Charisma’s Turn: A Story of Girls and Their Gifts

by Monique Couvson, Amanda Jones (Illustrator), Susan Arauz Barnes (Foreword)

From the award-winning author of Pushout , an inspiring graphic novel about what can happen when Black girls are given the opportunity to find their genuine power Monique Couvson’s trailblazing book Pushout laid the groundwork for understanding how our schools are failing Black girls; her follow-up, Sing a Rhythm, Dance a Blues , provided a blueprint for their healing and liberation. Now Couvson invites readers to be inspired by her liberatory imagination with an original narrative told from the perspective of the very girls she has been fighting for years to lift up. Charisma’s Turn is a graphic novel that follows the dynamic story of Charisma, a Black high school student who is grappling with mounting pressures from home and school. When frustrations with her family intersect with a conflict at school, she reaches a crossroads, facing a choice that could change her future. Featuring vibrantly illustrated art from Amanda Jones and a foreword by poet, artist, and arts educator Susan Arauz Barnes, this book will appeal to teens, parents, educators, librarians, and more. Charisma’s Turn exemplifies how Black girls can be truly empowered to reach their full potential when they have supportive educators and community members in their corner.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Young Adult, Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, Graphic Novels Comics, Comics, Fiction

128 pages, Hardcover

Published May 2, 2023

Reviews

[The Resistance Book Club · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t know what to expect from this book! But reading this book through and I was very pleased with the results. The characters were really good that added the layer of understanding when it comes to colorism. The representation is so vastly important even when it comes to the color of our skin. I wish we wouldn’t have to deal with colorism as we have other issues that affects us all Black people in America. The color illustration was wonderful as it sets the tone of the book throughout! The environmental issues was a great topic. But the overall focus is having that one teacher to help change the course of your path in life!

I can’t wait to get this book for my daughter to read and hope that she will one have a teacher that guides her through!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a middle grade graphic novel. It focuses on Charisma, a Black student who is constantly getting in trouble.

A school counsellor takes interest in her and that makes all of the difference.

This was a super quick educational read. My only issue is that it just sort of ended. But otherwise I really liked it.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

The problem with assuming that the troubled girl that always gets into trouble is stupid, and not worth working with makes a vicious cycle. In this case Charisma has a rough life, she has to take care of her brother after school. She has trouble controlling her anger, and she is always getting into fights at school.

The one counselor, Ms. Anderson sees Charisma for who she can be, and teaches her how to breathe when she feels angry, and how to talk through problems. Then she helps her get involved in a social justice group that is concerned about how there is more pollution in places where people are poor, or minorities, and she takes this on full force. She also is introduced into reading books by black authors, specifically “The Bluest Eyes” by Tori Morrison that connects with.

I love how she finds her own way, and comes out of her shell, and breaks the cycle of fighting, so that she can move on. Great book for introducing environmental racism.


The book is easy to follow and a quick read. Such a good way to see how someone can get out of their hole, and climb higher for what they believe in.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.

[med_ksiazkara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, The New Press, Monique Couvson, and Amanda Jones for the opportunity to read this graphic novel in exchange for an honest review.

"Charisma's Turn" is a story about black teenage girl named Charisma who feels injustice at school pointed at her because of skin colour and that makes her react very temperamental which of course causes trouble. One of the teachers decides to help using Charisma's energy into something useful for society.

I really enjoyed drawings in this comic book. They stand out from others which I like. The idea for the story is important and the ending message is meaningful. However the plot is rushing too fast and there were issues that didn't have time to shine when I thought it was needed for the sake of good storytelling. I would love to spend more time with the main character but unfortunately didn't get the chance to do it.

[priya · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 - i rly liked this book, not only a reminder of how the education system is designed but also so so so beautifully drawn

[Rich · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw the author of this book speak about the current problem of fragile people banning books from libraries literally 10 minutes after hearing that her book was on the list. What I got from her response was: when they ban you, wear it as a badge of honor and don’t shy away from the impact you’re making. And never consider letting it silence you.

Charisma is a strong young woman without the skills to express the outrage she feels at being overlooked in many ways. With a dedicated mentor, and an honest chance, she shows how valuable she is, how a little guidance and trust can invigorate a child’s mind, and how the esteem can soar when someone believes in you. All children deserve that chance.

And somehow, this was deemed objectionable enough and warranted a ban. My opinion on why: Insecure people fear strong youth. They particularly fear the rise of black youth, and especially black female youth. They seek to control it, not foster it. Being part of a dying demographic scares them. Me, I can’t wait until their fears come true—I think the youth are exciting and can’t wait to see where they take us next.

[Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the art style and thought the story was great. Environmental racism is something that needs to be discussed more. I also liked that this graphic novel brought up the way in which students fall into the roles that are expected of them. However, a lot happened in a short period of time. I would have liked to see more of Charisma developing leadership skills instead of being told she developed them.

[Perplexing Scrubwren · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story and message is SO important, but I really didn’t like the art style and I didn’t think this was well-written. It felt rushed and sloppy, but I really hope to see more of these stories in graphic novel form in the future.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, The New Press, Monique Couvson, and Amanda Jones for the opportunity to read this graphic novel in exchange for an honest review.

"Charisma's Turn" is a poignant and thought-provoking book that explores the challenges faced by Black high school students in today's society. The story follows Charisma as she navigates the mounting pressures from her family and school. When her frustrations with her family intersect with a conflict at school, Charisma is faced with a difficult choice that could change the trajectory of her future. She really needs to stop getting into trouble, but she isn't quite sure just how to go about that route to change her life course.

Joining a group and finding an interest in pollution in Black communities, Charisma finds something truly important to her and relatable to her family. As an educator myself, I appreciate that the book highlights the importance of supportive educators and community members who can help Black girls reach their full potential. "Charisma's Turn" is an empowering story that shows how Black girls can overcome obstacles and achieve greatness when they have the right people in their corner, someone to give them opportunities and drive them to take hold of their futures.

The book features stunning artwork by Amanda Jones that brings Charisma's story to life, and a foreword by poet, artist, and arts educator Susan Arauz Barnes. "Charisma's Turn" is a must-read for teens, parents, educators, and librarians who want to better understand the experiences of Black girls in America and how they can impact the lives of these teens as role models.

[Synthia Salomon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of meeting the author today and hearing a book talk. Although this is a graphic novel, Dr. Couvson is a scholar and educator. She has a mission and a way with words.

She answered some critical questions.

She signed my book and a copy for my daughters to share.
As I consider including this text in my classroom teaching, I'd like to share the following...

Middle School & High School Vocabulary
pg. 7
mince: cut up or grind (food, especially meat) into very small pieces, typically in a machine with revolving blades.
don: to put on (an article of clothing)
litany: a resonant or repetitive chant
despondent: feeling or showing extreme discouragement, dejection, or depression
pg. 8
futile: serving no useful purpose: completely ineffective
salve: to remedy (something, such as disease) with or as if with a salve
fortification: something that fortifies, defends, or strengthens especially : works erected to defend a place or position

[Clettura_ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Charisma’s turn is a graphic novel that embraces many different themes.
Charisma is a girl with an anger inside herself always ready to explode, so at school she very often ends up in the principal Office or being punished.
His personality is dictated by so many things especially that of being always available for his younger brother suffering from severe asthma attacks.
One day after yet another quarrel she is given a chance, an teacher sees her not as someone who cannot change but rather as a girl who can become much more if only she found the right thing to fight for.
It was very smooth, the style of drawing is not very much my kind but I appreciated it, I would have liked to see the emotion of the protagonist even more, sometimes it seems that everything goes too fast.

[C · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted to read this one because it caught my eye and i havent read a graphic novel in a bit and i enjoyed this one with the important messages behind it regarding the climate and how we can use our voice for good. It follows a young girl who seems to have some anger issues and snaps at school and gets introuble alot but she gets introduced to a special someone and that women was such a light and helped her find her voice for the good and changed her life in many ways and it makes you always cherish the teachers we had that were so amazing to us it only takes that one special teacher to make an impact on a childs life! and this definitely had those vibes to it. I also loved the art work in this and all the colorfulness. Quick read and very cute!

[RainyDayReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story follows Charisma, a high school student who learns to use her passions for an activism. She starts out the story getting in trouble at school, but when a staff member begins to mentor her and give her a chance, Charisma begins to believe in herself too.

I love the messages of this book. It has a lot to teach not only teens, but also adults who work with kids. Supporting kids takes getting to know them beyond the exterior they present to help guide them towards healthy outlets and discovering their passions.

The one thing that held me back from giving this book a five star was the art. While I loved elements of it like the dream sequences and the characterization of Mecca, overall I felt the art had an unfinished quality to it. It is hard to describe why it didn’t connect with me, but I think the story still shines.

(An ARC was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.)

[Lorryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Charisma

I'm thankful this book exists. I know there are some kids who need to see that they can all bring about change and educate the adults. There is also a large amount of kids who get missed because they continually get punished when all they needed was someone to listen and see them. The messages in Charisma's Turn are so important. The Charisma's of this generation are going to change the world for the better and I can't wait.

[Nathan Bartos · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a little younger than I thought it would be (best for middle school), and I thought that while the art was unique and beautiful and the story was good, it just didn't delve far enough to complete the narrative in either developing the characters or coming to a satisfying conclusion. Very short read.

[Ashlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this was such an empowering read. I loved Charisma as a character and I really feel like anyone could relate to her. I’m so glad I picked this up.

[Denise Ky (ramblingoutloud) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, so the story of this one is important. Charisma needed someone to see her as something else than an angry, black teenager. She's passionate, proud and smart - and yes, angry, because of how she's treated. Because she's tired and feels the pressure of life and expectations.

But she gets a teacher who sees her, who sees where the anger comes from. And this is a story about finding your people, your group, leaning towards what you're passionate about, seeing yourself in others.

That said, I didn't like the art and that's really important for me when I'm reading a graphic novel, so some deduction there.

/ Denise

[Ilana (3am edition) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story about finding your voice and how having support and someone who believes in you can help you do it. The importance of the community to create changes. I liked the overall message of the story, but I wish it was longer. As for the art style, it can be inconsistent at times, which might be intentional, and the color palette isn't my favorite, but the story was still enjoyable.

I think this graphic novel is perfect for a younger audience like middle grade, not so sure about teens.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charisma is a high schooler with "anger issues". She's a latch key kid who has responsibilities at home that keep her from being just a kid. She feels belittled at school by fellow students and teachers. At school her anger leads her to angry confrontations and fights that routinely put her in the hands of the resource officer (who has no problem using force) and leads her to the principals office. Repeatedly. Finally, instead of Principal Lopez following through on suspending Charisma, he brings in school counselor, Ms. Anderson. Anderson introduces Charisma to the concept of a Restorative Circle, a safe place for individuals in conflict to sit and talk about what happened, what lead to the incident, identifying the harm that took place and how amends can be made. Ms. Anderson sees in Charisma something she does not see in herself- the capacity for leadership and ability to identify injustice around her and the willingness to fight for it. She turns Charisma onto literature by black writers such as Toni Morrison, Alice Walker and Audrey Lorde. She also encourages Charisma to participate in an after-school social justice group. Charisma is able to take what she is learning and uses her agency and passion to address real change and acts of environmental and social justice in her community.
The first thing that drew me to this title was the artwork. The art work and coloring is delicious! Bold lines and contrasts, the way color is used to express emotion, place and dream. The way faces are drawn, the representation of the specific community this book represents, all of this felt original and specific. Secondly, I loved how Charisma is encouraged to use her passions, her intelligence, her anger and her joy to transform herself and the world around her. It gave real and relatable instances of racialized environmental justice issues, as well as shows how restorative justice is a superior method for dealing with conflict than the western system of punishment. I would highly, highly recommend this novel as an example of a teen coming into their power in an authentic and realistic way.

[Charessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to New Press for the complimentary copy!

This had such a great message and excellent art (though sometimes the white font was hard to read on the background), but it was just too rushed and short. I felt we didn't get the whole story; chapters end quickly and start up after some time has passed, with a couple of them feeling as though we've missed something important in between, and the whole book ends abruptly to favor having the last page be Charisma's final lines of speech at the benefit event she and her partner DeVante have put together. This is fine, but there could have been just a single extra page or panel of nothing but art that shows us that everyone in the audience was listening and has a reaction or something to show that change was being made as a result of her leadership.

Environmental racism is a major focus in this, as well as mental health and behavioral therapy. Charisma has issues with people not treating her as though her thoughts matter and she lashes out often. One of her teachers, Ms. Anderson, does an amazing job of helping her work through why she does this and how she can redirect her energy toward something more productive and healthier that also highlights her passions and abilities. These techniques and the basis of the after-school social justice group Charisma ends up joining can absolutely be recreated in a real world setting by students who read this book. This is why I definitely recommend this book! I just wish we had more of it.

The foreword is also something you don't want to pass up reading. It's just as important as the story itself.

[Tamara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Charisma is a teenage Black girl who seems to have anger issues. She is often going to the principal's office and getting told what to do and how to act while no one is listening to her or acknowledging here when she is doing well. She's just so frustrated about it that she lashes out even more. However, the school counselor sees this and understands that Charisma isn't bad, she just doesn't know how to work through her emotions without being labeled as an 'Angry Black Girl'.

Thankfully, the counselor helps set her down a path where she can acknowledge her frustration without letting herself be filled with negative emotions. She turns her emotions into a positive outlet by joining a group that's focused on social justice.

I really wanted to like this more, but it felt disjointed. The timeline was so quick that I felt like could've been explored better. Also, the art style reminded me a little of ventriloquist dummies and creeped me out a little. But that's just a stylistic choice and not one that affected my rating. I enjoyed Charisma's story because you don't see a lot about black girls dealing with their anger, getting help with it, and turning it into a more positive experience--especially when speaking up against environmental racism. I hope more stories like this get told.

[Ilene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charisma's Turn is a well-crafted and thoughtful graphic novel. Couvson's writing brings to life the personalities of Charisma and her friends and family, and Amanda Jones's colorful art enhances the story.

Charisma, a Black high school student, can’t find her place at school. She often lets her anger cause her to fight anyone who pisses her off, which of course, gets her into trouble. Her guidance counselor encourages her to try and channel the anger into something productive, and in the process, Charisma learns how to advocate for herself and her community.

The book is marketed to YA but struggles to find its audience. The bulb says it's for “teens, parents, educators, [and] librarians,” but I think it might work better just to choose an audience. I still found it to be a worthwhile read to learn about empowering Black girls.

I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of this book.

[Briana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charisma’s Turn is a wonderful graphic novel that reminds us every child has potential, if only we allow them the capacity to live up to it.

Charisma is a teenager stuck between getting in trouble at school, trying to help out at home, and striving to do well in her overall life. After being sent to the principal’s office, Charisma is given the chance to work with the school counselor instead of being sent home and suspended. This opportunity leads Charisma to discovering something she’s really passionate about, and she aims to make her voice heard.

While this book is aimed at children, I think it would be a wonderful book for teachers to pick up and read. It broke my heart a little bit being reminded at how so often students fall through the cracks or are discounted, and many schools simply don’t have the capacity to support kids like they should be supported.


Thank you to The New Press and NetGalley for a review copy of Charisma's Turn.

[JL Salty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: g+ no profanity, no sex, girl-fight scene, not gory, but central to the story.
Recommend: realistic fiction with a message for kids and educators, jh and up

Message 1 : look past the behavior of struggling kids. You might find something that inspires you.
Message 2: environmental racism: something to be aware of.

The quotes pulled from Toni Morrison’s bluest eye were inspiring, and a little clarifying for me to better understand the importance of her novel. I definitely get so lost in the hard HARD parts of that book, that I lose the overarching purpose.

The people who stepped up to walk alongside charisma… that’s who every educator longs to be.

And cheers to charisma’s mom, too.

This book reminded me that there are lots of truths in the world. And my truth might not match yours. But that doesn’t mean either of them are wrong. And listening and being willing to believe each other can go a long way. And so we continue to learn. Hopefully.

[Rachel Schultz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this short graphic novel that showed troubled teens aren’t hopeless causes like so many in the school system can seem to label them as. Charisma fights easily, has multiple suspensions but when the guidance counselor takes the time to get to know her and her interests and to really form that bond Charisma has a safe place in school and her behavior starts to turn around.
This was such a sweet story and while I love that it’s a graphic novel (majority of my students only read graphic novels!) I do wish the storyline was a bit more developed and longer because of how great of a story it was! That’s the only reason I gave 4 stars was it was such a quick read and I would’ve loved to have a bit more! Even though the character is a middle school student I think my 5th graders will love this book too!

[nyakhakhu_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a graphic novel and it is suitable for kids. You can go through it quickly.

It follows the life of Charisma who’s always in trouble at school until the counselor sat her down and sort of encouraged her to read more books by black authors and join after class activities to keep out of trouble and channel her anger into something useful.

This book explores the topic of asthma and I think it did a very good job of explaining how a person can get asthma and the ways to reduce chances of asthma in a way that young ones can understand and the writing is easy to understand too. You can read this book to a 3 year old and they’ll love it, they’ll also love the graphics.

This book also highlights the importance of educators who listen to their students and take time to make their students’ lives better.

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charisma is a strong young woman without the skills to express the anger/frustration she feels at being overlooked in many ways.

With a dedicated mentor, and an honest chance, she shows how valuable she is and how some guidance and trust can change a child's mind.

I absolutely loved Charisma and how she transformed through these pages.

Fantastic story and beautiful artwork as well!

“There’s a better future for all of us, if we turn together.”



**** SOME MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD ****

She was angry at the beginning, because she was misunderstood.
By the end of the book, we see an eager beaver, willing to learn and change the world around her.

I loved how her school counselor didn’t give up on her.
She gave her coping skills to help with her anger, while also empathizing with how she is feeling.

[Maria McGrath · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charisma's Turn is a wonderful graphic novel for anyone who has ever struggled with a sense that the deck is stacked against them. The illustrations are vivid and enticing, and the story is of a young woman who is already feeling defeated by life and the way a kind faculty member helps her turn things around.
It's no one's fault that Charisma's little brother has asthma and needs extra care--or is it? Once Charisma becomes engaged in school and starts really researching issues of environmental justice, while at the same time learning ways to disarm her automatic reflex to strike out when she's angry, her whole community, and she herself, are awed by what she is able to do. A real feel-good title, though it points out that there is still work to be done; yet it also points the way to solutions through the untapped potential of kids like Charisma.

[Theresa Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charisma is a young girl having a tough time at school finding her place and her voice. Her angry outbursts lead some to believe that she’s just out of control and not a good student. The school counselor sees her outbursts as misdirected passion and believes Charisma has hidden leadership abilities. Through her participation in an after school club Charisma is able channel her love and concern for her little brother, who has asthma, and her growing knowledge of environmental justice into a project that would bring greater awareness of environmental issues to people in her community. This a great story to show youth how to use there voice for change, as well as teaching the adults in there lives not to count them out or minimize their concerns.

[3queensread]

Charisma always seems to be getting into trouble or at least everyone blames her for everything. She’s not a troubled teen. She just needs some guidance and someone to believe in her. She finds that in an unlikely person and it turns things around for her.

Charisma is like a lot of black kids at schools who are labeled as troublesome. When actually they just need someone to have their back and be there for them. When the only time you receive attention is when you’re acting out, they continue to do so because they need someone to pay attention. I’m glad that Charisma was able to find someone that would listen to her and help her find ways to help her. That’s all most of the youth need these days.