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Screenwise Verdict
Spinning is not the sparkly, 'follow your dreams' sports story you might expect. It’s a moody, sophisticated graphic memoir that captures the exact moment a teenager realizes their childhood hobby has become a cage.
Tillie Walden’s art is breathtaking, but the story is heavy. It’s an essential read for middle and high schoolers who feel like they’re performing for everyone but themselves. Just be aware it handles some tough stuff—bullying and a predatory teacher—with a bluntness that requires a bit of maturity. If your kid is looking for 'skating inspiration,' this isn't it; if they're looking for a book that understands what it's like to feel out of place, this is a masterpiece.
Age Fit
Best for ages 12 and up. While younger kids might be drawn to the 'ice skating book' cover, the themes of identity, depression, and a specific instance of sexual harassment make this firmly Young Adult territory.
WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
72
It is emotionally raw and honest rather than 'sunny.' It models the difficult but healthy process of outgrowing a childhood passion and coming to terms with one's identity, though the tone is often somber and lonely.
Imaginative
92
Tillie Walden is a master of the graphic novel form. Her use of negative space, a restricted color palette of purples and yellows, and the way she captures the flow of ice skating is visually inventive and evocative.
Safe
68
While 'safe' for its intended teen audience, parents should know it contains a scene of sexual harassment/assault by a teacher, depictions of bullying, and the heavy emotional weight of depression. It is not a lighthearted sports book.
Enriching
94
Extremely high value for empathy and personal growth. It tackles the burnout of competitive youth sports, the nuance of the LGBTQ+ experience, and the courage required to quit something you're good at to find what you actually love.
Parent Info
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Why It Might Be Great
Stunning Eisner-winning artwork that makes every page feel like a piece of art.
A rare, honest look at 'quitting' as a healthy choice rather than a failure.
Deeply resonant for any kid who feels the crushing weight of extracurricular expectations.
Authentic and sensitive LGBTQ+ representation that feels lived-in and real.
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What to Watch For
A brief but disturbing scene where a male teacher inappropriately touches the protagonist.
The mood is quite heavy; it deals with isolation, bullying, and the loss of a close friend.
It portrays the skating world as fairly toxic and cold, which might be a bummer for kids who currently love the sport.
Conversation Starters
"Tillie spent years skating even after she stopped liking it. Why do we sometimes feel like we can't stop doing something we're 'good' at?"
"How did the artist use colors (or the lack of them) to show how she was feeling?"
"What did Tillie gain by finally being honest about who she was and what she wanted?"
