Format: Graphic Novel

Tales of a Seventh-Grade Lizard Boy

Tales of a Seventh-Grade Lizard BoyTales of a Seventh-Grade Lizard Boy by Jonathan Hill
Published by Walker Books US on September 27, 2022
Pages: 288
Genres: Science Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
five-stars

When Tommy and his family, who are lizard people,  have to flee their subterranean world due to dwindling resources, they decide to do everything they can to fit in with their new human neighbors.  Tommy starts middle school with a new identity and struggles culturally and socially until he becomes friends with Dung, a new Vietnamese student, and Scarlett, a social outcast. Middle school drama ensues, further complicated by Tommy’s hidden identity.

This graphic novel would be a great suggestion for anyone struggling to be themselves, anyone looking to understand the experience of those living in a new country, or anyone simply looking for an engaging middle school sci-fi drama. Tommy works through a lot, and even when his behavior is difficult, it’s hard not to root for him.

The book also has a fascinating author’s note that nicely explains Vietnamese names, the author’s reasoning for portraying the Vietnamese family’s speech the way he did, and a description of some of his favorite Vietnamese foods. A solid addition to any collection!

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

five-stars

Rover and Speck: This Planet Rocks!

Rover and Speck: This Planet Rocks!Rover and Speck: This Planet Rocks! by Jonathan Roth
Published by Kids Can Press on October 4, 2022
ISBN: 1525305662
Pages: 104
Genres: Adventure, Humor, Science Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
five-stars

This graphic novel, the first of a new series by the author of “Beep and Bob,” is quite enjoyable even for those who are usually not fans of graphic novels. Rover is, well, a rover, who crash lands on a planet. His antenna is broken (it humorously takes the appearance of a tail), so he has no way to communicate with his ship. He rescues a robot, Speck, whom he finds a little annoying but allows him to accompany him to explore this new planet. When they make their first big discovery, their only mission is to escape from the rock creatures that are chasing them! The easily understandable and colorful illustrations accompany a fast-moving plot, humorous moments, and endearing characters. There is even thought-provoking philosophy: “How do we know we haven’t discovered it yet, if we haven’t discovered it yet?” The asides in boxes throughout the story contain science facts. End matter includes a draw-your-own-rover activity and an overview of some real-life rovers. With its popular topic, clever wit, and accessible science, this series promises to be a hit with readers in grades 2-5.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

five-stars

The Flamingo

The FlamingoThe Flamingo: A Graphic Novel Chapter Book by Guojing
Published by Random House Studio on September 27, 2022
ISBN: 0593127315
Pages: 144
Genres: Animals
Format: Chapter Book Fiction, Early Reader, Graphic Novel, Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads
five-stars

A small child of Chinese descent goes to visit her Lau Lau (grandmother) who lives by the beach. Over the course of the visit, Lau Lau tells the girl about a special flamingo feather Lau Lau has had since she was a girl. Over the course of the story, the two enjoy the beach, splashing in the ocean, picking up seashells, and even finding a recently hatched sea turtle egg. The child learns this flamingo was very special to her Lau Lau. When she returns home, the girl creates a special keepsake for Lau Lau – she illustrates a book with the story of the flamingo. This nearly wordless chapter book graphic novel is beautifully illustrated with whimsical watercolor and colored pencil drawings that evoke the sense of imagination children often possess. The connection between grandmother and grandchild in this story is touching and in many ways magical. This book would be best for 2nd-5th graders as an individual checkout. I recommend it for any library that serves children.

Reviewed by Savannah Sessions, MSAD #17 Librarian,  Oxford Hills

five-stars

Sir Ladybug

Sir LadybugSir Ladybug (Sir Ladybug, #1) by Corey R. Tabor
Published by Balzer & Bray/Harperteen on March 29, 2022
ISBN: 0063069067
Pages: 72
Genres: Animals, Humor
Format: Early Reader, Graphic Novel
Goodreads
five-stars

Sir Ladybug is a knight for the modern age, he likes video games, baking cakes, and will always take on a quest when it is plopped in front of him. He has help on these adventures from his friends, Pell the roly-poly herald and Sterling the snail as his trusty steed. This early reader graphic novel uses colorful illustrations with simple line work to convey an easy joy and simplicity to the storyline. The text is humorous for both kids and adults, with some literary references peppered in for those who appreciate meta-humor, as well as knock knock jokes for the younger ones reading.

Each of the three main characters has something to bring to the table as far as adventuring goes, and the lessons on what it means to be brave and what it means to be “a monster” are well-worth remembering. This graphic novel is charming, funny, and thoughtful and would be well-suited for children grades 2-4.

Reviewed by Mary Randall, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth

five-stars

Fish and Wave

Fish and WaveFish and Wave by Sergio Ruzzier
Published by HarperAlley on May 17, 2022
ISBN: 0063076675
Pages: 48
Genres: Adventure, Animals
Format: Early Reader, Graphic Novel
Goodreads
three-stars

Fish from Fish and Sun is back for another adventure. This time, Fish meets a small friendly wave but when Wave grows and grows, what’s a little fish to do? After a scary encounter with a really big wave, Fish rides on Wave’s back to endure the rise and fall of Wave’s natural way.

This is a gentle book for new readers. The text is sparse and perfect for those working on independent reading. It is in graphic novel format, so it’s a great opportunity for young readers to learn how to read panels. Ruzzio’s watercolor and line drawing illustrations bring the story to life and help carry the sparse text. Recommended for readers 4 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars

Beware the Burmese Pythons and Other Invasive Animal Species

Beware the Burmese Pythons and Other Invasive Animal SpeciesBeware the Burmese Pythons: And Other Invasive Animal Species by Etta Kaner, Phil Nicholls
Published by Kids Can Press on October 4, 2022
ISBN: 1525304461
Pages: 48
Genres: Animals
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction, Graphic Novel
Goodreads
five-stars

This book is a hybrid graphic novel and informational book. The cover art is sure to grab the attention of upper elementary and middle school children. However, the title is a bit misleading in that the book only contains 4-pages about the Burmese Python, but the rest of the book is about other invasive species, such as Nutria, Cane Toads, Starlings, Crazy Ants, Feral Cats, Rabbitfish, Killer Shrimp, Snakehead Fish, and Cactus Moths. Despite that, the information is fascinating and is presented in an appealing, kid-friendly format. The variety of ways that invasive species get into new ecosystems and the damage they cause is explored in a consistent manner for each animal. Most importantly, it conveys what scientists are currently doing to solve the problems and what you can do to help. Contains a glossary, sources, and further reading at the end.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

five-stars

Booked (Graphic Novel)

Booked (Graphic Novel)Booked by Dawud Anyabwile, Kwame Alexander
Published by Etch/Clarion Books on July 12, 2022
ISBN: 0358161819
Pages: 320
Genres: Sports
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
five-stars

The graphic novel adaptation of Alexander’s popular verse novel about a soccer-obsessed middle schooler will be very popular. Nick is dealing with his parents’ divorce, bullies, and having to compete against his best friend on the soccer field. Best of all is the cool school librarian sporting a mohawk and always there with life advice and a book to read. Nick’s father has created a dictionary just for Nick which might be one reason Nick has a flair for words, especially malapropisms and writing in blackout style. In addition to Alexander’s gift for wordplay, he also writes realistically about depression and middle school.

Recommended for Cream of the Crop.

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

five-stars

Star Knights

Star KnightsStar Knights: (A Graphic Novel) by Kay Davault
Published by Random House Graphic on July 5, 2022
ISBN: 0593303652
Pages: 240
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Humor
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars
“Star Knights” is a middle grade graphic novel written and illustrated by Kay Davault. Tad, a frog, deals with bullying because according to legend, the evil Marsh Witch and her mud-dwelling minions tried to destroy the peace and prosperity of the kingdom. Tad wishes he could be a brave Star Knight so that others would like him. One night, the stars start falling and Tad’s wish to become a knight is granted and he is swept into an adventure that shows him the truth of everything.

Davault’s illustrations are bright, smooth, and rounded, giving the graphic novel a cute and humorous style that complements the story. The themes of friendship and truth, along with fighting prejudice are fairly obvious. This book doesn’t cover new ground, but it is a fun adventure that readers will enjoy. Recommended for ages 8 – 12, this book is a suggested purchase wherever middle grade graphic novels are popular.

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

four-stars

Swim Team: Small Waves, Big Changes

Swim Team: Small Waves, Big ChangesSwim Team by Johnnie Christmas
Published by HarperAlley on May 17, 2022
ISBN: 0063056771
Pages: 256
Genres: Historical Fiction, Sports
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
five-stars
Christmas offers middle grade readers his first graphic novel. His characters come alive expressing their passion for swimming. This is the story of a middle grade girl who moves with her father to Florida only to find that her only school elective choice is swimming. The action starts almost immediately and the story line follows history more accurately than readers would guess. While we learn that Ms. Etta was a young swimmer and is capable of coaching, there is much more to learn about this woman. Etta learns to swim, bonds with most of her teammates and grows to love the challenge while her father shrinks away from attending meets. Dad’s reluctance to attend swim meets makes for a tantalizing mystery. The full-color illustrations in this graphic novel are superior to most, the interactions are shown in both words and action. Accurate history of racial repression is revealed on many pages where puzzle pieces are drawn over the illustration. Readers will enjoy an inspiring story line, view engaging graphics, and learn some American history while reading this winning graphic novel. A compelling positive message is that team members should support each other while having fun.

The biggest problem with the narrative is that credit is not given to Enith Brigitha, an Olympic swimmer from the Netherlands. The character of Ms. Etta is inspired by Brigitha, who was the first black person to medal as an Olympic swimmer. Her story is easily found online but could have been included in the back pages of this book. Definitely add to middle school library collections where swimming pools exist on campus and to public libraries everywhere. This piece of historic fiction in graphic form is sure to please readers from grade 3-8.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, retired Youth Services Librarian

five-stars

The Subtle Knife

The Subtle KnifeThe Subtle Knife Graphic Novel by Philip Pullman
Published by Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers on February 22, 2022
ISBN: 0593176936
Pages: 272
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars
This graphic novel adaptation of Philip Pullman’s The Subtle Knife is great for middle to high school age readers. It is not recommended for younger audiences due to subject matter and violence. The illustrations are very well done and the story will keep the reader on the edge of their seat. In this story Will and Lyra jump between different worlds on a hunt for magical Dust. When Will comes into possession of a knife that can cut through anything they have people in multiple dimensions on the hunt for them. It is packed with action and adventure and anyone who enjoyed the novels should read the adaptation.

Reviewed by Erin Scott, MSAD 75, Woodside

four-stars