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Screenwise Verdict
This is Raina Telgemeier doing what she does best—taking real, hard stuff kids face and making it digestible through comics. The story of Cat and Maya is genuinely moving, and the cystic fibrosis representation matters.
But let's be real: this is a book about a kid who's probably going to die young. It's not morbid or scary, but it's sad. Some kids will find it cathartic and beautiful; others will just find it depressing. Know your kid.
The ghost element and Day of the Dead setting soften the blow, though some critics argue Telgemeier oversimplifies the cultural aspects. The reviews are mixed—fans love the emotional depth, but even superfans admit it's not her strongest work. Less funny than Smile, less dramatic than Drama.
Still, if your kid is ready to process big feelings about illness and death, this is a solid entry point. Just maybe don't hand it to a kid whose grandma just died without a heads-up.
Age Fit
Best for ages 8-12 who are ready to think about mortality and chronic illness. Younger kids might not grasp the weight of cystic fibrosis; older middle schoolers might find it a bit simple. Perfect for the 9-11 sweet spot when kids can handle heavy emotions but still love graphic novels.
WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
82
Emotionally mature story about family, illness (cystic fibrosis), and facing fears. Models sibling love and cultural respect through Day of the Dead themes. The tone is gentle despite heavy topics, showing how to support someone with chronic illness. Some kids find it emotionally intense but not inappropriate.
Imaginative
75
Blends realistic family drama with supernatural elements (ghosts in a coastal town). The graphic novel format with Telgemeier's distinctive art style invites visual engagement. However, reviews note it's less imaginative than her other works—more straightforward narrative, less surprising. The Day of the Dead cultural elements add some creative depth.
Safe
70
No violence, gore, or inappropriate content for kids. However, deals with terminal illness (cystic fibrosis) and death themes that can be emotionally heavy and potentially triggering for families dealing with similar issues. Some controversy exists around cultural representation of Day of the Dead (one review criticizes 'ignorance of history'). Not scary-ghost scary, but emotionally weighty.
Enriching
78
Builds empathy around chronic illness, disability, and mortality in age-appropriate ways. Introduces Day of the Dead traditions and Mexican culture. Explores complex emotions like fear, grief, and putting others' needs first. Educational value noted in reviews. However, some readers found the story lacking depth compared to Telgemeier's other work.
Parent Info
✓
Why It Might Be Great
Handles chronic illness (cystic fibrosis) with sensitivity and realism—rare in kids' books
Introduces Day of the Dead traditions in accessible graphic novel format
Telgemeier's signature art style makes tough topics more approachable
Builds empathy for siblings dealing with illness and facing mortality
Quick read that packs emotional punch without being preachy
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What to Watch For
This is about a kid with a terminal illness—it's sad and some kids will find it really heavy
Death is a central theme (not scary ghosts, but mortality is real here)
Some criticism that the Day of the Dead representation lacks cultural depth
Kids dealing with illness in their own family might find this either helpful or too close to home
Conversation Starters
"How do you think Cat feels about her sister being sick? What would you do if you were her?"
"The book shows Day of the Dead as a celebration, not something scary. What do you think about that?"
"Maya isn't afraid of the ghosts or of dying. Why do you think she's so brave?"
"What are some ways Cat shows she loves Maya, even when she's scared?"
