Middle Grade: Maxwell Dark Nightmare Hunter

* book 1 in a new graphic novel series *

Maxwell Dark helps people get rid of their nightmares. He must be in the room with them while they sleep, so they can dream walk together. Maxwell has ulterior motives; he's looking for his sister. He's drawn to a town where he meets Sid.

Her nightmares are wreaking havoc on her life. She's so tired. Maxwell wants to help her defeat her monsters so she can finally move on and rest. She's a little skeptic of him.

My Thoughts: While this isn't a Halloween graphic novel, it's perfect for this time of year with all the monsters. This was an interesting read and just a little bit creepy. I'm curious to see where the overall arch of the story will go. The monsters are holding on to some secrets.

Cover Thoughts: Great

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A great soft horror graphic novel for middle grade readers - highly recommended. 

Middle Grade Review: How to Draw a Secret

 

Cindy loves art; she's excited when her art teacher shares an art contest. But the assignment is all about family. Cindy's family is broken. Her father's been living in Taiwan. Her parents are separated, but she's not supposed to tell anyone. When her grandmother dies, her mothers and sisters travel to Taiwan.

There she struggles to learn about her family - why her parents separated and why her father disappeared. No one wants to talk about it. She's stuck in her art project until she can uncover answers.

My Thoughts: I felt so bad for Cindy. I wanted to wrap her up in a hug. She wanted to share her feelings with her friends, but she wasn't allowed to. I love how she, her sisters, and her mom explored Taiwan. They had such a great time eating food and being together. I loved how she explored her art contest assignment. I loved the illustrations. 

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: A great graphic novel for your school and public library's collection

Graphic Novel Review: Catherine's War

Rachel discovered photography at school, and it changed her life. She hasn't heard from parents in months. She isn't sure what's happening, but the war is getting closer. Rachel is Jewish. It's no longer safe in France. 

At first, Rachel has to change her name and learn a new identity. She becomes Catherine. And then she has to leave her friends and her new home. She travels to a new place where she remembers to take pictures. Catherine doesn't let the war stop her from making friends, but she's never out of danger.

She travels to new places, always leaving a part of her behind, but always taking a piece with her in photographic evidence. 

My Thoughts: I really loved this graphic novel. It was an interesting look at WWII through a photographer's eyes. I felt so bad for Rachel and her friends. But I was also impressed by their willingness to move again and again. I'm so impressed by the people who took in these children, who gave them a good home, and who cared for them. It must have been so hard, so scary, and so devastating when you had to move again or when you were split up from those you grew to care about. So much courage in this graphic novel. This story was based on the author's mother's experience. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: my library

Library Recommendation: A must have graphic novel collection for your school and public library. 

Graphic Novel Review: Just Roll with It

Maggie's starting middle school. Everything seems strange. She's not sure if she'll be able to make new friends or find the perfect club to join. But she does have a d20 - and she uses it to help her make decisions. But are the decisions really right for her?

My Thoughts: I like how this graphic novel handled the mental health aspect (OCD and anxiety) with respect. I liked Maggie and her new friend group. I love the RPG moments and the geeking out over book moments. New schools can be hard, so I'm glad Maggie had friends and family to turn to when things got tough. I admired her determination and how she stood up to the bully boys. Monsters might not be real, but there are monsters in the world. The illustrations were cute.

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A great mental health graphic novel for your school and public library's collection. Highly Recommended.

Hand This Book Out to: D&D or RPG players

Graphic Novel Review: Jo

 

 A modern adaptation of Little Women with Jo in middle school. She writes a blog about her life in 8th grade and is on the school newspaper team.

My Thoughts: I'm really excited about all these Little Women adaptations. I love this story. It's fun seeing the March family in modern times. I love how the sister remain the same and still have their interests. Jo is still writing, Meg tutors, Beth loves music, and Amy's passionate about art. I liked Laurie and how he and Jo became friends. I enjoyed the slight romance in this book. A great adaptation!

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A great purchase for school and public libraries - yes it's an adaptation, but it's also a fun read about the drama of middle school. 

On Your Radar: Black Canary (27)

Title: Black Canary: Ignite

Author: Meg Cabot

Publisher: DC Zoom

Release Date: October 29, 2019

Why It Should Be On Your Radar:

* Meg Cabot

* Danger

* Super Powers

* Trouble follows Dinah

* Middle Grade Graphic Novel

* Rock Band

* School Drama

* Secrets 

* Saving the World

* Junior Police Academy 

** ARC signed at BEA