Middle Grade Monday: Offside

With the World Cup happening, I'm highlighting a soccer graphic novel out tomorrow

The soccer team at the middle school has gone co-ed and not everyone is happy about it. 

1. Nicky fought for the opportunity to try out. Her friends are mad that she left the girls' team. She wants to play professionally.

2. Al, the team captain, is NOT happy to play with girls. 

3. His father makes a bunch of comments to his family about how girls shouldn't play soccer. 

4. Palmer gets injured off the field and it out for the season

5. Fabiola and Seba are new to school and speak Spanish but not much English

6. Their coach is excited about this team

Can they find a way to play together?

My Thoughts: This graphic novel has a lot going on. There is both Spanish and English text, which is cool. I loved the coach and how he was inspired by Ted Lasso. The misogyny and bullying in this book made me angry - but I did enjoy how it all worked out. The characters made a lot of mistakes. I didn't agree with many of the choices, but I enjoyed their problem-solving skills. I really liked the storyline with Palmer as a journalist and meeting an adult journalist. There wasn't one central character, which I enjoyed. This graphic novel is perfect for any reader; there's something for everyone here. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: Book sent for review

Library Recommendation: This is a great sports graphic novel with ALL the drama - a must have book for school and public libraries.

Middle Grade Review: Winging It

Luna's dad got a new job and their moving across the country to live with a grandmother she barely knows. She's not at all excited. She's not a nature girl - even though her mom was. But at a museum with her father, she spies the moth her mom named her after. Luna's never seen a luna moth. They only fly at night and they have a short life span. 

Her grandmother has a lot of rules. It's hard keeping up with them all. Their relationship is strained, but it's starting to improve.

Luna meets the neighbors. One of them helps her start a nature journal - just like her mother's. 

Will Luna start to fit in - with her grandmother? with nature? with new friends?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this graphic novel. I love how it felt like a diary with the calendar dates. I loved the nature part of this journal; it made me want to create my own. At the end of the book, it does tell you how to create your own. I felt badly for Luna as things were hard in the beginning but I love how she found herself. I love how she created relationships - especially the Nature Detectives. The camping trip was highly entertaining. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your school or public library collection.

Middle Grade Review: Parachute Kids

 

* Sequel to Parachute Kids * 

The Lin siblings have been living on their own for seven months in California. They're doing ok. But their aunt and cousin are coming to stay for a little bit before they move to LA. They will stay for two weeks. When they arrive, Josephine isn't like they remember. She looks down upon her cousins. 

When their grandfather becomes very ill, their aunt leaves to be by his side. She leaves Josephine in the care of her cousins. Jessie is the oldest, but even so, she's seventeen. Nothing is easy for the Lin family. At school, Josephine becomes the it girl. And all of Ann's friends abandon her. She's so unhappy. Bro found himself a new friend that could turn into something more. But things get awkward when their sisters find out. Will the Lin siblings find their happiness?

My Thoughts: My heart hurts for the Lin siblings; they're going through so much and nothing is easy for them. I think this is a really powerful book. There's a lot packed into this graphic novel: family drama, classism, homophobic people, illegal immigrants, bullies, and trying to live your best life. The ending surprised me. I hope there are more books coming because I want to know what happens next. 

Cover Thoughts: Great, it plays up the different dynamics

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have graphic novel for your library's collection

Middle Grade Monday: Facing Feelings

Two years ago, Raina Telgemeier had an exhibition at The Ohio State University's Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum. This book is a book exhibit of her career (so far). There are interviews, cover creations shared, how and who shaped her art, and more.

My Thoughts: I LOVED this book. I'm such a fan of Raina Telgemeier's graphic novels. I was so happy when I discovered this book. I loved learning all the "secrets" of her life, her art, and herself. 

There's an illustration and comment about writing in her first grade journal. And I loved that because I have a similar memory. I loved seeing her early works and photographs from her life. To be honest, I didn't know much about Raina Telgemeier and now I do.

Cover Thoughts: Fantastic

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have book for your school and public libraries.

* While this is a nonfiction book, I'm adding it to our graphic novel collection, where readers will find her graphic novels. 

Middle Grade Monday: Sunny Figures it Out

* Book 6 in the Sunny series *

Sunny and Tony enjoy spending time together. Sunny's friend Deb has ideas on how dating is done and how the boys should behave. Sunny and Tony try out her advice, but it feels wrong. Is there a right way to date?

My Thoughts: Yes, this is historical fiction for middle grade readers, but the dating moments are too funny. Deb is very opinionated and shares her thoughts freely. I love the romance books that Sunny reads. Both Sunny and her mother struggle with finding their place and I love that they're going through this together and supporting each other. It's funny reading stories about the lack of technology: passing notes and landlines. I loved how this one ended. The Sunny graphic novels are fantastic reads that deal with universal topics that kids are still figuring out today.

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have series for your school and public library 

Middle Grade Review: Speechless

 

Sixth grade was supposed to be a fresh start for Mira. She challenges herself to talk the first day, but she can't get the words out. Her fellow classmates tell her teachers that she doesn't talk. It's not like she can't talk, but Mira struggles getting words out. Her classmates aren't kind about it.

She doesn't have friends that she can talk with and she's not thrilled with her family right now. They invited her former best friend and current enemy to live with them without asking her. Right now, the only escape for Mira is making stop motion films. But as her grade plummet, even that outlet becomes impossible.  Will she find her voice?

My Thoughts: This was a fantastic graphic novel with a great message about finding your voice. Mira has anxiety about talking in public; it's almost impossible for her. A school project forces her to partner with a classmate. They start talking and even becoming friends. I loved the moments between Mira and Alex. Mira goes to therapy and starts making steps towards talking in public. I love how Mira and Chloe talked about the past and moved forward towards a future. I couldn't put this graphic novel down.

Cover Thoughts: Perfect

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have graphic novel for your school or public library's collection.

Middle Grade Review: The Ribbon Skirt

Anang isn't a boy or a girl. They are a two-spirit or nonbinary. They want to make a ribbon skirt for the powwow. They don't want people to treat them differently; not every in the tribe is welcoming about their two spirit-ness. Even someone Anang considered a friend.

They ask the spirits for help. The turtles show up and help. Anang takes it as a sign that they should wear the skirt. 

My Thoughts: This was a really interesting book as it combined so many pieces. The author is from the same tribe as Anang - and is also a two-spirit person. I felt so bad for them and wanted to wrap them in a hug. I love the way the spirits were woven into the books. The illustrations are lovely. I love how the skirt turned out. 

The back matter is fantastic: glossary, histories, two-spirit information, and a recipe.

Cover Thoughts: Sweet

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your school and public library's collection. 

Middle Grade Review: Pearl

 

Amy is a Japanese American who lives in Hawaii. When word reaches her parents about her great-grandmother's illness, she's sent to Japan for a visit. And then Japan attacks Pearl Harbor. Amy can't go home. 

She's forced into translating radio transmissions for Japan. She's not sure what to feel; she's torn in two directions. Which should her loyalties lie? She hears rumors that all the Japanese Americans are forced to abandon their homes and live in internment camps. If that's true, why should she be loyal to that kind of government?

The most important question on her mind: Will she ever get home?

My Thoughts: This was a really great graphic novel. I felt so bad for Amy. She was caught between two worlds - two countries and two families. I can't imagine being in her shoes and deciding what to do next. What a horrible choice. This one sits with you for a bit....

I do like how this WWII story is from a different perspective. This is a great jumping off point for readers; I would want to read more about the war after reading this graphic novel.

Cover Thoughts: I like the wave.

Source: ARC sent for review

Library Recommendation: A must have book for your school and public library

For the American Side:

Graphic Novel Review: Claudia and the Bad Joke

Practical jokes start sweeping through Stoneybrook and the baby-sitters are NOT amused. Especially after Claudia falls off a swing and breaks her leg. She can't help wondering what would have happened if she had broken her arm instead. Could this accident change her mind about being in the club?

My Thoughts: I've never been a fan of practical jokes - I would not have been as patient as these baby-sitters. I don't blame Claudia for second-guessing her choice, but obviously the club would not be the same without her. I love reading these stories again. I'm so happy they've caught the attention of another generation of readers.

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have series for your school and public libraries. 

 

Graphic Novel Review: Sunny Makes her Case

* Book 5 in the Sunny series *

Sunny isn't sure which club she chooses. Her friend wants to try out for cheerleading. She convinces Sunny to try out too. But Sunny doesn't make it; she doesn't have the coordination. She's just not sure what to do. But then another friend has another idea - debate club.

There is no official debate club at their school, but together they try to make it happen. It takes them time to finds an advisor, but once they do, they start practicing. Could the club become a success?

My Thoughts: I loved this one. I love how Sunny swung from cheerleading to debate club. I love how she threw herself into her new club. I really loved reading about debate prep. There were funny moments - especially with the boys who never knew about the debate team. Middle school is always hard, but graphic novels like this one makes it a little better. I'm always here for more Sunny books. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute - I love the power suit!

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have series for your school and public libraries 

Graphic Novel Review: Four Eyes

Sixth grade isn't easy - especially if you have to wear glasses. To make matters worse, Rex hasn't grown. His best friend wants to branch out and have other friends - but those other friends are bullying Rex. 

Things aren't easy at home either. His parents are divorced and his father has a new life. His father doesn't seem interested in Rex. He does pay child support, but he's annoyed that Rex needs glasses. And even further annoyed when they break at school. 

Rex is learning to stand up for himself against his friend, against bullies, and against his father. 

My Thoughts: This graphic novel has ALL the drama: bullies, friendship issues, family dynamics, and finding yourself. It's not easy being different. Rex takes the high road many times, but my heart felt for him. 

Cover Thoughts: Great

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your school and public library.

 

Book Tok: Mary Anne's Bad Luck Mystery

@yabooknerdlibrarian Chain letters and the Baby Sitter’s Club. Which character are you most like? Which is your favorite? #bsc #babysittersclub #chainletter #badluck #booktok #graphicnovels #annmmartin ♬ original sound - Jennifer @YA Book Nerd 📚📚📚

Graphic Novel Review: Miss Quinces

 

All Sue wants to do is spend time at camp with her friends and create graphic novel art. But her parents never let her have any fun. Instead, they are going to visit family in Honduras. To her horror, there is also no cell service/internet. But there is LOTS of family.

It gets worse. 

Her mom announces that she's throwing Sue a surprise quinceañera. Sue hates being the center of attention. She's really upset about this - especially since nothing is her style. How will she survive?

My Thoughts: I really loved this graphic novel. I loved the big family and the relationship Sue had with her Abuelita. I loved all the noisy moments and the quiet ones. I loved Sue's nerdy love for comic books and creating art. Life throws obstacles in your way, but Sue made them work for her. A great graphic novel that was hard to put down. 

Cover Thoughts: Funny

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: Highly Recommended for school and public libraries.

Graphic Novel Review: Heartstopper

Heartstopper volumes 1 and 2

Charlie and Nick sit next to each other in class. They start talking and soon become friends. When Nick sees Charlie running - he invites his new friend to join the rugby team. Charlie isn't really sporty, but he decides to give it a try.  He's not great at rugby, but he's happy to hang out more with Nick. The two of them become close friends. Charlie begins to wish there was something more between them, but he knows that Nick is straight. 

My Thoughts: I had heard a bit about this graphic novel series on Twitter, so I needed to read it. And I'm glad that I did. Although I want the next 2 volumes immediately.  I love both the boys.  I fell bad for Charlie and his past trauma. I want to give him a great big hug. I loved Charlie's friends and hope we get to see more of them in the future. I'm proud of Nick for his confrontations with his friends. I love how their friendship started - and developed. A really great friendship story that turns into something a little bit more. I can't wait to read what happens next.

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Grab this series for your libraries! Highly recommended.

 

Graphic Novel Review: Twins

 

Maureen and Francine are best friends - and twins. They do everything together. But when they start middle school, Francine starts pulling away. She doesn't want to be seen as twins; she wants to be her own individual. She starts going by Fran. Fran joins clubs and makes new friends. She also doesn't want to dress the same anymore. And she's going to run for Class President. 

Maureen's having a hard time adjusting to middle school. She's not in the same classes as her sister. It's stressing her out. Maureen's in Cadet Corps instead of gym. While she's used to being at the top of her class, she's not in tuned with the cadet drills. Her teacher suggests she try out for a leadership position and run for office for extra credit. After a major fight with her sister, Maureen signs up to run for Class President.

Now the twins are running against each other. Their parents want to support both of them and make sure they're running clean campaigns. But what happens when you know your opponent's secrets?

My Thoughts: I loved this graphic novel! I felt bad for both girls. Maureen didn't want anything to change and had a hard time with learning her twin did. Fran wanted to become her own person and not be in Maureen's shadow. While both of them hurt each other, I'm glad how things turned out. Confidence played a huge part of this book - and it's really hard to be confident in middle school when you're still learning and everything is changing so quickly. Both girls had great ideas on how to make their mark on the school and to make the school a better place. I loved the art work - the colors were bright and fun. I can't wait to read the next book to see what happens next!

Cover Thoughts: Fierce!

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: A must have graphic novel for your school and public libraries

On Your Radar: Sunny Rolls the Dice (31)

Title: Sunny Rolls the Dice

Author: Jennifer Holm

Illustrator: Matt Holm

Publisher: Graphix

Release Date: October 1, 2019

Why It Should Be On Your Radar: 

* What is Cool

* Navigating Middle School

* Dungeons and Dragons

* Fashion

* Friendships

* Being True to Yourself

* Great Art

Another fun book in this series from this sister/brother duo

** BEA Arc 2019

Graphic Review: Kristy's Big Day

* Book 6 in the Graphic BSC series 

Kristy's mom is getting married and Kristy gets to be in the wedding. The only problem - the wedding is in two weeks and they're moving before the summer ends. Plus with the wedding moved up so far in advance, families are coming in early to help - with their kids. There will be fourteen kids in all!

It's the perfect job for the Baby Sitters Club. But can they handle all the kids and find time to help get ready for the wedding?

My Thoughts: Another fun addition to this series. I loved seeing all the kids together and the way the club handled different crisis. I can't wait for Boy Crazy Stacey!

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: A must have series for your school and public libraries 

Graphic Novel Review: Hey Kiddo

Jarrett had a difficult childhood - his grandparents gained custody of him after his mom failed him too many times. As a heroic addict, she spent time in and out of jail. Jarrett's grandparents loved him, but they had their own issues too. He had no idea who is father was - until he sees his birth certificate in high school. But he does have a love for art and he's determined to prove himself.

My Thoughts: I started reading this in line at BEA and I couldn't put it down. It's sad, but powerful and thoughtful. I loved Jarret's fondness for art and how he didn't give up on his dreams. I liked learning about his family and how it functioned (or didn't function). I really loved the end notes. I loved learning about the coloring process of the book. The color scheme makes the book pop. In some ways, this was a hard book to read and know that it happened. I just wanted to give younger Jarrett a great big hug.

Cover Thoughts: Great

Source: BEA book

Release Date: September 25th 

Graphic Novel Review: Swing it, Sunny!

Sunny's starting middle school and despite what she keeps telling her Grandfather, things are not fine. But she's determined to make the best of things and to be happy.

Especially when she sees her brother again and she finds that he's changed. Will he and Sunny be able to have a normal relationship again?

My Thoughts: Set in the 70s, this graphic novel is all heart. I love the setting and how it influences things - like TV dinners! Sunny's going through such a rough time and she's in middle school (the hardest year.) My heart aches for her, but I loved the ending and it's hopefulness. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: BEA Arc
Release Date: September 12, 2017

Graphic Novel Review: Cleopatra in Space

Book 1: Target Practice:

Cleopatra uncovers a mysterious tablet which transports her hundreds of years into the future. According to a prophecy, she's the one who is going to save the world from an evil ruler. Cleo begins Yasiro Academy to train. But it's harder than it looks and some of the classes are super boring. Plus she misses her family and she doesn't quite fit in.

Still, she can't help but be intrigued by her first assignment, which turns out to be way more dangerous than she anticipated.

Book 2: The Thief and the Sword:

When a thief steals the sword that Cleopatra acquired on her first mission, she gives chase. She almost has the thief when her teachers force her back to school. Her chase ruins the school dance her roommate tried so hard to set up.

The academy learns of a sister tablet - one that could send Cleo back in time. She's just starting to get used to life here - would she really want to go back given the chance?

My Thoughts: I love this series. I like how Cleo struggles to become part of this different world. I like her slacker ways. I love how she's up for an adventure. I love that she's skilled in areas of combat. I love the action and adventure. I love her exasperated teacher (a talking cat) who isn't thrilled with her decisions and tries to keep her out of danger.  I like learning more about the backstory. I like learning more about the other students at the academy. The graphics are colorful and bold. The characters leap off the pages. 

 I'm so looking forward to the next book in the series!