We Are Big Time

We Are Big TimeWe Are Big Time by Hena Khan, Safiya Zerrougui
ISBN: 0593430484
Genres: Realistic Fiction, Sports
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

This middle-grade graphic novel features an all-girls Muslim basketball team in Wisconsin who learn what it means to be part of a team. Aliya is the new girl and has to figure out how to fit in at school, on the team, and in her family. Readers will relate to Aliya’s challenges of being the new kid and dealing with her family’s pressure to prioritize grades over sports. The descriptions of attending an all-Muslim school and the pressures the team faces over their wearing of hijabs and conservative clothing are portrayed realistically. When the team starts winning, the “gotcha” journalist try to trip up Aliya and her teammates but they quickly learn how to gracefully field questions from the public, especially those questions about how they dress. This book is a great companion volume to Hoops by Matt Tavares.

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

four-stars

Mapmakers and the Flickering Fortress

Mapmakers and the Flickering FortressMapmakers and the Flickering Fortress: (A Graphic Novel) by Amanda Castillo, Cameron Chittock
ISBN: 0593172957
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
three-stars

Third and final book in the Mapmakers graphic novel trilogy finds Alidade and her Memri, Blue, trying to find other mapmakers while her friends set out on their own in other directions across the Plains. They learn that the Night Coats have been trying to claim all the land by altering maps. Fans of the previous books will be clamoring for this one. The art is top-notch and the muted color palette works well with the story. With themes of community and nature, readers will cheer from Alidade and her friends to prevail. A satisfying conclusion to the series.

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

three-stars

Katie the Catsitter 4: The Purrfect Plan

Katie the Catsitter 4: The Purrfect PlanThe Purrfect Plan (Katie the Catsitter #4) by Colleen A.F. Venable, Stephanie Yue
on October 8, 2024
ISBN: 0593570405
Genres: Adventure, Animals, Humor
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
three-stars

In the fourth installment of this popular graphic novel series, Katie the Catsitter and her superhero neighbor continue to tackle some of New York City’s biggest issues. As always, there is a focus on animal rights, but The Purrfect Plan focuses mostly on corporate greed through gentrification. These topics are handled appropriately for the target audience, but the way they choose to combat them (breaking & entering, large scale protest, and stock market manipulation) don’t offer any tangible solutions to readers who may be facing these real world issues.

Overall, The Purrfect Plan is a bridge novel where many side plots from the previous stories (friendship dynamics, the relationships of the adult characters, various other heroes and villains) are brought up and put back down without resolution. With many heavy topics being discussed, there was a need for more comic relief from the 217 cats, but the colorful characters and their quippy dialog did add a nice balance. Readers who love the other graphic novels in the series will be eager to read this one, so it is worth adding to the collection, but it will most likely just make them excited for the next one.

Reviewed by Ivy Burns, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth

three-stars

Blood City Rollers

Blood City RollersBlood City Rollers by Tatiana Hill, V.P. Anderson
on April 9, 2024
ISBN: 0593485696
Genres: Supernatural
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

“Blood City Rollers” is a middle grade graphic novel written by V.P. Anderson and illustrated by Tatiana Hill. Mina is a middle schooler who injures herself badly in figure skating and makes a deal with vampire roller derby team to play for them as their jammer in exchange for healing of her injury. Mina learns to accept what she wants to do and makes new friends along the way. At times it felt like there were a few too many subplots going on, but the dialogue is humorous and the illustrations are bright and colorful. A recommended purchase for middle grade graphic novel collections.

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

four-stars

Turning Twelve

Turning TwelveTurning Twelve by Kathryn Ormsbee, Molly Brooks
on October 29, 2024
ISBN: 0593650069
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel, Middle Grade Fiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

“Turning Twelve” is a middle grade graphic novel written by Kathryn Ormsbee and illustrated by Molly Brooks. This is a sequel to their graphic novel, “Growing Pangs.” Katie is heading into seventh grade and her best friends are temporarily moving away to help with an ill family member and could be gone for months! How will she deal with seventh grade without them? We follow Katie as she makes a new friend in theatre and then begins to wonder if she has a crush on a girl? Set in the early 2000s, Katie tries to cope with her potential crush, the thoughts of her church, youth group, and just being 12. We follow Katie as she tries to accept herself amongst all the expectations and pressures of seventh grade. Katie wrestling with her internal thoughts and figuring out who she is will likely resonate with middle school readers. A must-buy for middle grade graphic novel collections.

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

 

four-stars

Pizza and Taco: Best Christmas Ever!

Pizza and Taco: Best Christmas Ever!Best Christmas Ever! (Pizza and Taco #8) by Stephen Shaskan
Series: Pizza and Taco #8
Published by Random House on 10/01/24
ISBN: 0593703499
Genres: Humor
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

Young readers will enjoy this installment of the popular Pizza and Taco series.  In this graphic novel, Pizza and Taco are preparing for Christmas.  They carefully make lists of all the toys they want.  They also try to out-do one another in being nice because they know Santa Slaw is watching.  On Christmas morning, they are initially disappointed because they didn’t receive everything they asked for, but then they realize that the best present is their friendship.  This book is ideal for any library that serves newer readers in Kindergarten or 1st grade.  Most of the pictures are simple yet humorous, especially the facial expressions,  and there isn’t much text on each page.  Libraries that already have books in this series should consider adding this graphic novel to their collection.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

three-stars

First Test Graphic Novel (Protector of the Small, Book 1)

First Test Graphic Novel (Protector of the Small, Book 1)First Test Graphic Novel (Protector of the Small, #1) by Becca Farrow, Devin Grayson, Tamora Pierce
Published by RH Graphic on July 2, 2024
ISBN: 0307931560
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

A graphic novel adaptation of fantasy author Tamora Pierce’s first book in her Protector of the Small series. First Test features Kel, an 11-year-old girl determined to do what has never been done before: openly train to be a lady knight.

Fans of the original novel may miss the deeper understanding of Kel’s background, motivations, and inner thoughts that are harder to capture in this format. The illustrative style is reminiscent of comic books, which is in keeping with illustrator Devin Grayson’s background. Overall this works, but sometimes it’s hard to visually tell characters apart (this is an understandable challenge, as most of the characters, including Kel, wear uniforms).

That said, the adventure-packed storyline of the original book is followed, and no doubt graphic novel fans will enjoy it greatly – maybe even enough to be curious about the novel version.

4 stars

Reviewed by: Jenny Martinez Nocito, Maine State Library, Augusta

four-stars

The Grinch Takes a Vacation

The Grinch Takes a VacationDr. Seuss Graphic Novel: The Grinch Takes a Vacation: A Grinch Story (Dr. Seuss Graphic Novels) by Kaeti Vandorn
on September 24, 2024
ISBN: 0593703065
Genres: Holiday
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars

Whoville is looking pretty empty – where is everyone going? It turns out, all the Whos are headed on vacation – and Grinch wants to know what all the fuss is about. So, Grinch and Max decide to try their own vacation, including a visit to the beach, amusement park, and a mountain. Grinch unsurprisingly doesn’t like the sandy beach, gets nauseated on rides, and can’t enjoy the mountain view because of clouds. Finally, he realizes that perhaps the point of vacations is spending time with your loved ones, and he does really appreciate his time with Max. This graphic novel has colorful illustrations and would be a fine addition to a graphic novel collection. Recommended for ages 6-7 (1st to 2nd Grade).

Reviewed by: Jenn Mead, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library, Lovell

three-stars

Puffin and Penguin

Puffin and PenguinPuffin and Penguin by Helaine Becker, Kevin Sylvester
ISBN: 1525306545
Genres: Animals
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars

When Puffin’s mom gets a new job at the United Avian Nations, his family relocates from Iceland to New Stork City. His new class is a full cast of characters, from King Penguin “the Cool Kid” to Blue Jay “the Class Clown” and Loon “the Gossip”. How will Puffin fit in? Puffin gets assigned a buddy to show him around – Penguin. But Penguin is so popular, and so busy, that Puffin doesn’t feel like a priority. So, Puffin decides to try to educate the other students about puffins (did you know that puffins can fly and have beaks that light up?!?) and join the drama club. Puffin finds his place on the stage crew, with Penguin being the lead of the play. When there is an unexpected power outage during the performance – they truly work as a team, with Puffin’s glow-in-the-dark beak saving the day! This graphic novel was full of bird puns, cute illustrations, and tells a classic tale of fitting in, being your true self, and making friends. Especially good for the bird or nature lovers, and actually includes some real facts about puffins (it turns out their beaks really do glow in the dark due to bioluminescence!). Recommended for ages 7-8 (2nd to 3rd Grade).

Reviewed by: Jenn Mead, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library, Lovell

four-stars

Sink or Swim

Sink or SwimSink or Swim by Lee Durfey-Lavoie, Veronica Agarwal
Series: Just Roll With It #2
Published by Random House Graphic on June 4, 2024
ISBN: 0593125517
Pages: 314
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

In this cleverly illustrated graphic novel, Ty is recovering from a broken arm just as summer starts. He feels bad about missing the entire swim season and as captain of the team, he worries that he let his friends down. He especially feels bad about how he ghosted his teammate and best friend Max. Ty doesn’t simply feel bad – he is struggling mightily with depression, anxiety, body image issues, and dysregulated eating. He’s especially anxious about summer camp where he will be bunking with Max. Tensions are high between Max, Max’s twin sister Heather, and Ty and build to a climax during their boat-building activity. Between a caring camp counselor, new friends, and the long history of friendship between Ty and Max, things work out in the end. Heather is able to tell her brother and Ty about her girlfriend and Max and Ty acknowledge the romantic feelings they have for each other. After reading Louder Than Hunger by John Schu about a boy’s struggle with anorexia, I was hoping for a little back matter on eating disorders and depression or advice that Ty seek professional help. Nonetheless, this is an excellent story to use as a conversation starter with upper elementary and middle school students. This is the second book in the Just Roll With It series but it certainly stands alone. Graphic novel fans who love the wide-eyed expressions used in manga will love the characters’ faces when they are excited.

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

four-stars