Green Eggs and Ham Take a Hike

Green Eggs and Ham Take a HikeDr. Seuss Graphic Novel: Green Eggs and Ham Take a Hike: A Green Eggs and Ham Story (Dr. Seuss Graphic Novels) by James Kochalka
on January 7, 2025
ISBN: 0593703006
Genres: Adventure
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

A new spin on a classic favorite, Sam-I-Am is back and ready to take Mr. Plot on a hike (complete with a picnic of green eggs and ham). Mr. Plot does not want to go on a hike; he wants to stay home and play video games. But, as always, Sam-I-Am will not take no for an answer. After being wheeled out of his house, landing in the dirty dirt, smelling flowers, getting stung by a bee, crossing a river, and climbing through a cave, Mr. Plot realizes that maybe he is up for a challenge after all – and he won’t stop until he reaches the top of the mountain. While predictable, this is a fun and easy to read graphic novel with good banter and colorful illustrations. Recommended for ages 5-7 (Kindergarten to 2nd Grade).

Reviewed by: Jenn Mead, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library, Lovell

four-stars

Botticelli’s Apprentice

Botticelli’s ApprenticeBotticelli's Apprentice: A Graphic Novel by Ursula Murray Husted
on March 11, 2025
ISBN: 0063157934
Genres: Arts, Historical Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
three-stars

In Ursula Murray Husted’s historical fiction graphic novel, Botticelli’s Apprentice, young Mella is a chicken girl who dreams of being a painter like her boss Botticelli. Unfortunately she cannot become his apprentice due to her gender so she lets a boy (Botticelli’s actual apprentice) take credit for her work in exchange for painting lessons. Dog hijinks, occasional jokes, and a reluctant friendship add some entertainment, but overall this is an educational and message focused story with a surprisingly heavy tone.

It is clear from the glossary and 6 pages of art notes that Husted cares deeply about educating middle grade graphic novel readers about creating art in the Renaissance period. It is nice to get a story about the anonymous people who help create great works and the amount of information about the logistics of preparing a canvas alone is impressive. However, the art style, unsteady digital linework with no color blending, is below the standard for modern graphic novels and does a disservice to its topic. The common wisdom (especially in graphic novels) “show, don’t tell” is not followed, often making the art a static vehicle for the text.

Overall, Botticelli’s Apprentice has a positive message, many facts about creating Renaissance art, and a plucky heroine who is easy to root for, but the art style holds it back from its true potential. Would be enjoyed by middle grade readers who are interested in feminism, the Renaissance, or art history.

Reviewed by Ivy Burns, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth

three-stars

The History of Everything

The History of EverythingThe History of Everything: A Graphic Novel by Victoria Evans
Published by Harper Alley on February 18, 2025
ISBN: 0063268892
Format: Graphic Novel, Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

This graphic novel is a tender look at how friendships evolve when they are challenged by big moves and new partners being introduced.

Best friends Agnes and Daisy are excited to finally be on summer break, when Agnes’ mom drops the bombshell that they will be moving 12 hours away come August. Together, the friends resolve to complete a summer bucket list of all their favorite activities to go out with a bang. Plans change when Daisy starts dating the new kid in town, as she struggles to balance the excitement of her first boyfriend with hanging out with Agnes. Daisy assumes Agnes will always be there for her, but with the cross country move rapidly approaching is that really still true? This graphic novel would be appealing to both younger and older teens, as it accurately portrays common themes of moving away from old friends, staying true to yourself and how difficult it can be to process and address change. Overall, a great recommendation for those moving on from the Baby Sitters Club graphic novels to deeper insight on friendships and the ups and downs they might undergo. 

Reviewed by Hannah Doktor, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta

four-stars

Rover and Speck: It’s a Gas

Rover and Speck: It’s a GasRover and Speck: It's a Gas! (Rover and Speck, 3) by Jonathan Roth
Published by Kids Can Press on October 1, 2024
ISBN: 1525305689
Pages: 104
Genres: Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

In this story, the third in the Rover and Speck series, our main characters go in search of life on a giant gas planet. Rover and Speck depart their ship excited at the chance to learn about this planet and hopefully find life until they realize the lifeforms there are dangerous! The spark-shooting space sharks zap Rover and it’s up to Speck to save Rover and get him safely back to the ship.Thankfully he meets a flock of friendly Space Jelli’s to help him along his way. These new friends problem solve and help one another along the way.

This graphic novel pairs a fictional story with non-fiction “Fun Science Facts” parsed throughout, deepening understanding and encouraging curiosity.

Ages 7-10

Reviewed by MaryAnn Lopes, Elementary Librarian. Lewiston Public Schools, Lewiston, Maine.

three-stars

Sink or Swim

Sink or SwimSink or Swim (Just Roll with It #2) by Lee Durfey-Lavoie, Veronica Agarwal
on June 4, 2024
ISBN: 1984897020
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

More of a companion book with Just Roll With It rather than a sequel. Middle school student, Ty, is recovering from a broken arm so he is anxious about getting back to practicing with the swim team. He’s out of shape and afraid of failing in front of them. Easy-to-follow panel art in subdued colors helps set the summer-camp scene. It’s rare to see a book that  deals with body image issues for boys. It also deals with mental health issues – isolation, sadness, panic attacks, and LGBTQ. Ty reaches out to the camp counselor for help who listens and offers support. A touching coming-of-age story. Perhaps a good choice to give a tween to read before going away to sleep-away summer camp.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars

Superdads!

Superdads!Superdads!: Animal Heroes by Heather Lang, Jamie Harper
Published by Candlewick Press ISBN: 1536217964
Genres: Animals, Humor, Non-Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel, Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Superdads! Is a new non-fictional picture book by Heather Lang and Jamie Harper that uses comic-panel formatting and speech bubble humor to teach readers about the extraordinary work of “dads” or male caregivers in the natural world. It’s a sequel in the “Animal Heroes” series as a follow up to their first book, Supermoms!

The front flap reads, “In the animal world, Moms get most of the credit for raising young. But sometimes it’s the Dads who do most of the work.” What follows is page by page of different species of animals who rely on male caregivers to care for their young in different ways. For example: The Greater Rhea takes care of and protects his large brood of chicks without the help of a mother Rhea. Male gorillas snuggle and play with their infant babies, even with ones that aren’t their own.

There is extra back matter that gives more information about each animal and a list of additional resources. The amount of information is sparse, but it’s a fantastic book to introduce the diverse role of male caregivers in the natural world. This is a perfect non-fiction selection for patrons and students who love the combination of facts and humor. Recommended for ages 3-7.

Reviewed by Gia Charles, Patten Free Library, Bath

four-stars

Gnome and Rat

Gnome and RatGnome and Rat: First Snow!: (A Graphic Novel) by Lauren Stohler
Series: Gnome and Rat #3
Published by Alfred A. Knopf on 11/5/24
ISBN: 0593487907
Genres: Humor
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

Gnome and Rat are back in this third book of this graphic novel series.  Gnome is eagerly awaiting the first snowfall of the season and all of the exciting snow activities that come with that.  Rat, on the other hand, is more excited to go with Gnome to the Rat Family Nest Fest.  When the two events happen on the same day, the two friends compromise, deciding to do some snow activities on the way to Rat’s family party. Gnome and Rat have fun ice dancing, but run into trouble riding on an uncontrollable toboggan and getting lost.  Somehow the two end up at the Rat Family Nest Fest, just in time to enjoy the cozy festivities.  Early elementary readers will enjoy the antics of these two as they get in and out of trouble on their way to visit Rat’s family.  The panels are engaging, with bright colors popping against the mostly neutral background of the winter scenery.  Gnome and Rat’s exaggerated facial expressions add to the graphic novel’s humor. This fun graphic novel would be ideal for any library serving early elementary students.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

three-stars

Meesh the Bad Demon: The Secret of the Fang

Meesh the Bad Demon: The Secret of the FangMeesh the Bad Demon #2: The Secret of the Fang: (A Graphic Novel) by Michelle Lam
Series: Meesh the Bad Demon #2
Published by Random House Graphic on July 23, 2024
ISBN: 0593372913
Pages: 295
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

The second book in the Meesh the Bad Demon series starts with Chai, wolf friend of main characters Meesh and fairy princess Nouna. The forest is under attack from machines intent on clear-cutting, so Meesh has to get to bottom of the destruction. When she learns that it’s the same person who caused the poisoning of Mount Magma (in book 1), she is faced with a fight. This book focuses on friendship and redemption/forgiveness and pushes the message that with power comes responsibility. Meesh chooses to deal with the villain with kindness offering her a second chance. The book ends with a renewed hope that demons and fairies can live together and that there are enough resources for all. The anime-styled illustrations are clear and well drawn and the differentiation in palettes between the demon world and the fairy worlds make the action easy to follow. This will be an enjoyable duology for readers in upper elementary and middle school.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Falmouth Elementary School

three-stars

We Are Big Time

We Are Big TimeWe Are Big Time by Hena Khan, Safiya Zerrougui
ISBN: 0593430484
Genres: Realistic Fiction, Sports
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

This middle-grade graphic novel features an all-girls Muslim basketball team in Wisconsin who learn what it means to be part of a team. Aliya is the new girl and has to figure out how to fit in at school, on the team, and in her family. Readers will relate to Aliya’s challenges of being the new kid and dealing with her family’s pressure to prioritize grades over sports. The descriptions of attending an all-Muslim school and the pressures the team faces over their wearing of hijabs and conservative clothing are portrayed realistically. When the team starts winning, the “gotcha” journalist try to trip up Aliya and her teammates but they quickly learn how to gracefully field questions from the public, especially those questions about how they dress. This book is a great companion volume to Hoops by Matt Tavares.

Reviewed by Karen Sandlin Silverman, Mt. Ararat Middle School, Topsham

four-stars

Mapmakers and the Flickering Fortress

Mapmakers and the Flickering FortressMapmakers and the Flickering Fortress: (A Graphic Novel) by Amanda Castillo, Cameron Chittock
ISBN: 0593172957
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
three-stars

Third and final book in the Mapmakers graphic novel trilogy finds Alidade and her Memri, Blue, trying to find other mapmakers while her friends set out on their own in other directions across the Plains. They learn that the Night Coats have been trying to claim all the land by altering maps. Fans of the previous books will be clamoring for this one. The art is top-notch and the muted color palette works well with the story. With themes of community and nature, readers will cheer from Alidade and her friends to prevail. A satisfying conclusion to the series.

Reviewed by Karen Sandlin Silverman, Mt. Ararat Middle School, Topsham

three-stars