Graphic Novel Review: Trespassers by Breena Bard

Posted on March 2, 2021 at 10:12 am by Gene Ambaum

Trespassers by Breena Bard. Scholastic, 2020. 9781338264210. 256pp.

Gabby is in eighth grade and she loves reading mysteries. Her family takes a week-long trip to the lake cabin her mom grew up visiting. In addition to their long-time neighbor there, Gene, they have new neighbors, the Martins. Their kids Paige and Brian are the same age as Gabby and her little brother Simon, and Gabby’s parents seem determined that they all become friends. (It seems unlikely because Paige is irritating and sarcastic, and Brian carries a lighter to use for his illegal fireworks.)

Gabby’s favorite place on the lake, a beautiful, fancy house where no on lives. It was built by an architect for his wife as their ideal home, but then they disappeared. It’s the lake’s mystery. When the kids wander past together, they break the law and go in.

With some encouragement from her mom, Gabby starts writing the a story based on the mystery, and she and Paige start working together to figure out (or just make up) what happened. Their imaginations run wild, leading them to more trespassing plus lying to their parents. The story they start to spin (and maybe believe) is a bit crazy, but it’s a great way to spend a week.