Parents' Guide to

Shadow of the Batgirl

By Michael Berry, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Teen assassin atones in sensitive tale of redemption.

Shadow of the Batgirl Poster Image

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What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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Some superheroes have a hidden softer side, and this tenderhearted origin story values character growth above martial arts fistfights. In Shadow of the Batgirl, Cassandra may seem waif-like, but writer Sarah Kuhn and illustrator Nicole Goux imbue her with an iron will, so that she struggles never to resort to the kind of violence her father trained her to wield. Goux's art is expressive and clear in its storytelling. The narrative is more contemplative than action-packed, which may appeal to readers weary of superhero slugfests. Filled with strong female characters -- some of Asian descent -- the book offers an intriguing alternative to the usual male-dominated comics story.

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