Parents' Guide to Comics Will Break Your Heart

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Common Sense Media Review

Amanda Nojadera By Amanda Nojadera , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 13+

Heirs to comics series find love in sweet but slow novel.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 13+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

age 12+

Based on 1 kid review

What's the Story?

COMICS WILL BREAK YOUR HEART tells the story of Miriam Kendrick and Weldon Warrick, whose grandfathers created the popular comic series The TomorrowMen. Weldon's family is wealthy, and when the highly anticipated movie adaptation is released, they'll make even more money. But Miriam's situation is drastically different. Her grandfather sold his rights to the characters and his artwork in the 1960s but later sued, which sparked a huge feud between the two families. So when Weldon arrives in Miriam's small Canadian town, she isn't his biggest fan. But the more time they spend together, in spite of the drama between their families, the more they sense they might have feelings for each other.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say : Not yet rated
Kids say ( 1 ):

This sweet but slow-paced prose novel from Faith Erin Hicks thoughtfully explores the comics industry and its relationship with artists. Fans of comics will appreciate all the pop culture references and might be inspired to learn more about the background and history of the industry. As the book progresses, readers will understand that the artists who create the superheroes and worlds we love should be remembered and recognized for their work. Although the chemistry and dialogue between Miriam and Weldon are sometimes underwhelming and the ending feels rushed, Comics Will Break Your Heart shows teens that communication and humility are significant factors in developing healthy relationships with friends, family, and each other.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the quote from comic book artist, writer, and editor Jack Kirby that inspired the title of Comics Will Break Your Heart. (Kirby created Captain America, Fantastic Four, X-Men.) What do you think he meant? What do you know about the artists who create your favorite comics and superheroes?

  • How do the adults in Miriam's and Weldon's lives affect the way they approach their relationship? What other stories of family feuds -- classic or modern day -- do you know?

  • How do the characters demonstrate communication and humility? Why are these important character strengths?

Book Details

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