Category: Graphic Novel Review

THROW BACK: Gabby and Gator by James Burks

THROW BACK: Gabby and Gator by James Burks

Posted on by Jaymie

This review was originally posted on my Bring on the Books blog on May 13, 2013. My students couldn’t get enough of graphic novels like this. The cover image here is updated since my original post and the book’s initial release.

Summary and Review

An outcast girl and an alligator that survived flushing find friendship together.

This was absolutely delightful! I liked it so much, I bought two for our school library because I think my students will enjoy it, too. The story starts by establishing each of the characters separately and establishing the “mystery” of a monster in the sewer. Then, when the two meet, they develop this wonderful, quirky relationship that is just right for both of them. Gabby and Gator make a great team. As a fun little bonus, there are line drawings at the bottom of the right-hand pages, and if you flip them quickly you can see Gabby and Gator dance. Great fun!

5 out of 5 stars

REVIEW: The Bawk-ness Monster by Sara Goetter and Natalie Riess

REVIEW: The Bawk-ness Monster by Sara Goetter and Natalie Riess

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Before Penny and her mom move away, Penny has one last thing to do – find the Bawk-ness Monster that saved her life three years ago. Penny’s friends, Luc and K, are also along for the adventure. (It would help if they could ditch Penny’s mom who’s a bit overprotective.) But the kids find more than they bargained for in their search for Bessie.

 

Review

This first book in the Cryptid Kids series was so fun! I loved all of the cryptid characters (who are twists on typical cryptids like Bigfoot). And the story kept moving forward while more challenges cropped up.

Penny’s mom is understandably over-protective after the scare three years ago. But there’s also a great moment when Penny stands up to her mom that I loved. Luc’s story is subtle but important. I would love to see a reading group dig into this book and see what kids make of Luc’s story.

I hope there will be more adventures for the Cryptid Kids. I would absolutely pick up a sequel to check it out!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read

REVIEW: Invisible by Christina Diaz Gonzales and Gabriela Epstein

REVIEW: Invisible by Christina Diaz Gonzales and Gabriela Epstein

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Five Latino students are dumped together to do community service in their middle school cafeteria. Through their service hours they learn to look past their assumptions about one another while also trying to help someone in need.

Review

This is an excellent, richly layered story! I love how they told so much in both English and Spanish (The author’s note on this is excellent – don’t miss it!) And the storyline of helping someone else both pulled the five individuals into a team, but it also balanced the rest of the story which focuses on the challenges for the five kids.

This would be an excellent addition to a classroom or library graphic novel collection. Also a fun addition to Spanish classes! This would be a fantastic choice for a book group where each reader could read a copy and discuss together the various layers of the story.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read.

REVIEW: Flamer by Mike Curato

REVIEW: Flamer by Mike Curato

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

It’s summer break, and Aiden is away at scout camp. When he’s not earning badges and cooking over a campfire, he’s thinking about moving from his Catholic middle school to the public high school in the fall. Aiden’s had his fill of bullies in middle school, mocking him for being half Asian or calling him a “fag.” It might be worse in public school…. He learned all about how bad homosexuality is at Catholic school – and he works really hard to be a good person. So he’s not gay.

Review

Wow. This was good, but at the same time it was a lot in places – direct and gritty. This feels like the sort of book that would scare people into trying to ban it. It includes frank conversation (“locker room talk”), references to homosexuality, pornography, and other sexual references. There’s bigotry, racism, and homophobia as well as domestic violence and bullying.  There’s also a section that deals with suicidal thoughts and feelings.

At the same time it feels completely realistic for the time and context. Aiden’s journey is the journey of a lot of kids. This is the sort of book that could help a kid feel seen – and not feel alone and out of options. Aiden’s story is upsetting and thought-provoking. The artwork is gorgeous.  This should find a home in school and public spaces for teens, especially where folks are looking to add some non-white, non-cisgender perspectives.  (Language, sexual references, racism, bullying,, TW: suicide, domestic violence)

Rating: ♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥½ = Good + (based not on the quality of the book but on my enjoyment of it. This was a hard book for me to like.)

REVIEW: The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich by Deya Muniz

REVIEW: The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich by Deya Muniz

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

When her father dies, the only ways for Lady Camembert to inherit are for her to marry a man – something she has no interest in – or pretend to be one. So she moves away – somewhere no one will know her with only one servant – and becomes Count Camembert.

And that plan might have worked if she was content with a quiet life at home, mostly on her own. But “Count Camembert” can’t resist a party and eventually becomes friends with Princess Brie. And before long, she’s fallen in love with her. But the princess can never know the truth.

Review

While I don’t read historicals often, when I do the idea of women fighting to keep their inheritance is a theme I gravitate toward. I love those stories. But I think I prefer them in prose over graphic novels. I found myself wanting more here.

That said, I did enjoy this graphic novel. The characters were fun and the artwork is gorgeous. I think readers will get a kick out of the cheesy references and Cam’s journey to the freedom to wholly be herself.

Rating: ♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥½ = Good +

REVIEW: Bruce Wayne Not Super by Stuart Gibbs

REVIEW: Bruce Wayne Not Super by Stuart Gibbs

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Bruce is the only non-powered kid at his middle school which makes him feel like a nobody. His driving desire is to clean up his city and protect others. But between school administration and Alfred, his dream of being a vigilante is getting a lot of push back.

Review

This was a fun story! I enjoyed the characters in a middle school context, and Bruce’s quest to find a way to make his mark at the school and in Gotham. The illustrations here are excellent. I loved pouring over the pictures to find all the familiar DC characters.

My only complaint here is about the portrayal of some of those characters. The portrayal of Clark Kent, for example, did not fit the historic Clark Kent at all. I don’t know if the thinking there was “these are kids who will grow into their better selves,” but it was distracting. (I have seen other reviews bring up these same issues.)

I would definitely read a sequel to see how they continue to build this new take on the characters.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read.

REVIEW: Teen Titans: Robin by Kami Garcia and Gabriel Picolo

REVIEW: Teen Titans: Robin by Kami Garcia and Gabriel Picolo

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Raven and Gar have broken free from HIVE and are on the run with Max and Damien. They meet up with Max’s mom to regroup – and train for whatever comes next.

Meanwhile, Dick Grayson is tracking Damien. They got off on the wrong foot when Bruce introduced them. Dick is determined to find his brother and help him.

While Damien would love to send Dick packing, the group knows they have a lot to overcome if they want to be ready for HIVE’s next move. And Dick could be an asset.

Review

I love this series more and more with each book. I really enjoyed watching the growth of the two couples. But the relationship between Dick and Damien was my favorite part of this one. I wanted to read this again as soon as I finished. I also loved the cover tease for book five, which is a must-read for me.

DC fans, Teen Titan fans, and graphic novel fans should not miss this series. There are some dark and occultish elements in Raven’s story (her demon father, astral projection, talking to and raising the dead) that might not work for sensitive readers. But there’s nothing else in this series that has raised any red flags for me. I re-read the whole series before letting myself dive into this one, and it was so satisfying. Highly recommend!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥♥ = Outstanding!

REVIEW: Gina and the Last City on Earth by Judd Winick

REVIEW: Gina and the Last City on Earth by Judd Winick

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

Hilo has been captured by the magical rulers of an alternate Earth. They want to prevent a prophecy that says two magical humans will take the Earth from them. And they believe those humans are Hilo’s friends.

Gina has connected with her ancestor, Regina, who has been serving as a magical guardian for ages. She has kept countless magical creatures from invading Earth. But with the arrival of Gina and her friends, Regina realizes things aren’t what they seem in her magical world.

Review

I wasn’t supposed to be reviewing this book today. I’m having a hard time catching up on my reading from the first of the year. But when the library notice came through that this was in my hold list, I dropped everything to read through it. This is one of my “ride or die” graphic novel series. And this entry did not disappoint.

I continue to be awed by how this funny, action-packed series can also deal with grief and loss so well. There’s just the right amount of heart-tugging  that comes from how much readers care about these characters. But that is well-balanced with the action and humor. Graphic novel fans should definitely start this series at the beginning – there’s just too much to catch up on if you were to jump in here. But it’s worth the time because this series is amazing. I already have book 10, Rise of the Cat, on my wish list for 2024.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ = Great! Might re-read.

REVIEW: Moon Rising by Tui T. Sutherland

REVIEW: Moon Rising by Tui T. Sutherland

Posted on by Jaymie

Summary

The War of Sandwing Succession is over and the Dragonets of Destiny have started a school so other dragons can learn about one another and old animosity might someday be overcome. But someone seems to be trying to cause trouble at the school – and commit murder. One Nightwing, Moon, has the legendary mindreading and prophecy gifts of her ancestors, so she’s getting clues about the culprit. But she’s afraid everyone will hate her if they find out what she can do.

Review

This is the graphic novel adaptation of the 6th novel in the Wings of Fire series. This kicks off my favorite arc of the series, and I was pleased with how this turned out. The artwork is gorgeous and does a great job with the story. But it’s still an adaptation of a larger story. This really whet my appetite to revisit the series again so I can enjoy the full experience.

Newcomers should probably start with book 1 to understand the references to the first arc, but I think this can stand alone. But to truly experience the story, I still think the full middle grade novel is the best bet. This graphic novel can be a great introduction for newcomers to the story, and it can also be a great visual experience for readers who already love the novel.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥*

*♥♥♥♥ – Great! Might re-read.

REVIEW: The BIG Adventures of Babymouse: Once Upon a Messy Whisker by Jennifer L. Holm

REVIEW: The BIG Adventures of Babymouse: Once Upon a Messy Whisker by Jennifer L. Holm

Posted on by Jaymie

[I received a free electronic review copy of this book from Netgalley and Random House Books for Young Readers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.]

Summary and Review

This is an all new format for a Babymouse book – 200 pages, full color – but the same fun. This book includes

  • school stories
  • Cinderella
  • Jason and the Golden Fleece
  • Three Little Kittens
  • Rapunzel, and
  • the Titanic

This was cute! I think Babymouse fans are going to love having a new book to enjoy. And newcomers to the character will have lots of classic material to go back to. Libraries and classrooms should definitely have this in their collection.

Details from the publisher list this as a book for 7-10 year olds. But I think the topics in the book – middle school, self-consciousness, identity, etc. – skew this a little older than that, so I put this in a middle grade range (9-12).

Rating: ♥♥♥½*

*♥♥♥½ = Good+