Inbetweens is a phenomenal graphic novel about trying to find one’s passion in life and dealing with a variety of roadblocks. Prolific author-illustrator Faith Erin Hicks (Ride On, Hockey Girl Loves Drama Boy) focuses her attention on twin sisters Ash and Sloane as they attend a seven-week summer institute at Ormidale College, Canada’s most prestigious animation school, in 1999. The book takes its title from an animation term describing transitional drawings between key frames, which perfectly encapsulates the transformative stage of life in which Ash and Sloane find themselves as they approach ninth grade.
Known as “the crazy art twins,” the pair have dreamed of such an opportunity since fourth grade when they experienced the Magic of Animation ride at Disney World. The sisters differ greatly in appearance and personality, with Ash exuberant and outgoing in contrast to reserved Sloane. At Ormidale, they befriend students Nisha and Cameron, adding an intriguing mix of talents and personalities to the narrative.
As this group experiences each week of the summer session, the details of how they approach their assignments—ranging from trying to animate a bouncing ball to creating a short film—provide compelling drama. Hicks’ illustrations beautifully highlight the nitty-gritty of animation, and make all sorts of subjects seem to move and jump off the page. As various animation styles come up in dialogue, ranging from anime to classic Disney cartoons, Hicks integrates examples into the panels.
Renowned animator Douglas Frye, whom Ash idolizes, turns out to be a terrible teacher who discourages Ash from pursuing her dream, causing all four characters to question their abilities and goals. Thankfully, another teacher, Lisa Sato, provides much needed encouragement. Hicks creates dynamic exchanges, capturing readers’ attention with a cavalcade of facial expressions and eye-catching clothing that differentiates each individual. In addition, the film Kiki’s Delivery Service provides not only an excellent technical example throughout, but also an exploration of maturation and self-doubt.
The animation emphasis will have broad appeal among readers, as will the overall process of watching these characters pursue an important goal. As Lisa explains, “It’s a lifetime of learning,” adding that “animation school can take you down many paths. And sometimes where you end up isn’t what you originally expected.” Inbetweens is an inspirational yet realistic examination of teens trying to follow their dreams, providing an enlightening depiction of challenges likely to be encountered along the way.