What do you think?
Rate this book
Both Sides Now: A Story About Young Joni Mitchell
144 pages, Hardcover
Published May 19, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 5, 2026
This graphic memoir of Joni Mitchell by Lydia Corry really knocked me out. I’m a longtime fan of the Little People, Big Dreams series, and this book feels like that concept leveled up—aimed at older readers, richer in detail, but still carrying the same forward momentum rooted in a subject’s childhood dreams, inspirations, and early limitations.
What makes this biography especially effective is its attention to Joni’s childhood realities: surviving polio, growing up in a remote town, and being raised by parents who were practical and budget-minded rather than artistic or dreamy. Those constraints aren’t smoothed over—they’re treated as formative, not tragic, which makes her creative drive feel earned rather than inevitable.
The artwork, while somewhat rough and unpolished, turns out to be exactly right for this story. It would feel wrong—almost dishonest—to demand technical perfection in a book that’s so clearly about honoring creative expression in all its early, imperfect forms. After reading this, who would ever want to tell someone that what they’ve made isn’t “good enough”?
And of course, there’s the added pleasure of having the perfect soundtrack ready to go on your phone while you read (three guesses!) This is an inspiring, empathetic portrait of an artist becoming herself, and a reminder that creativity often grows because of limitations, not in spite of them.
What makes this biography especially effective is its attention to Joni’s childhood realities: surviving polio, growing up in a remote town, and being raised by parents who were practical and budget-minded rather than artistic or dreamy. Those constraints aren’t smoothed over—they’re treated as formative, not tragic, which makes her creative drive feel earned rather than inevitable.
The artwork, while somewhat rough and unpolished, turns out to be exactly right for this story. It would feel wrong—almost dishonest—to demand technical perfection in a book that’s so clearly about honoring creative expression in all its early, imperfect forms. After reading this, who would ever want to tell someone that what they’ve made isn’t “good enough”?
And of course, there’s the added pleasure of having the perfect soundtrack ready to go on your phone while you read (three guesses!) This is an inspiring, empathetic portrait of an artist becoming herself, and a reminder that creativity often grows because of limitations, not in spite of them.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It's rather amazing and quite impressive to see Joni Mitchell still creating headlines and performing today. This book takes us back to her beginnings, however, which had their own share of hurdles to cope with. As a long time fan, I was relatively aware of the insights shared here for young readers but it was still a fun read. Born in Canada, she didn't grow up in the spotlight and it is probably safe to say her family couldn't have predicted her fame and worldwide influence. I mean, even though she didn't physically attend Woodstock, her song captured that historic event wonderfully and is still widely heard today. Both Sides Now remains one of my favorite songs, too. Can you imagine the images that must flash through her head when she performs it? It must surely ring differently to her now than it did so many years ago. Not too bad for a young girl who faced down polio as a child.
The graphic illustrations are colorful and capture moments well in a style that reflects Mitchell's own artistry. I have to admit to going online to check out some of her artwork as I read, which I'd suggest would be of interest to those with little awareness of her artistry and sense of style. What she became started in her early days. It was fun to imagine her as a child Influences abounded, human and nature, and even as a she didn't shy away from "doing her own thing" as it might have been called by her generation. Aimed at early elementary readers, this book should also hold the interest of us no longer young.
Bottom line, I'm trying not to give away too much as those just meeting her deserve to get to know on their own but will say there's a sort of whimsical feel at times that matches the artwork and colorful feel of her story. Was it a happy, carefree life? Far from it. But, it shaped her, much to our own benefit. My thanks to #MacmillanChildren'sPublishingGroup - #GodwinBooks for this early peek at this lovely overview of the early days of a woman who still earns headlines and media attention today. Music and art are universal and I'm so glad Joni persevered and gave us all a piece of her heart by sharing her multiple talents.
The graphic illustrations are colorful and capture moments well in a style that reflects Mitchell's own artistry. I have to admit to going online to check out some of her artwork as I read, which I'd suggest would be of interest to those with little awareness of her artistry and sense of style. What she became started in her early days. It was fun to imagine her as a child Influences abounded, human and nature, and even as a she didn't shy away from "doing her own thing" as it might have been called by her generation. Aimed at early elementary readers, this book should also hold the interest of us no longer young.
Bottom line, I'm trying not to give away too much as those just meeting her deserve to get to know on their own but will say there's a sort of whimsical feel at times that matches the artwork and colorful feel of her story. Was it a happy, carefree life? Far from it. But, it shaped her, much to our own benefit. My thanks to #MacmillanChildren'sPublishingGroup - #GodwinBooks for this early peek at this lovely overview of the early days of a woman who still earns headlines and media attention today. Music and art are universal and I'm so glad Joni persevered and gave us all a piece of her heart by sharing her multiple talents.
November 1, 2025
5 stars
Every fan of Joni Mitchell should read this. Those who have a vague idea of who Joni Mitchell is should read this (also where have you been?!). This is also a great intro to Joni Mitchell for those who know nothing about her. Yes. Everyone should read this.
Corry marries language and illustrations to generate a rich, age appropriate idea of young Joni Mitchell that is both informative and enjoyable. I loved learning more biographical information and especially getting an external perspective on Joni Mitchell's influences as a person and artist. As she famously sings, "You know two heads are better than one," so it's quite an experience to pair this work with the subject's own lyrics and interviews over time.
Joni Mitchell is an original. She's a creator who has inspired many fellow musicians and fans alike, and I loved learning more about some of the ways she was inspired and some of the details regarding ways that she has gone against the grain her whole life. This is a speedy, enriching read and an ideal palate cleanser.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Godwin Books for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Every fan of Joni Mitchell should read this. Those who have a vague idea of who Joni Mitchell is should read this (also where have you been?!). This is also a great intro to Joni Mitchell for those who know nothing about her. Yes. Everyone should read this.
Corry marries language and illustrations to generate a rich, age appropriate idea of young Joni Mitchell that is both informative and enjoyable. I loved learning more biographical information and especially getting an external perspective on Joni Mitchell's influences as a person and artist. As she famously sings, "You know two heads are better than one," so it's quite an experience to pair this work with the subject's own lyrics and interviews over time.
Joni Mitchell is an original. She's a creator who has inspired many fellow musicians and fans alike, and I loved learning more about some of the ways she was inspired and some of the details regarding ways that she has gone against the grain her whole life. This is a speedy, enriching read and an ideal palate cleanser.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Godwin Books for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley and MacMillan Childrens Books for the digital copy of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I love to read biographies, and once in a while I like to read graphic novels, so Both Sides Now appeals to the lifelong learner in me as well as the visual learner that I am. I have to admit, I did not know much biographical information about Joni Mitchell, but I know who she is and appreciate her songwriting ability. She’s truly a poet who put her prose to song.
I had no idea that Joni Mitchell had polio when she was younger; this added a disability and identity angle that aligns with my interest in reading about personal resilience. Both Sides Now is a reflective portrait that blends music history and cultural roots, as well as a story of overcoming a disability. The illustrations combined with the text give the reader a sense of the power of Mitchell’s art.
Aimed at ages 7 – 10, this graphic biography is definitely age appropriate and will introduce a new generation to the singer-songwriter. Music is universal, and we’re lucky to live in a time where Joni Mitchell is revered as the best kind of creator – an artist who has inspired others and holds a place in music lovers’ hearts and minds.
I love to read biographies, and once in a while I like to read graphic novels, so Both Sides Now appeals to the lifelong learner in me as well as the visual learner that I am. I have to admit, I did not know much biographical information about Joni Mitchell, but I know who she is and appreciate her songwriting ability. She’s truly a poet who put her prose to song.
I had no idea that Joni Mitchell had polio when she was younger; this added a disability and identity angle that aligns with my interest in reading about personal resilience. Both Sides Now is a reflective portrait that blends music history and cultural roots, as well as a story of overcoming a disability. The illustrations combined with the text give the reader a sense of the power of Mitchell’s art.
Aimed at ages 7 – 10, this graphic biography is definitely age appropriate and will introduce a new generation to the singer-songwriter. Music is universal, and we’re lucky to live in a time where Joni Mitchell is revered as the best kind of creator – an artist who has inspired others and holds a place in music lovers’ hearts and minds.
November 6, 2025
This lovely book will appeal to Joni Mitchell fans for it's whimsical, Joni-inspired illustrations and the titles and lyrics sprinkled throughout. "Both Sides Now" tells the story of Joni's childhood and reveals the events that influenced her painting and music throughout her lifetime. Having listened to Joni's music for years, it was fascinating to make the connection between her life and her lyrics.
Children's books often have invented protagonists who overcome adversity of some sort, thereby sharing lessons and inspiration with the reader. "Both Sides Now" tells the story of a real-life spirited artist and demonstrates the power of thinking for yourself, trying new things, and creating solutions in the face of adversity—messages that benefit young people today.
"Both Sides Now" will appeal to Joni Mitchell fans and those who want to introduce Joni to a young person in their life.
Thank you to NetGalley and Godwin Books for sharing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
#netgalley #godwinbooks #bothsidesnow
Children's books often have invented protagonists who overcome adversity of some sort, thereby sharing lessons and inspiration with the reader. "Both Sides Now" tells the story of a real-life spirited artist and demonstrates the power of thinking for yourself, trying new things, and creating solutions in the face of adversity—messages that benefit young people today.
"Both Sides Now" will appeal to Joni Mitchell fans and those who want to introduce Joni to a young person in their life.
Thank you to NetGalley and Godwin Books for sharing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
#netgalley #godwinbooks #bothsidesnow
October 26, 2025
I love Joni Mitchell, and this book is a beautiful way to introduce young readers to her. The illustrations are gorgeous and help the reader see Joni's artistry in both painting and with words. This book would teach a child to follow their heart and discover what they are good at. Joni has many obstacles in her young life, but she keeps discovering new ideas and pursuits. Joni is self-taught in her skills and keeps a growth mindset that she can find a way to move forward past whatever roadblocks are in her way, including getting polio. I hope this book will lead children to Joni's works and help them fall in love with her music the way I have.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A lovely graphic novel about Joni Mitchell's childhood that really highlighted the journey to fame she faced as a young girl from the prairies of Canada. I enjoyed that the focus of the book narrowed its scope to just her time as a young person. I think tween readers will be able to identify with Joni's tale and see their own desires reflected in her story.
The illustrations are both pale as the prairie and as colorful & wild as her dreams and the book does a nice job of marrying the two. At times the non-fiction text in the book can be bit bland, but the story is fast-paced enough to keep the reader rolling along and not get too bogged down in the facts.
*Review of a much appreciated advance copy received from Netgalley*
The illustrations are both pale as the prairie and as colorful & wild as her dreams and the book does a nice job of marrying the two. At times the non-fiction text in the book can be bit bland, but the story is fast-paced enough to keep the reader rolling along and not get too bogged down in the facts.
*Review of a much appreciated advance copy received from Netgalley*
January 17, 2026
Joni Mitchell is a name everyone knows, whether you’re familiar with her music or not. I did not know much of her story. However, despite being a graphic biography of few words, this book was able to convey a lot of information! At times, I didn’t love the illustrations, but they always worked for the book. I love graphic novels and memoirs, but graphic biographies are not ones I see, or read anyways, very often, but this 100% delivered. I thought this was a great idea for a book and Joni Mitchell was the perfect subject for this style. I would definitely recommend this to everyone!
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for access to this ARC
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for access to this ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a truly captivating, highly illustrated biography of Joni Mitchell. Filled with colorful, swirling illustrations (that feel incredibly reminiscent of 1970s designs) this book is a treat for Joni Mitchell fans. Focusing mostly on her young childhood and early adulthood, this book explains how Joni became such a unique performer and musician. I will say, some readers may not be familiar with Joni Mitchell (because there are so few books about female musicians), but they will be intrigued by this strange woman.
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book!
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book!
Read
May 18, 2026staff rec blurb, june 26: Inside every brilliant artist is the small, curious child she once was. From moving across Canada to overcoming polio, Joni Mitchell learned to fiercely love the world from a young age. In this vivid graphic novel, follow along with the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer as she navigates childhood and early experiences that would come to shape her art. Thank you, Lydia Corry, for bringing Joni to a new generation!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This book is a graphic novel that is a mostly true biography of joni mitchell. To beat ather does say that there are a few fictional elements. I had not heard of joni mitchell before then.So it was neat to get an introduction to her. The colors and the drawings in the book are beautiful. And now I am listening to her songs.
May 23, 2026
Beautiful artwork, but I’m not sure who the intended audience is. The publisher says it’s targeted toward ages 7-10. The style, the flow, the song-themed chapter titles all make for an esoteric reading experience. Corry’s love letter to this remarkable artist is well-intentioned, but I think it will be most appreciated by those already familiar with Mitchell.
May 25, 2026
There were so many things about Joni Mitchell that I never knew!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews