A Song for You and I

Starred review from December 16, 2024
O’Neill (The Moth Keeper) crafts a pastoral fantasy exploring gender identity and what it means to be one’s true self in this tender graphic novel. Young Rowan, who has dark hair and brown skin, is a ranger-in-training, dedicated to helping humans maintain a harmonious balance with nature with their pegasus partner Kestral. Ahead of the Name Carving ceremony that will mark the apprentices as full-fledged rangers, Rowan is given an “easy” posting assisting quiet violinist shepherd Leone,
portrayed with red hair and pale skin. Rowan’s desperation to prove themself above their assignment results in a
devastating injury for Kes that threatens their bond and Rowan’s future as a ranger. But as Rowan and Leone spend more time together, Leone’s gentle presence allows Rowan to explore their gender identity and passion for their profession in new ways. Rowan’s frustrations and fear following Kes’s injury are visually and emotionally palpable, as is their shy relief in Leone’s easy acceptance of Rowan’s identity. Simple paneling allows the fluid line art and soft, earth-toned coloring to shine, making for a viscerally powerful romantasy epic. Ages 10–up. Agent: Linda Camacho, Gallt & Zacker Literary.

February 1, 2025
Grades 5-8 Aspiring ranger Rowan feels like they have a lot to prove, so it's a double blow when their flying horse, Kestrel, is injured thanks to their own recklessness and they're subsequently relegated to missions on foot, primarily with a shepherd who seemingly lacks ambition. Like most comics from O'Neill, this is slow, gentle, and lovely, with soft colors and vast skies looming over bucolic landscapes. Though Rowan is frustrated by their assignment, it forces them to slow down and pay closer attention to their surroundings, ultimately giving themself the space to make some important realizations about their own identity and aspirations. O'Neill draws out the plot with pages of wordless spreads filled with small details of what Rowan observes in the verdant surroundings. It takes nearly two-thirds of the book for Rowan to recognize the true nature of their mistake, but the pace never feels arbitrarily slow; rather, it more accurately reflects the typical trajectory of genuine growth. Readers who love emotionally grounded comics will be enchanted by this contemplative, gorgeously rendered story of the slow but steady path to self-acceptance.

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