BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA:
Lyga, Barry. 2006. THE ASTONISHING ADVENTURES OF FANBOY AND GOTH GIRL. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 9780618723928
CRITICAL ANALYSIS:
Donnie is an outsider at school whose only joy in life comes from reading and creating his own graphic novel, “Schemata.” With a turbulent relationship with his stepfather, “the step-fascist,” and only one real friend since he moved away with his mother after his parents’ divorce, Donnie struggles daily to find where he fits in life. Donnie’s one friend is Cal, a “jock”, who shares Donnie’s love for comic books and graphic novels. However, since Donnie and Cal are in different leagues socially, their relationship is somewhat strained as Cal is torn between his popular friends and lifestyle and friendship with Donnie. Donnie is beaten up often at school, and this bullying clearly takes an emotional toll on him as he carries a bullet around with him as a sort of security blanket. However, Donnie finds his life taking an interesting turn when he meets Kyra, a wild girl who lives dangerously and shares Donnie’s love of comics and graphic novels. Kyra, or “Goth Girl,” refers to Donnie as “Fanboy,” and the pair finds that despite their differences, they have a lot in common, such as trouble fitting in and problems at home. Donnie’s relationship with Kyra is confused and sometimes tense, but he enjoys being around her as she gives him a newfound sense of confidence in himself. Donnie’s confidence increases so much that he stands up for himself against a bully and the school principal and finds that he doesn’t need to carry the bullet as much after meeting Kyra. Young adults will easily relate to the realistic characters portrayed here, and the theme of struggling to fit in will undoubtedly resonate with all readers. The shocking and sometimes hilarious antics of the characters, such as Kyra flashing the idolized comic book writer who ends up being a jerk in real life, will certainly entertain and appeal to the target audience. The comic theme, which is infused into the storyline throughout the book, will easily draw fans of comic books and graphic novels into the novel. At times, the subject matter is dark, such as Donnie’s violent daydreams, his depressive moods, and Kyra’s suicidal thoughts, but the darkness is cleverly balanced with a believable message of hope. The story is a bit of an emotional roller coaster as it twists from being both funny and sad, often at the same time. For all of its twists and turns and harsh realities mixed with hope, THE ASTONISHING ADVENTURES OF FANBOY AND GOTH GIRL is certainly a roller coaster ride worth taking.
CONNECTIONS:
If students enjoy THE ASTONISHING ADVENTURES OF FANBOY AND GOTH GIRL, recommend the continuation of the storyline by Barry Lyga, GOTH GIRL RISING (2009).
Since Donnie is obsessed with comic books and graphic novels, pair this story with a variety of graphic novels to spark students’ interest. Or, create a graphic novel display in the library after reading and discussing THE ASTONISHING ADVENTURES OF FANBOY AND GOTH GIRL.
This novel raises some serious concerns regarding school violence, bullying, and suicidal thoughts. Open up a discussion with students regarding these heavy topics after reading the story, allowing students to share their thoughts openly.
REVIEWS AND AWARDS:
From BOOKLIST (September 2006):
“Fanboy's whip-smart, often hilariously sarcastic voice skillfully captures a teenager's growing self-awareness, and adds a fresh, urgent perspective to age-old questions about how young people cope with bullying and their own feelings of helplessness, rage, and being misunderstood as they try to discover themselves.”
From SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL starred (November 2006):
“Lyga looks at how teens are pushed to their limits by society. Though he toys with such concepts as teen suicide and Columbine-like violence, the novel never turns tragic. His love of comics carries over into all three teen characters, breathing animation into a potentially sad but often funny story. This is a great bridge book for teens who already like graphic novels.”
From LIBRARY MEDIA CONNECTION (April/May 2007):
“This novel will strike a timely chord with any student who feels bullied or ostracized.”
Wilson’s Junior High School
Wilson’s Senior High School
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