Graphic Novels Galore!

Fangs by Sarah Andersen

I love Sarah's Scribbles comics, so when i saw this e-galley available, I said, sure, why not? I thought the premise of vampire + werewolf romance was a bit cliche, but I was pleasantly surprised with this one. I liked how it poked fun at the cliches, but also presented a unique plot of its own. A fun little read for fans of funny comics. Definitely a better love story than Twilight.

112 pages



New Kid by Jerry Craft

I've seen this title pop up on so many book lists lately, I thought I'd check it out. Although this graphic novel is written for the middle grades, there are so many themes and issues relevant to adult readers. When his parents enroll him in a private school, Jordan has to adapt to a school where he is one of the few students of color. He has to learn how to make new friends while faced with racist microaggressions from his classmates and teachers. I would highly recommend this title for anyone and everyone.

249 pages




The Tea Dragon Society by Katie O'Neill

Greta, an apprentice blacksmith, discovers a new passion when she rescues a small dragon from a chaotic marketplace. She then discovers the world of the tea dragons, whose horns sprout tiny leaves harvested for tea by their caretakers. This story is so sweet, and the artwork is beautiful. A lovely fantasy tale of traditions, love, and friendship.

60 pages




Wonder Woman: Warbringer by Leigh Bardugo

I read this novel when it came out, but it's been a few years. When this popped up on a recommended list I thought, sure, why not? I remembered enjoying the novel, but didn't remember enough of the plot to make a reread too boring. Yet, this was so boring. The story was still exciting and upbeat, but the art was just... bleh. I'm not a fan of the blue-grey color scheme. It was nice to get a visual for some of the characters, but honestly? Just read the novel.

206 pages




Wonder Woman: Tempest Tossed by Laurie Halse Andersen, and Leila Del Duca (ill.)

Now this is Wonder Woman done right. Andersen is a powerful writer, and Del Duca makes the story pop with color. Diana's origin story is updated to reflect our current world, as she encounters refugees, activists, homelessness, corporate greed, human trafficking and other social issues. I love how many diverse wonder woman comics we've been getting lately, and I'd say this is one of the best ones I've read.

207 pages




Zatanna and the House of Secrets by Matthew Cody, and Yoshi Yoshitani (ill.)

We don't get a lot of Zatanna-featured comics, so seeing this one written for the younger crowd was a pleasant surprise. This book was a lot of fun! Zatanna is a normal girl living in a slightly abnormal house dealing with tricky middle school friendship troubles. Then, the son of a witch queen steals her pet rabbit's key collar and the magic house comes alive. Zatanna has to navigate the twists, turns, and terrors to rescue her father and discover her true inheritance. This book is a lot of fun!

146 pages

Upper Elementary and Middle School Reads

Books by Gary D. Schmidt

My Review: I had the privilege of hearing author Gary D. Schmidt while on an Author Visit in Springfield, and was very impressed with his storytelling abilities. His writing is also masterful as he leads the reader through coming of age stories.

Title	Pages
1. Pay Attention, Carter Jones	224
2. Orbiting Jupiter	192
3. The Wednesday Wars	272

My Rating: 5 out of 5

Mary Poppins by P.L. Travers

Summary: Supernanny Mary Poppins joins the Banks family in a mystical fashion, blowing in on the wind holding her infamous umbrella aloft. Throughout the first book, we are introduced to a woman who has little time for frivolity and yet is able to take us on wild, imaginative adventures that teach us life lessons along the way.

My Review: When Mary Poppins Returns came out and I learned that the author of the series, P.L. Travers was disappointed in Julie Andrews’ portrayal of Mary Poppins in the movie, I had to see why. It’s true, the movie didn’t do a good job of staying true to character – but I sure loved the music!  I found the movie version of Mary the more captivating of the two. I’m not sure I would have finished the book were it not for wanting to compare the two Marys to the bitter end. I rank the book a four, just because of the inspiration it provided for the musical. Pages: 232

My Rating: 4 out of 5

Mascot by Antony John

Mascot

by Antony John

4/5

336 pages

Noah Savino has been stuck in a wheelchair for months. He hates the way people treat him like he’s helpless now. He’s sick of going to physical therapy, where he isn’t making any progress. He’s tired of not having control over his own body. And he misses playing baseball—but not as much as he misses his dad, who died in the car accident that paralyzed Noah.

Noah is scared he’ll never feel like his old self again. He doesn’t want people to think of him as different for the rest of his life. With the help of family and friends, he’ll have to throw off the mask he’s been hiding behind and face the fears that have kept him on the sidelines if he ever wants to move forward.

The Gollywhopper Games by Jody Feldman

The Gollywhopper Games
by Jody Feldman

308 pages

Gil Goodson's future happiness depends on winning the Golly Toy & Game Company's ultimate competition. If Gil wins, his dad has promised that the family can move away from all the gossip, false friends, and bad press that have plagued them ever since "The Incident". Inside the toy company's fantastic headquarters, Gil will have to master trivia, solve puzzles, and complete physical stunts—and he'll have to do better than all of the other kids competing.

Oh, and did we mention that Gil's every step—and every mistake—will be broadcast on national television? Hold on tight, because the ride of his life is about to begin!

Homesick by Kate Klise

Homesick
by Kate Klise

192 pages

Benny's parents are splitting up. His mom leaves home after a fight about a mysterious splinter that is rumored to be part of an important relic. Benny's dad has always liked clutter, but now, he begins hoarding everything from pizza boxes to old motorcycle parts.

As his house grows more cluttered and his father grows more distant, Benny tries to sort out whether he can change anything at all. Meanwhile, a local teacher enters their quiet Missouri town in America's Most Charming Small Town contest, and the pressure is on to clean up the area, especially Benny's ramshackle of a house, before the out-of-town guests arrive.

House of Many Ways by Diana Wynne Jones

Summary: "When Charmain Baker agreed to look after her great-uncle's house, she thought she was getting blissful, parent-free time to read. She didn't realize that the house bent space and time, and she did not expect to become responsible for an extremely magical stray dog and a muddled young apprentice wizard. Now, somehow, she's been targeted by a terrifying creature called a lubbock, too, and become central to the king's urgent search for the fabled Elfgift that will save the country. The king is so desperate to find the Elfgift, he's called in an intimidating sorceress named Sophie to help. And where Sophie is, the great Wizard Howl and fire demon Calcifer won't be far behind. How did respectable Charmain end up in such a mess, and how will she get herself out of it?" - Amazon

This is the sequel to Howl's Moving Castle, and while I wasn't as enchanted as I was in the first, this book was just as much fun with stronger side characters.  I am loving the overall style of Ms. Jones.  There is a lightness to her writing that makes traveling along with her characters a joy.  I can't wait to read the next addition to this series!

5/5

432 pages

Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones

 Summary: "In the land of Ingary, such things as spells, invisible cloaks, and seven-league boots were everyday things. The Witch of the Waste was another matter.

After fifty years of quiet, it was rumored that the Witch was about to terrorize the country again. So when a moving black castle, blowing dark smoke from its four thin turrets, appeared on the horizon, everyone thought it was the Witch. The castle, however, belonged to Wizard Howl, who, it was said, liked to suck the souls of young girls.

The Hatter sisters--Sophie, Lettie, and Martha--and all the other girls were warned not to venture into the streets alone. But that was only the beginning."

This book is fun.  So fun.  It did take me a few pages to really get into the story, but once I was in - I was so in.  It reminded me why I love reading challenges as this fulfilled the category of 'book published the year you were born' (1986 if you're wondering).  I probably never would have read it if I hadn't went looking for a book in that category.

The world is interesting and forms a great backdrop to the overall story, but the best parts of this novel are the characters.  I don't want to say too much as I want everyone to experience the fun surprises as you read.

Wholeheartedly recommend.

5/5

336 pages

The Girl Who Owned a City by O.T. Nelson

Summary: "A deadly plague has devastated Earth, killing all the adults. Lisa and her younger brother Todd are struggling to stay alive in a world where no one is safe. Other children along Grand Avenue need help as well. They band together to find food, shelter, and protection from dangerous gangs invading their neighborhood. When Tom Logan and his army start making threats, Lisa comes up with a plan and leads her group to a safer place. But how far is she willing to go to protect what's hers?" - Amazon

I found this book while searching for something to fit in the "read a book with a character who has your name" category in our book challenge, and the main protagonist is named Lisa!  I was even more excited when I realized that this book is a post-apocalyptic story for upper elementary to middle school age kids.

Lisa is a strong lead female character who uses her brain and ingenuity to help the kids in her neighborhood survive their new adultless world.  I really appreciated her unapologetic intelligence.  She is a leader and knows it.  That is extremely refreshing.

My only complaint isn't really a complaint; it's more a realization and fact.  This was written in the 1970s and there is a certain dated quality to the story.  It didn't detract from the plot or characters, but there was something off that I couldn't put my finger on until I looked to see when it was published.  I think it is most noticeable in the naivete of the other kids.  For example, Lisa is the only one on her street who dares to learn to drive her parents car.  It's hard to know how modern kids would react in a world without adults, but I don't think there would only be one driving around. :) 

Overall, I would put this in the category of novels I wish I'd found as a kid.  I enjoyed it as an adult, but pre-teen me would have eaten it up. It's unique and slightly dark without the gruesome qualities of many of today's post-apocalypse works.  And her name is Lisa. ;)

4/5

216 pages

The Whydah: A Pirate Ship Feared, Wrecked, & Found by Martin W. Sandler

Summary: "The exciting true story of the captaincy, wreck, and discovery of the Whydah — the only pirate ship ever found — and the incredible mysteries it revealed." - Amazon

I have a secret love for all things pirates.  They speak to me for a variety of reasons (umm...Johnny Depp, y'all), but the major one is the democracy and freedom one could obtain while manning a ship.  Each man received equal shares, equal treatment, and equal vote under the articles of piracy, no matter where they were from.  Yes, they could be absolutely brutal.  Yes, some were forced to be pirates against their will.  And while the captain of the Whydah (pronounced wid-da), Black Sam, could be and do both of those things, for the most part, he would plunder and release - doing no harm to those merchants (or their ships) who handed over their goods without fight.

This book is written for middle-school, so it does lack some details I would have liked to have.  The writing is clear, the story is good, and the included maps and illustrations help the reader understand the life and goals of pirates.  Overall, not the best, but it did hold my interest and have some good information.

4/5

176 pages

Here's a picture of some of The Whydah's pirate booty for your pleasure. :)

And my favorite pirate. :)

Orbiting Jupiter by Gary D. Schmidt

Summary: This novel is "the shattering story of Joseph, a father at thirteen, who has never seen his daughter, Jupiter. After spending time in a juvenile facility, he’s placed with a foster family on a farm in rural Maine. Here Joseph, damaged and withdrawn, meets twelve-year-old Jack, who narrates the account of the troubled, passionate teen who wants to find his baby at any cost. In this riveting novel, two boys discover the true meaning of family and the sacrifices it requires". - Amazon

I'm not sure I can write an adequate review of this novel.  The language is sparse but powerful.  The characters are simple, trope even, yet somehow captivating.  The plot pulls you along slowly, but then jerks you in a new direction more than once.

This is a middle school level book that hit me hard, demanding my full attention and my emotions until the bitter end.

“You’re not alone.”
He shook his head.
“You’re not.”
“I’m alone,” he said.
“You’ve got me,” I said.
He laughed, but not a happy laugh.
“Jackie, I’m a whole lifetime ahead of you,” he said.

Worth it.

5/5

192 pages

My Seventh-Grade Life in Tights by Brooks Benjamin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Have you ever met one of those exuberant, charming people who can get away with absolutely anything, including wrapping you in a bear hug and planting a big, slobbery kiss on your cheek just minutes after making your acquaintance (and it feels right)? That’s this book. It’s going to be your future best friend in a matter of paragraphs, and it does it in a way that’s unexpectedly funny and completely lovable.

This is one of the best middle grade books I’ve read in ages, and it made me desperately miss my past middle school library. I wanted to run right back to school, welcome myself into the library, and start handing this book out to students. The best part is that I could give it to absolutely everyone, because this isn’t a story that will appeal to only one type of student or reader. It has widespread appeal.

The voice is perfection, and the characters are diverse. I know all different types of people are going to see some of themselves in this novel, which is what makes a story epic. I want to hug this book every time I walk past it, because it’s the kind of story that is honest and heartfelt. It makes you feel good, deep down inside, for a long time. I laughed out loud so many times and had to set the book down once, until I could pull myself back together.

As an added perk, the design work is incredible. It’s hard not to be happy every time you start another chapter, because the dancers are a lot of fun.

I have waited to get my hands on this story for 2+ years, as I have tracked its progress since it was pitched in a contest. Sometimes, that kind of build up can be dangerous, because the longer I wait, the more my expectations rise. In this case, the wait was worth every second, because I adored this story and these characters. It exceeded my hopes and expectations, and it reminded me that it’s worth my time to step away from the YA world sometimes and revisit the land of MG, especially for a story like this.

This is not just a story for middle school kids though. It’s a story that everyone could love and find something to relate to. Also, it makes me want to dance, just for the sheer joy of it.

293 pages

Guerrillas in Civil War Missouri by James W. Erwin

I had no idea that Missouri had such a bloody Civil War experience.  I read not only about Jesse and Frank James, but I learned a bit about bloody Bill Anderson, the butcher of Centralia too.  If you want to liven up your commute by learning of the battles and skirmishes that took place along your route, this book is a good introduction. 128 pages.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney (Book 1)

This month my 7-year-old son and I continue our journey with Greg Heffley by borrowing all the books in this wimpy kid series. This is the first book.

It all started when mom gave Gregory a diary even though he told her to get a journal. Greg writes about life's challenges and funs in middle school. Very funny.

224 pages

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw by Jeff Kinney

My 7-year-old son said this is his favorite book. A very funny book looks at a boy's life and his creative ways to solve problems in a mix of words and cartoons.  We will read the other titles in this series for sure. 217 Pages.