Book Review: “Teacher’s Pet” from “The House on Horse Mountain” by Jason Li

Teacher’s Pet by Jason Li (2017)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Non-fiction, Graphic Memoir

Page Length: 40 pages (electronic review copy)

Synopsis: The teacher’s favorite finally gets into trouble at school. A graphic novel about growing up in the bygone Hong Kong of the 1960s. It follows the story of Ann, a diligent but clumsy young girl, as she runs chores around town, gets into trouble at school, and tries to win her parents’ approval. Based on my mother’s stories about her childhood. Set in 1960s Hong Kong and based on Li’s mother’s stories about her childhood.

Review:

Teacher’s Pet is a delightful tale (the second chapter) from Li’s book The House on Horse Mountain. It follows the story of Ann who is the class leader and runs around not only doing chores for teachers in the school but also keeping the other students in line. Ann is so focused on getting good grades, impressing her teachers, and keeping up a good image that she fails to take care of herself. She wants to be the best student as possible and when her teachers try to give her solid life advice it goes one ear in out the other until consequences occur.

As a standalone chapter, it moves pretty quickly and is fun to read. I did like the overall message of the story which is relatable to kids and adults. But it was a bit lacking for me since I wanted to know more about Ann and how she rose up to the class leader status and see more interaction with her younger sisters and peers. I do realize this story is part of a larger collection though and I am definitely interested in reading the rest of the book and seeing more of Ann’s stories.

I enjoyed the artwork as well! The vibrant colors made the story come to life and the drawing style is simplistic but cute. It reminded me of another favorite graphic novel, American Born Chinese.

Final Verdict:

If you enjoy graphic memoirs like me, check out this book!