Format: Graphic Novel

Way Off Track

Way Off TrackWay Off Track (A Nansi Graphic Novel, 1) by Carl Brundtland, Claudia Davila
ISBN: 1525310046
Genres: Folklore, Sports
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

Way Off Track, written by Carl Brundtland and illustrated by Claudia Dávila, is a classic morality tale in a fresh setting with a relatable lead character, Nansi. Nansi is bound for the Olympics, but first she has to complete some middle school track meets. Like many talented seventh graders, Nansi straddles the line of confidence and complacency throughout the story. After not training, eating well, or getting enough sleep before her meet, Nansi is shocked when she loses to a wealthy, popular girl sporting the fanciest new shoes. Taking the wrong lesson from this, Nansi is determined to get those shoes and starts working at a beauty salon to save up money. When the opportunity for more training presents itself, Nansi has to choose between the shoes, the training, or lying to her family to get both.

Brundtland does an excellent job of creating a lovable character who doesn’t always make the right choices. Nansi’s friends and family give her guidance, but also give her room to own her decisions and learn from them. These factors lead to a lesson in the end that feels earned without unnecessary finger wagging. Where Brundtland seamlessly incorporates Jamaican culture, Way Off Track falters in its connection to the classic West African trickster character, Anansi. Even readers familiar with Anansi tales might not make a connection between Nansi and Anansi outside of their names. A primer in the beginning or end would have added to the larger context of the story and educated a new generation about these classic West African folktales. Dávila’s digital art is consistent, creative in its panel work, and brings so much life into these expressive characters.

A recommended purchase for graphic novel collections, especially where sports stories are popular.

Reviewed by Ivy Burns, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth

four-stars

The Cartoonists Club

The Cartoonists ClubThe Cartoonists Club by Raina Telgemeier, Ray Baehr, Scott McCloud
on April 1, 2025
ISBN: 1338777211
Pages: 280
Genres: Juvenile Fiction / Comics & Graphic Novels / Humorous
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

Makayla is a budding storyteller – always brimming with ideas. Howard loves to draw, but can’t always find the words to go along with his stories. One day (with the help of a passionate librarian) they get an idea – to start a Cartoonists Club. They recruit some additional Cartoonists – Art, who just loves trying new things, and Lynda, a quiet and serious artist. With the help of their librarian, they learn all about how to create comics, develop their own following of fans, and even have an exhibit table at a local comic convention. One particularly moving moment in the story is when Lynda is inspired to share her very personal comic about losing her Dad – showing just how important it can be to share personal experiences to relate to readers and make other people feel seen.

Sprinkled throughout this fun graphic novel are real tips and tricks of the trade. The back matter provides even more information about the different jobs and steps it takes to create a graphic novel. The characters in the story are diverse, and include a non-binary main character. The illustrations are well suited to the story and creatively display the club’s explorations as budding Cartoonists. A great graphic novel for any collection. Recommended for ages 8 to 12 (3rd grade to 6th grade).

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

four-stars

Trans History: From Ancient Times to the Present Day

Trans History: From Ancient Times to the Present DayTrans History: A Graphic Novel: From Ancient Times to the Present Day by Alex L. Combs, Andrew Eakett
ISBN: 1536219231
Format: Graphic Novel, Nonfiction, Young Adult
Goodreads
five-stars

Combs and Eakett provide a deep dive into the history of trans and otherwise gender nonconforming people, including the acceptance of gender expression, scientific developments, medical care, and activism across cultures and over time.

Thoroughly researched and packed with information, the graphic novel format is easy to follow and digest. Each section includes profiles of historical figures as well as contemporary scholars, advocates, and artists. The authors make it clear that artifacts and records left behind from ancient cultures leave room for interpretation and speculation, but evidence pieced together from archaeologists and historians can still make a case for the existence of trans-similar individuals and experiences. At the end of every chapter, readers are encouraged to consider questions for further exploration and analysis. Source notes provided.

Affirming for trans individuals and essential reading for all. 

Grade 9 and up.

Recommended for Cream of the Crop.

Kerrie Lattari, York Middle School, York

five-stars

Outsider Kids

Outsider KidsOutsider Kids: A Parachute Kids Graphic Novel (Parachute Kids #2) by Betty C. Tang
ISBN: 1338832719
Genres: History, Immigrants, Realistic Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

“Outsider Kids” is the sequel to the middle-grade graphic novel “Parachute Kids” but Betty C. Tang. The story continues with the Lin siblings, who are “parachute kids” (kids brought to a country by their parents for safety while the parents have to go back and forth depending on their situation). They are living mostly on their own and have mostly settled in at school, but when their snooty cousin arrives, things are shaken up. The story focuses mostly on Ann’s experience, while Jason struggles with romantic feelings towards his friend, and the family pulls together when challenges arise.

The characters in the book are well-developed and readers will empathize with them. This is an interesting look into a situation that I was unfamiliar with. Illustrations are bright and colorful and add to the humorous parts of this difficult setting. A must-buy for middle grade graphic novel collections.

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

four-stars

My Life as an Internet Novel

My Life as an Internet NovelMy Life as an Internet Novel, Volume 1 by A Hyeon
ISBN: 0593901282
Genres: Romance
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

“My Life as an Internet Novel” is a YA fantasy romance graphic novel by Han-Ryeo Yu and illustrated by A Hyeon. This is a webtoon adapted into a graphic novel. Dani, a middle school girl, wakes up and finds that she has been transported into an internet novel as the best friend of the main character and surrounded by very attractive boys. It is funny to watch Dani realize and anticipate the tropes of the internet novel that she is in, as well as learning that people are not as simple as they appear. A fun and interesting series that will appeal to teens who like romance mixed with a lot of humor. A recommended purchase for YA graphic novel collections.

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

four-stars

How to Say Goodbye in Cuban

How to Say Goodbye in CubanHow to Say Goodbye in Cuban by Daniel Miyares
Published by Anne Schwartz Books on September 30. 2025
ISBN: 059356829X
Genres: Immigrants
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

Carlos and his family live in the Cuban countryside in 1958. They are hardworking, loving, and happy together. One day his Papi wins the lottery and they are able to build a new home and woodshop in the city. They leave their beloved countryside and grandparents behind, much to Carlos’ dismay.
This all happens in the midst of the Revolution when Fidel Castro overthrows the government and creates an alliance with communist Russia. Carlos’ family life is thrown into chaos. Tempers are short and Papi is often away from home. Carlos and his siblings don’t know where he goes or what he is doing but they are scared and unsure.
This heartfelt story is in graphic novel format with chapters of Carlos’ family life separated by brief non-fiction historical material. With the illustrations we are drawn into this story which is not only that of a young boy and his family but an excellent introduction to this point in Cuban history.

Ages 8-12
Reviewed by MaryAnn Lopes, Elementary Librarian. Lewiston Public Schools, Lewiston, Maine.

five-stars

I Wanna Be Your Girl Volume 2

I Wanna Be Your Girl Volume 2I Wanna Be Your Girl, Volume 2 by Umi Takase
Published by RH Graphic on August 10, 2019
ISBN: 0593902963
Genres: LGBTQ+, Romance
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

The second volume of I Wanna Be Your Girl delves a little deeper into the emotions and reasons behind the characters’ behaviors. Hime lets herself open up more to her new friends and continues to try to work out her feelings for Akira, who has recently become manager of the soccer team. With some new characters to meet and some history behind a few of the characters introduced in volume one, the reader gets a more robust feel for what is going on with the group of friends. This YA manga series is willing to address angst and confusion, but combines it with supportive characters so it never feels dark or overwhelming. A great recommendation for fans of romance or anyone navigating gender and sexual preference.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

four-stars

Murray and Bun!: Murray the Knight

Murray and Bun!: Murray the KnightMurray the Viking (Murray and Bun!) by Adam Stower
Published by Random House Children's Books Genres: Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General, Juvenile Fiction / Comics & Graphic Novels / Humorous
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

This is the second early chapter book in a series starring Murray (a cat who loves routine, creature comforts, and predictability). Each story starts with a preamble explaining that the “rubbish” wizard Fumblethumb creates disasters of a magical kind that make Murray’s life interesting, including turning a frosted bun into a bunny named Bun and enchanting Murray’s cat flap so that it leads to an adventure in another realm, instead of a relaxing stroll in the garden.

As Murray and Bun leave through the cat flap, there is a “Pa-Poof!” and they are transported to a medieval castle with some very curious characters, including the grumpy Princess Rubytoes and Sir Nasty — a dastardly knight, complete with villainous mustache. We learn that Princess Rubytoes is surly because she will be forced to marry Sir Nasty, even though she and the gardener, Muddy Michael, are in love, unless someone steps in. Because of a misunderstanding of the word “joust”, (Murray believes it involves trampolines, funny hats and raspberry tarts), Murray volunteers to help.

Many hilarious antics and unexpected events lead to Murray winning the joust, saving the day and being feted as a hero, as in the first book (Murray the Viking), but alas  Murray will miss out on the feast (again).

Readers looking for series with fast-paced action and humor will snap this up — the cover is attractive, the humor is immediately apparent. (I have labeled it a “graphic novel”, but it is more of a heavily illustrated story, like The Bad Guys series.)  Murray and Bun are goofy and adorable. The language is witty, cheeky, and dynamic. It would make a boisterous read-aloud.

Highly recommended for public and school libraries.

Deanna Contrino, SLMS
K-2 Resource Librarian, Scarborough Schools

five-stars

Two-Headed Chicken: Chaos in the Cosmic Library

Two-Headed Chicken: Chaos in the Cosmic LibraryTwo-Headed Chicken: Chaos in the Cosmic Library by Tom Angleberger
Series: Two-Headed Chicken #3
Published by Candlewick Press on 9/23/25
ISBN: 1536237051
Genres: Humor
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

The fun and randomness of the time traveling two-headed chicken is back in the third graphic novel in this series.  Their archnemesis, a shape-shifting moose, is still after them, eager to catch them so he can fry them!  To escape, they travel to the cosmic library, where they jump in and out of (parodies of) beloved children’s books like Winnie the Pooh, Charlotte’s Web, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and more.  The graphic novel is completely absurd, which will no doubt appeal to readers who gravitate to humorous books.  The colors are bold and vibrant and help to create the fun energy and quick pace of this book.  Readers do get small breaks along the way as they encounter mazes, quizzes, seek and finds, and drawing activities throughout this book.  Given the large text and crazy content, this series is best suited for elementary school readers. Readers who enjoyed the first two graphic novels in this series will certainly devour this one as well.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

four-stars

Murray and Bun!: Murray the Viking

Murray and Bun!: Murray the VikingMurray the Viking (Murray and Bun!) by Adam Stower
Published by Random House Children's Books Genres: Humor, Juvenile Fiction / Comics & Graphic Novels / Humorous
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

This is the first book in a series starring Murray (a cat who loves routine, creature comforts, and predictability). Unfortunately, Murray lives in a house with an inept wizard by the name of Fumblethumb,  prone to mistakes of a magical kind that make Murray’s life interesting. He turns Murray’s “last and best” frosted bun into a bunny named Bun and enchants Murray’s cat door, so that one never knows if there is a relaxing stroll through the garden on the other side or an unwanted (if you’re Murray) exploit in another realm.

In this outing, Murray and Bun, his adventure-loving sidekick, are transported to the land of Vikings. The Vikings need Murray to solve the problem of the trolls, who they believe have eaten their leader, Eggrik. The trolls turn out to be delightful, friendly, and willing to share food, but they also have a problem they hope Murray can solve — a scary, hairy, very stinky something is in the wood, causing them a lot of distress. Intrepid readers will jump ahead and guess that the stinky, hairy something is Eggrik, and they will be right.

Eggrick is very stinky and very lonely, but he has a bigger problem that only Murray, through his unique brand of skills, can fix. Fix it he does and returns Eggrik to the Vikings. There is a celebration! There is a feast about to start! There is Murray, whisked magically back to his own cat flap place and time, and disgruntled about missing the feast.

Readers will learn that amazing adventures await when you are willing to step outside your comfort zones. Lots of jokes, visual and otherwise; cartoonish line drawings on every page. (I have labeled it a “graphic novel”, but it is more of a heavily illustrated story, like The Bad Guys series.)  Murray and Bun are goofy and adorable. This is for students who like theirs stories with lots of fast-paced action, adventure and humor.  The language is witty, cheeky, and dynamic.

Children of all ages will laugh at Murray’s obsessions with food, and his solutions to hairy problems. Readers will enjoy “Bun’s Bonus Bits” in the back matter, including “How to Draw Murray” and a “Family Album”. This would be a great gateway series to get students hooked on other magical adventure series with lots of humor, and would make for a rollicking read-aloud.

Highly recommended for public and school libraries.

Deanna Contrino, SLMS
K-2 Resource Librarian, Scarborough Schools

five-stars