Meesh the Bad Demon (Meesh the bad demon, #1) by Michelle Lam
Published by Knopf Books for Young Readers on March 21, 2023
ISBN: 0593372875
Pages: 304
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads

Meesh is a demon who dreams of a different life. She is supposed to be dark and demon-y, but she dreams of being more like her favorite tv star from the fairy realm Princess Nouna. When demons start turning to stone in her town of Mount Magma due to a green goo in the lava, Meesh is determined to visit Plumeria City in the fairy realm to seek help from the magic ruby. Partnered with her nemesis Xavier (who was tricked into releasing the goo into the lava by a shadowy and nefarious figure) and the runaway fairy princess Nouna (who is WAY better on tv), Meesh is able to save the day, rescue her family and friends, and show that demons and fairies aren’t that different after all. A story that hits the idea that though we’re different, we have more in common trope pretty hard. It will be an enjoyable read for upper elementary and middle school kids. The artwork is bright and bold and appealing and has an anime feel. There are distinctions between characters and the text doesn’t overwhelm the story. This is book one and ends on a cliffhanger that will definitely leave the reader wanting book two.  A solid addition to a library with an established graphic novel collection.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Falmouth Middle School