Gillian Goerz is a Canadian illustrator, writer, cartoonist, and creator of the Shirley and Jamila series. Her illustrations can be found in books such as Ryan North's choosable path adventures To Be or Not to Be and Romeo and/or Juliet. Her comics have been seen in The Walrus, Descant Magazine, and the Humber Literary Review with frequent collaborator and award-winning author Mariko Tamaki. CBC Books named Gillian's autobiographical comic ""a highlight"" of the anthology The Secret Loves of Geek Girls. She lives in Toronto, Canada.
Goerz spins a twisty mystery plot . . . [and] playfully subverts classic middle grade drama, depicting a deepening, expanding friendship among kids who ostensibly don't have much in common . . . Goerz nicely mixes visual narrative styles (wordless spreads, layered snapshots) to tell this fun, dynamic story. -Booklist, starred review Goerz's detailed and expressive art pairs with dynamic dialogue to create a strong cast of characters and plotting. Emotional tension from new and developing friendships and suspense stemming from the case keep the pacing taut. Readers will especially empathize with Jamila as she worries and works to balance friendships with very different people. A solid next installment to this detective series centered on friendship. -Kirkus