Blog Tour: Beast Boy

New Young Adult Graphic Novel from New York Times Bestselling Creative Team Kami Garcia and Gabriel Picolo Hits Stores Everywhere Books are Sold Today

To celebrate the release of Teen Titans: Beast Boy, DC revealed today the official book trailer of the highly anticipated young adult (YA) graphic novel from Kami Garcia and Gabriel Picolo.

Fans picking up Teen Titans: Beast Boy will also be treated to a sneak preview of the recently announced Teen Titans: Beast Boy Loves Raven that will be featured in the back of the book. Teen Titans: Beast Boy Loves Raven will be the third installment in Garcia and Picolo’s Teen Titans graphic novel series and is available to pre-order now.

Garcia and Picolo are set to talk more about Raven, Beast Boy and what’s next for their series in a special one-on-one conversation at DC FanDome: Explore the Multiverse on September 12.

Teen Titans: Beast Boy

Written by Kami Garcia

Illustrated by Gabriel Picolo

On sale now

MSRP: $16.99

Author Kami Garcia (Beautiful Creatures) and artist Gabriel Picolo, the creative duo behind the New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestseller Teen Titans: Raven, take you on a journey of self-discovery and acceptance, while reminding us of the value of true friendship--especially when life gets wild.

Garfield Logan has spent his entire life being overlooked. Even in a small town like Eden, Georgia, the seventeen-year-old with green streaks in his hair can’t find a way to stand out—and the clock is ticking. Senior year is almost over. If Gar doesn’t find a way to impress the social elite at Bull Creek High School, he will never know what it’s like to matter. Gar’s best friends, Stella and Tank, can’t understand why he cares what

other people think, and they miss their funny, pizza-loving, video game-obsessed best friend. Then Gar accepts a wild dare out of the blue. It impresses the popular kids, and his social status soars. But other things are changing, too. Gar grows six inches overnight. His voice drops, and suddenly, he’s stronger and faster. He’s finally getting everything he wanted, but his newfound popularity comes at a price. Gar has to work harder to impress his new friends. The dares keep getting bigger, and the stakes keep getting higher.

When Gar realizes the extent of his physical changes, he has to dig deep and face the truth about himself—and the people who truly matter—before his life spirals out of control.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this graphic novel. I loved the art work. I loved the moments where Gar started feeling differently - especially during that dodgeball game. I enjoyed how Gar didn't complete his bucket list for his senior year of high school but that he started to make things happen. I admired his determination even if he did make some bad choices (and what person doesn't?). I'm so eager for the next installment of this series and for the meeting of Raven and Beast Boy!

Cover Thoughts: Love it!

Source: Book sent for review

Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your school and library collection - it will fly off the shelf.

And I'm happy to have had the opportunity to chat with the author Kami Garcia about dares, high school, graphic novels, and all things Beast Boy! Take a look!

Graphic Novel Review: Gotham High

Before they became Batman, Catwoman, and the Jokey, they were Bruce, Selina, and Jack. Just a couple of high school students who would do whatever it took to get the job done.

After being kicked out of boarding school of fighting, Bruce Wayne returns home. Everything has changed, except the fact that he's still haunted by his parents' murder. 

Selina, the girl next door, rules the school. But she has troubles of her own that she's not sharing. 

Her best friend is Jack, the class clown. Both of them can't wait to get out of Gotham.

Jack invites Bruce to a party where things start going downhill. When a student's kidnapped, Bruce's curiosity gets the better of him. But the more he digs, the more he uncovers truths he wish he left buried...

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this graphic novel from Melissa de la Cruz. I've always enjoyed her books, so I was happy to see her expand into graphic novels. I liked seeing the three main characters as teens. I like that each teens has his/her/their own issues and problems. I enjoyed the kidnapping plot, the secrets, the double crossing and betrayals, and the love triangle. I loved the art. Once again, I'm hoping that this the start of a new series.

Cover Thoughts: Great
Source: Book sent for review
Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your teen graphic novel collection.

Book Trailer:

BEA Special Moments: favorite authors

After running late and missing the train on Wednesday, Amanda and I made a beeline for the DC Ink booth. We were able to get to BEA just in time for the last two books in Meg Cabot's Black Canary signing.

Of course Meg Cabot was her charming self. We've met several times before, so we hugged, we took a picture, and she mentioned there might be mail waiting for me when I got home.

Of course I fan girled all over her - but I think she's used to that. It seems to happen every time I see her. I just can't help myself. I love her!

Also I'm halfway through Black Canary and it's SO Good!

photo credit: Amanda Brouwer

Here's the mail that was waiting for me. Emma that the puppy on the cover looked a little bit like her. She's interested in learning more about this book!

On Friday, I missed the tickets for the Sarah MacLean signing line. I was bummed. But she usually tours near my area, so I was going to just wait until then. 

However, I was walking past the tables and noticed a Stand-By Line. So I hopped in that, hopeful that I might get a signed book.

Which I did and of course I can't wait to read.

But what I didn't expect was the extra gift. Sarah's first book, which I loved, The Season, is now out of print. It's coming back into print in a mass market paperback with a brand new cover. But somewhere along our many meetings I had mentioned that this was the only book of hers that I did not have signed.

And she brought me a copy! And the signing is super sweet. I'm not going to lie - it made me tear up. Now I have to re-read this book and I can't wait!

Here are my two special books. 

These moments made my day. They are two amazing authors who are both so sweet and kind. 

Graphic Novel Review: Under the Moon

From New York Times bestselling author Lauren Myracle (ttyl) and artist Isaac Goodhart, comes a poignant coming of age graphic novel about a troubled teen who leaves her turbulent home life behind for a new start on the dangerous streets of Gotham City. A powerful story about domestic abuse, survival and self-discovery, Under the Moon: A Catwoman Tale is an important read.

Selina Kyle is fiercer than she knows. But when her mom’s current boyfriend, proves crueler than all the others combined, Selina reevaluates her dismal life and since Dernell won’ leave, Selina must.

Life on the streets is rougher than Selina expects – until by chance (or fate?), she falls in with a heist-happy gang of street kids like herself. What Selena doesn’t see coming is how appealing life in a pack can be, and how tempting it is to accept the comfort that comes from trusting others. But trust leads to vulnerability, and vulnerability leads to weakness – and Selina Kyle refuses to be weak. Selina soon learns that figuring out how to survive is simple compared to figuring out how to be. - Summary from the publisher. My Thoughts: My heart aches for Selina and all that went through - from her mom's crappy boyfriend, to the death of her cat to living on the streets. The world can be cruel and life can deal crappy hands. But I like that Selina took herself out of a terrible situation. I enjoyed her learn Parkour. I'm glad that she found herself a family. I liked Bruce Wayne. I loved her moments with Rosie and how they interacted. I like how Selina came into her own. The art work is great and the colors intensify the story. I really enjoyed this book - I hope this story continues! Cover Thoughts: Awesome Source: Book sent for Review Library Recommendation: A great graphic for public library

Blog Tour: Mera

MERA: TIDEBREAKER

Princess Mera is teenage royalty and heir to the throne of Xebel, a colony ruled by the other no-so-lost land under the sea, Atlantis. Her father, his court, and the entire kingdom are expecting her to marry and introduce a new king. But Mera is destined to wear a different crown....

When the Xebellian military plots to overthrow Atlantis and break free of its oppressive regime, Mera seizes the opportunity to take control of her own destiny by assassinating Arthur Curry—the long-lost prince and heir to the kingdom of Atlantis. But her mission gets sidetracked when Mera and Arthur unexpectedly fall in love. Will Arthur Curry be the king at Mera’s side, or will he die under her blade as she attempts to free her people from persecution?

An astonishing story that explores duty, love, heroism, and freedom…all through the eyes of readers’ favorite undersea royalty.

From New York Times best-selling author Danielle Paige (Dorothy Must Die) and artist Stephen Byrne comes a Mera -and-Aquaman story that explores Mera’s first steps on land, and her first steps as a hero or villain, forcing her to choose to follow her heart or her mission to kill.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this graphic novel. I loved that Mera wanted to control her destiny. She desires freedom for herself and her people - and she's not afraid to work for it. I love how she cut out the middle man. I admire her for standing up for herself and for her determination. I enjoyed the romance of the book. I liked seeing the parents of both sides. The art was great. I hope more Mera books are planned because I want to know what happens next!

Cover Thoughts: Love it!

Source: book sent for review

Release Date: It comes out tomorrow

Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your superhero fans!