Format: Graphic Novel

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

Warriors: The Prophecies Begin

Warriors: The Prophecies BeginWarriors Graphic Novel: The Prophecies Begin #1 by Erin Hunter, Natalie Riess, Sara Goetter
on July 16, 2024
ISBN: 0063203871
Genres: Adventure, Animals
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

An adaption in graphic novel form of the popular “Warriors” series by Erin Hunter. This book covers the first two “Warriors” books – Into the Wild and Fire and Ice. The second book in the series, scheduled to be published in April, 2025, will cover the third and fourth novels – Forest of Secrets and Rising Storm. 

Four Clans of wild cats have shared the forest for generations. The cats of ThunderClan are in grave danger from sinister ShadowClan. Rusty, an ordinary house cat, becomes ThunderClan’s new apprentice and must work extra hard to prove he can be a true warrior. As the chill of winter sets in, the cats of rival RiverClan grow restless, while WindClan is weak and facing threats from all sides.

Over 20 years old and this series still appeals to kids. This graphic take on the original story has  wonderful vivid artwork and delightful character interpretations. As can be expected, some of the details are left out of the adaption so you may want to recommend that readers read both. Cats engage in battles and wars. Some cats are left wounded and some die. Sensitive children might find the books too violent or sad.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

 

five-stars

Tig and Lily: Up Late

Tig and Lily: Up LateTig and Lily: Up Late!: (A Graphic Novel) by Dan Thompson
Series: Tig and Lily #2
Published by Random House Children's Books on 7/16/24
ISBN: 059348634X
Genres: Humor
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars
Tig and Lily are back in this fun graphic novel for new readers.  In this installment, Tig wakes up from a bad dream and decides that he never wants to sleep again.  To help keep him awake, he convinces his best friend Lily to help him throw a slumber party with all of their friends. The party is a fun time complete with snacks and scary stories, but Tig faces danger when he sleepwalks and must be rescued. This graphic novel is ideal for first and second graders.  The language is fairly simple and there isn’t too much text on each panel.  The illustrations definitely carry this book.  They are bright and colorful and convey the humor of the story, especially through the facial expressions of the characters.  Libraries that have the first Tig and Lily will want to add this one to the collection, though it does also work as a stand alone.  Kids will enjoy the humor and will also learn a little bit about friendship, too.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

three-stars

Brownstone

BrownstoneBrownstone by Mar Julia, Samuel Teer
on June 11, 2024
ISBN: 0358394740
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
five-stars

Brownstone by Samuel Teer and Mar Julia is a coming of age graphic novel about a girl named Almudena who is forced to live with a father she’s never met for the summer as her mother heads off on a trip. Almundena’s hesitancy about this summer only increases when she discovers that not only is her father renovating his entire apartment building—and expects her to help—but he doesn’t speak any English. Almudena discovers she has a lot to learn about her heritage—she’s actually Guatemalan when she’s always thought she’s Mexican—and the world her father lives in. As she gets to know the people in her new neighborhood  she learns why her father is so focused on the renovation and that there’s more to family than she thinks. Readers will easily empathize with Almudena as she tries to navigate living in a construction zone, developing a relationship with an estranged father, and discovering her cultural identity. Many readers will find themselves in the characters from those who are biracial, LGBTQIA+, latino-American, or part of a blended family; representation is definitely a stand out feature of this book. Readers will also be drawn to the graphic novel format and especially how it compliments the characters’ struggle with communication due to language barriers, cultural differences, misunderstandings, and complicated feelings. Though the book explores complex ideas of gentrification, homophobia, cultural identity, and blended families, the authors are thoughtfully present these topics in an accessible way. This is a must read for teens and adults!*Recommending for cream — five stars!*Reviewed by Katy Jones, Gardiner Area High School Library, Gardiner

five-stars

Super Pancake and the Mini Muffin Mayhem

Super Pancake and the Mini Muffin MayhemSuper Pancake and the Mini Muffin Mayhem: (A Graphic Novel) by Abhi Alwar, Megan Wagner Lloyd
ISBN: 0593378482
Genres: Adventure
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars
It is spring break for Peggy Pancake! Unfortunately, her mom signed her up to babysit all week, and she needs to finish her overdue “how to” homework. Her mom suggests that she write about “how to be responsible”. Peggy will need her super powers and her best friends to survive babysitting the 5 troublesome mini muffins all week. Meanwhile, Professor Egg has succeeded in making a mega/mini laser of doom, and has requested Peggy stop by the lab to study her powers. In a moment of desperation, Peggy decides to bring the mini muffins to the lab, resulting in one of the mini muffins turned mega muffin. Can she fix the mess she made, shrink mini muffin back to her regular size, and return mini muffin to her mom? Yes, she can, while also learning some valuable lessons about being responsible, making mistakes, and trying again. This fun graphic novel is just as good as the original and especially recommended for breakfast lovers. Illustrations are a bright and colorful representation of Breakfast Town and its’ inhabitants. Recommended for ages 6-8 (1st to 3rd Grade).

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

four-stars

Scaredy Squirrel Scared Silly

Scaredy Squirrel Scared SillyScaredy Squirrel Scared Silly: (A Graphic Novel) (Scaredy's Nutty Adventures) by Mélanie Watt
ISBN: 059330764X
Genres: Adventure, Animals
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars
Scaredy Squirrel is back and ready for Halloween! He is fully prepared to make sure Halloween is cute and fun, and NOT scary. And just in case – he’s thought of everything: fans to ward of ghosts, garlic for vampires, and pepperoni for werewolves. Scaredy is begrudgingly convinced to go trick-or-treating with his friends (if it weren’t for the caramel apples – he would not go). On their outing, they are chased by a pepperoni loving cat throughout the neighborhood. And Scaredy finds out that much of what he was afraid of, isn’t so scary after all. This seasonal sequel is just as fun as the original, and would make a great addition to any graphic novel collection. This series in general could be a good tool for caregivers working through child fears and anxieties. The illustrations are simple, cute, and fitting of the story. Recommended for ages 6-8 (1st to 3rd Grade).

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

four-stars

Tryouts

TryoutsTryouts (The Brinkley Yearbooks #2) by Sarah Sax
Published by Random House Graphic on May 7, 2024
ISBN: 0593306929
Pages: 277
Genres: Realistic Fiction, Sports
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars
A solid realistic fiction graphic novel from the author of Picture Day. Using yearbook-like interludes to offer additional back story, this title follows Al, a female pitcher who would like to tryout for the boys baseball team. She is encouraged to by her friends, who are also trying out new things like joining a new club and bringing back a forgotten middle school mascot. The illustrations are clear, bright, and lively. The story offers interesting points of discussion: about Title IX sports, about school traditions, and about being a good teammate. A book for this age group, grades 3 through 7, would always benefit from chapter breaks. Sax does use interludes that mimic a yearbook page and these offer additional voices and background, but they are spread out throughout the book and they are not entirely obvious breaks in the plot. There are many diverse characters. Fans of realistic graphic novels like Click by Kayla Miller, Fifth Quarter by Mike Dawson, and anything Raina Telgemeier will appreciate this title.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Falmouth Elementary School

four-stars