Author(s): Tillie Walden

Children's & YA Graphic | Young Adult | Social Issues & Relationships | Children's book sale

Bea is on the run.And then, she runs into Lou.The duo embarks on a long drive to nowhere, but strange happenings--some whimsical, some terrifying--seem to follow them no matter where they go. Bea and Lou are both looking for something on the road, and the journey itself may turn out to be exactly what they need.This magical realistic adventure is rich with suspense and heartbreak; startling revelations about betrayal, sexual assault, and death; and exquisite examples of deeply human connections that will stay with readers long after the final gorgeously illustrated page.

Review:

"Combining dreamily gorgeous artwork and lyrical, sophisticated storytelling, 23-year-old Eisner award-winning graphic novelist Tillie Walden has emerged as a master of her craft." --O, the Oprah Magazine

"Delicate and emotional and inspiring." --The Comics Beat

"Equal parts paranoid tension and quiet wonder . . . A nuanced portrayal of the connection between Bea and Lou." --Publishers Weekly

"Walden's subtle writing and art lend an air of mystery, and manga-esque character designs and detailed backgrounds provide generous helpings of atmosphere . . . The narrative offers no easy solutions, but the reader is still left feeling hopeful and, perhaps, a little healed." --Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, starred review

"Walden is up to her usual visual tricks in her latest, with intriguingly layered, intricately detailed images in rich, warm, sunset colors that lack concrete realism but cultivate powerful atmosphere . . . A moving story of recovery and resilience." --Booklist, starred review

Walden crafts a story rich in metaphor about two gay women on a journey through trauma and grief...A tsunami of emotions--sharp and heavy. --Kirkus

"Walden deftly explores weighty subjects within the deceptively simple road trip narrative . . . the combination of real-life trauma with magical realism makes this tale of queer friendship, healing, and rebuilding in the wake of pain and anguish an important addition to collections." --School Library Journal

Walden crafts another graphic novel exploring themes of trauma, healing, identity, and chosen family...like the illustrations, the protagonists' reality is shaped by their emotions, and by book's end each has had space to process some of her pain. --Horn Book

"With its spectacular art and original storytelling, Are You Listening? is a profound and magical road trip through a surreal landscape with two characters--and one special cat--who will break your heart." --Laura Ruby, author of National Book Award Finalist Bone Gap

Author Biography: Tillie Walden is a cartoonist and illustrator from Austin, Texas. She is a graduate of the Center for Cartoon Studies and is the creator of several graphic novels, including her memoir Spinning and the sci-fi epic On a Sunbeam. Her accolades include an Eisner Award for Spinning, three Eisner nominations, and two Ignatz Awards. She currently lives in Los Angeles.