Comics and cookies: ‘The Golden Hour’ by Niki Smith

Feb. 6, 2023 2:44 pm, Updated: Feb. 13, 2023 9:20 am

“The Golden Hour” by Niki Smith is a story about a boy who struggles with his mental health after witnessing violence at school and how he finds ways to heal. (Photo provided by the Iowa City Public Library)

Each month, the Iowa City Public Library’s will feature a comic or graphic novel for kids, suggest a sweet treat pairing, include a game or activity, and ask a couple discussion questions about the book.

In “The Golden Hour” by Niki Smith, Manuel struggles with his mental health after witnessing gun violence at school. Using his cellphone camera helps him ground and find anchors when he spirals into panic and anxiety. A blossoming friendship with two supportive classmates helps open up new possibilities as well. The book gently explores themes of self-discovery, healing from tragedy, friendship, and hope.

“The Golden Hour” is the kids All Iowa Reads pick for 2023. All Iowa Reads, established in 2003, is a program of the State Library of Iowa. Three books (one each for adults, teens and kids) are selected by a committee of librarians each year. Iowans are encouraged to come together in their communities to collectively read and talk about the same book title over the course of a calendar year.

Pairs well with: Kansas Sunflower Cookies. The book is set in rural Kansas and features gorgeous illustrations of Midwest winter landscapes. In the summer, Kansas is well-known for its beautiful fields of sunflowers. Bake up some easy cookies that contain sunflower seeds with this recipe: midwestliving.com/recipe/cookies/kansas-sunflower-cookies.

Discuss:

How can you be a supportive friend when someone is struggling, even if you don't understand what they're struggling with? How has a friend supported you?
How does photography help Manuel cope with the trauma he witnessed? What other tools might help someone find a focus or distraction in the same situation?
Have you participated in 4-H or know about raising baby animals? Describe the bond between Sebastian and his baby calf.

Do: Go on a photo scavenger hunt. In the book, Manuel uses photography to calm and ground himself. Try focusing on one element of your surroundings and observing details, too, with a photo scavenger hunt. Find and photograph the following in your home and neighborhood: