Format: Graphic Novel

Carmen Sandiego: The Chasing Paper Caper

Carmen Sandiego: The Chasing Paper CaperThe Chasing Paper Caper by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Published by Etch/HMH Books for Young Readers on October 6, 2020
ISBN: 0358380189
Pages: 144
Genres: Adventure, Mystery
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
three-stars

Carmen Sandiego works to stop thieves, but most of the authorities think she’s still up to no good. Here, she’s trying to thwart an attempted theft of the Magna Carta when she encounters the thief — an origami master who quickly creates and deploys throwing stars at will. Will she be able to stop the thieves and get the Magna Carta safely back to the museum? This short graphic novel based on a Netflix series is a fun, quick read. The story moves quickly, there is some dry humor, and the plot flows well. There isn’t a ton of text so this would be a great book for struggling or newer readers who may feel overwhelmed by large swaths of text. The art is clean, crisp, not overly detailed, and definitely moves the story along. Recommended for 3rd grade and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars

When Stars are Scattered

When Stars are ScatteredGenres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Graphic Novel
five-stars

Omar and his nonverbal brother Hassan grow up in Dadaab, a refugee camp in Kenya, having fled war-torn Somalia after their father was killed. They spend their days looking for their mother, helping their neighbor/foster mother Fatuma, doing chores, and playing as best they can (they play soccer with balls made of plastic bags). When Omar is given an opportunity to attend school, he must decide if he should leave his brother during the day. Make sure you have a box of tissues handy — Omar and Hassan’s story and the stories of their friends and neighbors is heart-breaking and sadly all true. Omar tells the story with the help of talented graphic novelist Jamieson.

Recommended for Cream of the Crop.

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

five-stars

Catherine’s War

Catherine’s WarGenres: Historical Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
five-stars

This graphic novel is a fictionalized account of the author’s life as one of France’s “hidden children” during the German occupation of France during World War II. Catherine, nee Rachel, had to move from school to convent to orphanage to farmhouse whenever she was in danger of her Jewish identity being discovered. She was an avid photographer and was able to document much of her life during the War.

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

five-stars

Superman Smashes the Klan

Superman Smashes the KlanGenres: Historical Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
five-stars

A fast-paced graphic novel featuring Superman (and his alter ego Clark Kent) in his early days still trying to figure out what powers he has and remembering more about his origin as an alien immigrant. The Lee family moves from Chinatown to Metropolis and become targets of the Klan of the Fiery Kross. The essay at the end provides a brief history of Superman, the discrimination of African-Americans, Japanese-Americans, and Chinese-Americans, white supremacy, and the Ku Klux Klan. This graphic novel is based on a radio series from 1946.

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

five-stars

Banned Book Club

Banned Book ClubBanned Book Club by Kim Hyun Sook, Ko Hyung-Ju, Ryan Estrada
on May 19, 2020
ISBN: 194582042X
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
five-stars

This graphic novel tackles a piece of South Korea’s modern history. Set in 1983, under a military regime that uses censorship and torture as forms of control. This book is a compilation of real-life student experiences blended into one and told through the eyes of a new college student, Kim Hyun Sook. On Hyun Sook’s first day at university, she must walk through a protest to get to class and she encounters a protest for the first time. As a literature major, Hyun Sook joins a book club, only to find out it is a banned book club and that she could go to jail and lose her scholarship if the club is discovered. The rest of the story follows Hyun Sook’s awakening from a timid observer to an active participant in the political struggle for democracy in South Korea. Many teen readers will respond to the relevancy of this graphic novel given the parallels to the Black Lives Matter protests in our current society. The art is done in black and white sequential panels. This book is a solid addition to any young adult graphic novel collection. Recommended for grades 7 and up. 

Elizabeth Andersen, Librarian, Westbrook High School

five-stars

Act

ActAct by Kayla Miller
on May 5, 2020
ISBN: 0358242185
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars
Olive and friends are back in this latest graphic novel from Kayla Miller. This time, Olive notices an injustice in her school — some kids can’t go on the class field trips because their parents can’t afford the extra costs associated with the trips. Olive believes everyone should be able to go on the field trips. She decides to take action by running for student government. It isn’t always easy as she’s up against some tough competition (who are promising chocolate pudding at lunch everyday), but she sticks to her beliefs and runs her campaign on the issues that are important to students. Check it out to find out if she wins and how it all rounds out.

This is a great and timely graphic novel. The story is well thought out and typical of many student government campaigns — some students promise popular but unlikely things while others really want to make student life better for everyone. There’s some friendship drama along the way as well, but that’s secondary to the main story and just adds another layer to the story. The art is typical Kayla Miller and very reminiscent of many graphic novels today. Highly recommended purchase for most libraries.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

four-stars

Dinomighty

DinomightyDinomighty! by Aaron Blecha, Doug Paleo
Published by Etch/HMH Books for Young Readers on September 1, 2020
ISBN: 0358331560
Pages: 224
Genres: Adventure, Humor, Mystery
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
three-stars
Four dinosaurs, Teri-Dactyl, Dave, T-Lex, and Bach team up to become the crime fighting foursome known as DINOMIGHTY! When trouble arises in Dinotown, the Dinomighties spring into action. This time, the precious Golden Egglettes are in danger. Can they spring into action fast enough to save the Egglettes from certain doom? The conclusion may surprise you!

This early level graphic novel will hit home with fans of Dog Man, Bad Guys, and the like. Elementary school readers will love the humor, witty antics, and hijincks that occur. Recommended for readers 3rd grade and up.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars

Swamp Thing

Swamp ThingSwamp Thing: Twin Branches by Maggie Stiefvater, Morgan Beem
Published by DC Comics on October 13, 2020
ISBN: 1401293239
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
two-stars
Twins, Alec and Walker Holland, could not be more different. Walker is social and outgoing and Alec is focused on his lab work and introverted. When family issues cause tension at home, they go to live with extended family for the summer. Walker brings his life-of-the party attitude with him, while Alec brings his lab experiments. After an incident at a party, Walker finds himself in trouble, and for the first time, needs the help of his twin, Alec and his experiments. The artwork in this graphic novel is filled with lush green hues which illustrate the plant life in Alec’s experiments; however, it cannot unite all the plot lines that are happening. The story moves along at a confusing pace and at the sake of developing any depth. The whole beginning feels like it must be a recap because it plunges into the action so quickly without establishing a foundation. That being said, readers will want to read this graphic novel because of author Maggie Stiefvater. This book should be considered an additional selection.

Elizabeth Andersen, Librarian, Westbrook High School

two-stars

Astronauts: Women on the Final Frontier

Astronauts: Women on the Final FrontierAstronauts: Women on the Final Frontier by Jim Ottaviani, Maris Wicks
Published by First Second on February 4, 2020
ISBN: 1626728771
Pages: 176
Genres: Biography/Autobiography, Non-Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
five-stars
Narrated by former astronaut, Mary Cleaves, this graphic memoir celebrates the lives and many achievements of history’s famous female astronauts. Written with humor and frustration felt by many of these women going into a field that was designed and run by men.

Illustrations compliment the text and are easy to follow. Recommended for grades 6 and up and especially for those young women that think this is a possibility for them.

five-stars

The Golden Age: Book 1

The Golden Age: Book 1The Golden Age, Book 1 by Cyril Pedrosa, Roxanne Moreil
Published by First Second on February 11, 2020
ISBN: 1250237947
Pages: 224
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
five-stars
Princess Tilda, is on the run, as rightful heir to the throne. Her remaining allies are doing their best to keep her safe and alive, but are only one step ahead of the Princess’s usurper — her younger brother.

Translated from French, this is the first in a duology in this fantasy graphic series.  Illustrations are bold and compliment the text as the story moves on. Ends on a  cliff hanger, leaving the reader unsure and curious to what happens next.

Recommended for grades 7 and up, but would be enjoyed by anyone who enjoys Arthurian type stories.

Reviewed by Kristin Taylor, Biddeford High School, Biddeford.

 

five-stars