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In this heartfelt and often-funny memoir, author Sonya Ballantyne gives us a look at her younger self’s diary and inner life as she struggles to find herself in the pop culture she loves.
Before she was a successful writer, Sonya Ballantyne was just another kid growing up on the rez, searching for her place in the world. Her love of comics, fantasy novels, movies, and all things geeky helped her understand her life at school, her relationships with her family, and her identity. But growing up wasn’t easy and Sonya faced racism and bullying at school. Sonya takes the lessons from superhero comics to be brave in the face of adversity, to grow from strife, and to keep pushing forward towards her dreams. How did she find her way to the other side and live to tell the tale?
The Unbeatable Sonya Ballantyne will appeal to younger teens, especially those who rarely see themselves in graphic novels. The story manages to be both specific and broadly relatable for those who feel isolated or invisible. The darker themes in the book are something to be aware of, but do not overwhelm what is ultimately a story of triumph over obstacles as Sonya proves her detractors wrong.
— Allison Mills
This story provides a collection of reflections that span the course of [Sonya’s] childhood, and dispenses various nuggets of wisdom [Sonya’s] picked up along the way for the benefit of younger readers. The Unbeatable Sonya Ballantyne has bold line work and vivid color throughout. Despite some heavy subject matter, the art carries a lot of energy.
— Andrew Irvin
The Unbeatable Sonya Ballantyne follows a young girl determined to overcome racism, bullying, and self-doubt on her way to finding her strength.
— Shari Narine
[Sonya Ballantyne] finds a way to make her anger her superpower, becoming an activist, finishing high school, going to university, and never limiting herself as others might. Because The Unbeatable Sonya Ballantyne is a graphic novel, the art gives much of the story, supporting it with visuals of Sonya's real life and that of her superhero alter ego. These graphic elements enhance the storytelling...while making us want to know more.
— Helen K