Format: Graphic Novel

Garlic and the Witch

Garlic and the WitchGarlic and the Witch by Bree Paulsen
Published by HarperCollins US on January 4, 2023
ISBN: 006299512X
Pages: 160
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

Garlic and the Witch is the second installment in the Garlic and the Vampire series. Young readers will continue to be blown away by the breathtaking illustrations that Bree Paulsen has created, and will enjoy being reunited with characters from the first book. In this book Garlic goes through character growth which makes them more relatable. Readers also get an explanation of Agnus’s powers, which was an unexplained phenomena from book one. This book is heavier on illustration than text and much of the text consists of onomatopoetic text rather than dialogue or exposition. Garlic and the Witch is perfect for readers ages 8 through 12.

Reviewed by Brandon Dyer, Auburn Public Library

four-stars

Two-Headed Chicken

Two-Headed ChickenTwo-Headed Chicken by Tom Angleberger
Published by Walker Books US on September 6, 2022
ISBN: 1536223212
Pages: 208
Genres: Adventure, Humor, Science Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
three-stars

In this offbeat graphic novel young readers are introduced to a two-headed chicken who is being chased through a multi-universe dimension by a hungry green moose. Fans of Tom Angleberger’s Origami Yoda series are sure to enjoy this book as it has a similar art style and fast-paced storytelling. The abstract illustrations and humorous dialogue among the characters will have readers chuckling until the very end. This book may not be for every one as the bright illustrations lend themselves to busy pages that may cause negative sensory stimulation. The target audience for this graphic novel is young readers, grades 3rd through 6th.

Reviewed by Brandon Dyer, Auburn Public Library

three-stars

Hooky Volume 2

Hooky Volume 2Hooky Volume 2 by Míriam Bonastre Tur
Published by Clarion Books on September 6, 2022
ISBN: 0358693101
Pages: 368
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Romance, Supernatural
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
three-stars

This is the second collected volume of the popular Webtoon comic Hooky. It follows twins Dani and Dorian and their fight for the fair treatment of witches, while struggling with their parents and the romantic entanglements of their friends.

While there are too many characters and quick jumps from subplot to subplot for me to follow, the first volume of Hooky was successful and those invested in it will want to continue with this one.  The illustrations are rich and it’s appropriate for middle grade graphic novel fans.

Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath

 

three-stars

Besties Find Their Groove

Besties Find Their GrooveBesties: Find Their Groove by Kayla Miller, Jeffrey Canino, Kristina Luu
Series: World of Click, #2, #2
Published by HarperCollins US on January 4, 2023
ISBN: 0358521165
Pages: 208
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

This fiction graphic novel is the sequel to Besties Work It Out and was written by Kayla Miller and Jeffrey Canino; it is a story from the world of Click, Miller’s best-selling graphic novel series. The story explores Beth and Chanda’s friendship, as well as the relationships they have with their mothers and sisters. The expressive illustrations take the reader on a journey of two 12-year-old girls navigating their first middle school dance. From trying to get dates to finding the perfect outfits these two girls run into obstacles. Chanda is Indian American and wants to find an outfit that will express her cultural heritage. Beth is a larger girl and struggles with finding a dress that fits and would be flattering. This book shows the reader two best friends who have conflict with each other and how they resolve it. It shows family drama and how the characters deal with that. It shows the reader that is is ok to look different than other kids and still be awesome. This empowering graphic novel is for grades 4-6.

Reviewed by Erin Scott, MSAD 75, Woodside

four-stars

Girl on Fire

Girl on FireGirl on Fire by Alicia Keys, Andrew Weiner, Brittney Williams
Published by Harper Alley on June 1, 2022
ISBN: 0063029561
Pages: 224
Genres: Science Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

This graphic novel by singer Alicia Keys, co-written by Andrew Weiner, uses her song lyrics “Girl on Fire” as a jumping-off point to tell a story about a girl who is not going to take any more. When Lolo Wright’s brother is wrongly accused of a crime by police, and he is being physically assaulted by an officer, Lolo taps into a deep power she didn’t even knew she had to fight back. With a form of telekenesis that channels light, Lolo removes the officer from her brother. In doing this, she catches the eye of the neighborhood boss, Skin, who wants to use her power for his own nefarious intent.  Lolo has a choice to make as those she loves are used as leverage to try to woo her to the crime-lord’s team. The illustrations are excellent – each character is distinct and Lolo’s power is clearly delineated; the pages are uncluttered and the story is easy to follow. Hand this book to fans of Angie Thomas or Nic Stone.

Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth

four-stars

Squire

SquireSquire by Sara Alfageeh, Nadia Shammas
Published by Quill Tree Books on March 8, 2022
ISBN: 0062945858
Pages: 336
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
five-stars

When the Bayt-Sajji Empire offers teens from their conquered territories to enlist in a squire training program, Aiza jumps at the chance. It is an opportunity to not only gain honor, but full citizenship and all the benefits that come with it. She must be careful though to hide her Ornu heritage as it is sure to make her a target of discrimination.

Aiza struggles with her training and begins a secret mentorship with the groundskeeper Doruk who not only improves her swordsmanship, but imparts the grim realities of war. After a surprising turn of events, Aiza must determine what it means to be a part of a history and what it means to fight for justice.

With attractive illustrations and a spirited heroine to root for, this graphic novel is an engaging and insightful look at colonization and prejudice. An author’s note reminds readers, “when you listen to a history, think about who it serves,” a message that is reiterated throughout the story and one that we should all contemplate as we examine our own country’s past. Recommended for ages 13 and up.

Recommended for Cream of the Crop

Reviewed by Kerrie Lattari, York Middle School

five-stars

Witches of Brooklyn S’more Magic

Witches of Brooklyn S’more MagicWitches of Brooklyn: s'More Magic: (A Graphic Novel) by Sophie Escabasse
Published by Random House Graphic on September 6, 2022
ISBN: 0593125525
Pages: 240
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

The third book of this graphic novel series follows the young witch Effie as she leaves her beloved aunts and friends to bond with nature and make new friends(?) at summer camp. Wherever Effie is, mayhem and funny situations follow. This time there is a panda bear (a very lovable  new character) and Effie learns that she has a green thumb.  When the lake becomes primary to the plot development, we learn that even witches have fears. The illustrations bring the story to life with colorful drawings and expressive faces. A fun story that is sure to please middle grade readers and have them clamor for more titles in the series, perhaps even a second book set at . Reading the first two novels in the series will add depth to Effie’s story, but it is not necessary to have read those in order to enjoy this title.  Add the series to middle grade school libraries and place on the juvenile graphic novel shelves in public libraries.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, retired children’s librarian

four-stars

The Terribles: Welcome to Stubtoe Elementary

The Terribles: Welcome to Stubtoe ElementaryWelcome to Stubtoe Elementary by Travis Nichols
Series: The Terribles, #1, #1
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers on July 5, 2022
ISBN: 0593425715
Pages: 240
Genres: Fantasy, Humor
Format: Chapter Book Fiction, Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

Book one of The Terribles series is a silly fantasy which takes an occasional step toward horror. A range of characters from vampires to mummies to swamp-things show that monster kids are just like human kids. With a mix of graphic panels, prose, charts, poems, and activities young readers will giggle and occasionally gasp through the book. Black and white illustrations add to the storyline and humor. Elementary school libraries and public libraries with early chapter book readers of series like Eerie Elementary or the Notebook of Doom should consider adding this to their collection.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, retired children’s librarian

four-stars

Play Like a Girl: A Graphic Memoir

Play Like a Girl: A Graphic MemoirPlay Like a Girl by Misty Wilson, David Wilson
Published by Balzer & Bray/Harperteen on September 27, 2022
ISBN: 0063064693
Pages: 272
Genres: Biography/Autobiography
Format: Chapter Book Nonfiction, Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

This empowering middle grade memoir told in graphic novel form will keep the reader interested from the first page to the last. Misty Wilson tells the true story of her seventh grade year when she played football on the boys team. The reader will experience friend drama, family issues, first crushes, and a girl trying to find her place in middle school and on the team. The expressive and detailed artwork tells the story just as much as the words do. Boys and girls can both relate to the issues discussed in this story. Play Like A Girl is a great read for grades 5-8.

Reviewed by Erin Scott, MSAD 75, Woodside

four-stars

Pizza My Heart

Pizza My HeartPizza My Heart by Mika Song
Series: Norma and Belly, #3, #3
Published by Random House Graphic on August 16, 2022
ISBN: 0593479726
Pages: 96
Genres: Adventure
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

The third adventure in this food-themed graphic novel series that featured two silly squirrels, Norma & Belly. This latest book in the series will not disappoint young readers who enjoy the crazy antics of the two food-loving squirrels. This time, the two need to get creative to figure out how they can nab a slab of yummy pizza. The illustrations which were created with pencils, sumi brushes, sumi ink, and watercolors are simplistic and whimsical and stand out on the white pages. The format ranges from full-page illustrations to four panels which allows the artwork to take center stage with the text appearing in bubbles. This book could stand on its own, but readers will not want to miss the earlier two books if they are amused with this story. Ideal for children ages 4 to 8, but older readers and even adults will find themselves chuckling and rooting for these two goofy squirrels. A strong graphic novel series for young readers.

Reviewed by Terri Bauld, Children’s Librarian, Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library

four-stars