Varmint by Andy Hirsch Book Review

Varmint by Andy Hirsch
Publisher: First Second
Release Date: September 26, 2016

After Opie and Ned's mother is murdered, the two youngsters set off to look for their Pa and the man who shot her. They aren't exactly the mos dynamic duo though, with Ned being overly friendly and the two constantly bickering. Together they get themselves in a heap of trouble from horse thievery (er....borrowing) to exploding trains.

This graphic novel is a slow build chapter by chapter going from simply horse rustling to a booby trapped crime kingpin in a mountain. The pacing is even throughout, which is important since this is definitely a plot-driven story. In fact, Hirsh spent so much time creating an event plot that the characters were neglected. Opie and Ned are like funny slapstick characters, entertaining, but lack in much substance. They certainly get into a good deal of trouble, but what I wanted was more backstory and a bit more emotional depth. So that, in the end, I wasn't just happy for them, but wanted more of them. The secondary characters are even less fleshed-out and I would love for someone to explain to me the big giant bear man.

One thing that did draw me out continually were the rather adult jokes, which were completely unexpected in a graphic novel for 3-6 graders. They were mostly innuendos, but the fact that they existed was the surprising bit. To the point that when Opie meets a lady at a large hotel/saloon and the lady suggests she has a job for Opie, I seriously thought they would "go there". Finally, my biggest issue was the confusing ending. Too many people named Pa. Killers named Pa. Pa's that aren't Pa. I had to read it twice to make it make sense.

Final verdict, a rolling romp through the Old West where hijinks ensue, but you probably won't want to read another if you didn't manage to connect to one of the characters by the end.

Ghosts by Raina Telgemeir Book Review

Ghosts by Raina Telgemeir
Publisher: Graphix
Release Date: September 13, 2016

Catrina is not particularly happy about moving to North California, to a town that only sees sunlight 63 days out of the year. Even though she knows it is to help her sister Maya who has cystic fibrosis and needs the good ocean air to help her breathe better, Catrina just can't work up any excitement about her new home. To make matters worse, everyone in this town is obsessed with ghosts. The reason she discovers, is because Bahía de la Luna is peppered with ghosts. Maya is determined to meet one, but Catrina is worried about the ghost's intentions and what they might think of her little sister who always seem to have one foot in death's door. As the Day of the Dead approaches Cat must figure out how to deal with her fears and allow her sister to face hers too. 

Raina Telgemeir certainly knows how to write sisters. All of her books have always had such great familial bonds, making for some wonderful characters. Something unique in this book is the supernatural element. Telgemeir's other books have been either autobiographical (Sisters, Smile) or at least felt that way (Drama), so it was a bit surprising that the ghosts in this story turned out to be real. At first, this felt a bit jarring, but as the reader becomes more and more emotionally invested in the characters, it becomes an important aspect of the book. I loved that the ghosts are not just a means to discuss death and the possibility of it happening to Maya, but also about familial connections and alleviating fear. This was not my favorite of Telgemeir's books though. Although Cat is the main character in the book, her surliness and complete rudeness to the boy next door really made me dislike her. I loved her little sister and some of the secondary characters, but could never fully connect with Cat. This probably has more to do with my own personal relateability though and I think there are a number of young readers out there who would relate to her. 

Princeless by Jeremy Whitley Book Review

Princeless by Jeremy Whitley
Illustrations by M. Goodwin; Contributors Jung-Ha Kim and Dave Dwonch 
Publisher: Action Lab
Release Date: May 23, 2012

In this girl-power comic books series, Princess Adrienne is tired of waiting for rescue. So she befriends the dragon who is guarding her tower, stages her own death, and sets out to save her other sisters from a similar fate. They soon meet up with a plucky half-dwarf girl named Bedelia and are soon running toward and away from danger. 

I really wanted to like this series. After all, one of my favorite book series ever (The Lioness Quartet by Tamora Pierce) is about a girl who pretends to be a boy so she can become a knight. We have a plucky, funny heroine along with some fantastic one liners. Huge bonus points for Princess Adrienne and her entire family being black. I would say African-American, but this is a fantasy world so there isn't really an Africa or America. I didn't just read this first graphic novel compilation either, but rather five, although I have no idea if I read them in order since that was one of the most confusing parts for me. Sadly, the premise of the story couldn't withstand the clunky dialogue and didactic nature. 

My biggest issue was in the feminism, which I wouldn't mind if I didn't feel like I was being hit over the head with it repeatedly. And just when you think they can't possibly be anymore heavy-handed, the writer squeezes in one more just to make sure that you know, this girl don't need anybody rescuing her. Now, I am not against a princess rescuing herself, in fact that was the best part of the book. The problem was the six pages dedicated to complaining about the skimpiness of women's armor historically. Or the many times that the Princess' father talks about how boys need to be strong and the only use for girls is to be ruled over and rescued. Of course, there are some role reversal moments too where the Prince likes theater and sewing rather than swordfighting, which also felt ridiculous mostly because it was lazy writing. This is just strict role reversal and rather than creating nuanced characters who could like both sword fighting AND theater. 


I did wonder if this really was for children too since there were numerous references to things that I don't think kids will get. Like the Xena costume or the Skyrim reference. 


The biggest issue with this series though is that it takes forever for anything to happen. In the first book the only Princess saved is Adrienne herself. A few books in and we get to meet two more sisters. They are so busy trying to tear down female-stereotypes that they sometimes forget to keep the plot going. 

As I said, I would like to like this series. It has fantasy and girl power and a hammer-wielding half-dwarf, but the story was trying just a little too hard to effective. 

Space Dumplins by Craig Thompson Book Review

Space Dumplins by Craig Thompson
Publisher: GRAPHIX
Release Date: August 25, 2015

Violet Marlocke has the most amazing family in the whole galaxy. Sure, they aren't rich and her dad works a rather hazardous job, but things seem fine until her school is eaten by space whales. Her mom manages to get a job as a fashion designer at the space station, bringing Violet along until they can get her into another school. Then her dad disappears after a huge explosion of corrosive whale poop. Setting off on a rescue missions, Violet collects a menagerie of friends to help her on her quest to bring her family back together again. 

We need to talk about how amazing this book is. Unlike most graphic novels where I can read and quickly glance at the frames, I had to slow down and carefully analyze each frame and spread. I have no idea how long it took for Thompson to complete this novel, but it must have been quite a process. The attention to detail is fantastic. 

I know the story itself seems bizarre. Talking chickens? Space whales? Lumpkins? Here's the thing. One of my favorite things about the science fiction and fantasy genres is that one can use absurd things to delve into deeper topics in a way that won't feel like you are beating home some point. For example: This book deals pretty directly with class-ism. Violet and her family are not wealthy. Her dad has a bit a criminal record. And when her mom gets a job on a space station it is a tentative work relationship. The minute something goes wrong, her mother is among the first to be rounded up and kicked out. And when she tries to protest her treatment and demand someone look for her daughter, she is thrown in jail. Yet, this doesn't feel heavy-handed in the slightest, just another part of the story. There are also absent fathers, loneliness, feelings of betrayal, friendship, family, and even showing understanding to other species no matter if they eat planets or not. Such a wonderful book with a great heroine. I liked it so much that I kind of wish there was a sequel. 

HiLo Book 2: Saving the Whole Wide World by Judd Winick Book Review

HiLo Book 2: Saving the Whole Wide World by Judd Winick
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
Release Date: May 17, 2016

Remember HiLo? That crazy robot kid from another dimension who destroyed was sucked into The Void in order to save earth from a terrible robot? Well, HiLo is back, along with DJ and Gina, to stop more monsters from coming through. There's a giant mutant chicken, a magical warrior cat that owes HiLo a debt, millions of killer vegetables, and a monster robot that is threatening to break free of The Void. Top that all up with an existential crisis as HiLo gains more and more memory from his former life, and we have ourselves one bona fide adventure.

These books are seriously laugh out loud funny. So many great little moments like HiLo talking out of his big toe, the only body part that wasn't sucked into the void. HiLo's hyper cheery attitude is contagious. It's hard to have a lot of character growth and depth in a graphic novel for middle graders, yet Winick does so as if it is nothing. And I won't spoil the ending, but it is seriously tragic and I don't think I expected it to go there. Also, upset that I have to wait almost a year to find out what happens.

A fantastically rendered graphic novel that is going to leave kids in hysterics and I'm thinking will make some wonderful presents for some of the little readers in my life.

Feathers by Jorge Corona Book Review

Feathers by Jorge Corona and Jen Hickman
Publisher: Boom! Studios
Release Date: January 7, 2015

An old man finds a small abandoned child in a alley, a child covered from head to toe in black feathers, just like a bird. Fearful of how others will treat him, the old man advises the child who he names Poe, to stick to the shadows and remain unseen. But Poe is curious, as any child would be, and forces beyond his comprehension are pulling the puppet strings on his destiny.

Bianca is a child of the city, safe behind the walls that separate their city from the maze outside. All her life Bianca has been warned about the riff-raff that lives in the maze, yet when she has the opportunity to visit, she uses it to run away and have an adventure. Little does she know, but that adventure is full of peril and a boy with feathers.

Reminding me of a Skellig, but with far more fantasy elements, Feathers is a wonderful graphic novel full of mystery, complexity, and wonder. Poe, despite being other, is relateable in his desire to make friends and be understood. Bianca, despite being a bit brash and overbearing, is also relateable as she too searches for friends and desires a degree of freedom that is not awarded her behind the city walls.

For me, the most interesting part of the story is the element of the winged goddess, who all the people pray to, including Bianca's mother. Yet, when Poe returns Bianca to the city and even though he is covered in feathers, the mother labels him a demon immediately. She doesn't listen to reason and no matter how often Bianca says that Poe saved her life, the mother cannot fit what he looks like into her realm of understanding. He is a demon because his feathers and black and for no other reason than this. There are definitely some real world parallels to be drawn there, but I will let you find them for yourself. I can't wait to get my hands on books two and three.

Cleopatra in Space, Book Three: Secret of the Time Tablets by Mike Maihack Book Review

Cleopatra in Space, Book Three: Secret of the Time Tablets (Book 3) by Mike Maihack 
Publisher: GRAPHIX
Release Date: April 26, 2016

In the third installment the sci-fi graphic novel series, Cleo and her friends are headed to the city of Hykosis to seek out the legendary time tablets. When they run into an enemy fleet, plans change quickly and Clep and Akila are on their own to find the tablets. However, they soon run into an old nemesis who may turn out to be a friend and a friend who may be the enemy.

Action-packed as usual, Cleopatra in Space continues to be fantastically absurd. Ancient Egyptian Princess in space who at one point dons a cowboy hat. Yeah, it went there, but I think that is what I love about this series. Cleo is brave and impetuous and although she gets them out of a lot of scrapes, half of them are caused by her.

I do wish there was a bit more character development with Cleo as most of the pathos of the story exist in the secondary characters. Cleo is just Cleo which works for one or two books, but when you turn it into a series, I need a bit more than she is a good shot and savior of the universe. That aside, the series is fun and ridiculous and I can't wait to read number 4.

The Nameless City by Faith Erin Hicks Book Review

The Nameless City by Faith Erin Hicks
Publisher: First Second
Release Date: April 5, 2016

Every thirty years or more, the City is invaded. This has happened over and over and so, instead of renaming the city with each new conquerer, it is known as simply The Nameless City. The natives of the city don't allow themselves to be caught up in the never ending wars if they can help it, yet they are swept up nonetheless. Their city is always full of outsiders and the citizens and the invaders are certainly not friends.

Kaidu is an outsider. He is Dao, a member of the latest occupying nation. He has been sent to the Nameless City to be a soldier, even though he isn't much good at it. Rat is a child of the city. At first, she dislikes Kai for everything that he is and stands for, but together they form a friendship that may just be the key to lasting peace.

The children's graphic novel scene has come alive over the past five years. So many wonderful book with terrific and imaginative storylines. The Nameless City reminded me of Avatar: The Last Airbender, with its Asiatic feel and bright detailed illustrations. Make no mistake, the attention to detail in this book was wonderful. I found myself slowing down in the story purposefully in order to take in all the scenes.

I also liked this world that Hicks has created. A fictional crossroads of sort that controls all trade for the area and is a source of constant turmoil. There are hints that the people who built this place may have left behind their knowledge in books....if only people could read them. I like the characters, but Kai did feel a little flat to me and I am hoping that we will go deeper with subsequent books. Like many first books this one was just setting up the various characters, the world, and delving a bit into the politics and tensions that exist in this world. A beautiful book that I hope gets many many readers.

Unicorn vs. Goblins by Dana Simpson Book Review

Unicorn vs. Goblins (Heavenly Nostrils #3) by Dana Simpson
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
Release Date: February 23, 2016

Phoebe and her Unicorn have returned in a third installment featuring one little girl and her extremely self-absorbed not-so-imaginary best friend, Marigold Heavenly Nostrils. In this book Phoebe gets to meet Lord Splendid Humility, continue the Phobegold Detective Agency, spend a week at Wolfgang Music Camp, and battle Phoebe's frenemy Dakota whose magicked hair has literally taken on a life of its own.

I love Phoebe. I love Marigold. Like Calvin & Hobbes, the two discuss philosophy, life, and deal with goofy parents. Don't get me wrong though, Phoebe is certainly not Calvin as she is pretty much your average elementary school student. Sadly, despite the title, there aren't that many goblins in the story, which isn't to say the book was bad simply a little bit of false advertising. A better title would have been Phoebe vs the Magic Hair since that played a much bigger part in the storyline. Although I enjoyed this book, I didn't think it was as funny as the first two and did wish for there to be a little bit more action and varied scenarios as in the first two. Great if you have read the rest of the series, but just didn't hit the mark for me this time.

Sunny Side Up by Jennifer L. Holm Book Review

Sunny Side Up by Jennifer L. Holm
Illustrations by Matthew Holm
Publisher: GRAPHIX
Release Date: August 25, 2015

Sunny Lewin has been shipped off for the summer to live with her grandfather in sunny Florida. Surrounded by old people with no hope of going to Disney World, Sunny finds Florida too sunny and too boring. Luckily, there is one kid around, Buzz who introduces her to comic books, golfball-eating alligators, runaway cats, and disappearing neighbors. Beneath one kids so-called vacation lies something more serious though, the real reason why she was sent to Florida in the first place.

Set in the 1970s, this semi-autobiographical graphic novel looks like a light fun read, but packs an emotional punch. Due to the SEMI-autobiographical part of this book, I did wonder a few times if the story would connect better with young readers if it was set now rather than the 1970s since the historical element played such a small role in the story, but it didn't detract from the story either and so I shall leave it be. The mystery surrounding Sunny's brother and her reasons for being in Florida reminded me very much of Raina Telgemeier's Sisters and for that reason alone, I think the book already has an audience. Cute, funny, and full of pathos, young readers are going to like this one and I daresay any adults who lived through the 70s will relate as well.

Hilo by Judd Winick Book Review

Hilo: The Boy Who Crashed to Earth (Book 1) by Judd Winick
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
Release Date: September 1, 2015

D.J. and his friend Gina are totally normal kids. That is, until a boy falls from the sky. Hilo doesn't know where he came from or why, but he does know that whatever is going on, it probably isn't good.

Starting in the middle of the action, I absolutely loved that this story began with the two main characters running for their lives and screaming for about seven pages. Laugh-out-loud funny, Hilo draws on all the humorous elements that both children and adults love reminding me of the old comic strips like Calvin's (from Calvin & Hobbes) Spaceman Spiff, but with more diversity. There were so many wonderful moments throughout the book that I almost wanted to read it aloud, although then it would lose some of its visual charm.

The characters are great. D.J. is rather lonely, not very adventurous, and completely relateable kid, which is what makes Hilo such a great foil for him. Gena, D.J.'s once and now once again neighbor has changed a lot in the years, but as with any true friendship, it withstands the test of time and some growing up. Perhaps it is because I have read so many books lately where the friendships are drifting apart, that I actually found the rekindling of a friendship to be rather refreshing. Spoiler: Hilo, although looking like a blond-haired boy, is in fact a robot from another dimension. And he didn't come alone. Once his memory returns, Hilo goes from being a gooftastic little boy to a scared artificial intelligence with a big mission to accomplish.

Perfect for graphic novel fans who like Cleopatra in Space or Zita the Spacegirl and lots of humor.

Graphic Novel Extravaganza

About once a year I go on a graphic novel binge where I read all the graphic novels I can get my hands on that I somehow missed. This is that time. I have read both old and new and shall rate them according to stars, because that seems the right way to do this type of post.

Phoebe and Her Unicorn by Dana Simpson

Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing

Release Date: September 2, 2014

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Cleopatra in Space: The Thief and the Sword by Mike Maihack

Publisher: GRAPHIC

Release Date: April 28, 2015

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City of Ember by Jeanne Duprau

Adapted by Dallas Middaugh

Art by Niklas Asker

Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers

Release Date: September 25, 2012

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Redwall: The Graphic Novel by Brian Jacques

Adapted by Stuart Moore

Illustrations by Bret Blevins

Publisher:

Release Date: Philomel Books

Release Date: October 7, 2007

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Rapunzel's Revenge by Shannon and Dean Hale

Illustrations by Nathan Hale

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Release Date: August 5, 2008

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Relish: My Life in the Kitchen by Lucy Knisley

Publisher: Macmillan Children's Publishing Group

Release Date: April 2, 2013

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The Great American Dust Bowl by Don Brown

Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers

Release Date: October 8, 2013

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Awkward by Svetlana Chmakova

Publisher: Yen Press

Release Date: July 1, 2015

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The Scorch Trials: Official Graphic Novel Prelude by Jackson Lanzing, Collin P Kelly, and James Dashner
Publisher: KaBOOM!
Release Date: June 23, 2015
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Unicorn on a Roll by Dana Simpson Book Review

Unicorn on a Roll by Dana Simpson
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
Release Date: May 26, 2015

A year has passed since Phoebe skipped a rock across a pond, accidentally hit a unicorn in the face, and was granted a single wish--which she used to make the unicorn, Marigold Heavenly Nostrils, her obligatory best friend. Not much has changed either. Marigold Heavenly Nostrils is still just as self-centered and conceited as ever. Phoebe still goes to school every day and deals with her frenemy Dakota.

This is Calvin and Hobbes but with a more juvenile twist. Do not confuse that statement as saying that the stories are more childish, but rather that I don't think any of the jokes are going to go over a kids head in this series. I do mention series here, because there are two books and after reading the second volume, I immediately requested the first book from the library as well. There were a lot of laugh-out-loud funny moments. Some of the strips were standalone while others keep a certain "storyline" going for several pages. I love the absolute conceit of Marigold and her disdain for most human things, yet her friendship (even without the wish) works. Phoebe needed a friend who would listen to her conspiracy theories and ranting. She also needed someone who would help her stand up against Dakota who is your typical mean girl. To be sure there are some more "adult" jokes too, meaning references to grown-up or old things, not dirty.

I really adore these books and believe that some children in my life may be getting some Unicorn on a Roll book-shaped birthday presents soon.

Drowned City by Don Brown Book Review

Drowned City: Hurricane Katrina and New Orleans by Don Brown
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
Release Date: August 4, 2015

When Hurricane Katrina arrived on August 29, 2005 with wind and surging water, no one knew what the true cost would be as the levees broke, flooding eighty percent of the city. Over eighteen hundred people lost their lives and showed both the best and worst of humanity.

This is a book that is in its own sort of genre. A non-fiction graphic "novel" with no clear characters that weaves together a story that is ruthless in its truths and heartbreaking in its accuracy. The presentation, appropriate for younger readers while not avoiding the inevitable death, is well done. There is a definite message that is being portrayed here, but it is one that points out the missteps as well as the heroism. As someone too familiar with this story, there was nothing I was surprised by, although it did help remind me of the timeline and order of events.

One of the downsides of a narrative like this though is that it is very much non-fiction and although tries to convey the human tragedy of this event, there is a certain amount of pathos that is missing. By not having a main character of sorts, one that we can follow and which readers can relate to, it reads like a lot of facts. This is not bad entirely, but it does make books like Upside Down In the Middle of Nowhere feel more effective, not because it is fiction but because it brings you face to face with the tragedy. It is one thing to read that people died in their attics when the floodwaters came, it is quite another to follow a family through that chaos. This book is an excellent book as a resource and a teaching tool, but it felt more textbook in nature with some really fabulous illustrations.

This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki Book Review

This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki
Illustrations by illian Tamaki
Publisher: First Second
Release Date: May 6, 2014

Every summer, Rose goes with her parents to a lake house in Awago Beach. Her friend Windy is always there too, her best friend who she only gets to see for a few weeks every year. This summer is different though. Rose's parents are constantly fighting. Both girls are on the cusp of young adulthood and they are witnessing some of the secrets and sorrows that come with growing up.

I know a lot of people liked this graphic novel and there is absolutely nothing wrong with it. However, in my mind this is the type of story that really doesn't go anywhere, meandering through a summer in a way that felt rather pointless. It may be that I was just unable to relate to any of these characters, either now or from my childhood. My family never went on long vacations anywhere. I have always hated the beach. And the things that Rose and Windy are experiencing in their coming-of-age story is nothing like the things I dealt with. This is not meant as a criticism, but rather so that there is a deeper understanding as to why I couldn't get into this book. For me, with no connection to the characters on any level, it just wasn't fulfilling.

All that said, objectively speaking this is a well-done graphic novel. The illustrations were fantastic and it definitely has its audience, as it has shown over the past year. Windy is a fantastic character and one of the few positive examples I have seen of a girl who wouldn't be considered "skinny". This is important, as many books with overweight characters seem to dwell on weight far too much. Rose's mom is also dealing with some rather grown-up issues and although nothing ever felt fully resolved, perhaps this was the point.

Oddly Normal by Otis Frampton Book Review

Oddly Normal by Otis Frampton
Publisher: Image Comics
Release Date: March 11, 2015

Meet Oddly Normal, a not so normal ten-year-old with pointed ears and green hair, a half-witch. Oddly has never been to the magical land of Fignation due to her human heritage, but when she makes a disastrous wish on her tenth birthday, Oddly finds herself with a mystery on her hands and in need of a guardian. Used to being an outsider, Oddly is sure that she will fit in easily at her new school in Fignation, but it turns out school is the same whether it is normal or fantasy.

I like the idea of Oddly Normal, mostly because, despite the fantasy element, I think a lot of kids can relate to feeling a bit odd or out of place. The illustrations are vibrant, full of movement and color that flows easily from one frame to another. What I disliked was that, despite going to a fantasy world, the same stereotypes still exist. The geek looks like a stereotypical geek, complete with a pocket protector. Bullies look like bullies and jocks like jocks. As a geek myself, I find this disappointing and it seems to be alienating the very readers that it is trying to draw in--the odd balls. It's a fun storyline, but I wanted more out of it than it could give me.

Last of the Sandwalkers by Jay Hosler Book Review

Last of the Sandwalkers by Jay Hosler
Publisher: First Second
Release Date: April 7, 2015

Lucy and her family are scientists, determined to prove that there is more to the world outside of the Oasis. They are also beetles, the kind that write books, run restaurants, and do scientific research. As they set out across the desert, Lucy knows she could discover something important, but soon learns there are much bigger things out there to deal with.

I don't know what I expected when I started this book. A quick flip and the synopsis promised an subject matter not often (if ever) drawn in graphic novels. What I got was a fantastic adventure full of scientific fact, fascinating characters, and a lot of winks at the reader. No surprise on the science front since Jay Hosler is himself an entomologist and biology professor. He has hit the enviable jackpot of also being a cartoonist and storyteller. There is every kind of beetle in this book too, some even include their latin names.

The real gem is that within the heavy scientific facts, there is a masterfully crafted story. Lucy's family is a bit of a hodge podge of beetles, which makes it clear that Lucy must be adopted. This isn't spoon fed to the reader though, as Hosler leaves the pictures and the things that aren't said to help explain. Their adventure into the desert includes a betrayal, one that almost ends up getting them killed. The reader will of course recognize things like a human skeleton, birds, bats, and other various bugs, but we are on this journey with Lucy and her family as they discover these things and their uses. What is amber? What history has been lost to time due to religious zealots who want to keep the past obscured? How are these Oasis beetles related to the ones they meet out in the world?


Then we have to add in the fact that these are technologically advanced beetles. Yes, you read that right. Robot beetles, scanners, cities, jet packs. These beetles have been rather productive during their time at the Oasis.

Fun, fascinating, and one of the few books out there that could really make the claim for originality, I think this book has a variety of uses the first being pure unadulterated entertainment.

Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson Book Review

Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson
Publisher: Dial Books
Release Date: March 10, 2015

Astrid and her best friend Nicole have been friends since kindergarten. But after Astrid falls in love with roller derby and signs up for derby camp, Nicole decides to go to dance camp instead, putting their friendship in jeopardy. Roller derby is a lot harder than Astrid thought it would be and it turns out that she isn't that good at it. With a truck load of persistence though, Astrid finds herself in her first roller derby match. But will Nicole be there?

I am absolutely unequivocally in love with this book. Perfect for fans of Smile and Sisters, Roller Girl is beautifully drawn and full of fantastic characters. Astrid is your typical middle schooler who is dealing with her first friendship-breakup. This is one of the harder growing-up lesson and I really felt for Astrid as she struggled with this. Sometimes friends grow apart and it isn't because of other kids or bullies, simply that you don't share the same passions anymore. Even more interesting is Jamieson's choice in making Astrid not that great at roller skating and by extension, Roller Derby. Despite weeks at Derby Camp, Astrid doesn't improve significantly either and yet she perseveres. I remember reading an article years ago that said that the people who are most successful at a thing are not those who are naturally gifted, but rather those who have to work hard in order to be good. With her goals and passion, I can see Astrid improving greatly in the sport she has chosen.

What I also loved about this story, beyond the great derby names and colorful illustrations, is its uniqueness. There are only a handful of books featuring Roller Derby and I must admit, this is the first one I have read. Jamieson highlights the independence and strength required for the sport, as well as the hard work and dedication. Truthfully, having never seen a live derby match, it made me interested to go to one. There is a lot of depth in this coming of age story and a good deal of fun that I think young readers are going to love.

The Zodiac Legacy by Stan Lee Book Review and Giveaway

The Zodiac Legacy: Convergence by Stan Lee & Stuart Moore
Illustrations by Andie Tong
Publisher: Disney Press
Release Date: January 27, 2015

While on a class trip to Hong Kong, Steve, a Chinese-American teenager, stumbles across something big. Beneath the museum they are touring, a man named Maxwell is unlocking the power of the Zodiac. Maxwell is determined to soak up each of the mystical powers one by one, to take over a corrupt and wasteful earth. However, Maxwell isn't so innocent himself, with the death of thousands on his head and that of his company, The Vanguard. There are those who are resisting though and Steven gets caught up in the middle, accidentally taking on the power of his Zodiac sign, The Tiger. Maxwell only gets seven of the Zodiac powers, the rest escaping to find hosts fit enough to wield the powers of Rabbit, Rooster, Ram, and Pig. Together with half Dragon Jasmine and Zodiac-ologist Carlos, Steven must circumvent the globe to recruit the other powers before Maxwell does. Will a half-Dragon, Tiger, Rabbit, Rooster, Ram, and Pig be enough though?

Stan Lee is well-known for his work with Marvel and this book was right in line with the kind of stories he likes to tell and produce. With help from Stuart Moore and Andie Tong, they have put together a book that fans old and new will love. Rather than use the typical Greek, Norse, or even Egyptian mythology though, this story firmly roots itself in Chinese mythology. Each "superpower" or Zodiac sign is made to seem extremely cool so that there isn't one zodiac sign that wouldn't seem like an awesome power to have. The Rooster uses sonic waves to damage or even destroy her enemies. The Pig is a computer hacking genius. The Ram is almost indestructible. 

As with any plot-driven action-packed superhero origin story, there isn't a whole lot of characterization going on. The characters are purposefully made to be stereotypes of their own zodiac signs. This did work in the context of the story, but sometimes left me wanting to get a little more up close and personal with some of the characters. I was intrigued by Liam the bruiser (Ram) who was always looking for a fight with a lie on his lips. That said, there were a LOT of characters in this book. With twelve zodiac signs plus various peripheral characters, it would have been confusing and long-winded to give too many of them space in the book. Steven is, of course, the main characters, but since the viewpoint does shift between different characters, including Maxwell, there were times where it felt a bit much. Like, this would work if we were reading a comic book, but not so much in a novel.

There are some great moments though. I love that Steven really struggles with issues having to do with his ethnicity, like not feeling Chinese enough in Hong Kong. He wasn't just an insert-ethnic-character-here kind of person and it gave him weight, purpose, and history. History that became extremely important in the story and based on the end, will play a big role as we move into the series. The illustrations by Andie Tong were things of beauty that are usually reserved for comic books and not books like this. Extremely detailed, I found myself flipping through the book, not because I wanted to spoil the ending for myself, but simply because I wanted to enjoy the art that went into them.  

I think any fan of Stan Lee, Marvel, comic books, or superhero stories are really going to like this one, no matter their age. My husband is already recommending it to people based simply off of what I have said about it.  

This book was provided to my by Disney Enterprises, Inc. in conjunction with Big Honcho Media in exchange for an honest review and book giveaway.

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About the Creative Team:

Stan Lee is known to millions as the man whose Super Heroes propelled Marvel to its preeminent position in the comic book industry. His co-creations include Spider-Man, The Avengers, Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, The Fantastic Four, as well as hundreds of others. He introduced Spider-Man as a syndicated newspaper strip that became the most successful of all syndicated adventure strips and has appeared in more than 500 newspapers worldwide. Stan currently remains Chairman Emeritus of Marvel, as well as a member of the Editorial Board of Marvel Comics. He is also the Chairman & Chief Creative officer of POW! Entertainment, a multimedia entertainment company based in Beverly Hills, CA.

 

Stuart Moore has been a writer, a book editor, and an award-winning comics editor. His recent writing includes Civil War, the first in a new line of prose novels from Marvel Comics, The Art of Iron Man 3 (Marvel, with Marie Javins); and THE 99, a multicultural super hero comic from Teshkeel.

Andie Tong has worked on titles for various franchises, including Tron: Betrayal, Spectacular Spider-Man UK, The Batman Strikes, Smallville, Wheel of Time, TMNT, Masters of the Universe, and Starship Troopers, working for companies such as Disney, Marvel, DC Comics, Panini, Dark Horse, and Dynamite Entertainment, as well as commercial illustrations for numerous advertising agencies including Nike, Universal, CBS, Mattel, and Habsro. When he gets the chance, Andie concept designs for various companies, and also juggles illustration duties on a range of children's picture storybooks for Harper Collins. Malaysian born, Andie migrated to Australia at a young age, and then moved to London in 2005. In 2012, he journeyed back to Asia and currently resides in Singapore with this wife and daughter.

El Deafo by Cece Bell Book Review

El Deafo by Cece Bell
Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
Release Date: September 2, 2014

When Cece Bell was four she became ill, so ill that she lost her hearing. Diagnosed as profoundly deaf, Cece had to navigate the world of the hearing as a deaf child. At school she has to wear a giant hearing aid called the Phonic Ear, which draws a lot of attention, but also has a major advantage--she can hear the teacher wherever she is in the entire school. With this secret super-power, Cece names herself El Deafo. But the funny thing about being a superhero is that it's just another way of feeling different and lonely. As Cece juggles school and friends, the familiar struggle of finding self is compounded by finding who she is in the hearing world.

Yet another autobiographical graphic novel, El Deafo is about feeling different, but one with universal appeal. Although young readers will learn a lot about how it feels to be deaf, I think they will also be able to relate to having a first crush, not knowing how to make friends, feeling like an oddball, and having something that sets you apart. Using anthropomorphized rabbits, Bell carefully recreates her life, although she admits, not always in the right order.

I have to say, I was a bit torn when I first saw this book. Although I understand Bell's choice of a rabbit as her foil, I was instantly skeptical because it reminded me of all the picture books out there that use animals rather than people, mostly to avoid any issues with race. Being a book featuring a disability, I found this an odd choice, especially since it is semi-autobiographical, but once I began reading, I didn't have as much of an issue with this. My bigger concern for the book is that it is extremely didactic. The way in which Bell talks to her audience, it is clear that she is trying to teach her hearing audience about what it is like to be non-hearing. For me, the story lacked any kind of plot line or through line. This sounds petty, because this is after all someone else's life, but I think the story could have been framed in a different way that would not feel so teachy. There is also the added aspect that Cece fought very hard against the deaf world, refusing to learn sign language, which would make this book inappropriate for deaf children, once again relegating this to a learning book for the non-disabled. Intermediate level books often have a certain level of preachiness in them, some point that the author was trying to drive home, and although that is not inherently bad, it can definitely detract from the book. Especially if it is lacking in a plot.