From Archie to Zack: A Picture Book - Hardcover

Kirsch, Vincent X.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1419743678 ISBN 13: 9781419743672

Publisher: Harry N. Abrams, 2020

Synopsis

Author-illustrator Vincent X. Kirsch’s picture book From Archie to Zack is an unapologetic celebration of friendship and first crushes.

“Archie loves Zack!”
“Zack loves Archie!”
Everyone said it was so.

But Archie hasn’t told Zack yet. And Zack hasn’t told Archie. They spend just about every minute together: walking to and from school, doing science and art projects, practicing for marching band, learning to ride bikes, and so much more.

Over the course of a few months, Archie tries to write a letter to Zack to tell him how he feels—from A to Z. None of his drafts sound quite right, so he hides them all away. One by one, Archie’s friends (Zelda, Zinnia, and Zuzella) find the letters . . . but they know exactly whom they’re meant for.

This picture book from Vincent X. Kirsch celebrates young, queer love in a whimsical, kid-friendly way.

“A pure and perfect capture of first love.” —School Library Journal (Starred Review)

About this title

About the Author

Vincent X. Kirsch is an author, illustrator, playwright, and designer. He is the author/illustrator of books for children, including How I Learned to Fall Out of Trees and Natalie & Naughtily. He lives in Beverly Hills, California.

Reviews

Gr 2-4-In one of the most heartfelt books of the season, Kirsch clearly captures the shy trepidation of revealing one's love to one's crush in a colorful, animated story of two young boys, one white, one Black, who treasure their friendship. An elementary age boy, Archie, tries to express his feelings toward his best friend, Zack, in handwritten letters addressed from "A" to "Z," but hides them away because he fears they do not sound just right. When his classmates find the letters, they kindly give them to Zack to read, signaling a quiet encouragement for the two boys to share their mutual feelings with each other. The book shapes a narrative that holds certain specificity regarding young, queer love; parents of a child who feels isolated or pressured by feelings of love would appreciate this book for the model it presents in the strength of the boys' friendship and the ease of openness encouraged by their community. The watercolor and colored pencil illustrations are delightful, with constant action and sharp, inked outlines detailing the outdoor and indoor fun the two boys share as seasons go by. The constancy of Archie and Zack's togetherness is easily recognizable through many brightly colored scenes depicting their utter mutual happiness. VERDICT A pure and perfect capture of first love, joyful and painful in the worries and doubt; the love on the page is so vivid it raises goosebumps of veracity and provides parents with a model to share with any child in the throes of a lasting crush.-Rachel Mulligan, Pennsylvania State Univ.α(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Edition details

• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
• Publication date: 2020
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1419743678
• ISBN 13: 9781419743672
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 40