Town Boy

“Through text and illustrations, ranging from single panels and multiple panels to two-page spreads, Lat continues the story that he began in Kampung Boy. For school, Mat has moved from the Malaysian countryside to the city Ipoh in the late 1960s. At first, he is living in the school hostel until his family moves into the first housing projects in the city. Mat is befriended by Frankie, a classmate who shares his love of 1960s American rock 'n' roll music. Mat's artistic ability allows him the opportunity to spend the day with Nomah, the prettiest girl in Ipoh. By the end of the book, Frankie is going to London to continue his studies, and Mat is trying to find a job to help his family and hoping to use his artistic skills. Lat details ordinary teenage life to which any reader will be able to relate, including friendships, school, music, movies, and girls. The cartoon-like, black-and-white ink artwork has warmth and fondness portrayed with every stroke . . . Lat is a famous cartoonist in Malaysia with many honors and awards. An American audience now can have the pleasure of Lat's work, which was originally published 1980. This graphic novel deserves to be read widely.”—VOYA

 

“The follow-up to the critically successful Kampung Boy, this volume spans an equal number of years . . . When Mat is 10, his family moves from the kampung to the town of Ipoh, and he has to adjust to the new environment. He meets Frankie, a Chinese boy his age, and is introduced to American rock-and-roll and mild rebellion. Readers then transition to 1968 where Mat is a well-acculturated teen, balancing being cool and getting decent grades, and is attracted to the prettiest girl in town.”—School Library Journal