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The Girl and the Glim
An original graphic novel about being the new kid in a different school, getting picked on by the class bullies, and what happens when a magical presence takes notice. Like, can things get any worse? Starting out at a new school is tough, and Bridgette isn't having much luck, seeing as, well, she's not great at making a first impression. Or, maybe, any impression. Ugh, all these nervous feelings! Will I fit in? Will I make new friends? Will they still like me when they get to know me? Nope. For now the best she can manage is... awkward. This is not going great. That's when she sees it. Something dark and scary... something only she can see. And she’s scared, of course she is. But as the only one able to see the dangers, maybe it's time for her to face that fear and unravel the mystery of the Glim and the Glums. The Girl and The Glim is about accepting the fact that fear is okay, and that while letting other people see your vulnerabilities can be scary, it can also lead to closer friendships in the end.
130 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 8, 2022
110 people are currently reading
662 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 209 reviews
September 29, 2022
I'm so confused about this short graphic novel. Is it about aliens? Is it about anxiety? Or bullying? We are dropped into the story with no setup or worldbuilding. Bridgette and her family have just moved *somewhere* new and she is clearly missing her friends and nervous about starting a new school. She accidently makes a seemingly older guy crash his bike. Apparently they are school mates though so idk. Then this little fluffy furby alien thing shows up and tries to help Bridgette fight other little gremlin alien things that hover over people with bad moods and interferes with technology. Everybody at her new school are hardcore bullies with no repercussions from teachers/parents. And on top of that nobody seems to know mystery crash guy. Oh, and there's a spider bear (not a typo) just hanging out in the woods outside of school. Nerdy science loud girl is hinted at investigating new girl. And the book ends. So... yeah. I have no clue what I just read. Hopefully more books are to come. I feel like this would have worked better as a webcomic where weird breaks and abrupt endings are the format.
April 13, 2022
The Girl and the Glim is a color-packed story of identity with some supernatural addition. Bridgette just moved to a new town with her parents who are working extra hours while settling in. Bridgette is nervous to start a new school and she misses the friends she left behind.
The first day comes and goes, and it's not exactly stellar. Bridgette's new school has some bullies and definitely some cliques that Bridgette doesn't fit into. The night gets even weirder when she discovers a glowing fluffy ball of a creature in her bedroom!
Jam packed with action sequences that tell much of the story, The Girl and the Glim is about finding confidence in oneself and doing what's right even if others may think strangely of you.
I loved the artwork and the characters. The storyline is interesting too, but I wish the book had been longer and wrapped up more of the story/loose ends. As it stands, it ends with a lot of unanswered questions and I'm not sure there's enough draw for kids to wait until the next book release. In particular, I wish we'd seen more of the boy Bridgette first meets on moving day and that we could've built up a little more of a relationship with him and who he is or where he comes from as we do learn there's a lot of mystery around him.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
The first day comes and goes, and it's not exactly stellar. Bridgette's new school has some bullies and definitely some cliques that Bridgette doesn't fit into. The night gets even weirder when she discovers a glowing fluffy ball of a creature in her bedroom!
Jam packed with action sequences that tell much of the story, The Girl and the Glim is about finding confidence in oneself and doing what's right even if others may think strangely of you.
I loved the artwork and the characters. The storyline is interesting too, but I wish the book had been longer and wrapped up more of the story/loose ends. As it stands, it ends with a lot of unanswered questions and I'm not sure there's enough draw for kids to wait until the next book release. In particular, I wish we'd seen more of the boy Bridgette first meets on moving day and that we could've built up a little more of a relationship with him and who he is or where he comes from as we do learn there's a lot of mystery around him.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 12, 2023
It was adorable and sweet. I liked it a lot. Well done
June 28, 2023
You can find my review on my blog by clicking here.
Writer India Swift delves into the strange new world of little Brigitte, mercilessly bullied at her new school until she runs into a terrifying creature only she can see and brings back home a little fluffy fellow known as Glim. Beautifully drawn, narratively short, and brimming with a sense of adventure, this middle-grade graphic novel explores through an original and short story, the fear of strange new environments, the courage to face your own vulnerabilities, and the warmth of giving a helping hand to those that need it.
What else is she supposed to do but adapt to a new reality that she never asked for if she’s to grow and learn in life? Constantly self-aware of the smallest detail around her, always wanting to please and be that cool kid that everyone usually loves, Brigitte wants to fit in and make new friends. Unfortunately, nothing goes as planned as who she wishes to be is never who she ends up being. Things, however, become strange and mysterious quickly when she meets a little bright fluff that loves to connect things together and is quickly dubbed Glim. But when she learns of the existence of the darker and more terrifying counterpart that feeds off the despair of others to grow bigger and bigger, which she then ends up calling Glums, she sets out on a self-appointed quest to rid the world of these creatures and make the world a better place for everyone.
The pastel vibrant colours and bubbly artistic style make for a very entertaining read, effortlessly conveying Brigitte’s emotions with incredible and explosive clarity, making it just as effortless for readers to relate to the adversity she faces in high school, especially when it comes to bullying and social anxiety. The focus does, however, steer away from those real-life issues to introduce the fantasy elements where she sets off on a one-man-army mission against a threat that she has yet to fully grasp. Although there’s clearly an admirable attempt to tackle relevant themes and issues faced by the protagonist, and just about any teenager at that point in their life, all the chaos and action with the Glim and Glums does feel like a distraction, often even putting Brigitte into a lot of dangerous situations that make you wonder why she’d be so careless about it all. The abrupt ending does hint at more to come in the life of little Brigitte and, hopefully, this will give writer India Swift the opportunity to build meaningful relationships in the life of her character and further explore all the mysteries around the origin of the Glim and the Glums.
The Girl and the Glim is a decent and adventurous introduction to the new life of Brigitte as she faces her fears in a world full of bullies and trouble.
December 26, 2022
Cute but not really sure if this was just the set up for something more or this was the whole story. There’s a bunch of different storylines I’d like to see fleshed out in subsequent installments.
January 17, 2024
This book is about accepting the fact that fear is okay and maybe being weirdo isn't so bad. I'm glad to see Bridgette. At the end, she succeeded and dared to take big steps to achieve change of her life 💛
July 1, 2023
I mean this was fine. Your kind of just thrown in and there’s little to no explanation. I thought some of the lessons were good and it’s a cute story so far. I also like the art style.
September 3, 2022
I have to admit, this one was a bit of a disappointment. When graphic novels are done well, both the written story and the artwork bring something to the tale. Personally, I felt that The Girl and the Glim was too sparse. I didn't feel that the story was very well developed, and there were elements which could have been explored more (the story behind the 'patch boy' for instance). I know that I am older than the target market here, but I feel that it would struggle to engage some of its target market too. It is a shame, as the message at the heart of this book is a good one. From the ending, it seems as though there may be another instalment, but I am doubtful that I would seek this out.
June 24, 2023
It didn't end and there are no additional volumes. 😭 How disappointing!!
January 23, 2025
This one made me smile. I love how different the girl is and the way she owns it.
May 27, 2022
The problem of fitting in jolts into high-gear and takes an unexpected twist, sending the tale into fast-paced action and high-tension, which leaves the usual emotional direction twirling in surprise.
Bridgette is extremely nervous about her family's move, since she had to leave her super-close friends behind. She's a bit short for her age and knows that she might have some issues when heading to the new school. An accidental meeting with a guy, who attends the school as well, offers a bit of hope, but this goes down the drain as her fears come true already on the first day of classes. But that suddenly slides into the background when strange creatures pop-up. The first seems kind, but the rest are throwing her into a dangerous world, which only she can see and fight.
I had high expectations, when picking this one up, and with the first pages, I wondered if I'd ruined an otherwise good read by doing that. It does start a bit slow as Bridgette and her parents settle a bit into the house, and the reader learns about her hesitation to go to school. The guy she meets passes by without too much adieu and the first day or so of school also runs with the usual bullying scenes. So, the reader gets a 'normal' grip on Bridgette's life, which felt cliche...but it had to because it created the perfect base to contrast with the rest.
It was a tiny bit confusing when Bridgette suddenly saw dark creatures. I wasn't sure if they were really there or in her scared imagination, but even this fit wonderfully, since her nerves were a flurry from escaping an extreme bullying situation in a neighborhood she didn't know. So, the reader molds right with her confusion, since she can't be sure herself. When she gets home and meets the first little creature, all the rest becomes more clear. There's a sense of cuteness mixed with uncertainty to draw in (who doesn't want a cute little creature with them?) before the dark and high-tension completely takes over.
The illustrations are very well done and accompany the moods of the first scenes with the same sense of normal before going full swing into action pure. When that starts (about 1/3 to 1/2 through book), each and every moment holds the tension high with adventure, one boom to the next. And it manages it without growing redundant or confusing...and even works in more plot, character understanding and message with it.
While all of the battles are going on...and all of it appropriate for the age group, btw...the author and illustrator still inject heart and show how Bridgette protects others without a moments pause for her own safety, and that despite their cruelty. It's a heroine attitude to inspire. Add a last twist at the end to guarantee much more to come, and I'm excited to see where this series goes because it promises to be tons of fun for action and fantasy fans. I received a complimentary copy through Netgalley and enjoyed this read quite a bit.
Bridgette is extremely nervous about her family's move, since she had to leave her super-close friends behind. She's a bit short for her age and knows that she might have some issues when heading to the new school. An accidental meeting with a guy, who attends the school as well, offers a bit of hope, but this goes down the drain as her fears come true already on the first day of classes. But that suddenly slides into the background when strange creatures pop-up. The first seems kind, but the rest are throwing her into a dangerous world, which only she can see and fight.
I had high expectations, when picking this one up, and with the first pages, I wondered if I'd ruined an otherwise good read by doing that. It does start a bit slow as Bridgette and her parents settle a bit into the house, and the reader learns about her hesitation to go to school. The guy she meets passes by without too much adieu and the first day or so of school also runs with the usual bullying scenes. So, the reader gets a 'normal' grip on Bridgette's life, which felt cliche...but it had to because it created the perfect base to contrast with the rest.
It was a tiny bit confusing when Bridgette suddenly saw dark creatures. I wasn't sure if they were really there or in her scared imagination, but even this fit wonderfully, since her nerves were a flurry from escaping an extreme bullying situation in a neighborhood she didn't know. So, the reader molds right with her confusion, since she can't be sure herself. When she gets home and meets the first little creature, all the rest becomes more clear. There's a sense of cuteness mixed with uncertainty to draw in (who doesn't want a cute little creature with them?) before the dark and high-tension completely takes over.
The illustrations are very well done and accompany the moods of the first scenes with the same sense of normal before going full swing into action pure. When that starts (about 1/3 to 1/2 through book), each and every moment holds the tension high with adventure, one boom to the next. And it manages it without growing redundant or confusing...and even works in more plot, character understanding and message with it.
While all of the battles are going on...and all of it appropriate for the age group, btw...the author and illustrator still inject heart and show how Bridgette protects others without a moments pause for her own safety, and that despite their cruelty. It's a heroine attitude to inspire. Add a last twist at the end to guarantee much more to come, and I'm excited to see where this series goes because it promises to be tons of fun for action and fantasy fans. I received a complimentary copy through Netgalley and enjoyed this read quite a bit.
January 18, 2025
Why was everyone so mean to Bridgette? For no reason even... 😭
September 13, 2023
Cute but definitely could use some worldbuilding & backstory.
March 29, 2025
I'm not sure where I heard of India Swift. I'm guessing in the back of one of the other graphic novels I've been enjoying. At any rate, I just received The Girl and the Glim illustrated and written by Swift and colored by Michael Doig. It came out in 2022 and is the story of Bridgette, a young girl about to start in a new town and a new school.
Putting on her lucky shirt and a brave face, off she goes, hoping to make a good impression. Of course, she's late for her first class, too short to write her name on the blackboard above everything else on it and soon is the butt of some of the other kids. It seems as well that there are things going on with the schools electrics; phones not working, lights shutting off.
The next day her troubles continue. At the Library to find a book on improving your self-confidence, she's discovered by the 'bully' (sort of a bully) and locked in a supply room. Bridgette escapes through a window and has to follow a difficult path that leads her to a tumble into the woods where she discovers some dark creatures. Running home, she then discovers a fluffy, glimmering little creature and after a brief tussle, they become friends. (Oh... only Bridgette can see the Glim and these other creatures)
The story follows Bridgette's efforts to save her school.. Let's just say, it's a fun, action-filled story, beautifully drawn and colored. Bridgette is adorable. The other characters are drawn with such excellent expression as well. It's not a unique story, new kid in school, trying to fit in and the troubles!! But it's still an excellent tale. And it left you feeling satisfied but at the same time thinking maybe there might be a sequel. We'll see. Check it out, or get if for your kids (3.0 stars)
Putting on her lucky shirt and a brave face, off she goes, hoping to make a good impression. Of course, she's late for her first class, too short to write her name on the blackboard above everything else on it and soon is the butt of some of the other kids. It seems as well that there are things going on with the schools electrics; phones not working, lights shutting off.
The next day her troubles continue. At the Library to find a book on improving your self-confidence, she's discovered by the 'bully' (sort of a bully) and locked in a supply room. Bridgette escapes through a window and has to follow a difficult path that leads her to a tumble into the woods where she discovers some dark creatures. Running home, she then discovers a fluffy, glimmering little creature and after a brief tussle, they become friends. (Oh... only Bridgette can see the Glim and these other creatures)
The story follows Bridgette's efforts to save her school.. Let's just say, it's a fun, action-filled story, beautifully drawn and colored. Bridgette is adorable. The other characters are drawn with such excellent expression as well. It's not a unique story, new kid in school, trying to fit in and the troubles!! But it's still an excellent tale. And it left you feeling satisfied but at the same time thinking maybe there might be a sequel. We'll see. Check it out, or get if for your kids (3.0 stars)
May 29, 2022
I really enjoyed this one. Kind of irked I have to wait for the next in the series, as I want some answers, like who is Dale and will she be able to stop the monsters that have taken over her town.
Also, will she get to visit her old friends and HOW are bullies allowed to be that bad in a school in this day and age?? Isn't there a no-tolerance rule against bullying now??
I like her spunk and her willingness to do the right thing, even when others are putting her down or mocking her. And she helps those who need it, even if they don't realize it and they are part of the group that is bullying her.
Good message to send, we don't pick and choose who to help, everyone should be helped.
4, solid I would like the next volume now please, stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and IDW Publishing for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
Also, will she get to visit her old friends and HOW are bullies allowed to be that bad in a school in this day and age?? Isn't there a no-tolerance rule against bullying now??
I like her spunk and her willingness to do the right thing, even when others are putting her down or mocking her. And she helps those who need it, even if they don't realize it and they are part of the group that is bullying her.
Good message to send, we don't pick and choose who to help, everyone should be helped.
4, solid I would like the next volume now please, stars.
My thanks to NetGalley and IDW Publishing for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 23, 2022
This book is absolutely iconic. It so quickly won me over and became so heartwarming. The concept in the beginning is actually kind of Lizzie McGuire vibes with the main character having a brave, cute, and witty version of herself and her life playing out in her head, and then being absolutely in over her head in reality and petrified to speak up against those around her. The illustrations did a phenomenal job of visibly painting her anxiety, overwhelm, and fear at the school and general massive changes happening around her and out of her own control. It was completely relatable and yet the adventure in it was so much freaking fun. A bit of a message without being too heavy handed. Will definitely be recommending this one to kids going forward & am looking forward to reading more! A good one to have in the books.
March 26, 2022
This was a really wholesome and engaging read about being the new kid and having anxiety with a sci-fi twist. I found this to be a lovely graphic novel with stunning artwork and a fun premise that was a good allegory for the fear of not fitting in and the anxious feelings everyone can get in stressful situations. It's a story with a wonderful message in facing the stresses ahead and I found it to be a very up-lifting read that would be great for adolescents. I wish I had this graphic novel to read when I was a kid and I look forward to reading the sequel.
Thank you Netgalley and IDW Publishing for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you Netgalley and IDW Publishing for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
May 29, 2023
Bridgette has just moved house, and between unpacking, meeting the neighbors, missing her old friends, adjusting to a new school, and fending off the local bullies, the last thing she needs is an encounter with a space alien. But it turns out the Glim is not the only extraterrestrial that has made its way to Earth, and these other fellows aren't nearly as benevolent. Bridgette has to choose between making new friends or saving the planet.
Well, the Glim is adorable. This story brings back some bad memories, but it's compelling for all that. I admit to being a smidge confused at times, but I'm hoping more will be explained in volume two.
Well, the Glim is adorable. This story brings back some bad memories, but it's compelling for all that. I admit to being a smidge confused at times, but I'm hoping more will be explained in volume two.
May 2, 2022
This seemingly simple story is sure to grab the love and attention of every middle schooler. It has a second layer with a lot of depth and heart. The contrasting images and colors are great for emphasis. Curious what happens after this story ends.
December 25, 2020
the artwork and story are reaaaally compelling. Would be very excited to read the continuation!
February 11, 2023
A fast paced and fun adventure!
May 16, 2023
Cute. You can tell that the artist is a storyboard artist by the somewhat loose drawing style-- it's very easy to see this as a TV pilot.
May 28, 2023
Pretty interesting concept and even prettier execution.
June 14, 2023
i don't know how to feel? The art is amazing, but the story gave me so much anxiety.
June 23, 2023
The Girl and the Glim
Overall Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (4/5) or 8.28/10 overall
Characters - 8
Atmosphere - 10
Writing - 8
Plot - 8
Intrigue - 9
Logic - 7
Enjoyment - 8
Overall Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (4/5) or 8.28/10 overall
Characters - 8
Atmosphere - 10
Writing - 8
Plot - 8
Intrigue - 9
Logic - 7
Enjoyment - 8
October 19, 2023
Les dessins sont jolis, mais l'histoire n'a ni queue ni tête, et ça fini sans vraie résolution. On me l'avait vendu comme un one-shot, mais ça appelle clairement une suite.
May 22, 2024
Much fun was had : )
July 22, 2024
Cute art but ends rather abruptly and there’s no more volumes so there’s no conclusion? If I had known I honestly would’ve not bothered reading this one!
August 10, 2025
A cute story with adorable art. As an adult reader I would have loved even more backstory on the creatures, and the ending felt very much like a setup for a volume 2.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 209 reviews