Newsprints by Ru Xu

Pages: 201

Intended Audience: Tweens and up

Genre: Graphic novel / Steampunk

Notes for Parents: Some mature content

The Back Cover

Blue is an orphan who disguises herself as a newsboy. There’s a war going on, and girls are expected to help the struggling economy by selling cookies. But Blue loves living and working at the Bugle, the only paper in town that tells the truth. And what’s printed in the newspapers now matters more than ever.

But Blue struggles with her secret, and worries that if her friends and adopted family at the Bugle find out that she’s a girl, she’ll lose everything and everyone she cares about. And when she meets and befriends Crow, a boy who is also not what he seems, together they seek the freedom to be their true selves…and to save each other from the effects of war.

What the cover doesn’t tell you:

The author is the creator of the popular webcomic Saint for Rent and this is her first graphic novel.

What’s good?

This is a simple story set in an alternate world and told with bold, beautiful, manga-inspired illustrations. The plot is simple; the dialogue is sparse but strong; and the characters are very likeable. The setting is a quirky combination of the turn of the 20^th century newspaper wars and Victorian steampunk complete with robots and war machines. Themes include friendship, gender roles, identity, truth, war, humanity, and media.

Best Part: Crow.

What isn’t good?

The start was slow and I found it a little hard to follow at times (especially in the beginning). The story itself is nothing new – a girl pretending to be a boy in a society that has certain expectations of the “fairer” sex. Crow’s story isn’t original either (but I don’t want to give anything away). However, their combined stories, and the added action and adventure make it exciting and relevant.

Worst part: Jack was a bit of a weak character.

Recommendation ☺☺☺ (3/5)

Newsies, robots, and a boy named Crow highlight this fast-pace, well-drawn adventure story. It’s an unpretentious lesson about stereotypes and identity. However, it’s a predictable tale, and like many graphic novels, it lacks the depth required for true character growth. Regardless, it was entertaining, with impressive artwork and excellent characters.

Xu, Ru. Newsprints. New York: Graphix, 2017.

Echo by Pam Muñoz Ryan

Pages: 587

Intended Audience: Teens and mature tweens

Genre: Historical / Supernatural

Notes for Parents: Some mature content

The Back Cover

Lost and alone in a forbidden forest, Otto meets three mysterious sisters and suddenly finds himself entwined in a puzzling quest involving a prophecy, a promise, and a harmonica.

Decades later, Friedrich in Germany, Mike in Pennsylvania, and Ivy in California each, in turn, become interwoven when the very same harmonica lands in their lives. All the children face daunting challenges: rescuing a father, protecting a brother, holding a family together. And ultimately, pulled by the invisible thread of destiny, their suspenseful solo stories converge in an orchestral crescendo.

What the cover doesn’t tell you:

The author has written over forty books for young people, including picture books, early readers, and middle grade and young adult novels. She has been the author recipient of the NEA's Human and Civil Rights Award, the Virginia Hamilton Literary Award, and the Ludington Award for body of work. Echo was a 2016 Newbery Honor Book and has won multiple awards including the 2015 Kirkus Prize and the 2016 Audie Award.

What’s good?

The power of music is the thread that unites what is essentially four separated stories that take place during varied periods of World War II. Each story manages to be both heartwarming and heartbreaking, with an outstanding protagonist surrounded by strong supporting characters. The structure is unique, the writing is fresh, and the tone remains hopeful throughout. The chapters are short, the plot is simple but engaging, and the premise is wonderfully imagined. Themes of courage, sacrifice, injustice, racism, and love are thoroughly explored.

Best Part: “Music does not have a race or a disposition! Every instrument has a voice that contributes. Music is a universal language. A universal religion of sorts. Certainly it's my religion. Music surpasses all distinctions between people." 

What isn’t good?

It’s thick, and unfortunately that will be a turn off for many. The font is fairly large and the spacing is generous so it’s not as long as it looks. I found the end to be predictable (but still lovely), and I was disappointed that the author chose to finish the individual stories on a cliffhanger, opting for a collective resolution at the end instead.

Worst part: The bookends (I think it’s actually called framing). The “magical” bits at the beginning and end are odd and unnecessary. The story would have been perfect fine without them.

Recommendation ☺☺☺☺☻ (4/5)

This was a beautiful story. It was compelling, at times even enchanting, but also sober and uneasy. I’m curious if it will appeal to teen and tween readers since it has such a serious tenor and is based around the harsh realities of World War II. It was a quick and easy read despite the daunting thickness and it was buoyant even with the solemn tone. Recommended. 

Ryan, Pam Muñoz. Echo. New York: Scholastic, 2015.