Common Sense Media Review
By Michael Berry
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Teen brings revolution to Gotham in vibrant graphic novel.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
As HARLEY QUINN: BREAKING GLASS opens, 15-year-old Harleen Quinzel arrives in Gotham City with $5in her pocket. She's taken in by Mama, Gotham's finest drag queen, and shown the ropes of high school by a female activist named Ivy. But then a major corporation targets Mama's cabaret for closure, and Harleen has to decide how and when to strike back.
Is It Any Good?
Creating a relatable anti-heroine is a difficult task, but this frenetic origin story features a protagonist who is unpredictable, bighearted, naive, and a little bit dangerous. Writer Mariko Tamaki captures the characters' distinctive speech patterns and devises for Harley a story that's fast-paced, exciting, funny, and touching. Artist Steve Pugh's beautifully garish illustrations are perfect for this project, giving Harley room to strut her stuff in an environment that pulses with energy. Harley doesn't follow the straight and narrow, but her heart's in the right place. Readers will find some laughs, some danger, and a touch of poignancy in this vibrant graphic novel.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Harley Quinn: Breaking Glass depicts violence. Is violence ever an effective method of promoting change?
How does gentrification affect neighborhoods and their inhabitants? Should residents expect to pay reasonable rents? What can be done to promote affordable housing?
Why does Ivy care that the high school film society doesn't show films made by women? How has gender bias in Hollywood affected the careers of actresses and female directors?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Graphic Novel
- Topics : Activism , Superheroes , Friendship , School ( High School )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : DC Ink
- Publication date : September 3, 2019
- Number of pages : 196
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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