In the Small    by Michael Hague Order:  USA  Can Little, Brown & Co., 2009 (2009) Softcover     Reviewed by Ricki Marking-Camuto Michael Hague's In the Small is a post-apocalyptical graphic novel unlike any other. Instead of Earth being annihilated by aliens or a devastating world war, a blue light changes the world. However, it is not the blue light that throws civilization into chaos, it is what the blue light does – shrinks all humans - and humans only - to six inches tall. Now it is up to the few who survived the first hours of disorder if humanity is to have any chance at survival. The two main characters of In the Small, Mouse Willow and his younger sister Beatrix (Beat) are both great protagonists for a young adult story. Both show that the younger generation can be of help to the older generation through their bravery and innovative ideas, no matter what their gender. While I cannot see readers easily identifying with both Mouse and Beat, I can see them finding something akin to themselves in one of the two characters. Michael Hague has picked the perfect medium to get across the shear enormity of the tasks that Mouse and Beat have undertaken. While a regular author could tell us in words of the struggle of being only six inches high, only a graphic novel artist could show the reader what that really means. This aspect makes In the Small stand out among post-apocalyptical stories. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Teens books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews