Format: Graphic Novel

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

Sir Ladybug and the Queen Bee

Sir Ladybug and the Queen BeeSir Ladybug and the Queen Bee (Sir Ladybug, #2) by Corey R. Tabor
Published by Balzer & Bray/Harperteen on June 28, 2022
ISBN: 0063069091
Pages: 72
Genres: Animals, Humor
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars
“Sir Ladybug and the Queen Bee” by Corey R. Tabor is the second book in the Sir Ladybug series of graphic novels. Broken up into chapters, the book follows Sir Ladybug, a knight, on a quest to stop the Queen Bee from being a bully and teach her to “bee kind.” The illustrations are simple and colorful and are very easy to follow. The style of the illustrations adds additional humor to the story and will make readers laugh. The story is relatable and treats the subject, bullying, in a serious way without sacrificing the overall humorous tone of the book. Good for classrooms, parents, and libraries, this book is aimed at children in grades 1-5.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library

four-stars

The Subtle Knife – The Graphic Novel

The Subtle Knife – The Graphic NovelThe Subtle Knife Graphic Novel by Philip Pullman
Series: His Dark Materials Graphic Novel #2
Published by Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers on February 22, 2022
ISBN: 0593176936
Pages: 272
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
three-stars
This is the graphic novel adaptation of the “His Dark Materials” series by Philip Pullman. Adapted by Stephane Melchior and illustrated by Thomas Gilbert, this is a good quality adaptation of the second book in the series. It follows Lyra, the main character, who in searching for the meaning of Dust meets Will, who is searching for his father. The graphic novel is fairly faithful to the original story, but there are some inconsistencies regarding rules around daemons. The art style has a sketched quality to it that really conveys the darkness of the overall story.

Geared towards kids aged 10 – 12, this is a worthwhile, though not necessary, purchase for fans of the original series and where fantasy graphic novels are popular.

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

three-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
Ethan Aldridge’s “The Legend of Brightblade” is a middle grade fantasy graphic novel. Prince Alto, the son of Lady Brightblade (a former hero and now queen), is tired of royal life and wants to be a bard and have adventures of his own. We follow him as he leaves the castle, makes other bard friends, and discovers that there is hidden trouble in the kingdom.

The art has strong lines and a watercolor feel to it, and definitely adds to the fantasy nature of the book. Brighter than Aldrige’s “Estranged” series, the art makes the book a bit lighter and more humorous and supports the theme of forging your own path. Alto has a lot of character development and the plot flows easily, though some problems are solved a little too quickly. Recommended for ages 8 – 12, this book is a worthwhile purchase wherever middle grade graphic novels are popular.

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

four-stars

Star Knights

Star KnightsStar Knights by Kay Davault
Published by Random House Graphic on July 5, 2022
ISBN: 0593303644
Pages: 240
Genres: Animals, Fantasy, Supernatural
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
three-stars
Tad is a frog who has big dreams of becoming a Star Knight and defeating the Marsh Witch and the Fallen Fauna. When Tad gets his chance, he realizes that becoming a hero is not as easy as it seems. There are journeys and adventures, but some of the work must also come from inside. Tad learns that to be a true hero, one must face their own prejudices and learn how to find the good in all creatures. This graphic novel was illustrated digitally using Clip Studio Paint and Photoshop. The vibrant colors, cute woodland animals, and expressive eyes of the characters will appeal to young readers who are looking for manga-inspired illustrations. This sweet, fast-paced story is recommended for grades 3 and up.

Reviewed by Elizabeth Andersen, Dyer Elementary School

three-stars

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