Making Scents by Arthur Yorinks

Here is another graphic novel that got starred reviews. Mickey's parents have a business as blood hound handlers, and Mickey is raised to treat the dogs as his brothers.  He struggles at first to keep up, and because his sense of smell isn't as good as his dog brothers, but eventually he learns to track smells pretty well. When his parents die suddenly he is sent to live with an aunt and uncle who do not like dogs.  His uncle especially does not like or trust children, and Mickey's oddities make it even harder for them to get along.

This looks like a silly graphic novel from the outside, but actually deals with serious issues of loss and mourning, and questions of learning to accept people as they are.  Mickey's relationship with his parents, aunt and uncle are complicated and, in a way, authentic.  It is Mickey's willingness to keep on trying when relationships are hard that makes him an endearing character and this a worthwhile graphic novel. (99 p.)