Format: Graphic Novel

The Unwanted: Stories of the Syrian Refugees

The Unwanted: Stories of the Syrian RefugeesThe Unwanted: Stories of the Syrian Refugees by Don Brown
Published by HMH Books for Young Readers on September 18th 2018
ISBN: 1328810151
Pages: 112
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction, Graphic Novel
Goodreads
five-stars

Don Brown wanted to tell the story of the Syrian refugees. He wanted the focus to be on their plight and their stories. In order to get accurate information, he visited a refugee camp in Greece, outside a former Greek air base. In graphic novel form, he tells their story – the horror of war, the torture of men, women and children, fleeing from one horrific place to another, never knowing whether you will live to see the end of the day. His illustrations convey both the hopelessness of their-plight and the hopefulness of a people who will not be defeated. This is a hard book to read yet it should be read and discussed. It causes the reader to wonder if this could really be happening in this day and age. How could people be treated so badly for wanting to be free and decide their own fate?

In Brown’s postscript he states”There are about 5.7 million registered refugees. In the first three months of 2018, the United States has accepted eleven for resettlement.”

Suggested reading level is grades 9-12

Reviewed by Kathy George, Gray Public Library, Gray

five-stars

Noise Makers: 25 Women Who Raised Their Voices & Changed the World

Noise Makers: 25 Women Who Raised Their Voices & Changed the WorldNoisemakers: 25 Women Who Raised Their Voices & Changed the World - A Graphic Collection from Kazoo by Alitha E. Martinez, Ashley A. Woods, Brittney Williams, Chan Chau, Emil Ferris, Emily Flake, Erin Bried, Jackie Roche, K.L. Ricks, Kat Leyh, Kiku Hughes, Little Corvus, Lucy Bellwood, Lucy Knisley, Mari Naomi, Maris Wicks, Molly Brooks, Naomi Franquiz, Rebecca Mock, Rosemary Valero-O'Connell, Sarah Winifred Searle, Shannon Wright, Shauna J. Grant, Sophie Goldstein, Weshoyot Alvitre, Yao Xiao
on February 4, 2020
ISBN: 0525580174
Genres: Biography/Autobiography, Non-Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
five-stars

I loved this book. It’s a graphic collection of mini biographies about 25 revolutionary women. The book is broken into 6 sections with 3-5 women highlighted in each section. Each biography is illustrated by a different talented female or non-binary artist, and many of the pairings are delightfully perfect. Mary Shelley, for example, has some nicely creepy illustrations. From Eugenie Clark to Frida Kahlo to Mother Jones, this book has something for everyone, and it has a nice mix of well-known and not so well known women.

Recommended for middle grade readers, this is a great way to get them reading some nonfiction. Recommended for Cream of the Crop.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

five-stars

Wonder Woman: Tempest Tossed

Wonder Woman: Tempest TossedWonder Woman: Tempest Tossed by Laurie Halse Anderson, Leila del Duca
Published by DC Comics on June 2, 2020
ISBN: 1401286453
Pages: 208
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
three-stars

This Wonder Woman origin story starts as most do, with Diana coming of age in Themyscira, the protected and hidden home of the Amazons.  In this installment, Diana is just turning 16 and struggling with puberty, which the Amazons think makes her a changeling and not just a teenager.  She’s not as strong or graceful as the other Amazons, but she more than makes up for it with her strength of character.  That empathy is what leads to her becoming  trapped outside the Themyscira protective bubble.  She ends up in a Greek refugee camp and then moving on to the U.S.A where she moves in with a family and gets to know the horrors of life outside her island.  The book features issues of human trafficking, refugees, environmentalism, homelessness and poverty.  While those are surely noble issues to discuss, it’s a bit much to have them all in one graphic novel.  Particularly as some of them are wrapped up as being the work of the same man.  The message ends up being muddled.  The realistic  art starts off with shades of green and orange and moves to blues and browns with the change of location.  Back matter includes resources for human trafficking and the Naturalization Oath of Allegiance to the United States of America.  Recommended for grades 8+

Reviewed by Kara Reiman, Maine State Library

three-stars

Almost American Girl: An Illustrated Memoir

Almost American Girl: An Illustrated MemoirAlmost American Girl: An Illustrated Memoir by Robin Ha
Published by Balzer + Bray on January 28, 2020
ISBN: 0062685104
Pages: 240
Genres: Biography/Autobiography, Non-Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

Author Robin Ha describes her life as a lonely teenager that has newly immigrated to America. Her mother, being an unwed mother in South Korea leads a difficult life, brought Robin to America on what Robin thought was a vacation, ending up being a permanent relocation. In this illustrated memoir, she shares her troubles and thoughts of what it was like as an immigrant.

Illustrations are well done and colorful with flashbacks to Seoul done in a sepia tone. Definitely heartfelt, but not sure that it is something that will fly off the shelves. Recommended for grades 7 and up.

Reviewed by Kristin Taylor, Biddeford High School, Biddeford.

 

four-stars

The Runaway Princess

The Runaway PrincessThe Runaway Princess by Johan Troïanowski
Published by Random House Graphic on January 21, 2020
ISBN: 0593118405
Pages: 272
Genres: Adventure
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
three-stars

A graphic novel in three stories. This is a collection of three adventures of Princess Robin involving kidnappers, witches, and pirates. She simply cannot resist adventure, much to her parents chagrin. This is a very quirky story with lots of twists, turns, and humor. The reader is also asked to participate by solving a puzzle, turning the book, etc. The heavily colored, high contrast illustrations are busy and detailed, and add additional context to the story. This book is best for 3rd-5th grade readers who enjoy adventure that isn’t too scary and that has a bit of wit and humor.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars

The Invasion of the Scuttlebots: Star Scouts 3

The Invasion of the Scuttlebots: Star Scouts 3The Invasion of the Scuttlebots (Star Scouts, #3) by Mike Lawrence
Published by First Second on November 12, 2019
ISBN: 1250191092
Pages: 192
Genres: Science Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

In the third entry in the popular Star Scouts graphic novel series, Mabel, who has just “pupated” and had her “pu-party,”  is jealous of Avani’s new friend Pam. Avani and Pam, former enemies, had bonded in Star Scouts 2. Mabel’s jealousy leads to accidentally setting off “Scuttlebots” to attack Earth and spread rumors about Pam. The Scouts must work together to save Earth. This fun series of extraterrestrial scouting features colorful and creative artwork.

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

four-stars

Stage Dreams

Stage DreamsStage Dreams by Melanie Gillman
Published by Graphic Universe (TM) on September 3, 2019
ISBN: 1512440000
Pages: 104
Genres: Adventure, Historical Fiction, Romance
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

An LBTGQ graphic novel set in the wild west, specifically the New Mexico territory during the Civil War. Grace, a trans woman, has run away from Georgia to avoid her father’s demand that she enlist. Grace partners with Flor, aka the Ghost Hawk, when Flor robs Grace’s stagecoach. Together they attend a party to spy on Confederate soldiers planning an infiltration of the New Mexico territory. A unique and fun adventure/romance.

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

four-stars

Lily the Thief

Lily the ThiefLily the Thief by Janne Kukkonen
Published by First Second on November 5, 2019
ISBN: 1250196973
Pages: 288
Genres: Adventure
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

Imagine if Charles Dickens wrote The Da Vinci Code and you have a good impression of the setting and fast-paced mystery in Lily the Thief, the graphic novel by Janne Kukkonen. Lily belongs to the Guildmaster of Thieves and spends her days executing petty thefts. Since she is a young girl, the older thieves do not believe she is ready for bigger jobs. Lily is quick-thinking and sassy; she wants to prove that she is ready, so when Lily is not assigned a harder job, she steals one instead. Through a series of fateful events, she must perform an even more dangerous job to save her life and the life of her only friend, Seamus. Lily must break into the prison run by the Brothers of Fire who are feared by all and find a key that will lead to the boundless wealth of the legendary Three Kings. Instead of finding boundless wealth, Lily awakes the mighty Fire Father. At the novel’s end, Lily returns home without any clue to what she has unleashed upon the world. This cliffhanger ending implies an obvious sequel and there is no doubt, readers will want to follow the feisty Lily on her next adventure as she attempts to save the world! The art is colored in the somber shades of the Middle Ages. The panels and text size vary to create lively action and movement on every page. This is a delightful thriller for grades 5 and up. 

Elizabeth Andersen, Librarian, Westbrook High School

 

four-stars

A Bridge Too Fur

A Bridge Too FurA Bridge Too Fur by John Patrick Green
Published by First Second on October 1, 2019
ISBN: 1626728313
Pages: 80
Genres: Animals, Humor
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
three-stars

The Kitten Construction Company is back for this second installment in this early graphic novel series. This time, they’re tasked with building a new bridge for Mewsburg, but a cat’s innate fear of water threatens the success of the project. An unexpected helpful crew comes to their rescue, and the two teams find a way to work together to finish the job.

This graphic novel series will appeal to early readers with it’s animal characters, straightforward text, and witty humor. The cartoonish illustrations go perfectly with the story and the intended age level of the readers. This book is best for readers 2nd grade through 4th grade, depending on reading level. A good purchase for an dearly graphic novel series.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME

three-stars

Marie Curie: A Life of Discovery

Marie Curie: A Life of DiscoveryMarie Curie by Alice Milani, Kerstin Schwandt
Published by Graphic Universe (TM) on August 6, 2019
ISBN: 1541528174
Pages: 208
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

Alice Milani’s consideration of Marie Curie, first woman Nobelist, will appeal to young scientists as well as budding feminists. Originally published in Italian, this graphic novel provides a thorough examination of Marie Curie’s personal and professional lives, as well as her death. Told through flashbacks, readers follow Curie as a frustrated student in Poland who eventually is able to move to Paris to live with her sister and study at the Sorbonne. Milani, the writer and illustrator, takes some license and allows readers into the mind of Marie Curie which provides insight into the person behind the science. Milani covers the science as well as Curie’s personal life; she uses speeches, conversations, and illustrations of her work to illuminate Curie’s discoveries. She also does not shy away from the trouble Curie faced as an educated woman with personal ambitions. The graphic novel in pencil and watercolor will appeal to upper-middle school and high school students. Recommended for Grades 8 and up. 

Elizabeth Andersen, Librarian, Westbrook High School

four-stars