choctaw and Black cousins, Emma and Mattie, who risk being taken from their family and sent to a boarding school if they don’t obtain an exemption. After having her own powers sealed away by the government due to noncompliance, Luella is determined to help her cousins avoid the same fate. Via cinematic paneling, careful attention to detail, and a sprawling cast portrayed with varying abilities, body types, and skin tones, DuVall (The Bridge, for adults) depicts pulse-pounding broom races and comforting domestic sequences. By utilizing real-life period details to develop exciting lore surrounding the races and the magic system, Walls (Vixen NYC, for adults) presents an evocative Fast and the Furious–flavored graphic novel. Ages 12–up. Author’s agent: Saribel Pages, Gallt & Zacker Literary. Illustrator’s agent: Peter Ryan, Stimola Literary Studio.
Starred review from September 15, 2023
Grades 7-12 *Starred Review* Experience a fascinating, alternative history of 1930s Mississippi where magic is legal for some, illegal for others, and secret broom racing happens nightly in the woods. Sisters Mattie and Emma, both Black and Choctaw and one deaf, have recently developed their powers. Their family desperately needs money to petition the government or else the girls will be shipped off to residential schools. Their cousin, who lost her powers at such a school, introduces them to her girlfriend, the leader of the Night Storm racing team, who trains them and introduces them to the exciting world of racing. The characters are drawn in a comic style popular with teen readers and inked in a variety of skin tones. Often set against an ethereally blue setting, the characters express themselves through their outfits--a cap and suspenders for a queer cis woman, a skirt and hair bandanna for a trans woman--showing readers how dressing for your identity could be possible in any time period. Though readers will enjoy the dramatic racing scenes, this is truly a story about queer folk and people of color who have created a space where they can joyously and freely be themselves.
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