Pardalita

A wonderful, moving book by which Joana Estrela is revealed as one of the great Portuguese authors of the moment.
Pedro Miguel Silva, Deus me Livro, 22/04/2022

There’s very little or perhaps nothing out of the ordinary about the story of Raquel’s love for Pardalita. However, the merit of the narrative lies in the subtleties that make it unique, on the one hand, and profoundly empathic on the other (…) Without ever falling into anything like predictable superficiality, there’s no hesitation in Joana Estrela’s writing, and thus she carries the reader along to the beautiful and poetic final scene.
Andreia Brites, revista Blimunda, 24/01/2022

A unique narrative voice in Portuguese writing for young readers – one which is capable of bringing an inclusive perspective to a universal theme.
Ana Dias Ferreira, Observador, 18/12/2021

Pardalita, a stunning graphic novel in black and white, full of ellipses and subtleties (…)
Sílvia Couto Cunha, Visão, 15/12/2021

The elegant simplicity of this book belies the artistic depth and emotional resonance contained within. (…) An incredible intimacy is achieved through the terse, quiet, often figurative language and the form — or, rather, the combination of forms.
Booklist, book review journal of the American Library Association, January 2023

Estrela uses a bold, inky line to depict both cozy moments bursting with warm detail and dynamic scenes that boast energy and youthfulness. Through a fledgling queer romance, the creator presents a story of change, connection, and transformation.
Publishers Weekly, February 2023

The digitally created black-and-white art is bold and slightly abstract, matching the stream-of-consciousness text that effectively conveys adolescent turmoil, the heady intoxication of first love, and sweet moments of connection as young queer love blossoms. The book’s strength lies in its careful presentation of telling details. Quietly resonant and sincerely told.
Kirkus Reviews, January 2023

Told through traditional graphic novel style panels supplemented with prose and poetry, this hybrid book explores all the conflicting feelings surrounding first love, high school, friendships, family, and change. It takes a realistic look at the confusion teens can feel as they navigate their sexual identities and their own place in their world.
Karen Scott, School Library Connection, March-April 2023 issue

Highly recommended for collections where readers are looking for a leisurely, emotional stroll through a slice-of-life story that explores identity and sexuality in an authentically sweet and subtle way.
Alea Perez, School Library Journal, February 2023

The writing style is intriguing and deliberate, comprising a mix of bold, black-and-white digital illustrations, prose poems, and graphic novel panels, all used to follow Raquel’s awakening through brief vignettes. The result is fluid and effective, with the slice-of-life approach working perfectly with Estrela’s creative vision in switching up formats to best convey Raquel’s intense and powerful self-discovery.
Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, April 2023