Gumshoe: A Graphic Novel

Gr 6-8–Thummler’s newest graphic novel takes readers on an adventure to the Wild West in the ace-high town of Stony Lonesome, Arizona. Soft-spoken observer Willa adores her mailman and hopes to someday become a mailwoman. But Stony Lonesome’s postal service has a problem: the notorious outlaw Two Gum Tilly has been wreaking havoc across the state. She has been snatching colorful envelopes, stealing the loot, and moving on to the next city. When Willa, who struggles with social anxiety, is mistaken for Two Gum Tilly, she has only one choice—to run and join a group of runaway girls called the Gumshoe Gang with the mission of stopping Two Gum Tilly in her tracks. Readers will appreciate the western adventure and the overall themes of friendship and identity will resonate with the audience. Though the story is complete with all the rootin’ tootin’ language of a great western, it may at times confuse readers and interfere with the plot. The graphics are colorful and follow many conventions of old westerns, including sepia-filtered flashbacks to the Old West. Readers will enjoy the camaraderie found between the Gumshoe Gang, and Willa’s journey to finding her voice with her new friends.