Afternoon at McBurger's

A science-fiction graphic novella grounded in a familiar experience for most: spending an afternoon with our best pals over a burger and fries. But this joint has something more special than a Happy Meal: the "Once Party" menu. The "Once Party" menu, for ages 11 and up, can only be ordered once (of course). But there's a catch: not everyone who does gets the special prize. Those who do, go to a room where they can view five minutes of one of three moments in their future. Galvan manages to create a vivid world that is both a recognizable and alien depiction of adolescence. There are mean girls, and fast food, and BFFs with crappy older brothers, as well as familiar hints of 1990s design and fashion. Yet, it's also rife with futuristic flourishes like little robotic eggs that walk and talk, like anthropomorphic Alexas.
At its heart, however, Afternoon at McBurger's is a timeless story about friendship and innocence and the discoveries of adolescence (both good and bad), with layers to be revealed only through multiple readings. And Galvan's visual style, anchored by a mastery of pastel and primary colors, will make you want to do so immediately.
Full color\nFrom School Library Journal\nIn a world that's simultaneously futuristic and retro, McBurger's is the place to be for those turning 11. Those kids can order from the Once Party Menu; the lucky ones are granted the opportunity to view one of three scenes from their future-but not everyone gets what they are wishing for. Three pals, Pepa, Dani, and Nuria, go to McBurger's hoping to be chosen, but only Nuria and Pepa are selected. This short novel is loaded with layers, and it takes a few readings to unpack meaning, but the look and feel are so hip that teens won't mind a reread. Galvañ creates a premise that feels familiar-best friends navigating trials of adolescence in the trappings of a '90s-esque burger joint-then seamlessly weaves in futuristic robots and Matrix simulations, as though it all goes together, and somehow it does. Race and ethnicity are not detailed explicitly, though Nuria is coded as Latinx. VERDICT A colorful, weird, and enjoyable ride. Good for collections that need some refreshing variety.-Michael Marie Jacobs, Darlington Sch., Rome, GAα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.