Common Sense Media Review
By JK Sooja
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Magical journey, friendship masks story of running away.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In THIS WAS OUR PACT, Nathaniel and Ben have been told that paper lanterns sent to float down the river eventually turn into flying fish that fly into the sky to become the stars. They want to see the lanterns actually make their magical journey, but to do so, they'll have to follow the lanterns further than they've even been. Along the way, the boys will meet magical animals, quirky characters, and difficult challenges that will test their courage, perseverance, and friendship.
Is It Any Good?
The art and color themes in this graphic novel are wondrous and beautiful. But the story of This Was Our Pact makes light of the fact that, ultimately, two boys simply run away from home. Nothing is made of why they never think of going back, why they don't care about making their parents worry, or why no one they meet along the way suggests that they should return home. Similar to other fairy tales, there are some dark underpinnings to this adventure, like how the paper lantern festival at the heart of the story was started because of the tragedy of a man and his daughter drowning in a river. So while there are cute and magical moments throughout -- like a friendly talking bear, a quirky woman who makes magical potions, and a fantastical landscape -- for some it may be hard to ignore how the entire tale, at its core, is about two boys running away from home without a care in the world. But if you can look beyond the darker implications of the story, you may find a lot to enjoy -- the whimsy, the magic, the discovery of friendship, and the gorgeous art are all certainly inviting.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about violence and scariness in middle-grade graphic novels. Were there any parts of This Was Our Pact that you found scary?
How does Nathaniel show courage and perseverance? How do Nathaniel and Benjamin show teamwork?
Why do you think the two boys are never worried about getting home? How do you think their families feel about them running away?
Who's your favorite character? Why?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Graphic Novel
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : First Second
- Publication date : June 11, 2019
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 10 - 14
- Number of pages : 336
- Available on : Paperback, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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