Early Reader Review: Wonder Woman: Tempest Tossed by Laurie Halse Anderson

Source: From DC Comics in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

Wonder Woman: Tempest Tossed by Laurie Halse Anderson
Publisher: DC Comics
Publication Date:  June 2, 2020

 

Format: Paperback

Rating:



Goodreads Synopsis: 

New York Times bestselling author Laurie Halse Anderson (Speak, Shout) and artist Leila del Duca reimagine Wonder Woman's origins in this timely story about the refugee experience, teenage activism, and finding the love and strength to create change.
Princess Diana believes that her 16th birthday will be one of new beginnings--namely acceptance into the warrior tribe of Amazons. The celebrations are cut short, however, when rafts of refugees break through the Themysciran barrier. Diana tries to help them, but she is swept away by the sea--and from her home--thus becoming a refugee herself.
Now Diana must survive in the world outside of Themyscira for the first time; the world that is filled with danger and injustice. She must redefine what it means to belong, to be an Amazon, and to make a difference.
Wonder Woman: Tempest Tossed is a story about growing into your strength, battling for justice, and the power of friendship

Review: 

Wonder Woman: Tempest Tossed is a re-imagining of Wonder Woman's origin tale.  Diana is turning 16 in this retelling and is trying to be a perfect Amazon but her Changling status keeps getting in her way. She feels like she suffers and is problematic where others thrive and she is starting to become discouraged. When boats start finding her home island, Diana believes that they should help these suffering people but her protests are on deaf ears. So when she tries to save refugees off of Themyscira (her home island) herself, she accidentally becomes a refugee herself. Equipped with her Amazonian smarts and knowledge of different languages she is able to make a life for herself in the United States unlike a lot of her refugee companions. 

The story follows her as she learns her new home and finds her strength there doing what is right. It is Diana in the modern world with phones, injustice, and political issues all around. She must learn to be herself in this new world and make it her new home. There are a lot of sad and scary themes throughout this plot but it is a great way to raise awareness for younger readers.

It is important to note that this story also may have triggers, there are themes of homelessness and human trafficking throughout Diana's time in New York. 

The illustrations are well done, detailed and help tell the story well. The whole thing is very polished and multifaceted for a young adult read. It will appeal to both young adults as well as adult readers. It will especially appeal to anyone that enjoys the Wonder Woman story line as an alternative origin story. From what I can tell, it is well done but I am not a consistent reader of Wonder Woman.