Ditching Saskia
Age 13+
Comic Strip Fiction / Graphic Novels
A heart-warming, supernatural slice-of-life graphic novel that gently weaves together tough, everyday themes of identity, grief, and accepting flaws in those we love the most.
Living with his grandfather and struggling in a new high school, Damian decides to summon his mother’s ghost so he can talk things out – but he blows it and summons Saskia, a scruffy, annoying kid. Trying to settle into his new life, Damian doesn’t need her hanging around trying to ‘help’ him with his crush – but Saskia’s suffering too, and everything they’re both hiding deep down might be just what they both need to get some peace. John Moore and Neetols paint a sweet and hilarious tale of young love amid grief, where someone’s flaws might be the reason you love them the most.
Creators
John Moore grew up exploring the creaky woods of Hertfordshire and studied at the University of Sussex where he developed his socially conscious writing style. Subjects such as grief, mental health, childhood and family are core themes in his work which he often tries to examine with humour. He has been awarded places on programmes run by the likes of BBC Writersroom, Papatango Theatre Company, Screen Arts Institute and Working Title. In 2021, John was also selected for the VAULT Festival New Writers Programme.
Neetols (they/them) is a graphic designer and illustrator born and raised in Manila, Philippines, where they reside still. They have worked in advertising and the non-profit sector where they realized their interest in narrative art and illustrating genuine human connections. They are inspired by classic manga, mid-century packaging design, old gig posters, and slice-of-life movies.
Reviews
Ditching Saskia is a cozy yet touching graphic novel that blends teenage struggles with a touch of the supernatural….The art style – moody greys with pops of gold – perfectly sets the tone, balancing humour and heartache. Getting tender emotions into a graphic novel isn’t always easy but Ditching Saskia manages to do so.
TSL (The School Librarian Quarterly) Review
What we all wouldn’t give to resurrect a lost one, even to spend just a few days with them? In Damian’s world you can, but one small hiccup is he ends up bringing back not his mom but a young dead girl. This story is all about the unexpected ways life gives us the answers we need. Themes of belonging, loss, guilt and abandonment and yet so much hope in the messiness. Perfect for fall and Studio Ghibli fans!
The Southern Bookseller Review
A lonely outsider who lives with his grandfather, Damian saves up for a Spirit Flower to summon his mother’s ghost, but mistakenly calls up Saskia, an irritating, nosy nine-year-old he’s now stuck with until the Spirit Flower wilts. Saskia’s antics push Damian into the spotlight at school, but there’s a mystery surrounding the secretive little ghost. Can he help her solve it, while finding his own niche? A tender, touching 12+ graphic novel about loss, identity and acceptance.
The Guardian
