Blood City Rollers

Blood City RollersBlood City Rollers by Tatiana Hill, V.P. Anderson
on April 9, 2024
ISBN: 0593485696
Genres: Supernatural
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

“Blood City Rollers” is a middle grade graphic novel written by V.P. Anderson and illustrated by Tatiana Hill. Mina is a middle schooler who injures herself badly in figure skating and makes a deal with vampire roller derby team to play for them as their jammer in exchange for healing of her injury. Mina learns to accept what she wants to do and makes new friends along the way. At times it felt like there were a few too many subplots going on, but the dialogue is humorous and the illustrations are bright and colorful. A recommended purchase for middle grade graphic novel collections.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.

four-stars

Turning Twelve

Turning TwelveTurning Twelve by Kathryn Ormsbee, Molly Brooks
on October 29, 2024
ISBN: 0593650069
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel, Middle Grade Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

“Turning Twelve” is a middle grade graphic novel written by Kathryn Ormsbee and illustrated by Molly Brooks. This is a sequel to their graphic novel, “Growing Pangs.” Katie is heading into seventh grade and her best friends are temporarily moving away to help with an ill family member and could be gone for months! How will she deal with seventh grade without them? We follow Katie as she makes a new friend in theatre and then begins to wonder if she has a crush on a girl? Set in the early 2000s, Katie tries to cope with her potential crush, the thoughts of her church, youth group, and just being 12. We follow Katie as she tries to accept herself amongst all the expectations and pressures of seventh grade. Katie wrestling with her internal thoughts and figuring out who she is will likely resonate with middle school readers. A must-buy for middle grade graphic novel collections.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.

 

four-stars

Pizza and Taco: Best Christmas Ever!

Pizza and Taco: Best Christmas Ever!Best Christmas Ever! (Pizza and Taco #8) by Stephen Shaskan
Series: Pizza and Taco #8
Published by Random House on 10/01/24
ISBN: 0593703499
Genres: Humor
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

Young readers will enjoy this installment of the popular Pizza and Taco series.  In this graphic novel, Pizza and Taco are preparing for Christmas.  They carefully make lists of all the toys they want.  They also try to out-do one another in being nice because they know Santa Slaw is watching.  On Christmas morning, they are initially disappointed because they didn’t receive everything they asked for, but then they realize that the best present is their friendship.  This book is ideal for any library that serves newer readers in Kindergarten or 1st grade.  Most of the pictures are simple yet humorous, especially the facial expressions,  and there isn’t much text on each page.  Libraries that already have books in this series should consider adding this graphic novel to their collection.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

three-stars

First Test Graphic Novel (Protector of the Small, Book 1)

First Test Graphic Novel (Protector of the Small, Book 1)First Test Graphic Novel (Protector of the Small, #1) by Becca Farrow, Devin Grayson, Tamora Pierce
Published by RH Graphic on July 2, 2024
ISBN: 0307931560
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

A graphic novel adaptation of fantasy author Tamora Pierce’s first book in her Protector of the Small series. First Test features Kel, an 11-year-old girl determined to do what has never been done before: openly train to be a lady knight.

Fans of the original novel may miss the deeper understanding of Kel’s background, motivations, and inner thoughts that are harder to capture in this format. The illustrative style is reminiscent of comic books, which is in keeping with illustrator Devin Grayson’s background. Overall this works, but sometimes it’s hard to visually tell characters apart (this is an understandable challenge, as most of the characters, including Kel, wear uniforms).

That said, the adventure-packed storyline of the original book is followed, and no doubt graphic novel fans will enjoy it greatly – maybe even enough to be curious about the novel version.

4 stars

Reviewed by: Jenny Martinez Nocito, Maine State Library, Augusta

four-stars

The Grinch Takes a Vacation

The Grinch Takes a VacationDr. Seuss Graphic Novel: The Grinch Takes a Vacation: A Grinch Story (Dr. Seuss Graphic Novels) by Kaeti Vandorn
on September 24, 2024
ISBN: 0593703065
Genres: Holiday
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

Whoville is looking pretty empty – where is everyone going? It turns out, all the Whos are headed on vacation – and Grinch wants to know what all the fuss is about. So, Grinch and Max decide to try their own vacation, including a visit to the beach, amusement park, and a mountain. Grinch unsurprisingly doesn’t like the sandy beach, gets nauseated on rides, and can’t enjoy the mountain view because of clouds. Finally, he realizes that perhaps the point of vacations is spending time with your loved ones, and he does really appreciate his time with Max. This graphic novel has colorful illustrations and would be a fine addition to a graphic novel collection. Recommended for ages 6-7 (1st to 2nd Grade).

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

three-stars

Puffin and Penguin

Puffin and PenguinPuffin and Penguin by Helaine Becker, Kevin Sylvester
ISBN: 1525306545
Genres: Animals
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

When Puffin’s mom gets a new job at the United Avian Nations, his family relocates from Iceland to New Stork City. His new class is a full cast of characters, from King Penguin “the Cool Kid” to Blue Jay “the Class Clown” and Loon “the Gossip”. How will Puffin fit in? Puffin gets assigned a buddy to show him around – Penguin. But Penguin is so popular, and so busy, that Puffin doesn’t feel like a priority. So, Puffin decides to try to educate the other students about puffins (did you know that puffins can fly and have beaks that light up?!?) and join the drama club. Puffin finds his place on the stage crew, with Penguin being the lead of the play. When there is an unexpected power outage during the performance – they truly work as a team, with Puffin’s glow-in-the-dark beak saving the day! This graphic novel was full of bird puns, cute illustrations, and tells a classic tale of fitting in, being your true self, and making friends. Especially good for the bird or nature lovers, and actually includes some real facts about puffins (it turns out their beaks really do glow in the dark due to bioluminescence!). Recommended for ages 7-8 (2nd to 3rd Grade).

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

four-stars

Sink or Swim

Sink or SwimSink or Swim by Lee Durfey-Lavoie, Veronica Agarwal
Series: Just Roll With It #2
Published by Random House Graphic on June 4, 2024
ISBN: 0593125517
Pages: 314
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

In this cleverly illustrated graphic novel, Ty is recovering from a broken arm just as summer starts. He feels bad about missing the entire swim season and as captain of the team, he worries that he let his friends down. He especially feels bad about how he ghosted his teammate and best friend Max. Ty doesn’t simply feel bad – he is struggling mightily with depression, anxiety, body image issues, and dysregulated eating. He’s especially anxious about summer camp where he will be bunking with Max. Tensions are high between Max, Max’s twin sister Heather, and Ty and build to a climax during their boat-building activity. Between a caring camp counselor, new friends, and the long history of friendship between Ty and Max, things work out in the end. Heather is able to tell her brother and Ty about her girlfriend and Max and Ty acknowledge the romantic feelings they have for each other. After reading Louder Than Hunger by John Schu about a boy’s struggle with anorexia, I was hoping for a little back matter on eating disorders and depression or advice that Ty seek professional help. Nonetheless, this is an excellent story to use as a conversation starter with upper elementary and middle school students. This is the second book in the Just Roll With It series but it certainly stands alone. Graphic novel fans who love the wide-eyed expressions used in manga will love the characters’ faces when they are excited.

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

four-stars

Woe: A Housecat’s Story of Despair

Woe: A Housecat’s Story of DespairWoe: A Housecat's Story of Despair by Lucy Knisley
Published by Random House Graphic on July 2, 2024
ISBN: 0593177630
Pages: 208
Genres: Animals
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars
“Woe: A Housecat’s Story of Despair” by Lucy Knisley is a graphic novel comprised of a collection of web comics about the relationship between the author and her cat Linney. The story humorously explores all the ups and downs of being a pet owner, including all of the quirks of owning a beloved cat. Through charming illustrations and witty narration, Knisley captures the emotional landscape of her and Linney’s experiences, blending humor with poignant moments of reflection on love, pet care, loss, and the day to day antics of her cat. Although often funny, the book doesn’t shy away from the difficult and heartbreaking aspects of pet ownership.  Although I, as an adult reader, would prefer more of a story than a series of graphic vignettes, this graphic novel is beloved by my middle grade animal loving daughter. This book would be a popular addition to any middle school library’s graphic novel collection.

Reviewed by Rebecca Duquette, Pittston Randolph Consolidated School

three-stars

Steve: A Pretty Exceptional Horse

Steve: A Pretty Exceptional HorseSteve, A Pretty Exceptional Horse (Steve the Horse, 1) by Kelly Collier
Series: Steve The Horse,
Published by Kids Can Press on April 4, 2017
ISBN: 1525312995
Pages: 64
Genres: Animals, Children's Beginning Readers
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

In this early graphic novel Steve is a happy go lucky horse hanging with his best friend, Bob, the racoon. They’re having a typical day until Steve sees his first ever peacock. This glorious bird leaves Steve feeling rather ordinary and he goes off on a search to become extraordinary. After he finds a beautiful golden horn he begins wearing on his head he believes he has found the key to being extraordinary, but has he?
We can all relate to Steve and his desire to find our special place in this world, a way to stand out and shine in our own individual ways. This story shows the pitfalls that can happen along the way and how to work through the growing pains.

Perfect for ages 6-9

Reviewed by MaryAnn Lopes. Lewiston Public School, Elementary Librarian

four-stars

Sunset of the Sabertooth

Sunset of the SabertoothSunset of the Sabertooth Graphic Novel (Magic Tree House) by Mary Pope Osborne
ISBN: 0593706005
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars
This is  Book 7 in graphic novel adaptation of “The Magic Tree House” series. It follows Jack and Annie on another treehouse adventure to the Ice Age. They learn about early humans, cave art, and animals of the time. “The Magic Treehouse” series translates into comics format better than most. This adaption stays true to the original but adds a colorful animation-like feel to the story. The nice thing about this series is it is for younger grade readers and is still educational. Many graphic novels for lower grades are just silly. A gateway book to reading the series or other beginning chapter books.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

five-stars