The friendship paradox by Aska

Physics is Dash’s happy place, so when they get a gap year job at the Pop Science Hub in Perth (Boorloo) there is a lot to look forward to. The job entails presenting science shows to schools, not only in the city but also visiting remote and regional areas of WA. Dad thinks the road trip will be the perfect environment to make friends, but Dash is not so sure, physics is predictable and logical, in terms of physics the universe consists of energy and matter interacting in understandable ways, whereas Dash finds people unpredictable and sometimes mean. The small team responsible for the Pop-Up Rovers includes Kay, the other new presenter whose gregariousness and effervescent character Dash finds challenging. Kay, trained in circus skills, expresses anxiety through movement and finds switching to performance mode alleviates stress and self-doubt. For Dash, being organized and prepared within a framework of rules helps them cope. The two are quickly thrust into science communication performances which they both find challenging but while Kay is less confident with the content it is the frustrations of unforeseen circumstances like an occupied reserved parking space and the need to get their trolley up stairs that result in controlled angry outbursts from Dash.

Presenting this story through graphic illustrations is particularly strong here, Dash’s thoughts and feelings are represented in purple bubbles, anger being a bull which is a powerful tool they are learning to control. One of the experienced presenters suggests finding the neutral point, like in a magnetic field, in any difficult interaction, a point at which you hold your ground but don’t need to invest any energy into disagreeing. The team travel and present key aspects of physics to school children across WA, the engaging presentations appearing in the text on a gridded background identified in the contents page at the front. The road trip does indeed foster closer relationships, with all of the aspects of a paradox coming to the fore; seeming illogical at first glance, revealing the reality that everyone struggles at some time, followed by self-correction, challenging those involved to think more critically and not dismiss opportunities to grow. There is a warning at the front that there are references to alcoholism and suicide and there is a resources page for mental help support at the end.

Themes: Graphic novel, Physics, Friendship.

Sue Speck