We all know it’s hard to go somewhere new. But sometimes it’s harder to be left behind.
In Colleen AF Venable’s Katie the Catsitter, Katie’s best friend leaves for a summer camp that Katie can’t afford. Determined to get a job and earn the money for camp, she starts watching a neighbor’s numerous cats—cats with strange skills. And as Katie catsits, she notices unusual connections between her neighbor and the Mouseling, a villain who prowls the city at night.
This graphic novel wears many spots. It’s a superhero mystery set in an alternate version of New York City and has themes of change, friendship, and animal rights. But while the mystery was interesting and animal lovers might like the championing of animals (pretty minor—used to justify the Mouseling’s actions, making her a hero rather than a villain), I was primarily drawn in to this book by Katie’s growth.
I think so many of us can relate to watching a friend grow or move away, while we seem to be “stuck” in our situation no matter what we do. It’s not a theme I’ve seen as much, so it stood out. And I loved Katie’s perseverance in her circumstances and her ultimate discovery that she could be content right where she was at.
Bottom Line: Katie the Catsitter is a graphic novel about dealing with change. Upper elementary and middle schoolers will enjoy the fast-paced superhero mystery and connect to Katie’s struggles being left behind as her friend goes to camp. For those who want to be aware of any sensitive personal, social, or political issues, this book brought up animal rights issues (for example, showing a neighbor leading a rally for the maltreatment of horses) and Katie deals with not having as much money as her best friend’s family. Both issues took a back seat to the main themes of friendship, perseverance, being okay with change.