Published: 2022
Series: N/A
Author: Shannon Watters, Branden Boyer-White
Illustrator: Berenice Nelle
Genres: Graphic Novel, LGBTQ+, Horror, Mystery, Young Adult, Fantasy, Comics, Queer, Paranormal, Romance, Fiction
Audience (Grade Levels): Grades 9-12 (with appeal for Grades 7-8)
Number of Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Goodreads Link: Hollow
Triggers: Violence, Paranormal, Family Relationships
Review By: Heather Kent
Publisher’s Summary:
“From Shannon Watters, the co-creator of the bestselling worldwide phenomenon Lumberjanes, and co-writer debut author Branden Boyer-White, rising star artist Berenice Nelle (Wanderlicht), and colorist Kaitlyn Musto (Specter Inspectors), comes a supernatural queer romance and adventure set in the infamous town of Sleepy Hollow, available in September 2022.
Isabel “Izzy” Crane and her family have just relocated to Sleepy Hollow, the town made famous by—and obsessed with—Washington Irving’s legend of the Headless Horseman. But city slicker-skeptic Izzy has no time for superstition as she navigates life at a new address, a new school, and, with any luck, with new friends. Ghost stories aren‘t real, after all….
Then Izzy is pulled into the orbit of the town’s teen royalty, Vicky Van Tassel (yes, that Van Tassel) and loveable varsity-level prankster Croc Byun. Vicky’s weariness with her family connection to the legend turns to terror when the trio begins to be haunted by the Horseman himself, uncovering a curse set on destroying the Van Tassel line. Now, they have only until Halloween night to break it—meaning it’s a totally inconvenient time for Izzy to develop a massive crush on the enigmatic Vicky.
Can Izzy’s practical nature help her face the unknown—or only trip her up? As the calendar runs down to the 31st, Izzy will have to use all of her wits and work with her new friends to save Vicky and uncover the mystery of the legendary Horseman of Sleepy Hollow—before it’s too late.” (Goodreads)
Review:
“Hollow” by Shannon Watters is a captivating graphic novel that invites readers on an enchanting journey into a world where reality and fantasy intertwine. The story revolves around a mysterious and magical forest brimming with secrets. It is a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. I absolutely loved the artwork in “Hollow”. This graphic novel explores complex emotions and relationships of a small town and the responsibilities that come with fame. I adored the characters and the town of Sleepy Hollow. I believe it would be a great read for students in the month of October.
From Shannon Watters, the co-creator of the bestselling worldwide phenomenon Lumberjanes, and co-writer debut author Branden Boyer-White, rising star artist Berenice Nelle (Wanderlicht), and colorist Kaitlyn Musto (Specter Inspectors), comes a supernatural queer romance and adventure set in the infamous town of Sleepy Hollow, available in September 2022.
Isabel “Izzy” Crane and her family have just relocated to Sleepy Hollow, the town made famous by—and obsessed with—Washington Irving’s legend of the Headless Horseman. But city slicker-skeptic Izzy has no time for superstition as she navigates life at a new address, a new school, and, with any luck, with new friends. Ghost stories aren’t real, after all….
Then Izzy is pulled into the orbit of the town’s teen royalty, Vicky Van Tassel (yes, that Van Tassel) and loveable varsity-level prankster Croc Byun. Vicky’s weariness with her family connection to the legend turns to terror when the trio begins to be haunted by the Horseman himself, uncovering a curse set on destroying the Van Tassel line. Now, they have only until Halloween night to break it—meaning it’s a totally inconvenient time for Izzy to develop a massive crush on the enigmatic Vicky. Can Izzy’s practical nature help her face the unknown—or only trip her up? As the calendar runs down to the 31st, Izzy will have to use all of her wits and work with her new friends to save Vicky and uncover the mystery of the legendary Horseman of Sleepy Hollow—before it’s too late.
Classroom & Curricular Connections:
- English Language Arts (ELA): This graphic novel acts as a stellar contemporary reimagining of Washington Irving’s classic American short story, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” allowing secondary students to examine adaptation strategies, updates to folklore tropes, and plot-driven pacing.
- Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): The narrative paths offer deep avenues to discuss identity, navigating life at a new school, the intricacies of small-town relationships, and dealing with the emotional burdens of familial inheritance and fame.
- Extension Activity / Library Application:
- Seasonal & Halloween Reading Programs: An excellent feature title for independent reading campaigns or school library book club events in the month of October to leverage its classic supernatural and horror settings.
- Comparative Media Activity: Students can participate in a literature workshop comparing the characterization and tone of Washington Irving’s original 1820 text against the narrative perspective, text boxes, and character motivations designed by Watters, Boyer-White, and Nelle.
- Diversity & Representation: This graphic novel provides rich, meaningful representation for LGBTQ+ youth by weaving a supernatural queer romance into a classic American legend. By centering on the relationship dynamic between Izzy and Vicky alongside a diverse supporting cast, the text normalizes diverse identities within the fantasy and horror genres, showcasing authentic personal growth, complex relationships, and diverse teen experiences.
Readalikes:
- Lumberjanes by Shannon Watters, Grace Ellis, Noelle Stevenson, and Brooke A. Allen
- Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell and Faith Erin Hicks
