Format: Graphic Novel

The Girl From the Sea

The Girl From the SeaThe Girl from the Sea by Molly Ostertag
Published by Graphix on June 1, 2021
ISBN: 1338540572
Pages: 256
Genres: Fantasy, Realistic Fiction, Romance
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
five-stars

A stunning graphic novel from the author of the Witch Boy trilogy, this one aimed at a slightly older audience. Morgan lives on an island with her divorced mom and her angry younger brother. She is gay but has not come out to anyone, not even her three closest friends; she is afraid of being different preferring to stay closeted and blend in. When she kisses a mysterious girl on the beach, she unknowingly binds that girl to her because she is a selkie and a kiss is a promise. Morgan is simultaneously thrilled and terrified by this new development. Instead of dealing with it or talking with anyone, she hides Keltie and their growing involvement. A story that illustrates the difficulty a teen can have coming to grips with who they are and how to communicate with others, even those who seem to be accepting and open. The artwork is lovely and Keltie is a full-bodied girl who seems fearless yet has a secret of her own. Hand to fans of Tillie Walden and  Vera Brosgol, or to those who enjoy a strong coming of age story.  Highly recommend.

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

five-stars

Burt the Beetle Doesn’t Bite

Burt the Beetle Doesn’t BiteBurt the Beetle Doesn't Bite! by Ashley Spires
Published by Kids Can Press on June 1, 2021
ISBN: 1525301462
Pages: 56
Genres: Animals, Humor, Non-Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

Burt is a June Beetle, though he insists he likes May just as much! This is a funny and educational look at beetles by well-loved author, Ashley Spires. In her typical mix of humor and fact, Spires reaches audiences who may not otherwise pick up nonfiction. The book is set up in the graphic novel format so it will also appeal to reluctant and emerging readers. The illustrations are humorous cartoons with anthropomorphized animals. Mixed in with the facts about bugs, there is a story of perseverance and friendship. Recommended for wide purchase and for readers 2nd grade and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

Sylvie

SylvieSylvie by Sylvie Kantorovitz
Published by Walker Books US on February 9, 2021
ISBN: 1536207624
Pages: 352
Genres: Biography/Autobiography, Non-Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
three-stars

In this graphic memoir, author Sylvie Kantorovitz recounts many aspects of her childhood in France. She was born in Morocco, and kids at her school tease her about this. She lives in an apartment at the end of a hallway of classrooms. She isn’t the kid her mom wants her to be, but her father is supportive (although quietly) of her eccentricities. Sylvie finds herself in art. This memoir is interesting albeit a bit directionless at times. Sylvie is delightfully awkward, quirky, and real. Kids will relate to her struggles and her conflicts with both friends and family. The art is simple and cartoonish but conveys Sylvie’s emotions well. Recommended for readers 3rd grade and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars

Escape at 10,000 Feet

Escape at 10,000 FeetUnsolved Case Files: Escape at 10,000 Feet: D.B. Cooper and the Missing Money by Tom Sullivan
Published by Balzer + Bray on March 2, 2021
ISBN: 0062991523
Pages: 104
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
five-stars

This is a new graphic nonfiction series about unsolved cases, and it begins with the only unsolved skyjacking in American history. In 1971, a man boarded a plane, requested money and some parachutes, then jumped out of the back of the plane. He has never been seen since. This is a fun series that will delight young sleuths. The text is interspersed with many images of actual evidence as well as extra sidebar bits of information about the time period or the nature of the crime. This series is sure to be a hit. Recommended for readers 3rd grade and up and for Cream of the Crop.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

five-stars

Allergic

AllergicAllergic: A Graphic Novel by Megan Wagner Lloyd, Michelle Mee Nutter
Published by Graphix on March 2, 2021
ISBN: 1338568906
Pages: 240
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
five-stars

An engaging and heartwarming graphic novel that tells the story of a girl, her love for animals, and the allergies that keep them apart. Maggie dreams of having a pet. When her parents agree to let her get a dog, her dream is close to coming true. But, in addition to finding her perfect pup, Maggie discovers her raging allergies to all things furred and feathered. She tries other pets from lizards to turtles to tarantulas (seriously?), but none of these quite fit. Resigned to allergy shots (which will lessen but not eliminate her allergic reactions) and a pet-less life, Mia is devastated. When a new neighbor, Claire, moves in next door, Maggie is thrilled to have a new friend to take her mind off of her dog-free life. In a typical coming-of-age story, things go wrong as Claire makes a decision that deeply hurts Maggie; Maggie attempts to thwart her own allergies; and a shift occurs in Maggie’s family dynamic that causes her to reassess her views. Lloyd’s story is well-crafted and Nutter’s cozy illustrations perfectly capture the turmoil and melodrama of the thoughts and feelings of a middle grader. The design of the book is clean with plenty of white space and an uncluttered flow. Fans of RainaTelgemeier and Jennifer Holmes will gravitate to this book, but all lovers of graphic novels will gobble it up.

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

five-stars

Beak & Ally: Unlikely Friends

Beak & Ally: Unlikely FriendsUnlikely Friends (Beak & Ally #1) by Norm Feuti
Published by HarperAlley on January 5, 2021
ISBN: 0063021579
Pages: 64
Genres: Humor
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

Beak is a bird, a Yellow-Bellied Fee Boo Bird, to be specific. Ally is an alligator. Beak really wants to befriend Ally, and Ally is more interested in relaxing in the swamp. Beak tries a number of things to get Ally’s attention, and Ally does their best to ignore Beak. Just when Ally thinks they’ve gotten rid of Beak, they realize they acutally enjoyed Beak’s presence.

This is a fun, early graphic novel perfect for those new to the style. The text isn’t overwhelming, the illustrations are engaging and funny, and the story is easy to follow. There aren’t difficult directions or loads panels making it hard to follow. This is a fun new graphic series perfect for new readers. Recommended for readers 5 and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

Mr. Corbett is in Orbit

Mr. Corbett is in OrbitMy Weird School Graphic Novel: Mr. Corbett Is in Orbit! by Dan Gutman, Jim Paillot
Published by HarperAlley on January 5, 2021
ISBN: 0062947621
Pages: 96
Genres: Adventure, Humor
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
three-stars

This is the first in the graphic novel adaptation of the early chapter series My Weird School. While touring NASA, the students unexpectedly find themselves launching into outer space. Mr. Corbett is no help as he keeps fainting from the enormity of the situation, and the kids are more or less left to fend for themselves. Will they safely find their way back to Earth?

The graphic novel adaptation contains all the silly humor found in the original books, and is reminiscent of the tone of Dog Man and the like. Kids will enjoy the wit and overall silliness throughout. The art is high color and matches the cartoonish tone of the My Weird School book covers. Recommended for readers 3rd grade and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars

The Way of the Hive

The Way of the HiveThe Way of the Hive: A Honey Bee's Story by Jay Hosler
Published by HarperAlley on April 20, 2021
ISBN: 0063007363
Pages: 160
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
five-stars

Originally published as a series of comics called Clan Apis (2000), this nonfiction graphic novel has been collected and colorized for a fresh and beautiful update. Hosler,  a biology professor by day, is a stellar storyteller when it comes to things that creep and crawl and buzz. This is the story of a very curious, but cautious, bee named Nyuki; in fact, each of the bees in the story has a name that is the word for ‘bee’ in a particular language. Using the story of Nyuki (Swahili), Hosler offers the full story of a bee’s life from larva to death (in a heart-tugging scene). The book reads like an adventure and infuses storytelling into the mechanics of the lives of these fascinating, and necessary, pollinators. Budding entomologists, those interested in apiculture, fans of the Science Comics series and of Hosler’s  previous graphic novel Last of the Sandwalkers (a quest graphic novel starring beetles) will enjoy this book. Copious notes at the end provide additional information about all of the scientific concepts and bee functions touched upon in the book. A stellar addition to a NF graphic novel section.

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

five-stars

The Accursed Inheritance of Henrietta Achilles

The Accursed Inheritance of Henrietta AchillesThe Accursed Inheritance of Henrietta Achilles: Book 1 by Haiko Hörnig, Marius Pawlitza
Published by Graphic Universe (TM) on April 7, 2020
ISBN: 1541572432
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

The first book in a new series, this graphic novel delivers action and thrills. Henrietta Achilles has been plucked out of her orphanage and dropped into the town of Malrenard where she learns that she has inherited the home of her heretofore unknown uncle Ornun Zol. The catch is that Zol was a wizard who controlled the magic thrumming through the house and Henrietta is just a kid who has never wielded magic a day in her life. Upon meeting some strange characters who are battling through the space that is her new foyer, Henrietta is convinced that she does not want to be the new mistress of the manor. When she tries to leave, things really get out of control leaving us with quite the cliffhanger for the next book. This is a slim volume that will be gobbled up by fans of the Amulet and Bone series and those who love a good RPG (role-playing game); there is some strong language . The background scenes in the panels are lovely and atmospheric. The main illustrations are cartoonish, but with a sharpness in the forefront of the panel that helps the reader keep track of the action. Due to the darkness and violence, better suited for older elementary and middle grade readers.

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

four-stars

Super Potato and the Mutant Animal Mayhem

Super Potato and the Mutant Animal MayhemSuper Potato and the Mutant Animal Mayhem by Artur Laperla
Published by Graphic Universe (TM) ISBN: 1512440248
Genres: Science Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
three-stars

Super Potato is back in his fourth graphic novel. These  silly, slim, action-packed books with their bright illustrations and uncluttered pages are perfect for early readers through 3rd or 4th grade. Super Potato is tricked into helping a mutant chicken by dastardly Malicia the Malignant. He is trapped in an indestructible hover cell and learns that he has been targeted by Malicia due to Super Potato’s past exploits with her brother Doctor Malevolent. Fortunately, there is an undercover agent ready to come to his aid before the super spud can be turned into lunch. Not an essential purchase, but for kids who enjoy the adventures of this starchy superhero, this one will, ahem, appeal.

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

three-stars