Format: Graphic Novel

Sunset of the Sabertooth

Sunset of the SabertoothSunset of the Sabertooth Graphic Novel (Magic Tree House) by Mary Pope Osborne
ISBN: 0593706005
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

This is  Book 7 in graphic novel adaptation of “The Magic Tree House” series. It follows Jack and Annie on another treehouse adventure to the Ice Age. They learn about early humans, cave art, and animals of the time. “The Magic Treehouse” series translates into comics format better than most. This adaption stays true to the original but adds a colorful animation-like feel to the story. The nice thing about this series is it is for younger grade readers and is still educational. Many graphic novels for lower grades are just silly. A gateway book to reading the series or other beginning chapter books.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

five-stars

Warriors: The Prophecies Begin

Warriors: The Prophecies BeginWarriors Graphic Novel: The Prophecies Begin #1 by Erin Hunter, Natalie Riess, Sara Goetter
on July 16, 2024
ISBN: 0063203871
Genres: Adventure, Animals
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
five-stars

An adaption in graphic novel form of the popular “Warriors” series by Erin Hunter. This book covers the first two “Warriors” books – Into the Wild and Fire and Ice. The second book in the series, scheduled to be published in April, 2025, will cover the third and fourth novels – Forest of Secrets and Rising Storm. 

Four Clans of wild cats have shared the forest for generations. The cats of ThunderClan are in grave danger from sinister ShadowClan. Rusty, an ordinary house cat, becomes ThunderClan’s new apprentice and must work extra hard to prove he can be a true warrior. As the chill of winter sets in, the cats of rival RiverClan grow restless, while WindClan is weak and facing threats from all sides.

Over 20 years old and this series still appeals to kids. This graphic take on the original story has  wonderful vivid artwork and delightful character interpretations. As can be expected, some of the details are left out of the adaption so you may want to recommend that readers read both. Cats engage in battles and wars. Some cats are left wounded and some die. Sensitive children might find the books too violent or sad.

Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library

 

five-stars

Tig and Lily: Up Late

Tig and Lily: Up LateTig and Lily: Up Late!: (A Graphic Novel) by Dan Thompson
Series: Tig and Lily #2
Published by Random House Children's Books on 7/16/24
ISBN: 059348634X
Genres: Humor
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars
Tig and Lily are back in this fun graphic novel for new readers.  In this installment, Tig wakes up from a bad dream and decides that he never wants to sleep again.  To help keep him awake, he convinces his best friend Lily to help him throw a slumber party with all of their friends. The party is a fun time complete with snacks and scary stories, but Tig faces danger when he sleepwalks and must be rescued. This graphic novel is ideal for first and second graders.  The language is fairly simple and there isn’t too much text on each panel.  The illustrations definitely carry this book.  They are bright and colorful and convey the humor of the story, especially through the facial expressions of the characters.  Libraries that have the first Tig and Lily will want to add this one to the collection, though it does also work as a stand alone.  Kids will enjoy the humor and will also learn a little bit about friendship, too.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

three-stars

Brownstone

BrownstoneBrownstone by Mar Julia, Samuel Teer
on June 11, 2024
ISBN: 0358394740
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
five-stars

Brownstone by Samuel Teer and Mar Julia is a coming of age graphic novel about a girl named Almudena who is forced to live with a father she’s never met for the summer as her mother heads off on a trip. Almundena’s hesitancy about this summer only increases when she discovers that not only is her father renovating his entire apartment building—and expects her to help—but he doesn’t speak any English. Almudena discovers she has a lot to learn about her heritage—she’s actually Guatemalan when she’s always thought she’s Mexican—and the world her father lives in. As she gets to know the people in her new neighborhood  she learns why her father is so focused on the renovation and that there’s more to family than she thinks. Readers will easily empathize with Almudena as she tries to navigate living in a construction zone, developing a relationship with an estranged father, and discovering her cultural identity. Many readers will find themselves in the characters from those who are biracial, LGBTQIA+, latino-American, or part of a blended family; representation is definitely a stand out feature of this book. Readers will also be drawn to the graphic novel format and especially how it compliments the characters’ struggle with communication due to language barriers, cultural differences, misunderstandings, and complicated feelings. Though the book explores complex ideas of gentrification, homophobia, cultural identity, and blended families, the authors are thoughtfully present these topics in an accessible way. This is a must read for teens and adults!*Recommending for cream — five stars!*Reviewed by Katy Jones, Gardiner Area High School Library, Gardiner

five-stars

Super Pancake and the Mini Muffin Mayhem

Super Pancake and the Mini Muffin MayhemSuper Pancake and the Mini Muffin Mayhem: (A Graphic Novel) by Abhi Alwar, Megan Wagner Lloyd
ISBN: 0593378482
Genres: Adventure
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars
It is spring break for Peggy Pancake! Unfortunately, her mom signed her up to babysit all week, and she needs to finish her overdue “how to” homework. Her mom suggests that she write about “how to be responsible”. Peggy will need her super powers and her best friends to survive babysitting the 5 troublesome mini muffins all week. Meanwhile, Professor Egg has succeeded in making a mega/mini laser of doom, and has requested Peggy stop by the lab to study her powers. In a moment of desperation, Peggy decides to bring the mini muffins to the lab, resulting in one of the mini muffins turned mega muffin. Can she fix the mess she made, shrink mini muffin back to her regular size, and return mini muffin to her mom? Yes, she can, while also learning some valuable lessons about being responsible, making mistakes, and trying again. This fun graphic novel is just as good as the original and especially recommended for breakfast lovers. Illustrations are a bright and colorful representation of Breakfast Town and its’ inhabitants. Recommended for ages 6-8 (1st to 3rd Grade).

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

four-stars

Scaredy Squirrel Scared Silly

Scaredy Squirrel Scared SillyScaredy Squirrel Scared Silly: (A Graphic Novel) (Scaredy's Nutty Adventures) by Mélanie Watt
ISBN: 059330764X
Genres: Adventure, Animals
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars
Scaredy Squirrel is back and ready for Halloween! He is fully prepared to make sure Halloween is cute and fun, and NOT scary. And just in case – he’s thought of everything: fans to ward of ghosts, garlic for vampires, and pepperoni for werewolves. Scaredy is begrudgingly convinced to go trick-or-treating with his friends (if it weren’t for the caramel apples – he would not go). On their outing, they are chased by a pepperoni loving cat throughout the neighborhood. And Scaredy finds out that much of what he was afraid of, isn’t so scary after all. This seasonal sequel is just as fun as the original, and would make a great addition to any graphic novel collection. This series in general could be a good tool for caregivers working through child fears and anxieties. The illustrations are simple, cute, and fitting of the story. Recommended for ages 6-8 (1st to 3rd Grade).

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

four-stars

Tryouts

TryoutsTryouts (The Brinkley Yearbooks #2) by Sarah Sax
Published by Random House Graphic on May 7, 2024
ISBN: 0593306929
Pages: 277
Genres: Realistic Fiction, Sports
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars
A solid realistic fiction graphic novel from the author of Picture Day. Using yearbook-like interludes to offer additional back story, this title follows Al, a female pitcher who would like to tryout for the boys baseball team. She is encouraged to by her friends, who are also trying out new things like joining a new club and bringing back a forgotten middle school mascot. The illustrations are clear, bright, and lively. The story offers interesting points of discussion: about Title IX sports, about school traditions, and about being a good teammate. A book for this age group, grades 3 through 7, would always benefit from chapter breaks. Sax does use interludes that mimic a yearbook page and these offer additional voices and background, but they are spread out throughout the book and they are not entirely obvious breaks in the plot. There are many diverse characters. Fans of realistic graphic novels like Click by Kayla Miller, Fifth Quarter by Mike Dawson, and anything Raina Telgemeier will appreciate this title.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Falmouth Elementary School

four-stars

Taxi Ghost

Taxi GhostTaxi Ghost by Sophie Escabasse
ISBN: 0593565983
Genres: Supernatural
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars
“Taxi Ghost” is a middle grade graphic novel by Sophie Escabasse. Adele is a girl who has just started to see ghosts! She learns that members of her family have had this trait in the past, including her grandmother, who has sworn off helping ghosts and now actively tries to repel them. Adele isn’t sure what she wants to do about it, so she starts talking to some of the ghosts that she sees and finds out that they are worried about gentrification in the city and she may be able to help.

Themes in the book include coming of age, family, making decisions that are right for you, and the issues of gentrification. Illustrations are fun and bright and add to the humorous nature of the book. A recommended purchase for middle grade graphic novel collections, especially where Escabasse’s “Witches of Brooklyn” series is popular.

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

four-stars

Blue Stars: the Vice Principal Problem

Blue Stars: the Vice Principal ProblemMission One: The Vice Principal Problem by Cynthia Leitich Smith, Kekla Magoon, Molly Murakami
Series: Blue Starts #1
Published by Candlewick Press on March 5, 2024
ISBN: 1536204994
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
four-stars
6th grade cousins Maya and Riley move in with their grandmother right before starting 6th grade.  They haven’t seen each other for years and have a hard time sharing a room.  They struggle to connect, but when they realize their detention-loving vice principal wants to take away their after-school clubs, they tap into their inner superhero and work together to expose him.  Kids in grades 4-6 will enjoy reading this fast-paced graphic novel where good overcomes evil in creative and unexpected ways.  Although race and culture don’t play a major role in the plot, there is a lot of representation found in this graphic novel.  The main characters are biracial, with Maya looking more like her Black father and Riley looking more like her Native American mother. Background characters are also diverse with illustrations depicting people of different races, religions, and physical abilities.  This looks to be the first book in a series and readers will no doubt want to see what this dynamic duo is up to next!

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library

four-stars

Cat Out of Water

Cat Out of WaterDr. Seuss Graphic Novel: Cat Out of Water: A Cat in the Hat Story (Dr. Seuss Graphic Novels) by Art Baltazar
Published by Random House Graphic on 2024
ISBN: 0593703030
Genres: Animals, Children's Beginning Readers, Humor
Format: Graphic Novel
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads
three-stars
The Cat in the Hat is back in this early reader graphic novel. The full-color illustrations are more cartoonish and the simple text does not rhyme as in the original story, but the cast of characters include the same Brother and Sister, and the troublemaking Thing 1 and Thing 2, the stressed-out Fish, and the Cat, of course. The Cat thinks it would be fun to turn the whole house into a huge fishbowl so the Fish will be able to have fun with everyone else. He brings in Thing 1 and Thing 2 to help make this happen and they flood the first floor of the house. Even the Fish starts to have fun, but then he realizes that the house is waterlogged and starts to protest. The Cat had promised not to make a mess when he first arrived, so he spends the second half of the book cleaning up the house and drying everything off, so the siblings won’t end up in trouble. (Who keeps leaving these kids home alone??)

As an added bonus, the book ends with instructions for drawing the characters in the story.
This is a fanciful, fun read that would appeal to new readers who might prefer a graphic novel layout to a traditional beginning reader format. It is recommended for 5-8 year-olds.

Reviewed by Crystal Wilder, University of Southern Maine, Gorham Campus Library

three-stars