Pick of the Week: Calvin by Martine Leavitt

Calvin was born on the day that the last Calvin and Hobbes comic was released. In many ways, his entire life has been linked with Calvin and Hobbes—his grandfather gave him a stuffed tiger name Hobbes when he was born, the girl who lives two houses down is Suzy, the coincidences continue to stack up. Now, Calvin is 17 and recently diagnosed with schizophrenia. He can hear and see glimpses of his old buddy, Hobbes. Calvin hasn’t completed his English or science project—he is very intelligent, but not so good with homework and projects. Calvin’s life seems to be coming apart at the seams, and the only way he can think of to know that he will be okay is if Bill Watterson draws one more Calvin and Hobbes comic when Calvin is 17, happy, and without Hobbes. Calvin must prove his need for this particular comic in order to draw Watterson out of retirement, so he, Hobbes, and Suzy set off on a trek across Lake Erie.

Calvin is written as a letter to Bill Watterson from Calvin explaining how everything happened. Leavitt’s Calvin is an interesting, insightful, and poignant look at teenage mental illness and coming-of-age. Knowledge of the Calvin and Hobbes comic isn’t necessary to enjoy this romp in the snow, but it definitely adds to the humor. Often the conversations between Calvin and Hobbes are quite reminiscent of reading one of the comics. It is the perfect time to read about a trek in the snow with Calvin and Hobbes; check Calvin out today!