Pizza and Taco: Too Cool for School

Pizza and Taco: Too Cool for SchoolPizza and Taco: Too Cool for School by Stephen Shaskan
Series: Taco and Pizza #4
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers on June 28, 2022
ISBN: 0593376072
Pages: 72
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Early Reader, Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

In the fourth book in the Pizza and Taco series, the two friends are ready to go back to school. Pizza has a new backpack and he is ready to tackle the new year with his bestie, Taco. However, when they find out that a new student, BLT, is starting school they become preoccupied with being cool. Yet when Pizza and Taco stop being themselves to act cool, they start to realize they are not having any fun. This graphic novel would be a good choice for reluctant readers and those new to graphic novels. The story is broken into five short chapters each with illustrations that are simple and expressive. The font is large with a lot of word repetition to help early readers. Pizza and Taco will make readers smile while teaching about peer pressure and the importance of being yourself.

Reviewed by Elizabeth Andersen, Dyer Elementary School

four-stars

The First Cat in Space Ate Pizza

The First Cat in Space Ate PizzaThe First Cat in Space Ate Pizza by Mac Barnett, Shawn Harris
Published by Katherine Tegen Books on May 10, 2022
ISBN: 0063084082
Pages: 320
Genres: Adventure, Humor, Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure / General, Science Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

It’s hard to go wrong with Mac Barnett and this funny graphic novel will be a big hit with the Dav Pilkey, Adventure Time, or Catstronauts crowd. The story is wild: rats are eating the moon so a cat has to be flown into space to stop them. The plan changes quickly, though, as a Moon Queen and stowaway robot get involved. So does a lovestruck whale, a band of thieving gloves, and a baby pirate. An interesting thing about this book is it provides, through a web site,  access to a fan club,  recordings of songs featured in the book, and cartoons related to the characters, creating a multimedia experience for the reader. This will most likely circulate a lot, and there is already a sequel in the works.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten free Library, Bath

four-stars

Get a Grip, We’re on a Trip!

Get a Grip, We’re on a Trip!My Weird School Graphic Novel: Get a Grip! We're on a Trip! by Dan Gutman, Jim Paillot
Series: My Weird School
Published by HarperAlley on January 4, 2022
ISBN: 0063054523
Pages: 112
Genres: Humor
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
three-stars

Graphic novel fans will most likely laugh out loud while reading this hilarious book. Central characters, A.J. and his group of friends have the chance to win a trip to Dizzyland – if they can finish reading 5,000 books. But, Dr. Carbles, president of the Board of Education, doesn’t think they can do it. As you can imagine, the kids rally and step up to meet the challenge! The story is full of visual gags (the vomit comet amusement park ride), puns, fun pop culture references, goofiness at every turn, and an abundance of bright full-page, color illustrations. Who doesn’t love fried sugar sandwiches, week old popcorn, and fructose pops!? There is something for everyone to laugh along with in this story and will most likely have young readers enjoying the “reading ride” as they count-up to 5000 books! This book is a hard cover with book jacket and would seem to hold up well with repeated check-outs.
Grades 1-4

Reviewed by Terri Bauld, Lous T. Graves Memorial Library

three-stars

Kids Fight Climate Change

Kids Fight Climate ChangeKids Fight Climate Change: Act now to be a #2minutesuperhero by Martin Dorey, Tim Wesson
Published by Candlewick Press on March 8, 2022
ISBN: 1536223484
Pages: 128
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
three-stars

This book takes a serious subject and makes it inviting and fun for young children to learn, understand and do a few small things to help save our planet. The book gives a brief overview of climate change and why it’s important for everyone including the very young to get involved. Readers see opportunities to become a superhero activist! At the same time children learn why this fight matters, as they learn about wind turbines, solar power, renewable versus non-renewable energy, as well as not wasting water. There are 60 different types of small actions and changes that children can adopt and help make life on earth a wee bit better. Although this book is a good introduction to young children learning their part, the information provided about climate change seemed overly simplistic and incomplete – even for the targeted age group.

The illustrations by Tim Wesson are well done; creative,  lively, colorful, and fun. There are several end pages that begin with, “Your Superhero Rating…” which take the reader into completing a small survey with points that tally up at the end and give you a superhero rating. This rating is then described in detail based on the # of points the reader accumulated. In addition, readers have 6-8 accessible links – Campaigns and Activism – in which to investigate on their own.

Ages 5-8

Reviewed by Terri Bauld, Louis T. Graves Memorial Library

three-stars

Super Sidekicks: Trial of Heroes

Super Sidekicks: Trial of HeroesSuper Sidekicks #3: Trial of Heroes by Gavin Aung Than
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers on April 19, 2022
ISBN: 0593175131
Pages: 160
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
two-stars

The Super Sidekicks who just saved the world reappear in this book and have been invited to join HERO, the Heroic Earth Righteousness Organization. It’s an exclusive club for the planet’s most famous superheroes. But before they can become members, they must pass the hardest challenge in the universe – a very scary test that only the truly heroic survive. The setting is Sydney, Australia and is a refreshing change from inner city locales.

This story calls all fans of Captain Underpants and Hilo! Sidekicks are action-packed – expect bugs, clowns, dinosaurs, and lots of goo!

Gavin Aung Than is a best-selling New York Times cartoonist. He fully embraces his characters; Dinomite, Goo, Flygirl, and Captain Perfect, although some might not care for the clown character. It’s an entertaining book with bright full-color illustrations and lots of humor. The panels are easy to follow and some readers will move through it quickly, especially with the action sequences.

Ages: 8-12

Reviewed by Terri Bauld, Louis T Graves Memorial Library

two-stars

FGTeeV: The Switcheroo Rescue

FGTeeV: The Switcheroo RescueFGTeeV: The Switcheroo Rescue! by FGTeeV, Miguel Díaz Rivas
Published by HarperAlley on April 5, 2022
ISBN: 0063093006
Pages: 208
Genres: Adventure, Humor
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
one-star

This  graphic novel is based on a family of YouTubers. The story is essentially a Freaky Friday type plot but somehow they made it baffling. It involves  Duddy (the dad) switching bodies with a young neighbor and then after all sorts of crazy hijinks like bungling a date and releasing a video game ghost, the family must come together wearing Voltron suits and put a stop to it all.

There are a couple of major problems with this book. First, everyone screams everything leading to a heightened state of anxiety. Second, there is an on-running joke about anaphylaxis, which families of people with food allergies will probably not find funny. Third, all of the characters, but especially the female characters, are only used as a springboard for Duddy’s jokes and behaviors. It’s all about Duddy and how wacky and zany he is. It’s uncomfortable but fans of 80s sitcoms might enjoy it.

There are some terrific graphic novels about video games out there; this one is not a must-have for a collection.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

one-star

Gina and the Big Secret

Gina and the Big SecretHilo Book 8: Gina and the Big Secret by Judd Winick
Series: Hilo #8
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers on February 15, 2022
ISBN: 0593379667
Pages: 224
Genres: Humor, Science Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
five-stars

Hilo and friends are back in the continuation of the story of the robot who fell to Earth and became a real boy. Book 8 continues to focus on Gina who now has the power to save the planet from an unsettling new reality. As the book opens, readers see just how much has changed on the home planet and with confidence and XX and help from her friends, Gina takes big steps to set things right. The book ends on a cliffhanger that sets up Book 9. Winnick’s illustrations have movement and personality, his characters are expressive, and his colors pop. There is humor, adventure, magic, and interesting and wacky new alien robots to keep readers swiftly turning pages. This series continues is a delight and this latest entry does not disappoint. This is an automatic purchase for any school or public library and will appeal to readers from grades 2-8.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth

five-stars

The Legend of Brightblade

The Legend of BrightbladeThe Legend of Brightblade by Ethan M. Aldridge
Published by Quill Tree Books on March 1, 2022
ISBN: 0062995537
Pages: 208
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

Aldridge, author of the beautiful Estranged duology, is back with a stand-alone graphic novel perfect for the elementary or middle grade fantasy reader. Prince Alto has heard stories of his heroic mother, Lady Brightblade, and he longs for an adventure of his own. Secretly practicing his bardic skill, he decides to venture out into the world to seek his fortune and prove that he can make it on his own. Like all good adventure stories, there is a crew of villains (using magic against people), a band of heroes (a couple of outcasts looking to prove themselves), and a quest to find answers that will lead to growth and empowerment for our hero. All of the tropes are there, but the addition of dueling lutes and bardic songs make for a satisfying read. The illustrations are bright and well-drawn and offer excellent differentiation between the villainous and the heroic songs (think red and green lasers in Star Wars). Readers of Amulet and fans of Lord of the Rings will gobble up this tale and clamor for more. Hopefully, this is not the last we see of Alto.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth

four-stars

Messy Roots: A Graphic Memoir of a Wuhanese American

Messy Roots: A Graphic Memoir of a Wuhanese AmericanMessy Roots: A Graphic Memoir of a Wuhanese-American by Laura Gao
Published by Balzer + Bray on March 8, 2022
ISBN: 0063067773
Pages: 272
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
five-stars

Gao shares her experiences in this timely and riveting coming-of-age account of moving from Wuhan to Texas. She faces lifelong challenges with racism, homophobia, and navigating her relationship with her parents. As with so many immigrant children, she tries to balance her new life with finding ways to honor her heritage. 

As a young child, Gao was raised by her grandparents alongside two cousins. The trio ran through rice paddies and lily pad ponds, made mischief and savored traditional foods. Suddenly uprooted once her parents completed graduate school in the United States, Gao moved to Texas to begin life as an American. Soon after, her little brother was born, and she gained an ally for life.

As is the case for many preteens, adolescents, and young adults, Gao’s developing sense of self often conflicted with her parents’ and society’s expectations. Recommended for high schoolers, this book will resonate with all kids in some ways, but provides an important voice for today’s Asian American youth.

Reviewed by Kristi Favaloro, Skidompha Public Library, Damariscotta

five-stars

Girl on fire

Girl on fireGirl on Fire by Alicia Keys, Andrew Weiner, Brittney Williams
Published by Harper Alley on March 1, 2022
ISBN: 0063029561
Pages: 224
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

Full disclosure: if you’re not already singing Keys’ 2012 hit to yourself you will be soon. 

In many ways, this is your classic superhero comic: a main character who has a strange experience that triggers the onset of special powers, a villain, a best friend sidekick, and the tension between good and evil. As a modern graphic novel, however, it weaves in real and important contemporary themes such as the mistreatment of black Americans by police officers, how drugs and gangs affect communities, and the struggle of having an absent parent. 

Lolo is with her brother when he is blamed for a crime he had nothing to do with. She surprises herself when she is able to use a newly-discovered power to help him escape from the cops, and even more surprised when she later falls backward off the roof of a building and floats back up to safety. When she finds herself cornered and blackmailed by a local thug, she’s not quite sure what to do. As she watches the people she loves fall into harm’s way, she has to decide how much she’s willing to put herself at risk to save them. 

This book is fun with just enough tension to keep you turning the pages quickly. The creators do a great job of balancing the classic comics feel with important themes to get teens reflecting. Recommended for high school students. 

Reviewed by Kristi Favaloro, Skidompha Public Library, Damariscotta

four-stars