Page by Paige by Laura Lee Gulledge
I picked up a graphic novel called PAGE BY PAIGE at the Baltimore Comic Convention a few weeks ago, and I finally had a chance to read it while on vacation last week. It’s a coming of age story written and illustrated by Laura Lee Gulledge. The artwork is whimsical and fun, and the layouts are beautiful. It was the story, however, that caused me to drop the $10 for the trade paperback.
PAGE BY PAIGE is the story of Paige Turner, a shy redhead with a Jane Eyre complex who moves from the Virginia countryside to New York City. Paige is a talented artist, and when she arrives in her new hometown, she purchases a sketch book and attempts to use it as a means to overcome her fears and weaknesses. Along the way she is adopted by a group of artsy friends who embrace Paige’s efforts to come out of her shell. She also has to work through some issues with her parents–your typical teenager/parent disconnect, but this was handled in a pleasing manner.
This book would have fit well into DC’s old Minx imprint, but alas, that endeavor is long gone. I think this would appeal quite a bit to the female audience, but even as a male, I enjoyed it. The conflicts are all internal, and the story is sweet, but not syrupy. I hope to see some more comics work from Laura Lee in the future. She has a unique talent and a great eye for layout.
I read Page by Paige too when it first arrived at our store a few months ago. I also enjoyed the story and art. It struck me as something I would have ADORED when I was sixteen or seventeen, because I was a lot like Paige. Now that I’ve been out of high school for 8 years, it’s not *as* relatable, but I still think it’s a great story.
It really makes me wish there was a special section in the story for stuff that teen and young adult oriented. It’s the type of book I’d love to see get into the hands of someone it might really affect at that time in their lives.
Make it so…