MARISABINA RUSSO
children's book author & illustrator
Why is EverybodyYelling?
Growing Up In My Immigrant Family
What was it like to be raised as a Catholic in a family of Jewish Holocaust survivors? In my first graphic memoir, I follow my life from first grade in the postwar 1950s to my teens in the tumultuous, liberating 1960s. Using both humor and compassion I explore the challenges of being the first born American in a family of immigrants.
Reviews
A wonderful book about figuring out who we are and who we want to be.
- Roz Chast
Why Is Everybody Yelling? is a marvel. It is so compelling, I couldn’t put it down. It is a humorous, surprising, thoughtful look at identity, family, religion―life.”
- Kevin Henkes
I absolutely loved this book. It was honest and raw.
- Dan Santat
An unvarnished look at one complicated, opinionated, and personality-filled family. - The Horn Book, *starred review
Ably conveyed through the many frames that capture heated, hurtful exchanges, delivered with practiced nonchalance at family gatherings, by adults who will not, or cannot, abandon their dysfunctional communication. As readers observe Russo’s ten-year journey to young adulthood, they may admire her love for her querulous mother, but they’ll be mighty glad to see her finally move out and on.” - The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
The meticulous, detailed art is a highlight, striking the perfect tone for the quirky character of the world it portrays and rewarding repeated readings to catch every detail . . . Affectionately celebrates Jewish American experiences.”
- Kirkus Reviews
Unflinching . . . Teachers, friends and Russo’s half-brothers are portrayed brilliantly, both in the meticulously rendered expressive illustrations, the authentic dialogue and the deeply moving internal thoughts. Embracing her Jewish identity is one outcome of Russo’s tumultuous journey through childhood and adolescence, but this life story is about forging an identity woven from many different threads . . . remarkable and uplifting.
- Association of Jewish Libraries