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Next Stop
Pia is a soft-spoken middle schooler whose life is turned upside down after the loss of her younger brother, followed by her parents’ decision to move to a new town. In an effort to get her mind off of the troubles at home, Pia goes on a bus tour with a family friend, stopping at weird and wacky roadside attractions. The final stop is a mysterious underground lake. The locals say it has magical powers; Pia won’t admit she believes in it, but she’s holding on to hope that the waters may hold the answer to mending her broken family.
272 pages, Paperback
First published March 19, 2024
40 people are currently reading
2686 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 210 reviews
May 4, 2024
Surprisingly, this was a tough graphic novel. The cover led me to believe that this would be a fun road trip story. Granted, it was in some ways, but it also covers some heavy topics. CW: death of a loved one, depression, suicidal ideation, illness
Next Stop by Debbie Fong is not a graphic novel that is all sunshine and rainbows. It tackles some pretty heavy themes related to the loss of a loved one. Although some sections packed a pretty heavy emotional punch, I appreciated the manner in which Fong handled each scene with care. These moments are a perfect opportunity for parents/caregivers to foster conversations with younger readers. The graphic novel also includes some magical elements that were unexpected, yet interesting. If you're looking for a graphic novel that captures the feelings associated with loss, love, and healing then this is one that I highly recommend checking out.
Next Stop by Debbie Fong is not a graphic novel that is all sunshine and rainbows. It tackles some pretty heavy themes related to the loss of a loved one. Although some sections packed a pretty heavy emotional punch, I appreciated the manner in which Fong handled each scene with care. These moments are a perfect opportunity for parents/caregivers to foster conversations with younger readers. The graphic novel also includes some magical elements that were unexpected, yet interesting. If you're looking for a graphic novel that captures the feelings associated with loss, love, and healing then this is one that I highly recommend checking out.
December 5, 2024
kind of a masterpiece of a debut. you don't expect the magical elements, but then you believe them. i love a band of randos who just like each other based purely on their proximity to each other. every time the other tour members share a private joke with Pia or make an aside that show you how they look out for each other, my heart swells. tie that all up with a narrative structure that keeps intermittently flashing back??? book was made for me
September 6, 2023
Thank you NetGalley, Random House Children's, and Random House Graphic for letting me read an advanced reader copy of this book!
Pia's life is turned upside down when her family, driven by grief in the loss of her younger brother, uproot their life and move to a new town. In an effort to find peace and take her mind off of things, Pia travels with a family friend and a bus load of strangers on a road trip full of wacky roadside attractions. Their final destination is a lake renowned for it's magical properties.
This book is fantastic. It demonstrates wonderfully how grief manifests differently for people, and how healing is not a linear progress. The artwork is phenomenal, and does a great job depicting the different feelings and emotions each character feels. The writing is absolutely fantastic. I really enjoyed the friendship depicted in this graphic novel, and the impact that loss can have on family dynamics. I can't wait to see more readers enjoying this title; it's a must read! I'm looking forward to ordering it for our middle grade collection.
Pia's life is turned upside down when her family, driven by grief in the loss of her younger brother, uproot their life and move to a new town. In an effort to find peace and take her mind off of things, Pia travels with a family friend and a bus load of strangers on a road trip full of wacky roadside attractions. Their final destination is a lake renowned for it's magical properties.
This book is fantastic. It demonstrates wonderfully how grief manifests differently for people, and how healing is not a linear progress. The artwork is phenomenal, and does a great job depicting the different feelings and emotions each character feels. The writing is absolutely fantastic. I really enjoyed the friendship depicted in this graphic novel, and the impact that loss can have on family dynamics. I can't wait to see more readers enjoying this title; it's a must read! I'm looking forward to ordering it for our middle grade collection.
September 20, 2023
While the target audience of this graphic novel is definitely middle grades readers, it will speak to people of all ages. It is a moving story told through beautiful art and prose. The way the colors are dull and muted in the flashbacks really emphasizes how Pia is feeling despite the vibrant beauty all around her. You can feel the emotions jumping off the page as she learns to live with her grief and move forward with life looking different than before. The background characters tell their own stories of diversity, physical and mental health, age, family, friendship, and more. I cannot recommend this one enough. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
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March 11, 2025
Trigger & Content Warnings
Suicide & suicidal ideation
Grief & loss depiction (theme)
Death of a child
Drowning
Suicide & suicidal ideation
Grief & loss depiction (theme)
Death of a child
Drowning
December 11, 2023
Welcome Back!
I am so excited to be back and talking about reads to wrap up the year! I had intended for this post to go live last week however, we had a slight pet emergency (everyone is doing great now, but it did take up most of my time last week). But we are back on track now and I am excited to talk about Next Stop! So without further ado, let’s jump in!
SPOILERS AHEAD
Pia’s entire life has been turned upside down when her younger sibling suddenly passes away at the beach. Now Pia and her whole family are different. They moved to a new town, a place where Pia has no friends, Pia’s mom is depressed and kind of blaming Pia for what happened, and Dad is trying to hold everything together. But one thing that is helping to get Pia through, is that she is going on a bus trip very soon. Pia is supposed to go on the trip with her dad however, he now has a broken leg and is on crutches so a bus road trip with multiple stops is not really ideal. But Pia’s dad decides that she can go alone (being looked after by the tour leader who is bringing their kid as well, so maybe Pia can hang out and make a friend along the way). Pia is still excited about the trip but also nervous about going alone. But maybe that is just what Pia needs.
I absolutely loved this graphic novel. Meeting Pia and following her on her solo trip was interesting and amazing. We got to learn about Pia’s life story throughout the trip as well as how she is feeling presently about her world. I felt sorry for Pia’s family and Pia as we walked through the loss of her sibling. But we also got to see Pia making a new friend and kind of regrowing her family in a new way after this trip. I really loved this graphic novel and I can not wait to pick up a copy when it hits shelves on March 19th! (Thank you so much to the publisher for the E-ARC in exchange for my honest opinions).
Goodreads Rating: 5 Stars
*****Thank you so much to the publisher for the E-ARC in exchange for my honest opinions.
I am so excited to be back and talking about reads to wrap up the year! I had intended for this post to go live last week however, we had a slight pet emergency (everyone is doing great now, but it did take up most of my time last week). But we are back on track now and I am excited to talk about Next Stop! So without further ado, let’s jump in!
SPOILERS AHEAD
Pia’s entire life has been turned upside down when her younger sibling suddenly passes away at the beach. Now Pia and her whole family are different. They moved to a new town, a place where Pia has no friends, Pia’s mom is depressed and kind of blaming Pia for what happened, and Dad is trying to hold everything together. But one thing that is helping to get Pia through, is that she is going on a bus trip very soon. Pia is supposed to go on the trip with her dad however, he now has a broken leg and is on crutches so a bus road trip with multiple stops is not really ideal. But Pia’s dad decides that she can go alone (being looked after by the tour leader who is bringing their kid as well, so maybe Pia can hang out and make a friend along the way). Pia is still excited about the trip but also nervous about going alone. But maybe that is just what Pia needs.
I absolutely loved this graphic novel. Meeting Pia and following her on her solo trip was interesting and amazing. We got to learn about Pia’s life story throughout the trip as well as how she is feeling presently about her world. I felt sorry for Pia’s family and Pia as we walked through the loss of her sibling. But we also got to see Pia making a new friend and kind of regrowing her family in a new way after this trip. I really loved this graphic novel and I can not wait to pick up a copy when it hits shelves on March 19th! (Thank you so much to the publisher for the E-ARC in exchange for my honest opinions).
Goodreads Rating: 5 Stars
*****Thank you so much to the publisher for the E-ARC in exchange for my honest opinions.
December 27, 2023
Wow, this was such a moving piece of work. Pia goes on a solo bus tour, and the reader knows something terrible has happened in her family and she thinks it's her fault. Her mom won't speak to her and her dad is trying to keep the family together. But, throughout this bus tour, she begins to make friends and sees some really cool and weird sites. And, when she reaches her destination, a magical lake, the reader is holding their breath as to what will happen next. This depiction of grief and recovery was just so well done. And not going to lie, I wouldn't mind seeing some of these places myself.
I received an arc from the publisher but all opinions are my own.
I received an arc from the publisher but all opinions are my own.
March 21, 2024
Next Stop is a delightfully thoughtful, heart wrenching, and funny graphic novel. Beautiful art and lovable characters. Debbie Fong is such a talent and I hope so many more people are exposed to her work through this amazing debut!!
March 11, 2024
This is a book/graphic novel who's target audience is middle-grade readers, but once you start reading, you will soon realize how important this book is to every age and will speak to ALL those who choose to read it.
This is the story of Pia [and her family] and how she tries to navigate life through the new lens of grief [and to some degree, shame]. The author brilliantly illustrates this when she shows Pia's life in flashbacks - she illustrates these frames in both black and white and very muted colors and you can really feel her emotions and the emotions of those around her this way and it is very effective.
Pia is convinced that a trip to a "magical" lake will be the answer to her grief, so she embarks on a journey to get there and what she finds along the way may just be what she needs to heal.
There is a note from the author at the end, that is fun to read, along with with some interesting notes on just how she made the illustrations [blocked them out and such] and how the story and characters evolved from the beginning to end. That was very cool to read as well.
Very well done - I highly recommend this.
Thank you to NetGalley, Debbie Fong, and Random House Children's/Random House Graphic for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is the story of Pia [and her family] and how she tries to navigate life through the new lens of grief [and to some degree, shame]. The author brilliantly illustrates this when she shows Pia's life in flashbacks - she illustrates these frames in both black and white and very muted colors and you can really feel her emotions and the emotions of those around her this way and it is very effective.
Pia is convinced that a trip to a "magical" lake will be the answer to her grief, so she embarks on a journey to get there and what she finds along the way may just be what she needs to heal.
There is a note from the author at the end, that is fun to read, along with with some interesting notes on just how she made the illustrations [blocked them out and such] and how the story and characters evolved from the beginning to end. That was very cool to read as well.
Very well done - I highly recommend this.
Thank you to NetGalley, Debbie Fong, and Random House Children's/Random House Graphic for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 15, 2024
This is a gorgeous graphic novel that will stay with the reader long after they've finished reading it.
Pia is adventuring on a bus tour to not only see strange and amazing roadside attractions, but also to visit an underground lake rumored to harbor magical properties. Pia's little brother drowned a year ago, and her family is crippled with grief. Pia's mother, especially, is suffering with her mental health and eventually needs to seek treatment. Pia meets some incredible people on her solo bus ride, and through this journey, Pia comes to terms with her grief and heals in a beautiful way.
I think this book so beautifully captures what grief really looks look. The world moves on, while you feel anchored to a moment when everything went wrong and your life will never be the same. The vibrancy of the adventurous current day is reflected in bright colors, while Pia's memories of the last year are a very dull gray/green pastel color. Debbie Fong did an incredible job representing how it feels to be stuck in a moment in time, and what all of the moments that follow feel like. I so appreciated this graphic novel and I know that there are young and older people alike who will be able to heal in their own ways from having read it. I know I have.
Pia is adventuring on a bus tour to not only see strange and amazing roadside attractions, but also to visit an underground lake rumored to harbor magical properties. Pia's little brother drowned a year ago, and her family is crippled with grief. Pia's mother, especially, is suffering with her mental health and eventually needs to seek treatment. Pia meets some incredible people on her solo bus ride, and through this journey, Pia comes to terms with her grief and heals in a beautiful way.
I think this book so beautifully captures what grief really looks look. The world moves on, while you feel anchored to a moment when everything went wrong and your life will never be the same. The vibrancy of the adventurous current day is reflected in bright colors, while Pia's memories of the last year are a very dull gray/green pastel color. Debbie Fong did an incredible job representing how it feels to be stuck in a moment in time, and what all of the moments that follow feel like. I so appreciated this graphic novel and I know that there are young and older people alike who will be able to heal in their own ways from having read it. I know I have.
March 13, 2025
Next Stop
Overall Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (3/5) or 6.28/10 overall
Characters - 6
Atmosphere - 6
Writing - 7
Plot - 6
Intrigue - 7
Logic - 6
Enjoyment - 6
Overall Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (3/5) or 6.28/10 overall
Characters - 6
Atmosphere - 6
Writing - 7
Plot - 6
Intrigue - 7
Logic - 6
Enjoyment - 6
October 1, 2025
I’m typically not a graphic novel kind of girl, but this is a fantastic middle grade graphic novel. An 11 year old patron recommended this and I’m so glad she did. This book has some really heavy themes, including death of a loved one, depression, and self harm (not shown, but mentioned). The author/illustrator did such a beautiful job conveying tough emotions; it’s a tear jerker for sure. I was blown away!
January 2, 2024
Next Stop follows a middle school girl, Pia, as she embarks on a touristy bus trip. Her dad was supposed to go with her, but he breaks his leg and allows her to go along with a family friend. I absolutely loved the illustrations and all the characters that are on the bus tour. The roadside attractions were hilarious, and Pia makes friends with so many people along the way. This graphic novel was truly touching. I would highly recommend this to everyone from middle grade to adult. There’s really something for everyone to enjoy.
July 9, 2024
It’s always the books written for middle schoolers that hit you hardest in the feels
February 1, 2024
Wow. I didn’t realize how many not-great graphic novels I’ve been reading until this one reminded me of what they can do. *Next Stop* feels directed, every panel evocative and noticeable as a conscious decision made by Fong—as opposed to the Babysitters-Club-style graphic novels in which the formal choices *don’t* and aren’t meant to stand out. I want to call those illustrated stories now, and this a graphic novel. Unfortunately, a LOT of realistic middle grade graphic novels do not feel this deliberate in their construction. The closest I can think of is the excellent *Sheets* and sequels by Brenna Thummler.
You can feel the dust, the heat, the kind of cool and kind of sad atmosphere in the stops Pia’s bus tour group makes on its way to a fabled underground lake “known” to have healing powers. A hotel shaped like a chicken, the world’s smallest corn maze. Everything’s understated; nothing’s too exciting.* Slowly, we learn why Pia’s on this trip.
Will kids like *Next Stop*, or find it weird or boring? Did Fong intend it for adults, and the publisher decided instead to market it as middlegrade? I don’t know. I valued it.
Thanks to #netgalley for early access to this title.
*It’s been over a decade since I read Daniel Clowes or Adrian Tomine but I’m thinking their styles might be comparable
You can feel the dust, the heat, the kind of cool and kind of sad atmosphere in the stops Pia’s bus tour group makes on its way to a fabled underground lake “known” to have healing powers. A hotel shaped like a chicken, the world’s smallest corn maze. Everything’s understated; nothing’s too exciting.* Slowly, we learn why Pia’s on this trip.
Will kids like *Next Stop*, or find it weird or boring? Did Fong intend it for adults, and the publisher decided instead to market it as middlegrade? I don’t know. I valued it.
Thanks to #netgalley for early access to this title.
*It’s been over a decade since I read Daniel Clowes or Adrian Tomine but I’m thinking their styles might be comparable
February 12, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my e-ARC of Next Stop!
𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
💭 have an overactive imagination
😭 blame yourself for things that aren’t your fault
🚌 ever went on a road trip sans parents
🍉 want to see the world’s biggest melon
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
Pia is a soft-spoken middle schooler whose life is turned upside down after the loss of her younger brother, followed by her parents’ decision to move to a new town. In an effort to get her mind off of the troubles at home, Pia goes on a bus tour with a family friend, stopping at weird and wacky roadside attractions. The final destination: a mysterious underground lake. The locals say it has magical powers; Pia won’t admit she believes in it, but she’s holding on to hope that the waters may hold the answer to mending her broken family.
The trip is much more than the final stop. The friendships that Pia makes along the way are just as valuable as the destination itself. Next Stop explores grief, resilience, and learning how to laugh again. Debbie Fong weaves together an incredibly strong debut filled with humor and heart, with a splash of mystery and magic.
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
This was a really cute graphic novel full of magical elements and a lot of real life drama as well. Pia was really relatable for me. She’s quiet, shy, and not the best at making friends. She also take things very personally and doesn’t like to open up easily. I also understood her pain with losing a younger brother because of the loss of my own brother. I loved the magical parts of the story, especially with the lake that she dreams of seeing for so long. This graphic novel is perfect for all ages, and especially those dealing with grief.
𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
💭 have an overactive imagination
😭 blame yourself for things that aren’t your fault
🚌 ever went on a road trip sans parents
🍉 want to see the world’s biggest melon
• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓
Pia is a soft-spoken middle schooler whose life is turned upside down after the loss of her younger brother, followed by her parents’ decision to move to a new town. In an effort to get her mind off of the troubles at home, Pia goes on a bus tour with a family friend, stopping at weird and wacky roadside attractions. The final destination: a mysterious underground lake. The locals say it has magical powers; Pia won’t admit she believes in it, but she’s holding on to hope that the waters may hold the answer to mending her broken family.
The trip is much more than the final stop. The friendships that Pia makes along the way are just as valuable as the destination itself. Next Stop explores grief, resilience, and learning how to laugh again. Debbie Fong weaves together an incredibly strong debut filled with humor and heart, with a splash of mystery and magic.
• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒
This was a really cute graphic novel full of magical elements and a lot of real life drama as well. Pia was really relatable for me. She’s quiet, shy, and not the best at making friends. She also take things very personally and doesn’t like to open up easily. I also understood her pain with losing a younger brother because of the loss of my own brother. I loved the magical parts of the story, especially with the lake that she dreams of seeing for so long. This graphic novel is perfect for all ages, and especially those dealing with grief.
March 26, 2024
I received this book from TBR and Beyond Tours/the publisher in exchange of an honest review.
In this wonderful graphic novel we follow a girl named Pia on a trip with Sunset Tours. This book has been on my TBR for a bit so I am excited that I can review it on my blog (and Instagram) today!
🥰 I really liked Pia, though I wanted to give her a hug so many times. She has been through a lot of things, she lost her younger brother and as the story continues we see how that has affected her life but also see what happened. I loved that she had the courage to go on this tour, that she still wanted to go through with it despite having to do it alone. I loved the big plans she had for when she would reach that special place at the end of the tour. It made me cry. I loved that despite Pia seeking solitude quite often, especially in the beginning, you see her open up more and more. Become friends with people, find a found family (a trope I absolutely love). Pia was a wonderful character!
🥰 The tour! OMG, I just wanted to step in the book myself, armed with a ton of pills though because this girl cannot handle car-rides, haha. But after that? Sign me up! I just loved the sights we saw, the little silly places they visited, the fun hotels (especially the one in the shape of a chicken), everything was just so fun and I am happy I could at least be part of it as a reader!
🥰 Sam was such a fun character and I liked how she and Pia bonded. There were a few moments that Sam could use a bit more tact, but in overall I really enjoyed seeing Pia and her connect and have a great time.
🥰 I also loved the other people in the tour. From the little girl, Lily, who got up to some mischief and always made me laugh, to the older lady Ming/Auntie who always had a fanny pack of snacks/candies for everyone. I really love that we got to meet all these people, got to know them, see their reasons for being part of this tour.
🥰 The art was just A-plus, and I enjoyed it so much!
🥰 That we follow the tour BUT also get to see what happened to Pia’s family. And we don’t just start at the accident/what happened, oh no, we slowly go back in time and see the effects and then what happened that one day. My heart just broke. And yes, I may wanted to slap Pia’s mom for how she was. I can understand where she is coming from, but your daughter didn’t do anything wrong.
🥰 I was so excited by the time we got to Cessarine Lake. There was so much folklore/mystery around it and I was just curious to see what was real or not about this one and see if it really did things people said it was doing.
🥰 The ending was just wonderful, I really loved each and every moment of it.
🥰 Seeing Pia try to get through the loss, the mourning, see her navigate her parents and how hard it is to talk to them after all that happened, it was all very well written. Once again, I was crying quite a bit while reading this one.
All in all, a very emotional, pretty, gorgeous, wonderful read that I would highly recommend.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
In this wonderful graphic novel we follow a girl named Pia on a trip with Sunset Tours. This book has been on my TBR for a bit so I am excited that I can review it on my blog (and Instagram) today!
🥰 I really liked Pia, though I wanted to give her a hug so many times. She has been through a lot of things, she lost her younger brother and as the story continues we see how that has affected her life but also see what happened. I loved that she had the courage to go on this tour, that she still wanted to go through with it despite having to do it alone. I loved the big plans she had for when she would reach that special place at the end of the tour. It made me cry. I loved that despite Pia seeking solitude quite often, especially in the beginning, you see her open up more and more. Become friends with people, find a found family (a trope I absolutely love). Pia was a wonderful character!
🥰 The tour! OMG, I just wanted to step in the book myself, armed with a ton of pills though because this girl cannot handle car-rides, haha. But after that? Sign me up! I just loved the sights we saw, the little silly places they visited, the fun hotels (especially the one in the shape of a chicken), everything was just so fun and I am happy I could at least be part of it as a reader!
🥰 Sam was such a fun character and I liked how she and Pia bonded. There were a few moments that Sam could use a bit more tact, but in overall I really enjoyed seeing Pia and her connect and have a great time.
🥰 I also loved the other people in the tour. From the little girl, Lily, who got up to some mischief and always made me laugh, to the older lady Ming/Auntie who always had a fanny pack of snacks/candies for everyone. I really love that we got to meet all these people, got to know them, see their reasons for being part of this tour.
🥰 The art was just A-plus, and I enjoyed it so much!
🥰 That we follow the tour BUT also get to see what happened to Pia’s family. And we don’t just start at the accident/what happened, oh no, we slowly go back in time and see the effects and then what happened that one day. My heart just broke. And yes, I may wanted to slap Pia’s mom for how she was. I can understand where she is coming from, but your daughter didn’t do anything wrong.
🥰 I was so excited by the time we got to Cessarine Lake. There was so much folklore/mystery around it and I was just curious to see what was real or not about this one and see if it really did things people said it was doing.
🥰 The ending was just wonderful, I really loved each and every moment of it.
🥰 Seeing Pia try to get through the loss, the mourning, see her navigate her parents and how hard it is to talk to them after all that happened, it was all very well written. Once again, I was crying quite a bit while reading this one.
All in all, a very emotional, pretty, gorgeous, wonderful read that I would highly recommend.
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
May 22, 2025
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2024
Surprisingly, this graphic novel packs an emotional punch. Debbie Fong expertly handles weighty subjects such as grief and mental health while balancing them with humorous roadside attractions like the Cactus Petting Zoo and the Copycat Geyser. The story follows Pia and her diverse companions on their journey to Cessarine Lake. I found the supporting characters' side stories engaging and helpful in Pia's journey.
I love the illustrations by Debbie Fong. She uses different colors and shading techniques to represent the timeline. The present timeline is depicted with vibrant and colorful illustrations, while the past timeline uses muted and subdued tones. All the illustrations effectively convey not only the emotions but also the action at all the roadside stops.
Don't miss the author's note at the end, where she explains her idea for the story and her process of developing a graphic novel. Overall, the novel is a funny, poignant, and well-written graphic novel suitable for kids of all ages even if you're a kid at heart.
I love the illustrations by Debbie Fong. She uses different colors and shading techniques to represent the timeline. The present timeline is depicted with vibrant and colorful illustrations, while the past timeline uses muted and subdued tones. All the illustrations effectively convey not only the emotions but also the action at all the roadside stops.
Don't miss the author's note at the end, where she explains her idea for the story and her process of developing a graphic novel. Overall, the novel is a funny, poignant, and well-written graphic novel suitable for kids of all ages even if you're a kid at heart.
August 12, 2025
3/5 — I liked it!
This was a surprisingly deep graphic novel. I was expecting a lot more corny jokes and silliness, but what I got was the story of an older sister’s grief over the death of her little brother and her and her family’s struggle with healing and moving on.
The illustrations were creative and the story was tough, but well done. I enjoyed the book as a whole, but it wasn’t outstanding in its genre.
The ending was a tad unsatisfying and rushed which knocked it down another star for me — but overall was a good book :)
This was a surprisingly deep graphic novel. I was expecting a lot more corny jokes and silliness, but what I got was the story of an older sister’s grief over the death of her little brother and her and her family’s struggle with healing and moving on.
The illustrations were creative and the story was tough, but well done. I enjoyed the book as a whole, but it wasn’t outstanding in its genre.
The ending was a tad unsatisfying and rushed which knocked it down another star for me — but overall was a good book :)
March 29, 2024
Every detail of this book feels special and nostalgic. Next Stop weaves humor and heartache so beautifully to tell a story that feels remarkably human and magical. I loved all of the subtle comic elements, whether in the script or drawings (like Sam’s tshirts). I tore through this in an hour and can’t wait to pick it back up when I’m in the mood for a feel-good journey with the tender and lovable Pia!
March 17, 2024
This book dealt with some hard topics, but was very enjoyable to read. Pia is having some problems at home and she and her father have signed up to take a road trip. Unfortunately her father and breaks his leg so she goes by herself. The woman that runs the bus trip is a friend of the family. Pia meets many people on the bus, and everyone likes her. When Pia returns home, her home life has improved and the book leave the reader with a good feeling about her family.
March 3, 2024
This is a hard hitting graphic novel that I enjoyed. Pia and her family are not doing well but her dad has planned a bus vacation that they are looking forward to. When her dad hurts his foot, he insists that she go alone. We get flashbacks to understand what trauma is affecting the family throughout intermixed with the oddity of the trip. The illustrations are my favorite kind and I really connect3ed with Pia. There are harder topics that are dealt with but they were well done.
August 4, 2024
This one surprised me with its sincerity and realness on a MG level. It had depth that unfolded in a beautiful way, something not always seen in MG GNs.
I really enjoyed the colouring of this GN, also.
I really enjoyed the colouring of this GN, also.
September 22, 2024
Picked this graphic novel up at Anime NYC!
Cute story about a girl on a very touristy bus trip, all while they’re dealing with grief throughout, including at some favorite stops such as world’s largest melon or a cactus themed amusement park!
Cute story about a girl on a very touristy bus trip, all while they’re dealing with grief throughout, including at some favorite stops such as world’s largest melon or a cactus themed amusement park!
February 27, 2024
Next Stop is such an atmospheric, unique, beautiful, deep read. A quick read, but so poignant. A drama, but full of hope. The farther Pía went on the trip, the further back her memories went to events that changed her forever. Above all, a story of healing full of found friendship, family struggles and love, and a tiny bit of cool fantasy. Loved the landscapes, too, and the author’s inspiration.
March 24, 2024
So stoked to be hosting a spot with @tbrbeyondtours @rhkidsgraphic on this Next Stop by Debbie Fong booktour, and our tour stops here. My 👦🏻 is very fond of this graphic novel.
👦🏻 reviews: When my mom left this on her shelf, I figured I will simply knock this off her list. Well, I am truly amazed with this realistic fiction graphic novel. I wasn’t expecting this to be full of emotions and life lessons. This graphic novel has Pia dealing with death, friendships, transformation, new experiences and adjustments in life. There are sadness, changes and challenges that she had to face in order to overcome everything before moving forward. I was so inspired with the story that I read it several times. I really enjoyed this!
👦🏻 reviews: When my mom left this on her shelf, I figured I will simply knock this off her list. Well, I am truly amazed with this realistic fiction graphic novel. I wasn’t expecting this to be full of emotions and life lessons. This graphic novel has Pia dealing with death, friendships, transformation, new experiences and adjustments in life. There are sadness, changes and challenges that she had to face in order to overcome everything before moving forward. I was so inspired with the story that I read it several times. I really enjoyed this!
May 2, 2024
another one to add to "children's literature that made me sob in the break room"
December 15, 2024
Great art, fun character moments, and a good story arc. It's got some heavy topics, but they're handled well. There are fun roadside attractions, too. Considering how easily there could have been dissonance between the heavy topics and the quirky weirdness of the places visited on this roadtrip, it could have been easy for them to clash. They don't - it's really well-balanced. Would recommend.
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