Book details
Gadget Girl: The Art of Being Invisible
Description
Anna and the French Kiss meets Stoner & Spaz in a contemporary young adult coming-of-age novel about a girl, her struggles, and her art. Aiko Cassidy is fourteen and lives with her sculptor mother in a small Midwestern town. For most of her young life Aiko, who has cerebral palsy, has been her mother's muse. But now, she no longer wants to pose for the sculptures that have made her mother famous. Aiko works hard on her own dream of becoming a great manga artist with a secret identity. When Aiko's mother invites her to Paris for a major exhibition of her work, Aiko at first resists. She'd much rather go to Japan, Manga Capital of the World, where she might be able to finally meet her father, the indigo farmer. When she gets to France, however, a hot waiter with a passion for manga and an interest in Aiko makes her wonder if being invisible is such a great thing after all. Gadget Girl began as a novella published in Cicada. The story won the SCBWI Magazine Merit Award in Fiction and was included in an anthology of the best stories published in Cicada over the past ten years.
Age
12-17
Text complexity
intermediate
Length
256 pages
Why to read
- Empowerment and Representation: 'Gadget Girl: The Art of Being Invisible' provides a powerful narrative that emphasizes the importance of empowerment for people with disabilities. The protagonist, Aiko Cassidy, is a biracial teenager with cerebral palsy, offering readers a unique perspective that is often underrepresented in literature.
- Cultural Exploration: The book delves into the intricacies of being caught between two cultures, as Aiko explores her American and Japanese heritage. This exploration provides an insightful look into the challenges and beauty of a multicultural identity, making it a compelling read for those interested in cultural diversity.
- Personal Growth and Self-Discovery: Throughout the story, Aiko embarks on a journey of self-discovery, learning to navigate the complexities of adolescence, her aspirations as an artist, and her desire to be seen for who she is beyond her disability. This theme resonates with readers who are also on a path to finding their own identity and place in the world.
- Inspiration for Aspiring Artists: Aiko's passion for art and her determination to pursue her dreams despite the obstacles she faces serve as an inspiration for aspiring artists and creatives. Readers who share a love for art and creativity will find motivation in Aiko's story to follow their own artistic endeavors.