RAINBOW! VOLUME 2

Picking up where the series opener left off, this graphic novel sequel finds Boo Meadows still dealing with her absent mother, who struggles with addiction, and her lack of a caring home environment.

Although her issues continue unabated, caring people in Boo’s life, including her boss, Clarice, her co-worker Milo, and her love interest, Mimi, are beginning to be aware of her dire straits. Bolstered by their support, Boo is finally able to chart a course that leads her away from her desperate situation and into a world that matches the optimism of her imagination, an aspect of her character that’s made plainly visible in the illustrations. When things reach a breaking point at home, Boo turns to Clarice, who takes on a motherly role in her life. In contrast to the almost unbearably terrible realities of Boo’s life, the happy ending may strike some readers as almost too perfect. Fans of the first book may enjoy this work, which covers issues including addiction, parental neglect and abuse, and queer-bashing. It's a quick, easy-to-devour read, but it unfortunately lacks emotional depth and forward momentum. The appealing, uncluttered artwork is executed mostly in shades of pink, mint green, and purple. Boo is shown in a body-positive way as a fat girl with stretch marks. She and Clarice present white, Mimi is cued Latine, and brown-skinned Milo is trans.

Largely unmemorable, offering an onslaught of trauma with light at the end of the tunnel.