Soul Machine
text and illustrations by Jordana Globerman
Annick Press, 2025
ISBN 9781773219585
$22.99, 123 pp, ages 12 –16
annickpress.com
In Soul Machine, Globerman achieves a visually stunning and thought-provoking metaphysical graphic novel inspired by A Wrinkle in Time and Brave New World. The story follows Chloe’s quest to find a new supply of breth—the raw material that makes souls—so her family can continue their legacy of spinning souls into existence. Otherwise, her family will be forced to join an evil company to franchise synthetic souls. Chloe’s adventure takes her on unexpected twists as she discovers the truth about old family secrets, wonders about the places she visits and people she trusts, and ultimately questions reality itself.
Soul Machine is a dazzlingly beautiful graphic novel that explores metaphysical questions about one’s existence, uses of technology, and one’s connection to themselves, others, and the world around them. Globerman experiments with blends of unique colour, shapes, forms, stylistic drawing, and placement of images and words on pages to convey abstract concepts, such as the mysterious and magical spinning of breth into souls, or Chloe’s journey through different worlds, including transitioning between real and artificial places. Globerman presents what seems to be a common hero’s journey, but challenges readers to critically question what they see and think as they read.
Classroom Connections: Soul Machine grapples with challenging concepts, such as the impact of technology in our daily lives, in an accessible manner through the multiple modes and medium of a graphic novel. The interdependence of words and images, comic elements such as panels, gutters, and thought bubbles, and Globerman’s unique visual storytelling skills, make the abstract more concrete for readers. Her graphic novel is a great vehicle for teachers and junior students to explore how technology positively or negatively impacts our daily lives. Globerman provides open-ended discussion questions at the back of her book to encourage readers to personally connect and critically think about concepts, such as the effects of technology, in the story, their daily lives, and the world around them. Globerman’s graphic novel provides a beautiful and thought-provoking reading experience to encourage younger readers to become critical thinkers who question what is real or fake—an essential skill for the 21st century.
Review by Brianne MacLaren-Ross.
This review is featured in Canadian Teacher Magazine’s Fall 2025 issue.
