Inbetweens by Faith Erin Hicks. First Second, 2026. 9781250838759. 240pp. Includes a bibliography of animated movies referred to in the book, plus a page of sketches and concept art.
High school-age twins Ash (short, dark hair) and Sloane (longer, red hair) are going to spend their summer at Canada’s most prestigious animation school. They’ve been dreaming about becoming animators since going on the Magic of Animation ride at Disney World when they were little. Ash is super excited! But Sloane has a few reservations, especially about their first day. They do quickly make a few friends, and Ash even meets legendary animator Douglas Frye, one of her heroes. When they’re working on their first assignment, it’s all a bit too intense for Ash; luckily, Sloane is there for her. Which is good because Frye is a huge jerk and a terrible teacher. They do have a teacher who clearly cares, and who has made it through some BS herself while working in animation. And of course, in the end, they have each other. (The ending of the book is perfect.)
Hicks is one of my favorite graphic novelists, and one of my daughter’s favorites, too. This is going to be a perfect gift for them!
