• Age: 7 to 10
• Grade: 2 to 5

A stunningly illustrated graphic novel about feeling vulnerable and struggling to meet expectations, and about friendship and the power of the imagination.

Almost every day, Adrian goes to school with knots in his stomach. He feels different from the other children, and alone. Whenever the teacher calls on him, his heart starts to pound and time stops. But he finds respite in his rich imagination — a world full of color and joy in which he is a circus performer, capable of spectacular feats.

One day Adrian encounters a huge wolfhound that seems to be lost. He names her Heidi, takes her home, and soon the two of them are inseparable. Heidi’s comforting presence provides friendship and tranquility, and even enables Adrian to read aloud in front of the class. This brief period of happiness ends when Heidi is reunited with her owner and Adrian finds himself alone again … until a chance meeting leads to a heartwarming discovery.

Key Text Features
table of contents
comic
speech bubbles
map

Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.3.7
Explain how specific aspects of a text's illustrations contribute to what is conveyed by the words in a story (e.g., create mood, emphasize aspects of a character or setting)

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.4.7
Make connections between the text of a story or drama and a visual or oral presentation of the text, identifying where each version reflects specific descriptions and directions in the text.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.5.7
Analyze how visual and multimedia elements contribute to the meaning, tone, or beauty of a text (e.g., graphic novel, multimedia presentation of fiction, folktale, myth, poem).

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.2
Determine a theme or central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through particular details; provide a summary of the text distinct from personal opinions or judgments.

Helena Öberg's profile page

KRISTIN LIDSTRÖM is an illustrator and designer with a Master of Fine Arts from HDK — Academy of Design and Crafts, University of Gothenburg. She and author Helena Öberg were nominated for Sweden’s August Prize for the original edition of Your Turn, Adrian. Kristin lives in Gothenburg.

Kristin Lidström's profile page

Eva Apelqvist's profile page

The minimal text and particular plot twists will garner appreciation from struggling readers; endearing characters and a fresh design will attract many more.

Kirkus Reviews

Öberg and Lidström present an expressionistic story about confidence and connection told in a distinctive visual and narrative style. . . . Throughout this affecting and sensitively told story, wordless sections emphasize mood. . . . these fantastic, dreamlike sequences offer glimpses into Adrian’s blossoming inner life.

Horn Book