Black Dolls

Rachel Faturoti’s Black Dolls, with illustrations by Flo Woolley, is a YA graphic novel aimed at readers 14+ that explores friendship, identity and creativity through the lens of music. From the outset the book signals its older teen focus, with strong language and adult themes that place it firmly at the upper end of the YA spectrum.

The story centres on four young women; Sassy, Silver, Jada and Dina, who come together to form a punk band. Each character brings her own set of challenges, whether family pressures, mental health issues, or the difficulties of finding her place. Their shared ambition is tested at a band camp, where the promise of a Battle of the Bands competition sharpens rivalries and reveals tensions both within the group, and with those around them. The set-up will be familiar to many readers, but Fauroti makes space for each character to experience a moment of self-recognition, usually prompted by support from the others.

The narrative employs some unusual devices. A podcast, Zombified, acts as a running commentary on the girls’ anxieties, and there are parallel mini storylines about a vengeful cat that provide comic distraction. These elements, together with the lively illustrations, attempt to capture the restless, non-conformist spirit of punk music, always a challenge in a silent medium. Lyrics are written directly onto the page, and while the effect can feel static, Woolley’s artwork gives the band a sense of movement and presence.

One of the book’s strengths lies in the diversity of its cast, both in terms of background and outlook. The characters are distinct and varied, and the illustrations support this variety. The emphasis on solidarity and persistence is handled positively, though at times the messaging can feel more familiar than fresh.

Black Dolls works best as a story of friendship under pressure, rather than as a full exploration of music or subculture. Readers who are already enthusiastic about graphic novels will find plenty to enjoy in the humour and style, while newcomers may appreciate it as an accessible introduction to the form. It is not without its rough edges, but perhaps that is fitting for a story about four teenagers determined to sound different and to be heard on their own terms.