Katman by Kevin C. Pyle

Kit doesn't exactly love his life. He lives in a “'low income' neighborhood” with only his mom and his older brother. His mom works too hard to make ends meet and support the family, and his socially awkward brother (who is also really smart, but really knows it) makes it clear that things would be better if Kit wasn't around. Of course, Kit isn't accepted at school either – as outcasts and strays usually are rejected. When Kit discovers a whole bunch of stray cats, he decides to take care of them, even if it means stealing from the store he works at, dealing with his mother's anger and frustration, or even putting up with the old crazy cat lady. With the incorporation of Kit's own illustrations of his superhero “Katman,” this graphic novel honestly tells of Kit's journey to uncover inner strength and self-acceptance. The ending seems to patch up kind of nice and neat, but it's the satisfaction of self-discovery that will remain with the reader.

This quick read is recommended to readers who feel like outcasts, want to help out the world somehow, or who can simply recognize how doing something good can change how you feel about who you are.
Call number: YA GRAPHIC PYLE (Teen Room)

Reviewed by kate the librarian