Graphic Novel Review: The Knight and her Emperor

Pollyanna is the first-born daughter of a noble man, but she's the least loved. Her father sends her off to become a soldier. The family hopes that she dies, but instead she uses their betrayal to fuel her revenge. She works heard, gets stronger, and fights fierce. In a male world, there's a lot of me who don't believe in her. But she has a serious set of skills

Her country has been at war for a long time, but she hears rumblings about another country coming attacking them both. Her superiors dismiss her ideas and berate her for wasting their time. But she's proven to be right when the army walks into an ambush. She leads her team into the woods, but it's clear they're not going to survive. She gives herself up hoping that he men will escape.

She's almost killed, but the new King sees something in her. He offers her a knighthood instead and plans to conquer the continent. Sir Pollyanna agrees. 

My Thoughts: This is the first volume of the series. Sadly, I don't know when the next book will be available, but I'm already looking forward to it. I want more of the story - more of Sir Pollyanna's strategic plans. I'm also curious is she visits her family again - they are truly awful to her. I want to see what happens when she comes head-to-head with her old army. This was a great introduction to the story and it left me wanting more.

Cover Thoughts: Solid

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: A great graphic novel for your public library. 

Hand this to readers: Who like Game of Thrones.

Children's Graphic Novel Review: Operation Cover-up

* First in a new series *

Both Nick and Sid are starting a new school today - but they have different classrooms. Both of them gets mislabeled - Nick as a class clown and Sid as a brainiac. Neither of them was to disappoint their new friends. When they learn the truth about each other, they decide to team up and help the other. Will their new friends discover the truth about them?

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this friendship graphic novel. Nick and Sid both had a hard time showing people their true shelves. But I loved how they came together to help each other and eventually became friends. I love how they inspired others to embrace their true shelves too. What a great message. I'm so looking forward to the next graphic novel in this series. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

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

Middle Grade Review: Sink or Swim

Ty's headed off to camp with his best friends. His cast just came off his arm and it should be a great summer. But it's not because:

1. Anxiety rears its ugly head

2. Body Issues - not being able to swim changed his body

3. Friendship drama 

But there's also:

1. Building a Boat

2. Making new friends

3. RPG moments

This graphic novel has a lot to unpack, but it's also really good. I loved how there are good moments and bad moments. I liked the depiction of anxiety. And it was really brave of Ty to ask for help. I love that the counselor didn't know what to say, but came back with more information. I think that's an important piece - everyone's learning and now one has all the answers. 

Graphic Novel Review: Spy Camp

* Book 2 in the Spy School series * 

After a wild first few months at school, Ben is looking forward to a normal summer.  He's surprised to learn that spies don't get the summer off. Instead, he's headed to summer camp to learn survival skills.

But SPYDER isn't done with him. They infiltrate the camp and leave him a message. This sets off a chain of events that leads Ben into danger. Luckily, he has Erica to help him.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this graphic novel adaptation of Spy Camp. This is such a fun series - lots of action, danger, and funny moments. I love how Ben stumbles into everything. The characters surprised me in this one.  Looking forward to more in this series. This book is perfect for this year's summer reading theme.

Source: Book sent for review

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

Graphic Novel Review: Camp Prodigy

Tate went to a concert where the violist didn't come out. But that night, Tate was looking for the bathroom and heard music. They were inspired that night. But they need a lot of work to get to that level.

There's a musical camp that Tate's excited to attend. They are surprised when the concert soloist is also attending the camp. Eli agrees to give Tate some pointers if Eli doesn't out her status. 

Tate's determined to improve their musical skills.

My Thoughts: This is a sweet graphic novel about hard work, friendship, and music.  There's a side story about Tate wanting to come out to their family. This graphic novel is perfect for summer with the camp theme. In the camp there were moments of hard work and stress, but there were also musicians who also wanted to have fun. It's all about that balance. A great friendship graphic novel. 

Cover Thoughts: Adorable

Source: Book sent for review

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

Graphic Novel Review: Hoops

Indiana 1975 is the start of a ladies' high school basketball team and the start of a state championship.  Judy has always wanted to play basketball but there was never a ladies' team before. She skips cheerleading practice to try-out. But with only 8 ladies interested, everyone makes the team.

At the first game, they find out there are no uniforms. They don't have a bus. They don't have much of anything. But what they do have is heart. The inequality bugs them. But until they have people watching their game, they're forced to deal with it.

So, they try to fill the seats, but it doesn't quite work. How can they move forward when everyone else is holding them back?

My Thoughts: I loved this graphic novel, I couldn't put it down. I loved the struggle these girls faced - both in basketball and in getting respect. I loved their struggles as a team and how they worked through them and showed up for each other. I loved the funny moments - like seeing the camper for the first time. A very inspiring read full of heart, determination, hard work, and friendship. This book is a great introduction to Title IX and equality. 

Cover Thoughts: Great

Source: My library

Library Recommendations: A must have graphic novel for your school or public library collection!

Graphic Novel Review: Terry's Crew

Terry's headed to a new school where the kids are both smart and rich. Terry's smart but his family is not rich. Terry has a Big Cream Plan to keep him focused. He wants to be a multihyphenate - someone who is great at football and art and whatever else he desires.

He has a hard time fitting into his new school. There's a boy who tries to befriend him - but he makes Terry bully another kid. While Terry does slap the book out of the other kid's hand, he feels bad about it. That's not the way he wants to go about making friends.

Instead he becomes friends with the boy he hurt and another girl. The three of them, labeled misfits, become their own crew. 

My Thoughts: I loved this middle grade debut. I loved Terry's family - how supportive and tight they were. I loved that he had people from the neighborhood looking out for him. I admired how he apologized to the person he hurt and grew from that experience. I loved how he was determined to prove the teacher wrong who said he wasn't going to be great. Terry walks to the beat of his own drum. I hope this book is just the beginning for Terry. I 'd love to read more about him and his crew

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Library Recommendations: A must have for your school and public library collections

Rating: 5 stars.

 

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 Nove Review: Mindy Makes Some Space

 

Best friends Mindy Kim, Gabby Jordan, and Priya Gupta are back in business! After a few ups and downs, their dog-walking business is booming and the girls are closer than ever. It's a dream come true!

But for Mindy, things at home are beginning to feel like a bit of a nightmare. Her mom just started dating someone, which has Mindy feeling like the odd one out. For as long as she can remember, it's been just the two of them and she doesn't want that to change. (So what if her mom's boyfriend has a cute pet cat, and all of Mindy's friends seem to think he's pretty cool?)

And things only get worse when a new student named Hazel arrives in class and seems totally into joining PAWS. Sharing her mom feels bad enough, so there's no way Mindy's is going to share her best friends and her business, too! But when Mindy's stubbornness starts to hurt everyone around her, will she be able to overcome her fears and learn that change doesn't have to be a cat-tastrophe? - summary from the publisher 

My Thoughts: I really liked this book. But apparently, I didn't read the first book. Oops. Going to go back and read that one ASAP. I did feel like I was forgetting things, but I wasn't lost. The second book was a cute story - everything was tough for Mindy. Her relationship with her mom is changing now that her mom has a boyfriend. Her relationship with her friends are changing as they are becoming closer with Hazel. Hazel's in a wheelchair and there were moments where the main characters realized how inaccessible houses were for Trick or Treating or for dog walking. It's always hard to add a new friend to a friend group. I felt bad for Mindy, I just wanted to wrap her up in a hug. She felt so left out in all areas of her life. She started communicating with her friends and finally let go of her anger. She learned to accept the changes in her life.  

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

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

Graphic Novel Review: Play Like a Girl

 

Misty isn't that excited about seventh grade. But when the boys tell her she can't play football - she's determined to prove them wrong. She tries out for the team, convincing her best friend, Bree, to try out too. 

Bree isn't all that interested. She never wants to practice and she'd rather hang out with Ava, a more popular girl, and talk about boys and clothes. Misty isn't sure what to do about her friendship. Bree says hurtful comments disguised as jokes. Misty isn't sure she wants to remain friends. But she is sure about proving herself to the football team. 

My Thoughts: I Loved this one. Misty reminded me of me at that age. I wasn't into football, but basketball. I love her determination, how she kept going when the times got tough. I love how she made friends on the football team and the cheerleading team. 7th grade is hard to navigate, but it seems like Misty figured out what she wanted and didn't want. I didn't want this one to end! 

I really liked the illustrations. And the author's note at the end. 

Cover Thoughts: Love it.

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your school and public libraries - highly recommended!

Graphic Novel Review: Crunch

* Book 5 in the Click series *

Olive has too many things going on her life - she's trying to be a good friend to everyone. She's taking guitar lessons - and she's supposed to be practicing 3 hours a week. She ends up taking scout lessons after a failed intervention with a friend's parents. She's involved in student council - and taking on the school's unfair dress code. And she just saw an advertisement for a local film festival. With school and family life - could it all be too much?

My Thoughts: I love this graphic novel series - there's so much about friendship and school and family. This addition is great - talking about spreading yourself too thin, picking which activity is right for you, and giving yourself a break. I love how Olive tries many different activities. Middle schoolers are already trying to figure out who they are, it's great that they have the abilities to figure about their favorite activities. Of course, I loved the talk about mental health. It's so important to be happy in your own skin. Another great chapter in this series. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: If this series isn't an auto-buy for your library, it should be. 

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 📚📚📚

Bookstagram (13)

Graphic Novel Review

I've been waiting to read this graphic novel for a while. 

And it did not disappoint. 

It's about a group of kids who meet in the cafeteria for community service hours. 

They are not friends - yet. But as the time goes by, they discover a secret and they come together to help someone else. 

A Breakfast Club type graphic novel

 

Graphic Novel Review: Babymouse

Babymouse has always been insecure of her curly whiskers. If only they were straight. Life would be so much better. After a dream, she discovered what it would really be like...

My Thoughts: I'm a huge fan of Babymouse - I'm so happy she's back in graphic novel form. I'm really hoping that it causes readers to discover her earlier books. It's great to see so many old friends - from the locker to Babymouse's friends, and even her enemies. I loved the message in this book - that everyone has insecurities about their body - but only you really fixate on them. This is a book about friendship, body image, and surviving school. It's funny and thoughtful. Plus, the art is super cute. Can't wait for more Babymouse adventures!

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A delightful series that's highly recommended for your school and public library

Graphic Novel Review: Crumbs

Ray is a young ambitious seer who frequents the same magical bakery. Her order is always the same. 

And then she meets a boy. He wants to be a musician. They fall for each other. 

Ray can see the future, but she can't see their future. Will they last?

My Thoughts: I really liked this romance. I wish I understood more about Ray's job (But I get that was the point.) The moments in the bakery were fantastic. I enjoyed Ray and Laurie out with friends. Their romance has problems with long distance and sharing of feelings. Also work gets int he way - as it does. Flying on a broom sounds exciting and terrifying! The illustrations were gorgeous. Great for your witchy romance readers.

Cover Thoughts: Gorgeous

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your teen/adult graphic novel collection

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: 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: How to be Bad

 

From superheroes to super villains, Mischief and her cat Mayhem team up with Melvira to cause havoc. Mischief wanted to be a superhero badly, but she didn't have any powers. She lied on her camp application. When she's discovered and humiliated, Melvira is there to manipulate the situation. 

Mischief and Melvira cause trouble all across the city, but there's a line Mischief won't cross. What happens when she has to stand up to her best friend?

My Thoughts: I really loved this graphic novel about finding yourself, friendship, and smart plans. The art was great and colorful. Lots of action, danger, and humor. I also liked the question this book asks - what makes a hero or a villain. I can't wait to read more of Mischief and Mayhem's story.

Cover Thoughts: Great

Source: My Library

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

* Read for the Cybils Award

Graphic Novel Review: Curie Society

 

The three new roommates at Edmund University could not be more different. They each have their own field of specialty: biology, technology, and math. While they might not get along and annoy each other - they have the opportunity to become something more.

The three of them receive an invitation, but they must work together to figure out the puzzle. They fail, but failure is a part of life - just like teamwork. The three roommates are invited to join the Curie Society - a secret society that supports female scientists and prevents technology from falling into the wrong hands.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this one. I'm here for the secret society, the feminist sisterhood, and the secrets. I liked meeting the three roommates and watching them attempt to co-exist and then work together. The art was really great too! I really hope they make more volumes to this story because my questions were not all answers - and I want more!

Cover Thoughts: Awesome

Source: My library

Reading Challenge: The Cybils Award

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your school and public library collections!

Graphic Novel Review: Clash

* Book 4 in the Click series * 

Olive's used to be friends with everyone - floating between groups is easy for her. Until Natasha arrives. Olive shows the new girl around school, but it's clear that Natasha isn't interested in being friends.

It's hard for Olive. She dismisses Natasha's mean comments - until she can't. She worries that her friends might choose Natasha over her...

My Thoughts:  I really enjoyed this book. I felt bad for Olive - especially the more she tried to hide her hurt feelings. There are so many feelings in middle school. I wanted to wrap Olive up in a hug. I felt terrible for her for dealing with all the friendship drama, the insecurities, and the meanness of Natasha. I did love how everything turned out. I do hope there are more Olive stories coming!

Oh and the art work is great too. I love the facial expressions. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Source: My Library

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