Passport

I thought this graphic novel was incredible. I see some of the reviews saying the description was misleading, but I think they’re missing the point a little bit. Yes it says it’s about spies and things like that and it’s not really about spies, but this idea of not knowing who you are and then discovering that you don’t know who your parents really are really struck me as a great analogy for the confusion of growing up and becoming a teenager and an adult. Sophia is a great drawer in my opinion. Her style is very simple it’s not overwhelming and I really enjoyed that. For this type of story I think that is the style that works best. That way when with their were flourishes or panels it focused on certain details it really did a good job of conveying certain emotions or certain points of the story to me the reader.I think the appropriate ages are listed as age 12 or 13 and above and I would agree with that. There is nothing explicit in the book, there are certain scenes that in for or imply things such as drug use or sex or sexual assault. But if you think these are not things that the average middle Schooler is already aware of and thinking about, then you’re missing something. I work with kids that age and they are well aware of what suicide is, of what drug uses, of what death is, of what any of these adults issues in the book are. So as one reviewer said they read it first and found it wasn’t appropriate for their kid. OK fine that’s great that that’s the point of review in the book for your kids anyways before they read it. But I would say that the themes of the book the way Sophia conveys the confusion and the turmoil of coming to terms with who you are and who your parents are and who your family really are far outweighs negativity that comes from these so-called troublesome issues in the book. Most of the graphic novels middle schoolers are reading, be the manga or these other books, hint at Orlu to this issues anyways. Personally I would much rather have my kids read about these topics It a book such as passport that addresses them in a way they are familiar with in a way they can relate to and a way that doesn’t talk down to them or try to cheap in the experiences they are going through. You guys can’t recommend this book enough I read it all in one sitting because I just couldn’t put it down

As an international teacher at American schools, I'm always on the lookout for books that speak to my students' (and my own children's) experience. This is a gem of a story, appropriate for a high school audience. While Glock's reason for living in Central America is unique, her experiences as a TCK (third culture kid) are not. Not only is the story engaging - funny at times and poignant at others - it is comforting to teenagers who feel like they don't fit in. Themes of secrecy, identity, and independence make this a great story for any high school or early college student. The graphic novel format makes it accessible to reluctant readers, while the content provides mature, meaty topics for discussion.

A phenomenal throwback. For anyone who lived life as a teen in the 90s and has been to Central America, outside the fantasy confines of a resort hotel. This book will hit some familiar notes. Though the story itself is very personal to the author, with elements too particular for most teens (my mom was in sales). Most of the ups and downs of our youth are there in an honest and many times hilarious manner. Maybe not funny to us when we were distraught teens who read X-Men, Salinger, and listened to Smashing Pumpkins—but definitely amusing for us as adults.If any of the above interests you, I thoroughly recommend this book, despite some whining I’ve seen around about its more serious elements. Those things happened and no self respecting author can write about their life

I loved the author's voice, mostly, and truly loved the art, but a lifetime of keeping secrets and I felt at the end of the book that I still didn't know her--not the best thing to say about a memoir, eh?Author loves her parents very much but why, oh why, have so many children and make them keep such horrible secrets and make sure they can never be close to anyone???????????????Good for anyone who likes to read about spies. And maybe good for anyone who doesn't fit in, for any reason.

I understand being real about life situations, but this not for teenagers. I got it off of a non fictional reccomendation for young teens. It definitely is geared more to young adults.

Terrific memoir that reminds us what it feels like to be a teenager, assailed by endless questions and destabilizing uncertainties… experiencing the awkwardness of our emerging identity sprouting up within our changing body … the author repeatedly captures subtle shifts in complex feelings… and in the long arc of the story reveals a growing emotional awareness with just space & position & silence… really lovely 🙌🏼💫🙌🏼

I didn’t go to high school overseas, but Sophia’s Passport had me remembering lost pieces of my own high school experience. This novel wrestles with big questions of out how to fit in the world, what rules to follow and which you can break and how & who to befriend. I loved the masterful storytelling and engaging images, highly recommend!!

Loved this debut work! Ms. Block's voice is just getting warmed up. She tells stories with a wonderful retrospective lens for detail.