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Inbetweens
Not yet published
Expected 31 Mar 26Perfect for fans of Sweetvalley High Twins and Ride On!
A new tween graphic novel by bestselling author Faith Erin Hicks.
Twin sisters Ash and Sloane are headed to animation camp -- where their courage, drive, and sisterly bond will be put to the test!
Twin sisters Sloane and Ash are two peas in a pod, and they do everything together: watch movies, attend classes, and most importantly, draw! So when the summer animation classes of their dreams are about to start, they can barely contain their excitement!
Well…Ash is excited but Sloane is surprised to find she isn’t as jubilant about it, which makes no sense, since she loves art. Meanwhile, Ash discovers that just because you love something, doesn’t mean you’ll automatically be good at it, and she struggles under the weight of her own expectations and those of her teacher’s. Soon, the trials of challenging classwork and new friendships drive a wedge between the twins. Can their bond survive the summer?
A new tween graphic novel by bestselling author Faith Erin Hicks.
Twin sisters Ash and Sloane are headed to animation camp -- where their courage, drive, and sisterly bond will be put to the test!
Twin sisters Sloane and Ash are two peas in a pod, and they do everything together: watch movies, attend classes, and most importantly, draw! So when the summer animation classes of their dreams are about to start, they can barely contain their excitement!
Well…Ash is excited but Sloane is surprised to find she isn’t as jubilant about it, which makes no sense, since she loves art. Meanwhile, Ash discovers that just because you love something, doesn’t mean you’ll automatically be good at it, and she struggles under the weight of her own expectations and those of her teacher’s. Soon, the trials of challenging classwork and new friendships drive a wedge between the twins. Can their bond survive the summer?
240 pages, Paperback
Expected publication March 31, 2026
7 people are currently reading
204 people want to read
About the author
Faith Erin Hicks
116 books1,644 followersBorn in the wilds of British Columbia, the young Faith frolicked among the Sasquatch native to the province before moving to Ontario at age five. There she was homeschooled with her three brothers, and developed an unnatural passion for galloping around on horseback, though never without a proper helmet (because you only get one skull). After twenty years of suffering through Ontario’s obscenely hot summers, she migrated east, and now lives beside the other ocean in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She worked in animation for a bit, and now draws comics full time. She’s not sure how that happened either.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
August 5, 2025
4.5⭐️; From the moment I saw the cover, I had a feeling I’d love this book. The illustrations are absolutely stunning, and I especially enjoyed the moments where the characters broke out of their panels—it made the visuals feel dynamic and alive. The story itself was equally engaging. Even though I went in knowing nothing about animation, I came away feeling surprisingly informed. The author balances teaching and storytelling really well, and I appreciated how she explored the challenges of turning a hobby into something more serious. The twin dynamic was a standout—they were opposites in many ways, but their bond felt sincere and relatable. I also really liked how the narrative brought up the reality of sexism in animation. It’s handled in a subtle but eye-opening way, challenging the assumption that a creative field is automatically inclusive. The side characters were super fun, too.
That said, I do wish the side characters had been a bit more fleshed out. With so many themes to juggle, it makes sense they didn’t evolve as much, but it’s still something I noticed. Despite that, I genuinely loved this read and will absolutely be watching for whatever the author does next. This book feels like a fresh and important addition to the shelves, and I’m excited for it to find its readers. Big thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for this ARC—it was a joy to dive into.
That said, I do wish the side characters had been a bit more fleshed out. With so many themes to juggle, it makes sense they didn’t evolve as much, but it’s still something I noticed. Despite that, I genuinely loved this read and will absolutely be watching for whatever the author does next. This book feels like a fresh and important addition to the shelves, and I’m excited for it to find its readers. Big thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for this ARC—it was a joy to dive into.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
E ARC available through Netgalley
In 1999, twins Sloane and Ash are excited to attend a seven week animation summer camp at Ormidale College. The two have been obsessed with animation since a trip to Disney when they were young, and they have worked on various projects, like a comic book about themselves. Ash is SUPER excited to go, especially since she will get to meet her idol, animator Douglas Frye, who worked on her favorite film, Monstrous. Ash is always anxious about first days, and is worried that she won't make friends. Most of the participants are male, but the two meet Nisha, an excellent animator, and Cameron, who loves to draw backgrounds. There are a variety of activities and projects, although things do not go smoothly. Nisha's work is always dismissed by Frye, and Ash's work is criticized to the point where she loses motivation. Sloane, for a change, is the more social twin, hanging out with Nisha and renting Studio Ghibli videos. Ash throws herself into her work, and is devastated when Frye tells her that maybe animation isn't the right course for her. Sloane begins to realize that while she loves drawing, making it her work takes the joy out of it. Ash realizes with the help of another teacher that she shouldn't let one person's opinion make her stop doing what she loves.
Strengths: While this isn't a straight memoir, it is based on the Hick's (Ride On) own experience with an animation camp. The girls have distinct personalities but are clearly good friends as well as twins, and this was a fun vicarious summer experience, even though there are some problems consistent with the current cultural zeitgeist. I'm not sure how much progress has been made in the art world concerning women; I hadn't realized that this was similar to the treatment of women in tech fields. There are enough details about drawing to make budding artists happy, and I enjoyed learning about Canadian film initiatives. This ended on a happy note, which is always good to see.
Weaknesses: Both girls were drawn with freckles across their noses and under their eyes, but there were also black lines almost like football eye black that distracted me. There didn't seem to be a lot of details other than current films (and the video store!) that would settle this story in 1999, but that might be because the world doesn't seem that different from the 1990s to me!
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who enjoyed Doodles From the Boogie Down, Doucet's Art Club, or Telgemeier and McCloud's The Cartoonists Club: A Graphic Novel
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
In 1999, twins Sloane and Ash are excited to attend a seven week animation summer camp at Ormidale College. The two have been obsessed with animation since a trip to Disney when they were young, and they have worked on various projects, like a comic book about themselves. Ash is SUPER excited to go, especially since she will get to meet her idol, animator Douglas Frye, who worked on her favorite film, Monstrous. Ash is always anxious about first days, and is worried that she won't make friends. Most of the participants are male, but the two meet Nisha, an excellent animator, and Cameron, who loves to draw backgrounds. There are a variety of activities and projects, although things do not go smoothly. Nisha's work is always dismissed by Frye, and Ash's work is criticized to the point where she loses motivation. Sloane, for a change, is the more social twin, hanging out with Nisha and renting Studio Ghibli videos. Ash throws herself into her work, and is devastated when Frye tells her that maybe animation isn't the right course for her. Sloane begins to realize that while she loves drawing, making it her work takes the joy out of it. Ash realizes with the help of another teacher that she shouldn't let one person's opinion make her stop doing what she loves.
Strengths: While this isn't a straight memoir, it is based on the Hick's (Ride On) own experience with an animation camp. The girls have distinct personalities but are clearly good friends as well as twins, and this was a fun vicarious summer experience, even though there are some problems consistent with the current cultural zeitgeist. I'm not sure how much progress has been made in the art world concerning women; I hadn't realized that this was similar to the treatment of women in tech fields. There are enough details about drawing to make budding artists happy, and I enjoyed learning about Canadian film initiatives. This ended on a happy note, which is always good to see.
Weaknesses: Both girls were drawn with freckles across their noses and under their eyes, but there were also black lines almost like football eye black that distracted me. There didn't seem to be a lot of details other than current films (and the video store!) that would settle this story in 1999, but that might be because the world doesn't seem that different from the 1990s to me!
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who enjoyed Doodles From the Boogie Down, Doucet's Art Club, or Telgemeier and McCloud's The Cartoonists Club: A Graphic Novel
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
August 31, 2025
A MG graphic novel by the great @faitherinhicks
✍️
It’s 1999 and twin sisters Ash and Sloan have both been admitted to animation camp for the summer. Both love to draw and have been obsessed with animating movies since they went to Disney World as kids. But when they get there, they both have very different experiences and realize that while art is a love for them both, they might not follow the same path as each other or as they once thought.
🖌️
I love everything Hicks writes and this was no exception. The artistry is some of my favorite in the GN community and the fact that this book centers around becoming a professional artist was so surreal to see how it starts to where it ends up. This entire novel was joy and inclusiveness and really shined a light on the sexism and racism that can be embedded in any industry, even now. Fans of the graphic novels Art Club and Twins will love this one when it releases March 31!
CW: racism, sexism, dementia
✍️
It’s 1999 and twin sisters Ash and Sloan have both been admitted to animation camp for the summer. Both love to draw and have been obsessed with animating movies since they went to Disney World as kids. But when they get there, they both have very different experiences and realize that while art is a love for them both, they might not follow the same path as each other or as they once thought.
🖌️
I love everything Hicks writes and this was no exception. The artistry is some of my favorite in the GN community and the fact that this book centers around becoming a professional artist was so surreal to see how it starts to where it ends up. This entire novel was joy and inclusiveness and really shined a light on the sexism and racism that can be embedded in any industry, even now. Fans of the graphic novels Art Club and Twins will love this one when it releases March 31!
CW: racism, sexism, dementia
November 6, 2025
I loved this, as I do almost everything I read from Faith Erin Hicks. It shows so much, the excitement of reaching your goal, worrying you might still not be good enough, realizing it actually might not be what you want to do with your life, dealing with people who put your work down, etc. and does it in a very relatable way.
Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Publishers for the opportunity to read an advance copy
Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan Publishers for the opportunity to read an advance copy
September 22, 2025
4.5 stars
This is a fantastic graphic novel packed full of themes and motifs that will easily speak to and engage both middle grade and young adult audiences...and let's be real. The rest of us, too!
Ash and Sloane are siblings, and they are spending their summer doing something their peers cannot believe: opting for more school! In this case, they'll be attending an exclusive animation program where they'll continue to hone their skills and passions. Before the session begins, it's clear that both characters have different relationships to art and to their reasons for pursuing it. This passtime is a foundational connecting point between them, so more seasoned readers will know immediately that both characters' futures are at stake, and their relationship might be to some degree also.
While the sibling relationship is at the forefront, I LOVE what Hicks does with the secondary characters. It's very easy to establish utter respect and aggressive loathing respectively for the teachers, full devotion to some of the classmates, and absolute heartbreak over one character's family member. How Hicks accomplishes this is a real testament to the power of the genre. The words are meaningful, but these strong emotions show up through the interplay between text and images. That is expertly accomplished here.
Another highlight? Representation, which is always important, but maybe much more so now than in the recent past. Readers are likely to make assumptions about Ash especially in direct comparison to Sloane, but it's the small, intentional details that really feature who Ash is. There are a lot of readers who will feel very seen by observing how some of these characters are NOT seen and how others are bizarrely promoted. Hicks addresses these issues explicitly at times, but it's the implicit showing versus telling that really hammers in the meaningfulness of this full package.
While I have limited but positive experience with this author, I have a lot of experience with First Second, and I'm consistently grateful for the attention this publisher pays to very specific writers and artists, characters, and themes. This is an incredibly successful collab between all parties, and I can't wait to recommend this to my students with hearty enthusiasm.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and First Second for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
This is a fantastic graphic novel packed full of themes and motifs that will easily speak to and engage both middle grade and young adult audiences...and let's be real. The rest of us, too!
Ash and Sloane are siblings, and they are spending their summer doing something their peers cannot believe: opting for more school! In this case, they'll be attending an exclusive animation program where they'll continue to hone their skills and passions. Before the session begins, it's clear that both characters have different relationships to art and to their reasons for pursuing it. This passtime is a foundational connecting point between them, so more seasoned readers will know immediately that both characters' futures are at stake, and their relationship might be to some degree also.
While the sibling relationship is at the forefront, I LOVE what Hicks does with the secondary characters. It's very easy to establish utter respect and aggressive loathing respectively for the teachers, full devotion to some of the classmates, and absolute heartbreak over one character's family member. How Hicks accomplishes this is a real testament to the power of the genre. The words are meaningful, but these strong emotions show up through the interplay between text and images. That is expertly accomplished here.
Another highlight? Representation, which is always important, but maybe much more so now than in the recent past. Readers are likely to make assumptions about Ash especially in direct comparison to Sloane, but it's the small, intentional details that really feature who Ash is. There are a lot of readers who will feel very seen by observing how some of these characters are NOT seen and how others are bizarrely promoted. Hicks addresses these issues explicitly at times, but it's the implicit showing versus telling that really hammers in the meaningfulness of this full package.
While I have limited but positive experience with this author, I have a lot of experience with First Second, and I'm consistently grateful for the attention this publisher pays to very specific writers and artists, characters, and themes. This is an incredibly successful collab between all parties, and I can't wait to recommend this to my students with hearty enthusiasm.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and First Second for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
November 17, 2025
***Thank you to Netgalley and First Second for an e-arc of Inbetweens by Faith Erin Hicks! All thoughts are my own!***
In the summer of 1999, twin sisters, Ash and Sloane, go to Ormidale College for their prestigious animation camp. They do everything together are excited to accomplish this together to better their art.
This is the feel good, palette cleanser of a graphic novel I needed. I'm familiar with Faith Erin Hicks's art style, but I've never actually read one of her graphic novels. Her art is always stunning to me, but so legible. As much as this is a cute YA graphic novel, I feel like I actually walked away learning things about the animation industry that I didn't know before.
Our main characters are so different from each other, Ash being a social butterfly and Sloane being the wallflower, but they share their love for art and animation. I absolutely loved the message of this story. I loved the different references and inspiration in the graphic novel. I enjoyed the addition of the side characters and how they all help each other in the end.
I enjoyed the constructs that we were shown in the graphic novel from sexism and inclusivity in the animation industry, dealing with criticism, and maybe finding out you may not want your passion to be your career.
Inbetweens by Faith Erin Hicks is available March 31st, 2026! Thanks again to Netgalley and First Second for an e-arc!
In the summer of 1999, twin sisters, Ash and Sloane, go to Ormidale College for their prestigious animation camp. They do everything together are excited to accomplish this together to better their art.
This is the feel good, palette cleanser of a graphic novel I needed. I'm familiar with Faith Erin Hicks's art style, but I've never actually read one of her graphic novels. Her art is always stunning to me, but so legible. As much as this is a cute YA graphic novel, I feel like I actually walked away learning things about the animation industry that I didn't know before.
Our main characters are so different from each other, Ash being a social butterfly and Sloane being the wallflower, but they share their love for art and animation. I absolutely loved the message of this story. I loved the different references and inspiration in the graphic novel. I enjoyed the addition of the side characters and how they all help each other in the end.
I enjoyed the constructs that we were shown in the graphic novel from sexism and inclusivity in the animation industry, dealing with criticism, and maybe finding out you may not want your passion to be your career.
Inbetweens by Faith Erin Hicks is available March 31st, 2026! Thanks again to Netgalley and First Second for an e-arc!
August 23, 2025
Faith Erin Hicks is back with another gem! I'll always pick up the latest by Faith due to her stellar art style alone. I appreciate how consistent her style is between graphic novels, but with a slight upgrade every time. All of the characters feel unique but still so distinctly her. Inbetweens follows teen twins who enroll in an animation summer program of their dreams. It explores how the reality of living your dreams can be so vastly different and nuanced from what you've anticipated, as well as how difficult those unexpected complications can be to process. I did also really appreciate the slow realization of disappointment when your heroes do not live up to your expectations, that they're flawed and sometimes terrible people even though they make work you admire. Ultimately, as all Faith Erin Hicks graphic novels do, this one left me feeling super hopeful and cozy.
Thanks to NetGalley and First Second Books for the arc!
Thanks to NetGalley and First Second Books for the arc!
January 27, 2026
Students will really enjoy this book. Artists will really enjoy this book. Middle schoolers will really enjoy this book. I really enjoyed this book.
The dynamic between the twins was very realistically portrayed. The depth of emotion that can come at any age with the idea of a dream shifting or feeling unreachable was well captured. This will be a very relatable story for a lot of middle schoolers even if they are not artists. Hicks books already do well with middle schoolers, and this is my personal favorite one yet!
The dynamic between the twins was very realistically portrayed. The depth of emotion that can come at any age with the idea of a dream shifting or feeling unreachable was well captured. This will be a very relatable story for a lot of middle schoolers even if they are not artists. Hicks books already do well with middle schoolers, and this is my personal favorite one yet!
October 1, 2025
This was good! It was heavy on the topic of animation, which was only mildly interesting to me, but to a late elementary or middle schooler who was interested in art, I could see this resonating. I enjoyed Hicks’ artistic talent as this was a graphic novel, and I loved the twin main characters (especially having a fraternal twin sister myself!)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5- A graphic novel about twin sisters who take an animation course over the summer at a prestigious animation college. Of course they learn a few lessons along the way, about the animation industry, art, finding/restoring your passion, and hard work/talent. A must read for any young artist interested in animation and design.
September 8, 2025
"Inbetweens" is the term used for the moments of animation between the big movements. It's a good title for the story of sisters Ash and Sloane, who are accepted to an illustrious (pun intended) Ormidale animation program in the 1990's. Ash is more than excited to attend, while Sloane seems subdued in comparison to her sibling's enthusiasm. The graphic novel takes place over the course of their studies, finishing in a group project of a student film.
In terms of strengths, you can tell that Hicks knows her stuff and a lot of this seems to come from her history. The animation homework pieces are still used in animation classes today, and the student body accurately reflects 1990's animation nerds perfectly. The side characters of Cameron and Nisha are fleshed out personalities and inhibit a real world dynamic with the twins. Although it almost creates a problem because Nisha's story is far more engaging than Sloane or Ash's, once readers understand her backstory. Her inclusion in the graphic novel is what gives Sloane her big character arc moment, and puts Ash's frustration at not being immediately amazing at animation in a nuanced context.
I will point out a continued annoyance I have of pop culture books putting the actual title of famous stories alongside knockoff titles, which creates a dissonance as to the reality of the world. Hicks does this too, and it creates a confusing set up since animation titles play a central part in the story, with "Kiki's Delivery Service" being a huge creative revelation for Sloane and one of the strongest sequences of the graphic novel. But it's more than a little frustrating to have a world where students name drop Disney's "The Great Mouse Detective" and Ormidale have a poster of "Mystery Mice" with the same character design. Same thing goes for Don Bluth's "All Dogs Go to Heaven" poster but with the title "All Good Boys." The part where becomes harder to ignore as a fun "Easter Egg" experience is the character Douglas Frye, who creates the "Inbetweens"-only movie, "Monstrous" but it looks exactly like Brad Bird's "Iron Giant." And considering Douglas Frye is a bad teacher who shows misogynistic favoritism to the boy animators, it leaves me wondering if Hicks left those knock off titles in to give some legal plausibility for any critical discussions.
Overall, the strengths of "Inbetweens" comes from the inbetween moments, small discussions between the sisters, and the slight frustrations of schoolwork that challenges you. There is no action sequence or huge dramatic moment to point to in terms of interest. In fact, the ending feels a little bit of a let down since the graphic novel's theme about collaboration and creativity is achieved in the student project, and Sloane/Ash's rebellion against Douglas Frye's institutionalized artwork seems to detract from that rather than strengthen their positions. I also would have liked more of the siblings dealing with their newer relationship dynamic rather than that. There was a lot of really great material left untapped in the story (Nisha in particular) that keeps it from being an amazing 5-star review, but it's a great graphic novel to give to kids interested in sibling dynamics and creative pursuits like animation.
In terms of strengths, you can tell that Hicks knows her stuff and a lot of this seems to come from her history. The animation homework pieces are still used in animation classes today, and the student body accurately reflects 1990's animation nerds perfectly. The side characters of Cameron and Nisha are fleshed out personalities and inhibit a real world dynamic with the twins. Although it almost creates a problem because Nisha's story is far more engaging than Sloane or Ash's, once readers understand her backstory. Her inclusion in the graphic novel is what gives Sloane her big character arc moment, and puts Ash's frustration at not being immediately amazing at animation in a nuanced context.
I will point out a continued annoyance I have of pop culture books putting the actual title of famous stories alongside knockoff titles, which creates a dissonance as to the reality of the world. Hicks does this too, and it creates a confusing set up since animation titles play a central part in the story, with "Kiki's Delivery Service" being a huge creative revelation for Sloane and one of the strongest sequences of the graphic novel. But it's more than a little frustrating to have a world where students name drop Disney's "The Great Mouse Detective" and Ormidale have a poster of "Mystery Mice" with the same character design. Same thing goes for Don Bluth's "All Dogs Go to Heaven" poster but with the title "All Good Boys." The part where becomes harder to ignore as a fun "Easter Egg" experience is the character Douglas Frye, who creates the "Inbetweens"-only movie, "Monstrous" but it looks exactly like Brad Bird's "Iron Giant." And considering Douglas Frye is a bad teacher who shows misogynistic favoritism to the boy animators, it leaves me wondering if Hicks left those knock off titles in to give some legal plausibility for any critical discussions.
Overall, the strengths of "Inbetweens" comes from the inbetween moments, small discussions between the sisters, and the slight frustrations of schoolwork that challenges you. There is no action sequence or huge dramatic moment to point to in terms of interest. In fact, the ending feels a little bit of a let down since the graphic novel's theme about collaboration and creativity is achieved in the student project, and Sloane/Ash's rebellion against Douglas Frye's institutionalized artwork seems to detract from that rather than strengthen their positions. I also would have liked more of the siblings dealing with their newer relationship dynamic rather than that. There was a lot of really great material left untapped in the story (Nisha in particular) that keeps it from being an amazing 5-star review, but it's a great graphic novel to give to kids interested in sibling dynamics and creative pursuits like animation.
July 14, 2025
Inbetweens was absolutely breathtaking, from the art, to the relatable characters, to the realistic storytelling it featured. This is a must-have for the shelves of all comic lovers, teachers, parents, and people who love art and animation.
The story follows two twin sisters (Ash and Sloane) who get to attend a summer animation intensive. Throughout the story, the twins learn how racism and sexism can be embedded at the core of animation culture, how your heroes can sometimes let you down, and why loving your art is more important than simply working for a big-name brand. Themes from the comic center around friendship, sisterhood, overcoming self-doubt, and pursuing one's goals for the right reasons.
The artwork in this was stunning, and I wish it were a full series! At my middle school and high school, almost everyone went through a phase where they wanted to be an animator or work for a comic strip company. This story will reach back through time and touch everyone who once held the dream of working in an industry that inspired their passion and nurtured their joy. It is wholesome and sweet in every way! The story will also teach children (and remind adults) that art is nuanced and unique to each artist. Many cultures have broad art forms that not everyone will appreciate, but they still deserve respect. Part of being an artist is learning to see things for the unique beauties that they are-- Not just judging art by one cookie-cutter standard.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publishers at First Second Books for sending me an ARC of Inbetweens! If readers want a patch of light in a dark world, this comic offers a joyous reprieve from the monotonous siren-songs of obligation and perfectionism, and gently reminds us how to stay in touch with our passions, instead.
The story follows two twin sisters (Ash and Sloane) who get to attend a summer animation intensive. Throughout the story, the twins learn how racism and sexism can be embedded at the core of animation culture, how your heroes can sometimes let you down, and why loving your art is more important than simply working for a big-name brand. Themes from the comic center around friendship, sisterhood, overcoming self-doubt, and pursuing one's goals for the right reasons.
The artwork in this was stunning, and I wish it were a full series! At my middle school and high school, almost everyone went through a phase where they wanted to be an animator or work for a comic strip company. This story will reach back through time and touch everyone who once held the dream of working in an industry that inspired their passion and nurtured their joy. It is wholesome and sweet in every way! The story will also teach children (and remind adults) that art is nuanced and unique to each artist. Many cultures have broad art forms that not everyone will appreciate, but they still deserve respect. Part of being an artist is learning to see things for the unique beauties that they are-- Not just judging art by one cookie-cutter standard.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publishers at First Second Books for sending me an ARC of Inbetweens! If readers want a patch of light in a dark world, this comic offers a joyous reprieve from the monotonous siren-songs of obligation and perfectionism, and gently reminds us how to stay in touch with our passions, instead.
July 1, 2025
Yes, please!
TL:DR
5 stars
Appropriate for 3rd Grade +
Primary appeal to 5th Grade +
Fans of Telgemeier, Twins by Varian Johnson
Faith Erin Hicks does it again. Set in the late 1990s, this story about twins going to art school hits all the right notes. Sisters going in different directions, but yearning to stay connected. Finding of friends, finding of self. Don't meet your heroes. Find new heroes.
It also illuminates the Canadian Animation scene in a really interesting light, and highlights the need for smaller companies to make sure that more than just the voice of Disney is heard.
But all that might sound really dry and boring. This book is anything but. Fast paced without feeling rushed. Beautiful examples of different styles of art...
The scenes where the artist intertwines her characters with classic scenes from Studio Ghibli films are MAGIC.
Really great mini bibliography of animation.
This would be great for a school animation club or graphic novel book group. Or a crossover of the two.
Although I would happily encourage an interested 3rd grader to read this - none of the typically objectionable topics are here - it is the type of book that older student will get different messages from it. And it will really appeal to 5th grade+. And although it is based in reality and does NOT involve a magical boarding school, it feels very much like a classic "going off to boarding school" story in ways.
Loved it.
---
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an advance digital copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own.
KC
School Librarian for 3rd - 5th Grade
Storyteller
Lover of cheese & tiny boxes
TL:DR
5 stars
Appropriate for 3rd Grade +
Primary appeal to 5th Grade +
Fans of Telgemeier, Twins by Varian Johnson
Faith Erin Hicks does it again. Set in the late 1990s, this story about twins going to art school hits all the right notes. Sisters going in different directions, but yearning to stay connected. Finding of friends, finding of self. Don't meet your heroes. Find new heroes.
It also illuminates the Canadian Animation scene in a really interesting light, and highlights the need for smaller companies to make sure that more than just the voice of Disney is heard.
But all that might sound really dry and boring. This book is anything but. Fast paced without feeling rushed. Beautiful examples of different styles of art...
The scenes where the artist intertwines her characters with classic scenes from Studio Ghibli films are MAGIC.
Really great mini bibliography of animation.
This would be great for a school animation club or graphic novel book group. Or a crossover of the two.
Although I would happily encourage an interested 3rd grader to read this - none of the typically objectionable topics are here - it is the type of book that older student will get different messages from it. And it will really appeal to 5th grade+. And although it is based in reality and does NOT involve a magical boarding school, it feels very much like a classic "going off to boarding school" story in ways.
Loved it.
---
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an advance digital copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own.
KC
School Librarian for 3rd - 5th Grade
Storyteller
Lover of cheese & tiny boxes
July 17, 2025
Starting in the 1930s and continuing probably at least up to WWII, or even the 1950s,, women weren’t allowed to be animators, because only men could animate. The women were hired to be the in-betweeners, and the painters. An in-betweener is the person who animates the character from keyframe to keyframe. Much harder work, actually. The point of all this is that the name of Faith Erin Hick’s newest graphic novel, is playing on this, because the two sisters are having do to animation, including the inbetweens, plus they are the age of tweens.
Both Sloane and Ash love drawing. And they are going to take intensive classes at a local university that teaches animation to young students. Plus their instructors are going to be professionals in the industry. What could possibly go wrong?
Never meet your heroes, is what goes wrong. The director of their favorite animated movies is one of the instructors, and he is a total jerk. Plus there are very few other girls in the classes.
The art is gorgeous. The story is very believable. Heartbreaking at times even, as the best stories are. I well know the feeling of having something you love stomped into the ground because an authority doesn’t like it. It is hard being an artist of any kind.
I also liked the animated movies suggested for further viewing.
All the stars.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book is being published on the 31st of March 2026.
Both Sloane and Ash love drawing. And they are going to take intensive classes at a local university that teaches animation to young students. Plus their instructors are going to be professionals in the industry. What could possibly go wrong?
Never meet your heroes, is what goes wrong. The director of their favorite animated movies is one of the instructors, and he is a total jerk. Plus there are very few other girls in the classes.
The art is gorgeous. The story is very believable. Heartbreaking at times even, as the best stories are. I well know the feeling of having something you love stomped into the ground because an authority doesn’t like it. It is hard being an artist of any kind.
I also liked the animated movies suggested for further viewing.
All the stars.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book is being published on the 31st of March 2026.
November 30, 2025
Faith Erin Hicks’ upcoming graphic novel Inbetweens is a heartfelt and nostalgic story about art, ambition, and the complications of sisterhood. Set in the summer of 1999, it’s the cusp of a new millennium but still firmly in the era of VHS tapes and hand-drawn animation. The story follows twin sisters Sloane and Ash as they enter the prestigious Ormidale College summer animation program, a place they’ve idolized for years.
But Inbetweens is far from a simple nostalgia trip. It’s a thoughtful look at the process of becoming an artist and how differently that journey can unfold, even for two people raised side by side. Ash struggles with the fundamentals of animation despite her passion. Sloane excels immediately but finds herself unsatisfied by the work. Hicks subtly explores the tension between natural ability and genuine fulfillment.
The introduction of a teacher who favors the male students further complicates the dynamics in the classroom, pushing the girls into uncomfortable realizations about gender, confidence, and who receives encouragement in creative spaces.
Visually, Inbetweens feels bold and full of motion. The late-night drawing scenes and the moments when the characters watch old anime movies have an energy that seems to jump off the page.
What ultimately makes Inbetweens shine is the relationship between the two twins and their growth. A perfect read for graphic novel-loving middle schoolers or middle school artists.
But Inbetweens is far from a simple nostalgia trip. It’s a thoughtful look at the process of becoming an artist and how differently that journey can unfold, even for two people raised side by side. Ash struggles with the fundamentals of animation despite her passion. Sloane excels immediately but finds herself unsatisfied by the work. Hicks subtly explores the tension between natural ability and genuine fulfillment.
The introduction of a teacher who favors the male students further complicates the dynamics in the classroom, pushing the girls into uncomfortable realizations about gender, confidence, and who receives encouragement in creative spaces.
Visually, Inbetweens feels bold and full of motion. The late-night drawing scenes and the moments when the characters watch old anime movies have an energy that seems to jump off the page.
What ultimately makes Inbetweens shine is the relationship between the two twins and their growth. A perfect read for graphic novel-loving middle schoolers or middle school artists.
August 17, 2025
Thank you NetGalley, First Second Books, and Hicks for the e-ARC of Inbetweens.
I really enjoy books for middle grade students that focus on a niche career, but is wildly informative and supports students' understanding of what to do in the face of adversity.
Ash and Sloane, twin sisters, attend a prestigious and rigorous animation course at the local university. This summer course is taught by none other than the twins' heroes: professionals in the field. When one of the *star professors* says some offhanded and disparaging advice, I thought that the twins handled it well and showed a human response - becoming upset, confronting it quietly, and just letting it slide. Showing students that not everything has to end in confrontation is important, too. Handling these situations may happen, and their response is natural if that's how they wish to process.
I appreciated how this novel also showed various styles of animation, the process, history of female animators, and a varying demographics of people within the animation class and their families.
I do wish there was a bit more depth to the discrimination piece, especially with middle grade readers to emphasize the wrongness, but at the same time...it's thought provoking. Overall, I enjoyed the novel!
I really enjoy books for middle grade students that focus on a niche career, but is wildly informative and supports students' understanding of what to do in the face of adversity.
Ash and Sloane, twin sisters, attend a prestigious and rigorous animation course at the local university. This summer course is taught by none other than the twins' heroes: professionals in the field. When one of the *star professors* says some offhanded and disparaging advice, I thought that the twins handled it well and showed a human response - becoming upset, confronting it quietly, and just letting it slide. Showing students that not everything has to end in confrontation is important, too. Handling these situations may happen, and their response is natural if that's how they wish to process.
I appreciated how this novel also showed various styles of animation, the process, history of female animators, and a varying demographics of people within the animation class and their families.
I do wish there was a bit more depth to the discrimination piece, especially with middle grade readers to emphasize the wrongness, but at the same time...it's thought provoking. Overall, I enjoyed the novel!
August 28, 2025
Thanks so much to NetGalley & First Second Books for the early copy in exchange for an honest review.
Excellent graphic novel, Hicks strikes again with appealing to artsy teens!
It was very personal, bittersweet at times, but very well rounded in terms of character development.
I LOVED all the animation references and the details--also the sly "future" jokes such as a Frozen poster in the background when it didn't release until 14 years later. Hicks did a great job in fleshing out the world with little bits of animation history peppered throughout which I greatly appreciated as an animation fan.
I like how each of the kids use their strengths and weaknesses and work together. It was a very heartwarming message.
I also liked that there's always Those Guys that think they're better than everyone else in an art class and they never got a redemption or explanation for their behavior. Sometimes you just run into Those Guys in real life and have to ignore them!
Also side note, I will be recommending this title along with Drawn That Way by Elissa Sussman because they both talk about the animation industry and its promises and pitfalls. An excellent pairing for any teens interested in the animation industry--whether it'd be a personal interest or career interest.
Excellent graphic novel, Hicks strikes again with appealing to artsy teens!
It was very personal, bittersweet at times, but very well rounded in terms of character development.
I LOVED all the animation references and the details--also the sly "future" jokes such as a Frozen poster in the background when it didn't release until 14 years later. Hicks did a great job in fleshing out the world with little bits of animation history peppered throughout which I greatly appreciated as an animation fan.
I like how each of the kids use their strengths and weaknesses and work together. It was a very heartwarming message.
I also liked that there's always Those Guys that think they're better than everyone else in an art class and they never got a redemption or explanation for their behavior. Sometimes you just run into Those Guys in real life and have to ignore them!
Also side note, I will be recommending this title along with Drawn That Way by Elissa Sussman because they both talk about the animation industry and its promises and pitfalls. An excellent pairing for any teens interested in the animation industry--whether it'd be a personal interest or career interest.
August 19, 2025
This is one the first times when I realize I'm no longer in the age demographic for the book I'm reading haha. Inbetweens is a very simple story that hits all the marks to tell you exactly what it is about: the trials and tribulations of being a young artist. However, it over-explains this message so many times just in case you miss it -- as it is spoken by so many characters, making them seem more like soapboxes rather than actual characters (Sloane takes the biggest hit, interestingly enough).
Because while I got the basic personalities from the cast, they never step out of their bubble (Ash, technically yes with her development but I found Nisha to be more interesting overall but we barely get anything from her.) It is hard for me to put into words, but the story really are focused on the beauty of animation (Studio Ghibli and Disney mainly, with only one standout) and why its important but doesn't spend time for is to care about its characters.
The art is wonderful as usual. But the plot felt thin to me. As if we needed more in between.
received as an ARC from NetGalley
Because while I got the basic personalities from the cast, they never step out of their bubble (Ash, technically yes with her development but I found Nisha to be more interesting overall but we barely get anything from her.) It is hard for me to put into words, but the story really are focused on the beauty of animation (Studio Ghibli and Disney mainly, with only one standout) and why its important but doesn't spend time for is to care about its characters.
The art is wonderful as usual. But the plot felt thin to me. As if we needed more in between.
received as an ARC from NetGalley
October 22, 2025
A great glimpse into the world of animation in the ’90s.
Twin teen artists Ash and Slone attend a summer camp to dive deeper into their passion for animation. They've been creating comics together since they were kids, but after a trip to Disney, their love for animation took off. During the summer of 1999, they meet new friends, face fresh challenges, and begin to question whether this is truly the path they want to follow.
The story starts off a bit slow in terms of plot development, but it’s easy to follow and accessible. The author strikes a good balance—sharing enough information about animation to be informative without overwhelming or boring the reader. The engaging artwork and thoughtful use of color also help keep the story visually compelling.
I especially appreciated the subtle insight into the prejudice of the 1990s, which is touched on without overshadowing the main narrative. When Ash faces discouragement from someone she looks up to, her sister Slone steps in to support and uplift her. It’s a relatable and important moment—perfect for middle-grade readers to see reflected in a story.
Twin teen artists Ash and Slone attend a summer camp to dive deeper into their passion for animation. They've been creating comics together since they were kids, but after a trip to Disney, their love for animation took off. During the summer of 1999, they meet new friends, face fresh challenges, and begin to question whether this is truly the path they want to follow.
The story starts off a bit slow in terms of plot development, but it’s easy to follow and accessible. The author strikes a good balance—sharing enough information about animation to be informative without overwhelming or boring the reader. The engaging artwork and thoughtful use of color also help keep the story visually compelling.
I especially appreciated the subtle insight into the prejudice of the 1990s, which is touched on without overshadowing the main narrative. When Ash faces discouragement from someone she looks up to, her sister Slone steps in to support and uplift her. It’s a relatable and important moment—perfect for middle-grade readers to see reflected in a story.
September 1, 2025
Thank you, NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC of this book.
Another fantastic story from Faith Erin Hicks. Beautiful art. Great character design. But it was the story that really got me. Ash and Sloane are twins who share a love for art. During the summer, they attend an animation class where Douglas Frye, the director of their favorite animated movie, is an instructor. Unfortunately, learning to be an animator isn't everything the girls hoped it would be.
Inbetweens hits at the struggles of being an artist in many ways. Am I good enough? What happens when something I enjoy turns into work? Do I have to create types of art I don't enjoy? What happens when I lose my love of art? It's a love letter to The Iron Giant, Kiki's Delivery Service, and basically all the Disney movies of my childhood.
I wish it had done a bit more to call out Frye's misogyny and racism, but it's supposed to take place in 1999, and we just let those things slide back then.
Another fantastic story from Faith Erin Hicks. Beautiful art. Great character design. But it was the story that really got me. Ash and Sloane are twins who share a love for art. During the summer, they attend an animation class where Douglas Frye, the director of their favorite animated movie, is an instructor. Unfortunately, learning to be an animator isn't everything the girls hoped it would be.
Inbetweens hits at the struggles of being an artist in many ways. Am I good enough? What happens when something I enjoy turns into work? Do I have to create types of art I don't enjoy? What happens when I lose my love of art? It's a love letter to The Iron Giant, Kiki's Delivery Service, and basically all the Disney movies of my childhood.
I wish it had done a bit more to call out Frye's misogyny and racism, but it's supposed to take place in 1999, and we just let those things slide back then.
September 21, 2025
Really loved this one. I don't have an art background, but I have always been fascinated by animation. This was a fun (and sometimes not so fun but insightful) look behind the scenes. Very beautiful showcase of a variety of styles. Maybe I'm imagining something that's not there, but I came away imagining the author put some of a version of herself in each twin. Regardless of if that's true, there's something very real about the characters.
I genuinely started crying at the scene between Nisha and her grandmother. I don't think that's ever happened to me while reading a graphic novel.
Really excellent. This was a great fit for me as a 90s kid who grew up on Disney and Miyazaki. I think artsy kids will like it—there's some real meat to the story (what does it mean to love art? what happens if the thing I love seems to come more naturally to other people?), but it's also a fun story about kids making friends they share interests with at a summer program.
I genuinely started crying at the scene between Nisha and her grandmother. I don't think that's ever happened to me while reading a graphic novel.
Really excellent. This was a great fit for me as a 90s kid who grew up on Disney and Miyazaki. I think artsy kids will like it—there's some real meat to the story (what does it mean to love art? what happens if the thing I love seems to come more naturally to other people?), but it's also a fun story about kids making friends they share interests with at a summer program.
September 22, 2025
** ARC review **
Inbetweens by Faith Erin Hicks is a colorful, heartfelt graphic novel about twin sisters, Sloane and Ash, who spend a summer at art school studying animation. Sloane is the outgoing one who makes friends easily, while Ash is more reserved and a little nervous about meeting new people. As classes begin, the sisters discover new things about themselves and their passions; Sloane starts to rethink her path, while Ash struggles but remains determined to stick with animation.
I really enjoyed how this book not only tells a relatable story about growing up and figuring out who you are, but also gives readers a peek into the world of animation. It also touches on how few girls are in animation programs and how that can make things harder. The graphics and coloring do such a great job of showing the sisters’ emotions and experiences. My students love Hicks’s other graphic novels, and I’m sure this one will be just as big a hit!
Inbetweens by Faith Erin Hicks is a colorful, heartfelt graphic novel about twin sisters, Sloane and Ash, who spend a summer at art school studying animation. Sloane is the outgoing one who makes friends easily, while Ash is more reserved and a little nervous about meeting new people. As classes begin, the sisters discover new things about themselves and their passions; Sloane starts to rethink her path, while Ash struggles but remains determined to stick with animation.
I really enjoyed how this book not only tells a relatable story about growing up and figuring out who you are, but also gives readers a peek into the world of animation. It also touches on how few girls are in animation programs and how that can make things harder. The graphics and coloring do such a great job of showing the sisters’ emotions and experiences. My students love Hicks’s other graphic novels, and I’m sure this one will be just as big a hit!
October 1, 2025
This was just absolutely wonderful. It made me feel similarly to how I felt reading Raina Telgemeier's The Cartoonists Club, which is another graphic novel about being passionate about art, rediscovering why you fell in love with it in the first place, and finding ways to make the process of making things your own. I loved all of this references in this one to 90s animation that I grew up watching and loving, like Kiki's Delivery Service and The Iron Giant. It was so informative about the process of animation, and presented in the information in a way that was interesting even for someone who has never animated anything and doesn't want to do it myself. I appreciate any story that's about carving your own path, and following what you're passionate about regardless of the outside noise from critiques and people who doubt you - even if one of those people is yourself.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for my advanced readers copy of the Inbetweens by Faith Erin Hicks.
This graphic novel was everything. I wish I had this book when I was growing up. It was inspiring that the characters all had different motivations for their passions regarding their art. The storyline also showed that having a passion can become a career or a hobby, it’s up to you to decide. Also it’s just a good story at its core. There’s many different themes and topics covered in this graphic novel, but also it’s about sisters finding their way in the world. I wish the storyline with the side characters were a little more flushed out and detailed. It was heartwarming and of course the illustrations were amazing. If you have a creative streak this book is definitely for you! And if you believe you don’t have a creative bone in your body, I implore you to read this book and discover your own spark.
This graphic novel was everything. I wish I had this book when I was growing up. It was inspiring that the characters all had different motivations for their passions regarding their art. The storyline also showed that having a passion can become a career or a hobby, it’s up to you to decide. Also it’s just a good story at its core. There’s many different themes and topics covered in this graphic novel, but also it’s about sisters finding their way in the world. I wish the storyline with the side characters were a little more flushed out and detailed. It was heartwarming and of course the illustrations were amazing. If you have a creative streak this book is definitely for you! And if you believe you don’t have a creative bone in your body, I implore you to read this book and discover your own spark.
December 10, 2025
The Inbetweens follows twin sisters Ash and Sloane over a summer at their dream animation summer camp. They meet a diverse cast of teachers and students, most of whom have been interesting in art their entire lives just like the twins. The graphic novel is a bit meta in a fun way, analyzing art styles and discussing the value of art as a job vs. a hobby, likely an apt exploration for Hick’s young readers. Readers can also learn about the process behind animation and different art styles. There’s discussion about the value and importance of respecting all art styles, especially those popularized in other countries. The sisters learn about the unfortunate reality behind idealized mentors, the consequences of comparison (especially in their unique twin relationship), and ultimately bond over their experience even though they come to different conclusions. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What a beautiful homage to art and its power to shape and transform us. Twin sisters Sloan and Ash are selected to attend a prestigious summer animation program at a nearby college, where they face juxtaposing challenges. Sloan is naturally talented but somewhat ambivalent about animation while Ash is ambitious and passionate but struggles with doubt and comparison. I absolutely loved the secondary story with Nisha and would love to read a standalone story about her and her grandmother. I really appreciated the kind advice from Ms. Soto in contrast to their idol Mr. Frye's seemingly sexist and dismissive remarks. I would have liked a more concrete confrontation or resolution with Mr. Frye, but overall this was a wonderfully illustrated and compelling middle grade story with a great message and a nostalgic throwback to the 1990s. Now I want to go watch Kiki's Delivery Service on VHS!
July 25, 2025
In-betweens is a moving portrait of growing apart, growing up, and growing into your own art.
The title Inbetweens does heavy lifting, and rightly so. The title—cleverly borrowed from the animation role of “in-betweeners,” those who animate the moments between keyframes—serves as a metaphor for the emotional terrain the book traverses: the liminal spaces between recognition and invisibility, independence and partnership, past and future.
With expressive artwork and pointed dialogue, Hicks captures both the romance and the rot of an era that idolized animation but buried its female architects. Hicks’ experience as both storyteller and illustrator shines in how she frames each moment - beautifully and intricately.
A must read!
The title Inbetweens does heavy lifting, and rightly so. The title—cleverly borrowed from the animation role of “in-betweeners,” those who animate the moments between keyframes—serves as a metaphor for the emotional terrain the book traverses: the liminal spaces between recognition and invisibility, independence and partnership, past and future.
With expressive artwork and pointed dialogue, Hicks captures both the romance and the rot of an era that idolized animation but buried its female architects. Hicks’ experience as both storyteller and illustrator shines in how she frames each moment - beautifully and intricately.
A must read!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and FirstSecond for providing access to an eARC of this title in exchange for my honest review.
Twins Ash and Sloane have aspired to become animators ever since they experienced Disney's Magic of Animation ride in fourth grade. This summer, they will have the opportunity to test their skills at an animation college-sponsored summer program. Upon arrival on the first day, they notice that there are few girls in attendance. As the weeks progress, they learn that heroes are not always what they appear to be from a distance.
I greatly enjoyed this book. The twins' struggles are relatable, and the illustrations are exceptional. I will definitely be purchasing this for my students.
Content Warnings: Racism, Sexism, Dementia
Twins Ash and Sloane have aspired to become animators ever since they experienced Disney's Magic of Animation ride in fourth grade. This summer, they will have the opportunity to test their skills at an animation college-sponsored summer program. Upon arrival on the first day, they notice that there are few girls in attendance. As the weeks progress, they learn that heroes are not always what they appear to be from a distance.
I greatly enjoyed this book. The twins' struggles are relatable, and the illustrations are exceptional. I will definitely be purchasing this for my students.
Content Warnings: Racism, Sexism, Dementia
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I found Inbetweens to be an interesting read. While it addressed a few topics I've read in teen literature a time or two (unacknowledged sexism, finding your place in a new friend group) I enjoyed more the topic of how to navigate the change between hobby and career. Many kids pick up hobbies as younger children, and everyone, from teachers to family, becomes so invested in supporting this interest, that it can be hard to change direction. The twins in this book offer the reader multiple examples of how to deal with this issue. Inbetweens also gives a nice depiction of what happens when our heroes don't live up to the name. The art is well done, particularly in conveying feeling through facial expressions, and in the animation sequences.
August 13, 2025
four and a half stars.
so so so good!
i loved the plot, and how some of the drawing bits were shown. it was fun to have them be sisters and have one of the film teachers be kinda mean. i wish they had faced him though, and told him he was mean directly. i also wish that we could have seen some of the other teachers lessons. and the plot with one of the teachers discriminating against one of the studensts felt unfinished. that plot could have gone so many good places, but it just ended.
but the drawings were beautiful and i just loved it in general. so good!
thanks to netgalley and the publisher for letting me read it in advance!
so so so good!
i loved the plot, and how some of the drawing bits were shown. it was fun to have them be sisters and have one of the film teachers be kinda mean. i wish they had faced him though, and told him he was mean directly. i also wish that we could have seen some of the other teachers lessons. and the plot with one of the teachers discriminating against one of the studensts felt unfinished. that plot could have gone so many good places, but it just ended.
but the drawings were beautiful and i just loved it in general. so good!
thanks to netgalley and the publisher for letting me read it in advance!
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