A parent might reach for this book when their teen, especially one with sisters, is beginning to test boundaries and navigate the complex social world of adolescence. The Zabime Sisters follows three sisters over a single, pivotal day at the start of summer vacation in Guadeloupe. The graphic novel realistically portrays their arguments, their loyalty, and their individual struggles with peer pressure, first crushes, and the desire for independence. It touches on challenging topics like underage drinking and fighting in a way that feels authentic, not preachy. For teens 13 and up, it’s a beautifully illustrated, culturally rich story that opens the door for conversations about choices, consequences, and the unbreakable, if sometimes strained, bond of family.
A key scene involves teens drinking rum; one character gets drunk and sick.
Moral AmbiguityMild
A main character shoplifts an item and doesn't face immediate consequences.
Sensitive Topics
The book addresses underage drinking, peer pressure, petty theft, and mild violence (a schoolyard fight). The approach is direct and realistic, portraying the events as a part of the characters' lives without explicit moralizing from the author. The resolution is ambiguous and true to the slice-of-life genre; the day ends, but the underlying tensions and challenges of growing up remain. The story is secular and focuses on the interpersonal and internal struggles of the sisters.
Ideal Reader
A 13- to 15-year-old who is navigating the complexities of sibling relationships, especially sisterhood. This is perfect for a reader who feels the push and pull of wanting independence while still being tied to their family. It would also resonate with a teen who is witnessing friends or siblings make questionable choices and is trying to figure out their own moral compass.
Parent Prep
Parents should preview the scenes involving the fistfight (pages 28-33), the shoplifting (pages 56-57), and the teens drinking rum (pages 74-84). The book can be read cold, but parents may want to be prepared to discuss these specific events, focusing on motivation and consequences rather than just judgment. A brief explanation of Guadeloupe's cultural context (a French Caribbean island) could enrich the reading experience, but is not essential. A parent has overheard their teen talking about a party where there might be alcohol, or has noticed a shift in their child's behavior, perhaps becoming more secretive or defiant. They might also be dealing with escalating sibling rivalry as their children enter different stages of adolescence and crave their own separate identities.
Age Experience
A younger reader (13-14) will likely be drawn to the surface-level drama: the fight, the stolen dress, the illicit drinking. They will relate to the feelings of wanting to be seen as more grown-up. An older teen (15-17) is more likely to appreciate the nuanced character work, the cultural specificity, the subtext in the sisters' interactions, and the book's quiet, observational tone. They might interpret Elle’s actions less as simple rebellion and more as a search for identity.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many YA graphic novels that focus on a single dramatic plot, this book's power lies in its slice-of-life realism and strong sense of place. The setting of Guadeloupe is not just a backdrop; it's a character in the story, influencing the dialogue (a glossary of Creole terms is included) and the atmosphere. The loose, expressive, monochromatic art with a single spot color (yellow) gives it a unique, art-house feel that stands out from more mainstream comics.
Read plot summary
On the first day of summer vacation on the island of Guadeloupe, three teenaged sisters navigate their newfound freedom. M'Rose, the eldest, deals with her budding romantic interests and her sense of responsibility. Elle, the rebellious middle child, gets into a fistfight at school, shoplifts, and experiments with alcohol with her friends. Célina, the youngest, quietly observes the dramas of her older siblings. The narrative unfolds over a single day, exploring the complex dynamics of their sisterhood against a backdrop of everyday adolescent challenges.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Elle gets into a fight and steals a dress. Do you think she does these things because she's a 'bad kid,' or are there other reasons? What do you think she's trying to prove?
2
M'Rose is the oldest sister and seems to feel responsible for Elle and Célina. How does this responsibility affect her own actions and her enjoyment of the first day of vacation?
3
At the end of the book, the sisters are together on the beach, and M'Rose puts her arm around Elle. What do you think this moment says about their relationship after the difficult day they've had?
4
The story is set in Guadeloupe, and the characters sometimes use Creole words. How does this specific setting make the story different from a similar story set in your own town?
