Format: Graphic Novel

One in a Million

One in a MillionOne in a Million by Claire Lordon
Published by Candlewick Press on 2023
ISBN: 1536213675
Genres: Biography/Autobiography, Mental Health, Non-Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel, Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

The subtitle of One in a Million, a graphic memoir by Claire Lordon, is “High school is hard enough without a mysterious illness”, which introduces the reader to Claire’s challenging life. In Claire’s junior year, she begins experiencing excruciating headaches in addition to other symptoms that are difficult to deal with as a teenager such as unexplained weight gain, hair loss, and severe acne. Worse than all of these combined is an extreme lack of concentration and energy, making studying and having the ability to play sports or partake in activities with friends impossible. Claire’s lifeline is her diary and sketchbook. Now an adult, those outlets are the basis for this graphic memoir. One in a Million captures the frustration of feeling ill but not knowing why, the stress of a calendar filled with testing and medical appointments, and the relentless pain and exhaustion that sucks the joy from life. Lordon so clearly channels her teenage self, that the reader cannot help but feel deep empathy with her experience. She drew most of the frames using shapes of purple, with breaks in full black to express negative emotions. Unfortunately the sheer relentless anxiety and depression can overwhelm the reader at times. A trigger warning in the introduction is helpful. Anyone who has ever dealt with a chronic illness or who enjoys medical mysteries would appreciate this graphic memoir.

Reviewed by Melissa M. Orth, Richmond Middle/High School, Richmond, ME

four-stars

Nell of Gumbling

Nell of GumblingNell of Gumbling: My Extremely Normal Fairy-Tale Life by Emma Steinkellner
ISBN: 0593570669
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

“Nell of Gumbling: My Extremely Normal Fairy-Tale Life” is a middle grade graphic novel by Emma Steinkellner. The main character, Nell, is a normal seventh grader in the magical city of Gumbling. All seventh graders get assigned an apprenticeship and instead of getting to intern with a famous artist, Nell ends up apprenticing under Mrs. Birdneck, the city archivist. Nell ends up needing to use her archival skills when two adults show up wanting to completely change Gumbling into essentially a theme park.

Written as if we are reading Nell’s journal (complete with her many illustrations), the book alternates between large amounts of text and more standard graphic novel comic style. The illustrations are colorful, bright, and silly. If you pay attention to the details, you’ll find a lot of little jokes that are easily missed. Recommended for ages 8 to 12, this book is a recommended purchase for middle grade graphic novel collections everywhere.

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

four-stars

How to Love: A Guide to Feelings & Relationships for Everyone

How to Love: A Guide to Feelings & Relationships for EveryoneHow to Love: A Guide to Feelings & Relationships for Everyone by Alex Norris
ISBN: 1536217883
Genres: Humor
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars
“How to Love” by Alex Norris is a teen/young adult graphic novel all about feelings and relationships. Featuring brightly colored and simple line drawings, Norris brings humor to difficult situations, like dating someone and finding out they are not who you thought they were, or getting in arguments. Some topics may seem a little too simplified, but Norris still manages to convey a deep sincerity, even while making you laugh about it. Some of the topics covered include gender expression, having a crush, friendship, getting dumped, and having arguments in your relationship.

Aimed at ages 14 and up, “How to Love” is a recommended purchase for teen and young adult graphic novel collections.

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

four-stars

Two-Headed Chicken: Beak to the Future

Two-Headed Chicken: Beak to the FutureTwo-Headed Chicken: Beak to the Future by Tom Angleberger
Published by Walker Books on 9/12/23
ISBN: 1536223220
Genres: Humor, Science Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars
The two-headed chicken is back in this entertaining graphic novel sequel.  In this adventure, the two-headed chicken experiences time travel as they search for their missing Astrocap, which allows them to jump from universe to universe.   In their quest, they travel to random points in time and encounter a hungry dinosaur, face an angry moose, and meet poet Emily Dickinson.  The chaotic plot is fast-paced with many unexpected twists and turns.  There is some type of humor on every page and kids will no doubt laugh out loud.  One thing that distinguishes this graphic novel from others are the interactive activities readers find along the way, like funny quizzes, a maze, and spot the difference (between two pages).  Elementary school readers who appreciate humor and randomness will love this graphic novel.  

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

four-stars

Hoops

HoopsHoops: A Graphic Novel by Matt Tavares
Published by Candlewick Press on March 14, 2023
ISBN: 1536201367
Genres: Historical Fiction, Sports
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars
Hoops is a graphic novel inspired by the true story of the first women’s high school varsity basketball team in a town in Indiana.  The girls on this team love to play basketball, but are forced to overcome many obstacles on their path to the playoffs, obstacles the boys’ team doesn’t have to deal with.  The girls refuse to be quiet about the inequities and find different ways to fight for what they need.  This graphic novel is perfect for upper elementary students.  It revolves around the basketball team and their amazing first season, but it also offers a glimpse into life for women in the 1970s and includes elements of friendship and some romance.  The pace of this graphic novel is pretty quick and there is a great balance between text heavy panels and pages and panels and pages that are solely illustrations.  This would be great for any school or public library collection.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

four-stars

The Alchemyst – The Graphic Novel

The Alchemyst – The Graphic NovelThe Alchemyst: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel Graphic Novel by Chris Chalik, Michael Scott
ISBN: 0593304675
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
two-stars
The new graphic novel version of “The Alchemyst – The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel” by Michael Scott is adapted by Nicole Andelfinger and illustrated by Chris Chalik. Twins Sophie and Josh discover that magic is real and that Josh’s bookseller boss is actually the immortal Nicholas Flamel. When a magical book is stolen, the twins must face danger to get it back and save the world. This adaptation of the bestselling young adult fiction series may satisfy fans of the original. The storyline is very close to the original book. Artwork seems a bit stilted and some of the word bubble lettering is very tough to read, but the plot is engaging. Written for ages 12-14, this book is recommended for large YA graphic novel collections where fantasy is popular.

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

two-stars

Pizza y Taco: ¿Quién es el mejor?

Pizza y Taco: ¿Quién es el mejor?Pizza y Taco: ¿Quién es el mejor?: (A Graphic Novel) (Pizza and Taco) (Spanish Edition) by Stephen Shaskan
ISBN: 0593704320
Genres: Humor
Format: Early Reader, Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

“Pizza y Taco: ¿Quién es el mejor?” is the Spanish edition of “Pizza and Taco: Who’s the best?” by Stephen Shaskan. Pizza and Taco are best friends, but which one of them is the best? They vote on it, but end up in a tie (or with a write-in candidate winning their second voting attempt). They decide to have a competition! Who is the best? Bright and engaging illustrations that are a combination of photos and cartoony drawing catch the eye. Written for ages 5 through 8, this is a silly graphic novel about friendship with lots of goofy antics, this book is a must-buy for all youth graphic novel collections.

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

four-stars

All the Lovely Bad Ones: A Ghost Story Graphic Novel

All the Lovely Bad Ones: A Ghost Story Graphic NovelAll the Lovely Bad Ones Graphic Novel: A Ghost Story Graphic Novel by Mary Downing Hahn, Naomi Franquiz, Joamette Gil, Brittany Peer, Scott Peterson
Published by Clarion Books on August 29, 2023
ISBN: 0358650143
Pages: 160
Genres: Horror, Supernatural
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

Graphic Novel adaptation of Hahn’s horror story. When Travis and his sister Corey land themselves in a little too much trouble and are disinvited from their summer camp, their parents send them to Vermont to spend the summer with their grandmother. Their grandmother has recently purchased an old Inn but is worried that business is down. The Inn has a reputation as being haunted but tourists aren’t coming because there have been no alleged ghost sightings in years. Travis and Corey hatch a plan to fake ghost sightings to increase business. It works for awhile – business picks up and ghost hunters start visiting – but their grandmother is increasingly unhappy. When Travis and Corey’s antics wake up the real ghosts, things go from bad to worse. Travis and Corey learn the history of the Inn – it served as a poor house and was run by an evil brother and sister. The sister may be one of the ghosts they’ve awakened and her depiction by the artists is especially scary. This horror story is the perfect level of creepy and scary for upper elementary and middle grade readers.

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

four-stars

Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass

Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your AssYaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass: The Graphic Novel by Meg Medina, Mel Valentine Vargas
Published by Candlewick Press on September 5, 2023
ISBN: 1536234737
Pages: 288
Genres: Mental Health, Realistic Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
five-stars
It’s hard enough to move away from your best friend and start a new high school, but Piddy Sanchez also has to deal with an invisible bully who allegedly hates her guts and would like to physically harm her. Piddy has no idea why; she doesn’t even know who Yaqui Delgado is. As the bullying inflicted by Delgado and her group escalates, Piddy withdraws emotionally which distresses her mother and others who love her.

This book is a graphic novel adaptation by Mel Valentine Vargas of Meg Medina’s 2013 novel and it belongs in every school library. Those who have been bullied or who have loved ones who have been bullied will recognize the despair and helplessness that it causes in teens and their families. It’s an honest look at the ripple effect of trauma that bullying causes and refuses to shy away from the frustration that can be felt when dealing with seemingly uncooperative school administrations. But it also highlights the support and love of family and friends; Piddy has some strong, consistent support even when she is unable to see it. Vargas’ illustrations are done in blue and grey tones which work well to carry the story’s emotions.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

five-stars

Every Day: The Graphic Novel

Every Day: The Graphic NovelEvery Day: The Graphic Novel by David Levithan, Dion MBD
Published by Knopf Books for Young Readers on May 2, 2023
ISBN: 0593428986
Pages: 208
Genres: Science Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
three-stars
The graphic novel adaptation of the popular novel by the author David Levithan is a solid read. A is a body jumper who gets one day inside each body that they inhabit. The graphic novel takes one page to explain A’s body jumping before having them take over Justin, in whose body they meet Rhiannon. Since this is the very heart of the story, it does feel quick so it seems that knowledge of the prose novel, published in 2012, would enhance the reading of the graphic version. Those unfamiliar with the original novel will still enjoy this book, but it will take longer to get into the rhythm of the plot. The book ends on a cliffhanger, so hopefully the rest of the novels are going to be adapted as well.

The pages are printed on paper with a grain on it; this, in conjunction with black backgrounds, makes some of the pages dark and the illustrations a little less clear. Since A jumps into so many bodies, the challenge for illustrator Dion MBD is to make every character distinctive enough that the reader can see that A is in a new body. This is mostly accomplished, but in some situations, contextual clues are needed to determine who/where A is.

The book deals with mature themes like self-harm, drinking, and sex. Give this to readers who can handle issues and who enjoy romances like Alice Oseman’s “Heartstopper” or Molly Ostertag’s Girl From the Sea.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Falmouth Middle School

three-stars