Shakti by Nabi H. Ali, S.J. Sindu
ISBN: 0063090139
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads

“Shakti,” a middle grade graphic novel written by SJ Sindu and illustrated by Nabi H. Ali about a middle school girl named Shakti. Shakti and her mothers have moved for one of her mom’s jobs and now she is the new girl in school. As she tries to make friends and fit in, she notices something a little strange about the three most popular girls in the school and how they almost seem to have a power over the teachers and other students. Since one of Shakti’s mothers is a magic user, she tries to get her help in stopping the girls, but unleashes the power of the Hindu goddess Kali Ma instead.

Weaving in information about Hindu goddesses along with the idea that bullies are often bullied elsewhere in their lives, and that anger has its place and power, but we cannot let it consume us, this story will keep readers interested as to what will happen next. Middle schoolers will definitely see themselves in this story and hopefully will learn about emotions. The illustrations are bright and colorful and at times really detailed. They add to the power that this story has. Recommended for middle grade readers where graphic novels are popular.

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