Orphan's Garden

Song of Orphan's Garden

Review

4.5 Beautiful cover and artwork.

Powerful subtle message.

I am glad to see a fantasy done in Verse. Fantasy is a genre from which I demand character depth, less plot-driven, and more escapism. I was so relieved to realize this is not a portal fantasy.

It will read as a powerful fantasy novella for older readers and adults who love a Ghibli vibe, and it will be complex, in verse, with more than a pov for early readers to follow.

Although it is fantasy, it borrows from very relatable themes: orphans, death of parents, siblings taking care of each other, sacrifice, found family, prejudice, racism, ruthless leader imposing horrible laws on people, acceptance, wanting to live with hope but surviving a long hopeless winter.

From what I have been reading lately, I sense very dark themes for middle grades in 2025. It's not a bad thing. We should think of what is right and kind and never back away from fighting monsters. The more we read about brave kids doing the right thing, the more we gain tools to face life challenges (metaphorical or not).

Thank you, publisher and librofm, for the arc audio.

5 stars Graphic Novel

This is very relatable even for non-American or Japanese. Feeling lost, having no identity, trying to please others to feel some peace. When the character talks to a therapist, we actually listen to the recommendation and it's very helpful for many situations in life. The character falls into depression and becomes scared but she is brave to reach out for help. There are no magic wands, so be kind to yourself. One of the interesting things that draw me to this graphic novel is that she had a terrible experience in Japan, usually the books focus on the racism and prejudice only of Americans towards newer generations. Feeling Halfway, in Between is a relatable feeling.

Looking for acceptance within.

Thank you publisher and librofm for the audio.

Current read: Misfits