Firebird by Sunmi is a two-color graphic novel that tells the story of Caroline and Kim, two girls who meet in tutoring and become friends… and then fall for each other. Caroline is generally withdrawn and easily flustered, but a serious and high-achieving student with a few close friends. Kim is outgoing, glib, friends with everyone, and failing Algebra 2. Again. Unless Caroline can help.
The girls’ relationship is sweet. It begins from a place of trust, albeit with a dash of boredom as Caroline first reaches out to Kim when she’s not sure who else to text. But it’s clear right away that they connect. Kim’s joking might turn Caroline into a desperate cartoon character on a panel or two, but it’s well meant and ultimately shared between the girls. The story is more about their friendship than the relationship that comes of it—and Sunmi doesn’t skimp on the pining, either!
Outside of Caroline and Kim is a group of side characters from the delightful to the achingly relatable. They both struggle to be open with their parents, whether about sexuality, body image, or other matters. Caroline has a loving if distant relationship to her much older sister, while Kim helps look after her younger siblings. Both joke with their friends and lean on them for advice about life, relationships, and in Caroline’s case, makeup and gender identity.
This is a quiet book in many ways. It’s realistic and highlights small moments in ordinary lives. My favorite scene was easily the one in which Caroline and Kim shop for prom outfits together. They both try some wild ones, from the fluffiest dresses to a suit of clashing patterns, and explore what feels right. And that’s the sort of thing you can expect in Firebird. If sweet moments, realistic challenges, and a positive but not perfect ending sound right for you, check out this graphic novel for yourself.
