Re-Gifters (Minx Books)
*Starred Review* Well-developed characters, plot, and setting make this graphic novel a standout for both dedicated comics readers and those less eager to explore titles in the format. Korean American teenager Dixie and her best friend, Avril, practice hapkido, a martial art. There is a big hapkido tournament coming up in their South Central Los Angeles neighborhood, but Dixie, who has a firey disposition, loses her focus when she develops a crush on another teen hapkido artist, Adam. She spends her contest entry fee on an exorbitant gift for him and then realizes that he has no romantic interest in her. When Dixie attempts to win a free spot in the tournament at a neighborhood (library-centered!) competition, the other contestants, who are rougher street kids, disparage her efforts. Plot twists, which are both credible and nicely paced, include a falling out between Dixie and Avril, an accident that provides Dixie with an entry ticket to the big event, vengeance on Adam, and a new flame for Dixie. The black-and-white artwork is bouncy and pops with expressive faces, postures, and martial arts moves. This story works visually and as a sound narrative where action, romance, and introspection combine in an enjoyable and realistically multiethnic whole. Goldsmith, Francisca