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

Hiding in Plain Sight

Hiding in Plain SightHiding in Plain Sight by Jorge Cham
Series: Elinor Wonders Why
Published by Kids Can Press on September 6, 2022
ISBN: 1525306197
Pages: 40
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

This adapted story in a graphic novel format, is from an episode of the animated TV series “Elinor Wonders Why.” Written for emerging readers, it follows a young bunny Elinor and her two friends on a nature adventure. Elinor is very curious and is always asking questions. Oliver her elephant friend is a big reader who has an excellent memory and loves words and facts. Ari is a jokester bat who loves to clown around and make his friends laugh. He is good at figuring out problems.

In this nature adventure, the characters start out playing hide and seek with two goats who can always find them due to their special eyes. They go on to find things hiding in nature and learn about camouflage. Let’s find out! panels appear throughout the story educating readers on katydids, camouflage, goats eyes, nocturnal toads, and sparrows. The back pages contain sections like “Hide-and-See in Nature,” “Let’s Experiment!”, and “We Need More Observations!”. The brightly colored illustrations are presented in two or three panels per page. This is an interesting story that is educational and fun and will have particular appeal to viewers of the PBS series, but will also appeal to those emerging readers who enjoy an educational graphic novel.

Reviewed by Terri Bauld, Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library, Kennebunkport, ME

four-stars

Up to No Ghoul

Up to No GhoulUp to No Ghoul by Cat Farris, Cullen Bunn
Published by HarperAlley on August 9, 2022
ISBN: 006289613X
Pages: 200
Genres: Horror
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
three-stars

“Up to No Ghoul” is a middle-grade graphic novel written by Cullen Bunn and illustrated by Cat Farris. It is the sequel to “The Ghoul Next Door.” You definitely need to have read the first book to fully understand this book, so I would only recommend purchasing it if you already have the first book or are willing to purchase the first as well.

Grey is a middle schooler who lives in Ander’s Landing, a place where the supernatural live and weird things happen regularly!  He is also friends with Lavinia, a ghoul who lives in the cemetery nearby. When a blood drive bus arrives in town, people who give blood seem to become mindless zombies. Grey and his friends suspect vampires and try to stop them.

The art style looks like watercolor and adds a creepiness to the story. A fun adventure about friendship, and not making assumptions, this book is a recommended purchase where graphic novels are popular. Written for kids 8 to 12 years old.

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

three-stars

Ben Yokoyama and the Cookie Thief

Ben Yokoyama and the Cookie ThiefBen Yokoyama and the Cookie Thief by Matthew Swanson, Robbi Behr
Published by Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers on September 6, 2022
ISBN: 0593432967
Pages: 304
Genres: Humor
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
four-stars

Book four in the Cookie Chronicles series doesn’t disappoint in this humorous book for kids in grades 3-6. Ben relies on the fortunes in his cookies. When bully Flegg McEggers steals Ben’s fortune cookie with the fortune “the best things in life are free,” Ben is distraught because he feels he has lost the right to free cookies and a new, free scooter.  Ben resolves to recover the cookie and bring the thief to justice. In order to do so, he needs to prove his case to the fifth graders in Kid Court. Ben is a likeable and relatable character who has big feelings that he doesn’t always know what to do with. His best friend Janet provides the voice of reason and of support and understanding. Copious black & white illustrations complement the story.  Give to fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Big Nate, and Dog Man.

Reviewed by Kim Parker, D.A. Hurd Library

four-stars

Doodleville: Art Attacks

Doodleville: Art AttacksDoodleville #2: Art Attacks! by Chad Sell
Published by Random House Graphic on November 1, 2022
ISBN: 1984894730
Genres: Fantasy
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
three-stars

“Doodleville: Art Attacks” is the second book in the Doodleville graphic novel series by Chad Sell. Written for kids aged 8 to 12, the book follows a group of friends who have drawings that come to life. The book starts off with a problem: One of Drew’s drawings stole a hat from a painting in the Art Institute of Chicago and a painted baby came along with it! Now they need to fix things at the Art Institute, but things end up getting worse! How will the gang make things right?

Bright and colorful illustrations and a fast-moving plot will keep the reader’s interest. A recommended purchase if your middle-grade graphic novel collection is popular.

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

three-stars