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Reel Life: A Graphic Novel
Galen's life is about to change forever when his parents unexpectedly divorce.
When Galen's parents reveal that they're splitting up, his life is thrown into chaos. He knows he shouldn't like his dad's home-wrecker girlfriend, Jasmine, but she isn't the evil monster he expected. And his mom's new boyfriend has a teenage daughter who loves to cause trouble. To top it off, Galen's friend Kyle has inexplicably become really mean. To process these confusing emotions, Galen and his friend Luna make a documentary movie all about his parents' divorce. But will the reel life of a movie help Galen face his real life?
Drawing on his own childhood experiences with his parents' divorce, author-illustrator Kane Lynch tells a nuanced and deeply empathetic story about the messy, awkward, and sometimes funny dilemmas that result from being part of evolving families and friendships. Perfect for fans of Stepping Stones, Allergic, and Twins, Reel Life is a standout graphic novel debut!
When Galen's parents reveal that they're splitting up, his life is thrown into chaos. He knows he shouldn't like his dad's home-wrecker girlfriend, Jasmine, but she isn't the evil monster he expected. And his mom's new boyfriend has a teenage daughter who loves to cause trouble. To top it off, Galen's friend Kyle has inexplicably become really mean. To process these confusing emotions, Galen and his friend Luna make a documentary movie all about his parents' divorce. But will the reel life of a movie help Galen face his real life?
Drawing on his own childhood experiences with his parents' divorce, author-illustrator Kane Lynch tells a nuanced and deeply empathetic story about the messy, awkward, and sometimes funny dilemmas that result from being part of evolving families and friendships. Perfect for fans of Stepping Stones, Allergic, and Twins, Reel Life is a standout graphic novel debut!
240 pages, Paperback
Published May 20, 2025
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166 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
August 1, 2025
This is a warmhearted and beautifully illustrated story of a preteen dealing with the messy emotions, his own and others, that come up during a divorce. Galen and his best friend Luna love movies and want nothing more than to make their own films. But a third creative partner leaves them in the lurch, and then Galen's parents tell him that they are separating. Soon Galen is living in two houses, his childhood home with his mom, and his dad's cheap apartment where he lives with a much younger girlfriend who loves vegan junk food and horror films. Galen doesn't know how to process all of this, but he and Luna come up with an idea: why not make a documentary about it? What could go wrong? Galen is at his core a very kind, creative, and thoughtful kid and I really sympathized with his struggles to adjust, to decide who to trust, his desire to blame someone, but also to stay close with both of his parents. An enjoyable read for an adult or a middle schooler, especially once facing some big life changes.
January 21, 2025
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Galen and his friends Luna and Kyle are working on a film about Laser Slug, but Kyle hasn't followed the production schedule that Luna organized, and hasn't made the slug. When Galen and Luna are angry that the have to stop filming, Kyle decides to take all of his figures and quit. Luna reminds Galen that Kyle's parents are in the middle of a bitter divorce, and his father wants custody of the kids, and may move them to California. Galen, who lives with his yoga instructor father and graphic designer mother, can't really understand Kyle's anger, since he is close to both of his parents, watching movies on the couch with both of them every Friday evening. Soon, though, his parents start to argue more and more over things like sending him to camp so he doesn't spend all of his time indoors messing around with filming, and he finds his father sleeping on the couch, texting a "pal" whom he met at a conference. Sure enough, his father has a girlfriend, and his parents are separating. His father moves into an apartment, and he has to learn to deal with new people and situations. His father's girlfriend is Jasmine, a twenty six year old with green dyed hair who wants to be his friend, and who shares old sci fi horror flicks with him. His mother is angry, since she was supporting the family working long hours at her better paying job. She starts dating as well, and Galen is surprised to find her kissing a man on their couch! She's been dating Mike for a while, and arranges a get together for her new boyfriend and his daughter, Autumn, who does videos for her social media channel. She hangs out with Galen, but ends up taking the footage they film together and using it against him. Kyle has still been a jerk, and Luna even tires a bit of his attitude. When Autumn gets in trouble for her posts and runs away, Galen is the one who figures out where she has gone. How will Galen learn to navigate all of the new friend and family dynamics in his life.
Strengths: I'm still of the opinion that more tween readers have to deal with difficult situations with parents than with processing grief over ones who have died, but the amount of literature about dead parents far exceeds the stories about divorce. Galen's situation will speak to a lot of young people who are dealing not only with their parents being apart, but with new adults and possible step siblings in their lives. It was interesting that we first start with Kyle, who is handling things so badly, and then find out that Galen will have to deal with many of the same issues. Even Luna's parents are portrayed as having a loud argument. It is good that Galen is able to look at his situation critically and do a documentary about it, and I also appreciated that he rather liked Jasmine and didn't mind Mike or Autumn. Since this is based on family dynamics from the author's own youth, I was glad to see that these situations weren't entirely horrible.
Weaknesses: It was painful to read about how dysfunctional and short sighted the parents in this are, but I am sure it's harder for teens and tweens to live with these parents. There are lots of reasons for divorce, but its effects can be so devastating for children that I wish there were a better solution.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who enjoyed Soontornvat's The Squad, Knisley's Stepping Stones or Gallego's Match Point.
Galen and his friends Luna and Kyle are working on a film about Laser Slug, but Kyle hasn't followed the production schedule that Luna organized, and hasn't made the slug. When Galen and Luna are angry that the have to stop filming, Kyle decides to take all of his figures and quit. Luna reminds Galen that Kyle's parents are in the middle of a bitter divorce, and his father wants custody of the kids, and may move them to California. Galen, who lives with his yoga instructor father and graphic designer mother, can't really understand Kyle's anger, since he is close to both of his parents, watching movies on the couch with both of them every Friday evening. Soon, though, his parents start to argue more and more over things like sending him to camp so he doesn't spend all of his time indoors messing around with filming, and he finds his father sleeping on the couch, texting a "pal" whom he met at a conference. Sure enough, his father has a girlfriend, and his parents are separating. His father moves into an apartment, and he has to learn to deal with new people and situations. His father's girlfriend is Jasmine, a twenty six year old with green dyed hair who wants to be his friend, and who shares old sci fi horror flicks with him. His mother is angry, since she was supporting the family working long hours at her better paying job. She starts dating as well, and Galen is surprised to find her kissing a man on their couch! She's been dating Mike for a while, and arranges a get together for her new boyfriend and his daughter, Autumn, who does videos for her social media channel. She hangs out with Galen, but ends up taking the footage they film together and using it against him. Kyle has still been a jerk, and Luna even tires a bit of his attitude. When Autumn gets in trouble for her posts and runs away, Galen is the one who figures out where she has gone. How will Galen learn to navigate all of the new friend and family dynamics in his life.
Strengths: I'm still of the opinion that more tween readers have to deal with difficult situations with parents than with processing grief over ones who have died, but the amount of literature about dead parents far exceeds the stories about divorce. Galen's situation will speak to a lot of young people who are dealing not only with their parents being apart, but with new adults and possible step siblings in their lives. It was interesting that we first start with Kyle, who is handling things so badly, and then find out that Galen will have to deal with many of the same issues. Even Luna's parents are portrayed as having a loud argument. It is good that Galen is able to look at his situation critically and do a documentary about it, and I also appreciated that he rather liked Jasmine and didn't mind Mike or Autumn. Since this is based on family dynamics from the author's own youth, I was glad to see that these situations weren't entirely horrible.
Weaknesses: It was painful to read about how dysfunctional and short sighted the parents in this are, but I am sure it's harder for teens and tweens to live with these parents. There are lots of reasons for divorce, but its effects can be so devastating for children that I wish there were a better solution.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who enjoyed Soontornvat's The Squad, Knisley's Stepping Stones or Gallego's Match Point.
June 6, 2025
I enjoyed this one. Maybe “enjoyed” isn’t the right word for a kids’ book about divorce, but I liked it. It opens with the character Galen’s friend Kyle being mad about HIS parents’ divorce and Galen doesn’t understand. He and his friend Luna are actually pretty upset at Kyle and they all get in a big fight. It isn’t until later that Galen starts to understand why Kyle feels the way he does. Galen is about to go through some changes himself. He films himself and, with permission, his family as they navigate this new time in their lives and he starts to notice new things about well, everyone. Lots of feelings in this one and that’s really good! I liked the author’s style and how they created complicated characters. Kane Lynch is one to watch!
May 28, 2025
A great all-ages comic. I think this book will mean a lot to young readers, whether they're dealing with a family divorce, a falling out with a friend, or just navigating the complicated emotions of growing up. Adults will also be entertained by the strong storytelling, poignant art (with rich coloring by Maddie Sackett), and humor throughout (I laughed out loud at the panel where a San Luis Obispo-based improv group calls themselves "SLO-BURN," to give just one example). I also like that this book is self-aware of the tropes of most divorce stories (when Gaelen's parents are breaking the news to him, he asks if this is the part where they're gonna tell him "It's not your fault"), and takes a more low-key and nuanced approach.
August 20, 2025
Divorce can tear families apart. This middle grade graphic novel gently explores how kids might be affected by parental decisions to split. The illustrations are cute and colorful, and I think kids would appreciate the themes covered here.
June 27, 2025
A friend alerted me to this because it’s about a red headed kid named Galen and I have one of those, otherwise I doubt I’d have read it.
This was good and I can see it being really helpful for teens and tweens and kids dealing with their parents splitting up. The kids are all a bit too emotionally mature, but I appreciate that in books sometimes.
I’m glad there are books like this out there.
This was good and I can see it being really helpful for teens and tweens and kids dealing with their parents splitting up. The kids are all a bit too emotionally mature, but I appreciate that in books sometimes.
I’m glad there are books like this out there.
June 24, 2025
This graphic novel tackles the complicated emotions kids feel when dealing with parents who are going through a divorce. Kids will appreciate the fast-paced nature of this graphic novel.
August 12, 2025
Galen likes making movies with his friends, until one friend starts acting out after his parents divorce. But then Galen’s parents divorce! Now Galen has to deal with two households and worrying about finishing his movie, and whether this divorce will turn him into a jerk too!
This is a very accessible way for kids to learn about divorce and some of the myriad issues that result from it. Galen decides to turn the event into a documentary, interviewing himself and his parents throughout the process, which allows the reader to have a more reflective view about the event. Part of me wanted more time with Galen's friend who starts acting out after his parents divorced (probably because I did the same when in that situation), but I realize that Galen's story had a rosier view of the experience. An interesting take on an often ignored part of growing up.
This is a very accessible way for kids to learn about divorce and some of the myriad issues that result from it. Galen decides to turn the event into a documentary, interviewing himself and his parents throughout the process, which allows the reader to have a more reflective view about the event. Part of me wanted more time with Galen's friend who starts acting out after his parents divorced (probably because I did the same when in that situation), but I realize that Galen's story had a rosier view of the experience. An interesting take on an often ignored part of growing up.
October 29, 2025
A rather average middle grade graphic novel, but that being said, if I were in an elementary or middle school library, I would definitely want it in my collection. The book is about dealing with divorce, parents with new partners, and all the difficulties that the situation can bring. It is well done in that respect, and I think I a lot of kids would identify with the situation.
February 20, 2025
I received an ARC of this book for my honest opinion.
Galen’s parents seem great… until one day they aren’t. How is Galen going to adjust to the new lifestyle of a two-home family? This is a really great book for those kids with divorced or divorcing parents. I thought the struggles of adjustment, anger, and sadness was real. I also appreciated that the new girlfriend and boyfriend weren’t evil or that nothing magically worked out in the end. It was a realistic, difficult adjustment from going to one family to two.
Galen’s parents seem great… until one day they aren’t. How is Galen going to adjust to the new lifestyle of a two-home family? This is a really great book for those kids with divorced or divorcing parents. I thought the struggles of adjustment, anger, and sadness was real. I also appreciated that the new girlfriend and boyfriend weren’t evil or that nothing magically worked out in the end. It was a realistic, difficult adjustment from going to one family to two.
June 11, 2025
Reel Life invites us to remember our own childhoods when we are part of a family but don’t have a deciding vote on whether our parents will or will not continue to be married. To some adults this might sound trivial, but to a child, his family, his mother and father together create his world. To have that world change and the implications of that change become daunting. At 77 to be taken back to that time in my own life was quite a journey. I was impressed with the book’s honesty and loved how the illustrations so perfectly added to the story’s emotional development. To watch Galen steadily navigate both his father’s and mother’s new relationships was not only impressive but made me wonder how young people manage to stay grounded when their world erupts in tiny earthquakes one after another. The role that friendship plays in maintaining our ability to cope is a crucial theme that any reader can appreciate. As a former high school teacher, I would like to recommend that every teacher read this book before school starts again in the fall. In order to teach, it is imperative that we attempt to see the world that our students might be coping with when they’re away from our classrooms. I found the last line especially insightful and hopeful. Thank you for allowing me to see childhood through a child’s eye. Thank you for telling a story that has universal implications. Thank you for all your hard work.
November 20, 2025
Impressive debut middle grade graphic novel by Kane Lynch that centers Galen, as aspiring adolescent filmmaker whose parents' seemingly idyllic marriage ends abruptly when his dad announces he has a new girlfriend.
With very spare language but beautifully and richly inked panels, Lynch packs a surprisingly hard emotional punch depicting the emotional whiplash from cozy family movie nights snuggled between both parents to moving trucks in the driveway and Galen's one lousy bookshelf at his Dad's new place being filled up with the new girlfriend's things.
The book also addresses shifting friendships and alliances, how to apologize or accept apologies (or not), forgiveness, and questions of whether blame is fair. I found it somewhat problematic that the underlying message for kids interpreting their parents' divorce seemed to be, "No one is to blame," while one parent was clearly far more responsible, considerate, and actively parenting than the other, but I was impressed that the book did not shy away from real dynamics that kids going through divorce experience, such as parents badmouthing each other.
Highly recommended for upper elementary and middle school students. The cheerful and vibrant cover will also appeal to younger readers, and there is nothing objectionable in terms of content for younger eyes, but tween and middle school students will relate best.
With very spare language but beautifully and richly inked panels, Lynch packs a surprisingly hard emotional punch depicting the emotional whiplash from cozy family movie nights snuggled between both parents to moving trucks in the driveway and Galen's one lousy bookshelf at his Dad's new place being filled up with the new girlfriend's things.
The book also addresses shifting friendships and alliances, how to apologize or accept apologies (or not), forgiveness, and questions of whether blame is fair. I found it somewhat problematic that the underlying message for kids interpreting their parents' divorce seemed to be, "No one is to blame," while one parent was clearly far more responsible, considerate, and actively parenting than the other, but I was impressed that the book did not shy away from real dynamics that kids going through divorce experience, such as parents badmouthing each other.
Highly recommended for upper elementary and middle school students. The cheerful and vibrant cover will also appeal to younger readers, and there is nothing objectionable in terms of content for younger eyes, but tween and middle school students will relate best.
August 10, 2025
This middle grade graphic novel focuses on a kid already dealing with pre-teen life (i.e. friendship issues, growing up, etc.) but then being thrust into a new world as his parents announce they're getting divorced. Between his dad dating, and his mom dating, and his relationships with all of those newbies PLUS the "new" versions of his parents, his emotions understandably wind up all over the place. As his feelings caused by these changes in his life cause his other relationships to change, he opens up and talks about what's happening.
I liked this book a whole lot. The documentary aspect is different, the layout is incredibly easy to follow, and the storyline is relatable for many of our students.
I liked this book a whole lot. The documentary aspect is different, the layout is incredibly easy to follow, and the storyline is relatable for many of our students.
July 16, 2025
Great portrayal of how kids react to divorce and messy relationship dynamics in general. There was a recurring theme that kids experience life's upheavals differently, in anger, acceptance, sadness, and so on. Galen was a good kid and a likable lead.
I still stand by the dad being a selfish dawg, and that he found his manic pixie girl in Jasmine. That's beside the point. But it's realistic that we still have love for problematic people. No matter what, he was still Galen's dad and loved him in his one way.
Also, I wanted to applaud how the Kyle situation ended maturely.
I still stand by the dad being a selfish dawg, and that he found his manic pixie girl in Jasmine. That's beside the point. But it's realistic that we still have love for problematic people. No matter what, he was still Galen's dad and loved him in his one way.
Also, I wanted to applaud how the Kyle situation ended maturely.
August 26, 2025
Okay listen, the adults in this book are ABSOLUTE TRASH. I don't care what issues you've got going on, YOU DO NOT INVOLVE YOUR UNDERAGE CHILD IN YOUR ARGUMENTS OR PIT THEM AGAINST YOUR PARTNER what in the world.
This isn't an issue with the writing, mind--I realize that's reality, and Lynch does a fine job of portraying it. In fact, he did a great job handling the MC's complicated response to the trauma of divorce. The adults were just terrible people and that made me want to take them out back and... never mind.
This isn't an issue with the writing, mind--I realize that's reality, and Lynch does a fine job of portraying it. In fact, he did a great job handling the MC's complicated response to the trauma of divorce. The adults were just terrible people and that made me want to take them out back and... never mind.
August 5, 2025
While this was a very easy read/page-turner, there were parts I liked and parts I didn't. I appreciated the POV for a kid going through divorce. And the movie making aspect was actually really cool. But some things like the friend turning into a bully or the new significant others were not my favorite. Jasmine seemed to have no problem being the secret girlfriend to a married man. Some odd parts, but some good parts. Not really sure how I felt about it overall.
September 18, 2025
Galen is caught off-guard when his parents divorce. He and best friend Luna are confused when their friend Kyle turns mean and no longer wants to make movies with them. Galen is now dealing with a possible new step-mother, step-father, and step-sister. When Luna and Galen decide to turn their next movie into a documentary about Galen’s parents, it helps him start to process all the changes in his life.
May 1, 2025
Got ahold of an advanced copy. More 3.5, but I'll round up because Goodreads doesn't do half ratings. Middle grade graphic novel about how an 11 year-old copes with his parents splitting up. He decides to make a documentary about it. Nothing totally new here, but that isn't required. It will find the right readers, I am sure.
September 7, 2025
A wonderfully drawn graphic novel centered on a "slice of summer" adventure featuring friends dealing with divorce, growing older, and learning how to show up for each other.
I would happily read an entire series of these characters!
I would happily read an entire series of these characters!
September 16, 2025
GNX on divorce. This resolves itself very quickly. Dad has affair, parents divorce, everyone is fine by the end of the book. Not a lot of conflict shown, more is implied. Divorce and resolution take place quickly.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 21, 2025
Honest thoughts after reading: I'm not sure how I feel about this, tbh. Kudos to the author for showing the complexities of families. I guess I was hoping for more? Parts felt rushed and some characters could have had more development. It's a solid story though!
December 16, 2025
Tough concept. I loved the artwork. It definitely mimicked Galen’s feelings in the book. As he got more frustrated and confused, the colors got darker. I also enjoyed the combination of comic book style with the landscape background.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2025
3.5 rounded up. The parents' behavior was pretty upsetting tbh. May be a tough read in parts for kids who have gone through similar.
June 30, 2025
3.5 stars. Galen tries to make sense of his parents' sudden divorce by making a documentary about it. This was a realistic look a a kid dealing with turmoil in his life.
August 23, 2025
Child of divorce stamp of approval 👍
August 28, 2025
Beautiful artwork in this graphic novel with a serious subject. Galen’s life changes when his parents separate and new significant others are brought into the picture.
September 20, 2025
Galen’s dad suuuuuuucks lol
October 12, 2025
It was okay. If you want a book to help pass the time, this will work.
November 28, 2025
Story and art are both great!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews