Kiss Number 8 is a 2019 graphic novel by Colleen AF Venable and Ellen T. Crenshaw, exploring teen sexuality, family secrets, and self-discovery. A free PDF is available online.
1.1 Overview of the Graphic Novel
Kiss Number 8, written by Colleen AF Venable and illustrated by Ellen T. Crenshaw, is a 2019 graphic novel that delves into themes of teen sexuality, family secrets, and self-discovery. The story follows Amanda (Mads), a teenager navigating her relationships and identity. Blending humor with poignant moments, the novel offers a heartfelt exploration of growing up. Published by First Second Books, it has gained recognition for its authentic portrayal of adolescence and LGBTQ+ experiences, making it a relatable and impactful read for young adults.
1.2 Importance of the Title “Kiss Number 8”
The title Kiss Number 8 signifies Amanda’s journey through her first eight kisses, with the eighth being a pivotal moment of self-discovery and revelation. This kiss represents a shift in her understanding of her identity and relationships, encapsulating the novel’s themes of teenage sexuality and personal growth. The title’s specificity and numerical structure intrigue readers, highlighting the significance of each kiss as a stepping stone in Amanda’s life, ultimately leading to a profound transformation that defines her character and the story’s essence.
Authors and Publication Details
Kiss Number 8 was published in 2019 by First Second Books. The graphic novel is written by Colleen AF Venable and illustrated by Ellen T. Crenshaw.
2.1 Colleen A. F. Venable (Writer)
Colleen AF Venable is a celebrated author known for her work in graphic novels. She wrote Kiss Number 8, which was nominated for the National Book Award in 2019. Her storytelling often delves into themes of identity and coming-of-age, making her work resonate with young adult readers. Venable’s writing is praised for its authenticity and emotional depth, which are central to the narrative of Amanda’s journey in Kiss Number 8.
2.2 Ellen T. Crenshaw (Illustrator)
Ellen T. Crenshaw is the talented illustrator behind Kiss Number 8. Her vibrant artwork brings depth and emotion to the story, complementing Colleen AF Venable’s writing. Crenshaw’s visuals capture the complexity of Amanda’s journey, making the graphic novel visually engaging. Her collaboration with Venable earned the book critical acclaim, including finalist positions for the Eisner and Prism Awards. Crenshaw’s artistic style is integral to the narrative’s impact, enhancing its themes of identity and self-discovery.
2.3 Publication by First Second Books
First Second Books published Kiss Number 8 in 2019, bringing the graphic novel to a wide audience. Known for supporting innovative storytelling, First Second played a pivotal role in the book’s success. The publisher’s commitment to quality ensured the novel’s artistic and narrative excellence. Kiss Number 8 became a National Book Award nominee and Eisner finalist under their banner, solidifying its place in contemporary graphic literature. The PDF version is widely available for readers seeking digital access.
Plot Summary
Kiss Number 8 follows Amanda, a teen navigating relationships, family secrets, and self-discovery. The story explores her journey through humor, heartache, and profound moments of growth, culminating in unexpected truths.
3.1 Main Character Amanda (Mads)
Amanda, or Mads, is the relatable protagonist of Kiss Number 8. Her life appears idyllic—attending church with her family and enjoying minor league baseball with her dad. However, beneath the surface, Mads harbors a secret that adds complexity to her character. Her journey through high school is filled with humor, heartache, and self-discovery, making her a compelling and authentic teen figure in the story. Readers connect with her as she navigates the challenges of adolescence and uncovers hidden truths about herself and her family. The graphic novel captures her evolution from a carefree teen to someone grappling with deeper emotions and relationships, showcasing her resilience and growth. Mads’ story is both personal and universal, resonating with young adults who face similar struggles with identity and belonging. The novel’s portrayal of her internal conflicts and external pressures highlights the intricacies of teenage life, making her a memorable and endearing character. Through her experiences, the graphic novel brings to life the complexities of growing up and the importance of self-acceptance. Mads’ journey is a testament to the power of storytelling in exploring the human condition, offering readers a story that is both poignant and uplifting. The character’s development throughout the novel underscores the themes of identity, family, and love, providing a rich narrative that engages and inspires; As Mads faces each challenge, her story becomes a reflection of the broader struggles and triumphs of adolescence, making her a central and dynamic figure in the graphic novel. The depth of her character and the authenticity of her experiences ensure that readers remain invested in her journey, eager to see how she navigates the complexities of her world. Ultimately, Amanda’s story in Kiss Number 8 is a powerful exploration of what it means to grow up, seek truth, and find one’s place in the world.
3.2 The Significance of Kiss Number 8
The eighth kiss in the novel marks a pivotal moment in Amanda’s life, symbolizing her transition from innocence to self-awareness. This kiss reshapes her understanding of relationships, identity, and family dynamics, driving the story’s emotional core. It challenges her perceptions and triggers a chain of events that uncover hidden truths, making it a cornerstone of her journey toward maturity and acceptance. The eighth kiss embodies the novel’s themes of sexuality, secrets, and personal growth, leaving a lasting impact on Amanda’s life and the reader’s experience.
3.3 Themes of Teen Sexuality and Family Secrets
Kiss Number 8 delves into themes of teen sexuality and family secrets with humor and heartache. The graphic novel explores Amanda’s journey through adolescence, where her eighth kiss becomes a catalyst for self-discovery. It tackles the complexities of growing up, including first loves, identity, and the challenges of navigating relationships. The story also uncovers hidden family truths, weaving a narrative that balances lighthearted moments with profound emotional depth, making it relatable for young adult readers grappling with similar experiences.
Themes and Messages
Kiss Number 8 explores themes of gender, identity, and family dynamics, weaving a narrative of self-discovery and growth through Amanda’s experiences and relationships.
4.1 Exploration of Gender and Sexuality
Kiss Number 8 delves into the complexities of gender and sexuality through Amanda’s journey. The graphic novel portrays her experiences with identity, relationships, and family dynamics, offering a nuanced exploration of self-discovery. Using humor and emotional depth, it sheds light on the challenges of adolescence, particularly in navigating societal expectations and personal truths. This layered approach makes the story relatable and impactful for young adult readers grappling with similar issues.
4.2 Family Dynamics and Secrets
Kiss Number 8 explores intricate family dynamics and the weight of secrets. Amanda’s journey reveals how hidden truths within her family shape her identity and relationships. The novel delves into intergenerational conflicts and the tension between tradition and personal desires. Through humor and emotional depth, it highlights how secrets can both bind and divide families, ultimately influencing Amanda’s path to self-discovery and understanding of her place within her family.
4.3 Growing Up and Self-Discovery
Kiss Number 8 captures Amanda’s journey through adolescence, blending humor with poignant moments of self-discovery. The graphic novel explores her struggles with identity, friendships, and first kisses. As she navigates love, family secrets, and societal expectations, Amanda learns to define herself on her own terms. The story offers a relatable and heartfelt portrayal of growing up, emphasizing the importance of embracing one’s true self amidst life’s challenges and uncertainties.
Awards and Recognition
Kiss Number 8 was longlisted for the 2019 National Book Award for Young People’s Literature. It also became a finalist for the Eisner and Prism Awards.
5.1 National Book Award Nomination
Kiss Number 8 was longlisted for the 2019 National Book Award for Young People’s Literature. This nomination highlighted its nuanced exploration of gender, sexuality, and family secrets, earning critical acclaim. The recognition underscored the novel’s ability to resonate with readers, particularly in its portrayal of LGBTQ+ themes and adolescent struggles. The nomination also boosted its visibility, making it a standout work in contemporary graphic novels.
5.2 Eisner Award Finalist
Kiss Number 8 was a finalist for the Eisner Award, a prestigious honor recognizing excellence in comic books and graphic novels. This achievement highlights the novel’s layered storytelling and sharp dialogue. The Eisner nomination further cemented its reputation as a compelling exploration of teen sexuality and family dynamics. The recognition underscores the novel’s artistic and narrative impact, solidifying its place among notable graphic novels in the medium. Colleen AF Venable and Ellen T. Crenshaw’s collaboration received widespread acclaim.
5.3 Prism Award Recognition
Kiss Number 8 received recognition from the Prism Awards, which celebrate LGBTQ+ representation in comics. The novel’s authentic portrayal of queer themes resonated deeply, earning it a spot as a finalist. This honor highlights its impact on young adult readers seeking relatable stories. The Prism Award underscores the novel’s role in promoting diverse narratives, further solidifying its significance in the graphic novel genre and its appeal to a broad audience. Its recognition continues to inspire and connect with readers globally.
Cultural and LGBTQ+ Relevance
Kiss Number 8 holds significant cultural relevance for its authentic portrayal of LGBTQ+ themes, resonating deeply with young adult readers seeking relatable queer narratives and diverse storytelling.
6.1 Representation in Graphic Novels
Kiss Number 8 is a groundbreaking graphic novel that offers authentic representation of LGBTQ+ experiences, particularly for young adults. Its portrayal of queer identity and family dynamics resonates deeply, making it a significant addition to the genre. The novel’s availability as a free PDF enhances its accessibility, ensuring diverse storytelling reaches a broader audience. This representation is crucial, as it validates queer readers’ experiences and fosters empathy among others, highlighting the importance of inclusive narratives in graphic literature.
6.2 Impact on Young Adult Readers
Kiss Number 8 has a profound impact on young adult readers, offering a relatable and authentic portrayal of teen identity, sexuality, and family dynamics. Its accessible narrative and emotional depth resonate with adolescents navigating similar challenges. The availability of a free PDF version ensures widespread reach, making it easier for young readers to engage with its thought-provoking themes. This accessibility fosters a deeper connection, helping teens feel seen and understood during their formative years.
Availability and PDF Downloads
Kiss Number 8 is widely available as a free PDF download online, offering readers easy access to its compelling story and themes. Legal considerations apply.
7.1 Free PDF Resources Online
The graphic novel Kiss Number 8 is available as a free PDF online, offering readers convenient digital access. Popular platforms and websites provide downloadable versions, making it easily accessible. This format allows readers to enjoy the story of Mads and her journey of self-discovery without purchasing a physical copy. However, it’s important to consider the legal and ethical implications of downloading copyrighted material. Always opt for authorized sources to support creators and publishers.
7.2 Legal and Ethical Considerations
Downloading Kiss Number 8 as a free PDF may infringe on copyright laws if obtained from unauthorized sources. Authors and publishers rely on legal purchases to sustain their work. Ethical considerations emphasize supporting creators by buying official copies. While free access is tempting, it undermines the comic industry. Legal alternatives like libraries or digital stores offer affordable and lawful ways to enjoy the graphic novel, ensuring fair compensation for the creators’ efforts and contributions to literature.
Educational and Literary Significance
Kiss Number 8 is widely used in schools and libraries for its exploration of teen identity and family dynamics, making it a valuable tool for literary and thematic analysis.
8.1 Use in Schools and Libraries
Kiss Number 8 is increasingly adopted in schools and libraries for its realistic portrayal of adolescent life, making it a valuable resource for discussions on identity and family dynamics. Its themes resonate with young readers, encouraging reflection on personal growth and relationships. Libraries often include it in LGBTQ+ and graphic novel collections, while educators appreciate its ability to spark meaningful conversations in the classroom. The availability of a free PDF version further supports its accessibility for educational purposes.
8.2 Literary Analysis and Reviews
Kiss Number 8 has received critical acclaim for its nuanced exploration of adolescent identity and family dynamics. Reviewers praise its emotional depth and relatable characters, with Kirkus describing it as a “lengthy and rewarding read” and a “modern masterpiece.” The graphic novel’s layered storytelling and sharp dialogue have been highlighted, making it a standout in the genre. Its themes of self-discovery and sexuality resonate deeply, earning it comparisons to works like This One Summer. The free PDF version has further enhanced its accessibility for literary analysis.
Comparison to Other Works
Kiss Number 8 is often compared to This One Summer for its coming-of-age themes. Its unique focus on teen sexuality and family secrets sets it apart, offering a fresh perspective in the graphic novel genre.
9.1 Similar Graphic Novels
Graphic novels like This One Summer and Fun Home share similar themes of self-discovery and family dynamics. Kiss Number 8 resonates with readers who enjoy coming-of-age stories with LGBTQ+ elements. Its blend of humor and emotional depth parallels works like Juliet Takes a Breath and The Witch Boy. These stories explore identity, first love, and societal expectations, making Kiss Number 8 a standout in the genre;
9.2 Reader Recommendations
Readers who enjoyed Kiss Number 8 may also appreciate Annie on My Mind and The Miseducation of Cameron Post. These stories explore similar themes of identity and self-acceptance. Fans of LGBTQ+ narratives will find resonance in Spinning by Tillie Walden and Check, Please! by Ngozi Ukazu. These graphic novels offer heartfelt, relatable journeys of growth and understanding, making them ideal recommendations for those who connected with Mads’s story.
Kiss Number 8 is a heartfelt exploration of identity, family, and first love, celebrated for its authentic storytelling and vibrant art, leaving a lasting impact on readers.
10.1 Final Thoughts on “Kiss Number 8”
Kiss Number 8 is a compelling graphic novel that masterfully blends humor and heartache, offering profound insights into teen identity, family dynamics, and first love. With its vibrant artwork and relatable protagonist, it resonates deeply with readers, particularly young adults navigating similar challenges. The availability of a free PDF version ensures wider accessibility, making this modern masterpiece a must-read for fans of coming-of-age stories and LGBTQ+ literature. Its emotional depth and authenticity leave a lasting impression.
Leave a Reply