Format: Graphic Novel

Magic Tree House Fact Tracker Graphic Novel: Titanic

Magic Tree House Fact Tracker Graphic Novel: TitanicMagic Tree House Fact Tracker Graphic Novel: Titanic by Jomike Tejido, Mary Pope Osborne, Meika Hashimoto
ISBN: 0593705920
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

Magic Tree House Fact Tracker Graphic Novel: Titanic

Young readers in grades 2 through 5 (possibly even older depending on level and interest), especially those who like graphic novels, will love this one! Even many adults will learn a thing or two about the Titanic through this engaging graphic novel. Readers will appreciate how the author takes us through the events before, during, and after the Titanic’s voyage and sinking. Readers will love how the illustrations help them further understand the text and give them a sense of how grandiose everything about the ship was. Teachers will appreciate that larger vocabulary words are defined, making the text more accessible and educational for students. Librarians will appreciate that, like the other books in the series, readers are encouraged to learn more about the book’s topic and consult a library and librarian for help with further research. Any reader who appreciates learning about history, non-fiction, graphic novels, or books about the Titanic will absolutely love this one. Strongly recommended for libraries serving elementary-aged readers or those with a particular interest in the Titanic. This was a four-star read for me.

Reviewed by Katy Jones, Gardiner Area High School Library, Gardiner

four-stars

Encore!

Encore!Encore! by Miles Toriko Burks
on June 2, 2026
ISBN: 0063282453
Genres: LGBTQ+
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
five-stars

Encore! is a YA graphic novel about two teens, Clay and Aron, who were best friends when they were younger but then had a falling out in middle school. Forced back together in a theater class, they have to reconcile their differences. As they become partners on a theater project and spend more time together, they start to wonder where it all went wrong, if it’s too late to fix their friendship, and if what they’re feeling might be more than just friends.

This is Burk’s debut, and you’d never know it! The characters are dynamic and well developed; even side characters have flaws and redeeming qualities and distinct personalities. The illustrations are beautiful and engaging, especially the characters’ facial expressions, which are detailed and make such an impression on the reader.

There were two standout features in this text: One was the conversations around sexuality. There were characters who were gay, lesbian, trans, questioning, bisexual, and more. Each one was approached with nuance rather than stereotype and as part of a character rather than the entire character. One of the main characters discovers that he’s bisexual and pushes back on his friends and teammates making jokes about it, which is important representation for change in our culture. The second standout feature was the conversations around friendship. Throughout the book, each character has moments of being a good friend and a bad friend, and these are discussed amongst each other. Readers will appreciate the examples of navigating difficult moments with friends and learning what it means to be a good friend. This would be a strong addition to any library serving teen readers, especially those who like graphic novels, theater, and popular reads like Heartstopper. This was a five-star read for me. Reviewed by Katy Jones, Gardiner Area High School Library, Gardiner

five-stars

Someday Perfect

Someday PerfectSomeday Perfect by Kat Schneider
on April 21, 2026
ISBN: 0593809629
Pages: 288
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
three-stars

Someday Perfect is a graphic novel by Kat Schneider about a girl named Meg whose father is a pastor and who is spending the summer at a Christian sleepaway camp. Meg’s friends at camp start bending the rules and she starts crushing on a boy, named Danny, and suddenly she’s not sure what to believe: the teachings of her father and her church or what her friends and her heart want her to do.

The illustrations were eye-catching, engaging, and help the reader move back and forth in time as she reflects on her previous school year at her first non-denominational school and her present-day experiences at camp; the illustrations from the previous year are always in blue, unlike the scenes that take place in the present day. When Meg’s mind wanders during meetings or sermons, the illustrations blur the words so they fall into the background for the reader as well.

Some aspects of this book could be triggering for some readers, especially those who might struggle to read about sexism or religious trauma. For example, we see how much the camp leaders focus on the girls being modest, criticize their choices, make them serve the males at the camp, and shame them for any perceived mistakes or immodesty. The tension between the teachings of the camp and Meg and the other girls’ inner voices is the main conflict in the book. While it’s published as about a summer crush, a lot of the book is really about the damage these religious teachings can do; several of the girls demonstrate struggles with their mental health. This would be a good fit for readers who appreciate graphic novels, want a window into someone else’s experience, or those who liked Gaytheist. Readers who are already struggling with their mental health or beliefs might be better served by a read that reinforces their worth and value; while Schneider presents some potentially harmful beliefs, this isn’t balanced by any of the characters affirming their self-worth. This was a three-star read for me. Reviewed by Katy Jones, Gardiner Area High School Library, Gardiner

three-stars

Camp Frenemies: Bunkmates for Never

Camp Frenemies: Bunkmates for NeverBunkmates for Never (Camp Frenemies #2) by Liz Montague
ISBN: 0593806263
Genres: Humor, Juvenile Fiction / Social Themes / Friendship
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
three-stars

A lot has changed in a year, and Bea is no exception. She thinks nothing of it until she arrives at summer camp to find that her two friends, Virginia and Roxy, have changed as well. As camp progresses, these changes put strain on the friendship until it reaches a breaking point. Now the three work to rectify their relationship before camp ends and they part ways again, but is it worth saving their friendship if they’ve all changed so much?

Award-winning author Liz Montague sends readers back to Camp Chordata in the second installment of the Camp Frenemies series. Bea, Virginia, and Roxy face a whole new set of problems that are all too relatable for the upper elementary and middle school audience. In the 21st century, more and more children have to face issues such as divorce, toxic friendships, and changing bodies. Rather than putting them in a sink-or-swim situation, readers learn to tread the waters at Camp Chordata. It is a fine line to draw between an impactful and depressing tone when creating a book filled with difficult topics. But the bright imagery and silly facial expressions lighten the heavy load. 

Montague’s skill as a New Yorker illustrator can be appealing to reluctant readers. At first glance, the book’s illustrations are primarily negative space. A simple trick of the eye that can appeal to reluctant readers. The same white space that could have easily overwhelmed the story helps guide readers, creating a natural flow that mimics the story’s. Emphasis on important moments and emotions is illustrated through exaggerated facial expressions. The humorous style helps maintain the lighthearted tone while providing clear context for the reader to pick up on. 

Protagonists Bea, Virginia, Roxy, and the reader all learn a valuable lesson about navigating personal problems and tricky friendships. Montague’s artistic style is easy to digest while keeping the attention of reluctant readers. This series would be a good recommendation for fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid or The Dork Diaries for its similar illustration style and realistic message for young readers.

Reviewed by Antyna Gilbert, Medomak Middle School.

three-stars

Steve Into the Great Unknown

Steve Into the Great UnknownSeries: Steve the Hore #4
Published by Kids Can Press on October 6, 2026
Pages: 31
Genres: Humor
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
four-stars

Book 4 in the “Steve the Horse” graphic novel series. Steve the good-natured, self-absorbed horse  is bored so decides to go on an adventure. His best friend Bob the raccoon is concerned since Steve has never been on an adventure before and hasn’t even packed supplies. So Bob decides to accompany him. It doesn’t take long for Steve to become bored with the adventure. The silly humor abounds as Steve blunders into one (mis)adventure after another.  Perfect for early elementary–age children, but some of the vocabulary may be challenging: expedition, provisions, exhilarating, venturing, and escarpment. The graphics are simple and appealing. As with all “Steve the Horse” books a lesson is interjected amongst the entertainment. After all, “Preparation is everything!” Ages 7-9.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

four-stars

Harper Sharp: Kid Detective

Harper Sharp: Kid DetectiveHarper Sharp: Kid Detective: (A Graphic Novel) by Jarrett Williams
ISBN: 0593303059
Genres: Adventure, Humor, Mystery
Format: Graphic Novel, Middle Grade Fiction
Goodreads
two-stars

Ominous messages and vandalism threaten a school’s preparation for the Young Inventor’s Fair. However, this mystery is no match for detective Harper Sharp. This energetic investigator will stop at nothing to catch the culprit. But will he be able to manage the mystery of the fair and keep up with his studies? To stay sharp, he might have to call on the help of a few friends, if he can trust them. Time is running out, and Harper Sharp is on the case. 

Jarrett Williams makes his debut in middle-grade literature, having built a reputation as a successful illustrator for the adult comic series Rick and Morty. However, the promising start to the Harper Sharp Mystery series falls short for two main reasons.

First, the story is visually overwhelming. Each page is filled with vibrant illustrations to replicate the vivid imagination of the story’s protagonist, Harper Sharp. The gorgeous images themselves could have easily told the whole story; Williams overloads the pages with text bubbles. There is no natural progression from one speech bubble to the next, causing the reader’s focus to burst. This isn’t to say the story is undecipherable; it just requires more conscious effort on the part of the reader. Unfortunately, all the work to find the story only leads to another disappointing clue. 

The mystery within the book is unfair to readers. Good mysteries can share all the important information for the reader to solve the mystery themselves, but through clever misdirection can surprise the reader in the end. The school vandal leaves a mess of clues, but not the transparency of a good mystery. Nowhere in the story can the reader find clues pointing towards the culprit. Yes, there are clues in the story, such as missing keys and spilled milk (don’t worry, no tears were shed), but they’re vague. Vague clues, when added up in the end, solve the mystery only because the protagonist has vital knowledge the reader does not. This unfair advantage takes away the fun for the reader, disengaging them from the story.

Overall, the debut had great potential with colorful illustrations and interactive elements. Despite that, the overpowering presence of text bubbles disrupts the natural flow of reading. Nor does it leave enough direct clues in the story for the reader to solve the mystery themselves. The combination of the two makes it difficult to stay engaged until the end of the book. Harper Sharp: Kid Detective is the first in the series, leaving much room for improvement in the next installment.

Reviewed by Antyna Gilbert, Medomak Middle School, Waldoboro

two-stars

Our Aimless Nights

Our Aimless NightsOur Aimless Nights, Volume 1 by Jan Mitsuko Cash, Koumori
Genres: Realistic Fiction, Romance
Format: Graphic Novel, Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

“Our Aimless Nights” is a young adult romance manga by Koumori. Chika is a chatty and popular girl and Waya is a quiet and reserved boy who don’t interact much at their high school, but after Chika runs into him at his night job at a store they start to develop feelings for each other. There are the typical misunderstandings and silly situations that pop up in romance stories, but this wholesome manga will keep readers rooting for the cute couple. A recommended purchase for YA manga collections.

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

four-stars

Clock Hands

Clock HandsClock Hands by Marieke Nijkamp, Sylvia Bi
on April 21, 2026
ISBN: 0063027135
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy
Format: Graphic Novel, Middle Grade Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

“Clock Hands” is a middle grade graphic novel set in the world of “Ink Girls,” but can be read on its own. The author is Marieke Nijkamp and the illustrator is Sylvia Bi. In this world you have to pay to become an apprentice in a guild and many cannot afford to. Vale wants to be a metalworker, but cannot afford it until Maestro Giuseppi moves in and asks Vale to help him build an astronomical clock. The guilds don’t like this and retaliate.

The book is beautiful and does a good job showing how societal classes keep the lower classes down. This is an emotional story with difficult themes, but it is an important one. A recommended purchase for middle grade graphic novel collections, especially those that have “Ink Girls.”

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

four-stars

Katie the Catsitter: Villain Con

Katie the Catsitter: Villain ConVillain Con (Katie the Catsitter #5) by Colleen A.F. Venable
on June 30, 2026
ISBN: 0593570413
Pages: 218
Genres: Adventure, Animals, Humor
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

“Villain Con” is the 5th book in the middle grade graphic novel series “Katie the Catsitter” written by Collen AF Venable and illustrated by Stephanie Yue. In this book, Katie is helping her mentor Madeline run for Mayor of NYC, but when the current mayor bans super heroes, everything is thrown off! A fun mix of adventure, humor, and middle school friendship issues. The illustrations are bright and add to the humorous nature of the book. Animal lovers will get a kick out of the different cats’ personalities.

This book is a recommended purchase for middle grade graphic novel collections, especially those that have the previous books.

four-stars

I Am Kylian: The True Story of an International Soccer Champion

I Am Kylian: The True Story of an International Soccer ChampionI Am Kylian: The True Story of an International Soccer Champion by Faro, Kylian Mbappé
Published by Rodale Kids on 6/9/26
ISBN: 9798217445844
Genres: Sports
Format: Graphic Novel, Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

In this graphic memoir, readers will learn how Kylian Mbappé became one of the world’s greatest soccer players.  This memoir starts with Mbappé as a young child obsessed with soccer, dreaming of becoming a great soccer star.  Although gifted, Mbappé struggled in school and his parents had to work hard to help him become successful.  Mbappé also had to learn some hard lessons in soccer as he rose through the ranks, but he could always rely on his amazing speed and intelligence.  His humor, drive, and strong family relationships run throughout this graphic novel, both in the text and the graphics.

This graphic novel is best suited for upper elementary or middle school readers.  Most of the layouts contain a lot of text and illustrations, so readers will need to be able to process large amounts of information.  Readers who love soccer, or sports in general, will enjoy this graphic novel, because it really captures Mbappé’s full journey to becoming a soccer superstar.  Libraries looking to capitalize on the recent World Cup frenzy or want a quality nonfiction sports option should consider adding this book to the collection.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

four-stars