The Hidden Witch by Molly Knox Ostertag

Pages: 203
Intended Audience: Tweens and up
Genre: Graphic novel / Supernatural
Notes for Parents: None.
 
The Back Cover
Aster’s parents have finally agreed that he can learn witchery with the girls, but he has a lot of catching up to do. So when Grandmother offers her tutoring in exchange for a favor, Aster jumps at the chance—until she asks him to help his great-uncle, Mikasi. Family or no, Aster isn’t ready to face the beast who nearly destroyed him and his cousins.
Across town, Dark magic has attached itself to Aster’s friend Charlie. Witches are taught to never create a “Fetch,” a cruel shadow form that only does harm. But the thing following Charlie is a clear sign that someone is breaking the rules.
With the help of his family, Aster does everything he can to protect Charlie. But to discover who’s making the Fetch and put a stop to it, he’ll need darker, more powerful magic—from the most dangerous witch he knows…
 
What the cover doesn’t tell you:
This is the second book in The Witch Boy series.
 
What’s good?
Once again, the author/illustrator delivers a beautiful graphic story that uses fantasy to explore real life issues. Gender roles, mental health, friendship, fear, and redemption are some of the many issues touched upon as main character Aster has to protect his friend Charlie from an evil spirit and help his grandmother with his great-uncle Mikasi. The illustrations are bold and expressive and the characters are diverse and well-developed.
Best Part: Aster
 
What isn’t good?
There isn’t anything I didn’t like!
Worst part: None.
 
Recommendation ☺☺☺☺ (4.5/5)
I wish graphic novels were longer. It’s like watching a sitcom – it’s over so quickly! The Hidden Witch was thoroughly enjoyable. Definitely recommended.

Guts by Raina Telgemeier

Pages: 211

Intended Audience: Tweens and up

Genre: Grahpic novel / Memoir

Notes for Parents: Contains some mildly mature scenes.

The Back Cover

Raina wakes up one night with a terrible upset stomach. Her mom has one, too, so it’s probably just a bug. Raina eventually returns to school, where she’s dealing with the usual highs and lows: friends, not-friends, and classmates who think the school year is just one long gross-out session. It soon becomes clear that Raina’s tummy trouble isn’t going away…and it coincides with her worries about food, school, and changing friendships. What’s going on?

What the cover doesn’t tell you:

As with her books Smile and Sister, this is based on the author’s real-life experiences.

What’s good?

With her trademark bold, colourful drawings, Raina Telgemeier once again brings a personal childhood experience to life. Young Raina’s anxiety is causing her physical symptoms that make it difficult to deal with friends and school. With the help of her family and a therapist, she learns to cope with the stresses of life. The plot is simple and straight forward and the pace is good. The characters are relatable, and the message is thoughtful and heartwarming. This is a quick and easy coming of age story that promotes mindfulness and courage, and de-stigmatizes anxiety disorders and therapy.

Best Part: Raina.

What isn’t good?

I supposed if I have to find something that isn’t so good, I’d have to say that the story itself is a little thin. I’m not sure if more substance is really a fair expectation of a middle grade graphic novel, but that’s the only thing I thought of after I read it – this could have used a little more…depth.

Worst part: Nothing.

Recommendation ☺☺☺☺(4/5)

This is a classic Raina Telgemeier graphic novel. If you enjoyed her other novels, you’ll love this one. If you haven’t read any of her stuff yet, you should. Definitely recommended.

Telgemeier, Raina. Guts. New York: Graphix, 2019.

Crush by Svetlana Chmakova

Pages: 235

Intended Audience: Tweens and up

Genre: Graphic novel

Notes for Parents: Contains some mature scenes.

The Back Cover

Jorge seems to have it all together. He’s big enough that nobody really messes with him, but he’s also a genuinely sweet guy with a solid, reliable group of friends. The only time he ever really feels off his game is when he crosses paths with a certain girl…But when the group dynamic among the boys starts to shift, will Jorge be able to balance what his friends expect of him with what he actually wants?

What the cover doesn’t tell you:

This is the third book in the author’s award-winning Berrybrook Middle School series. Just like the other books in the series, this one follows a different group of students as they navigate life.

What’s good?

Jorge is an all-around good guy who confidently gives respect and gets respect. But he’s thrown off his game when he finds himself tongue-tied around a certain girl. As he labors to understand his own feelings, he’s also struggling to navigate the world of middle-school – tenuous friendships, peer pressure, gossip, bullying, getting hacked…the drama never seems to end. The plot is multifaceted, but easy to understand. The pace is strong and steady. The characters are realistic and relatable. As always, the author’s drawings are expressive and well done.

Best Part: Forgiveness.

What isn’t good?

I can’t think of a single negative thing to say about this graphic novel. I could nit-pick about some little things, but why do that. This novel was a job well done!

Worst part: Nothing.

Recommendation ☺☺☺☺☺ (5/5)

Yes! Definitely recommended! This is the third of Svetlana Chmakova’s graphic novels that I’ve read, and once again I’m awed by her ability to capture the middle school experience.

Chmakova, Svetlana. Crush. New York: JY, 2018.

Real Friends by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham

Pages: 321

Intended Audience: Tweens and up

Genre: Graphic novel; memoir

Notes for Parents: Contains some mature scenes.

The Back Cover

When best friends are not forever.

Shannon and Adrienne have been best friends ever since they were little. But on day, Adrienne starts hanging out with Jen, the most popular girl in class and the leader of a circle of friends called The Group. Everyone in it wants to be Jen’s #1, and some girls would do anything to stay on top…even if it means bullying the others.

Now every day is like a roller coaster for Shannon. Will she and Adrienne stay friends? Can she stand up for herself? And is she in The Group—or out?

What the cover doesn’t tell you:

There’s a follow-up novel called Best Friends that comes out in August 2019.

What’s good?

By its own description, this is the “true story about how hard it is to find your real friends—and why it’s worth the journey.” The illustrations are colourful, bold, and full of expression. The story itself is simple yet still fraught with the complexities that plague childhood friendships. There’s a beautiful element of religion that’s skillfully included and plenty of positive messages about the fragility and importance (to offset the cruelty) of friendship and sibling relationships.

Best Part: Jesus.

What isn’t good?

It seems a shame to pay $15 for something that can be read in 30 minutes.

Worst part: None. 

Recommendation ☺☺☺☺ (4/5)

This is a sweet story of one girl’s experiences trying to make friends in primary school. It’s nicely written and well-illustrated. It’s a quick read and anyone who’s had friendship troubles will be able to relate to this story.

Hale, Shannon and LeUyen Pham. Real Friends. New York: Scholastic, 2017.

Anne of Green Gables: a graphic novel by Mariah Marsden and Brenna Thummler

Pages: 229

Intended Audience: Tweens and up

Genre: Graphic novel

Notes for Parents: Nothing to worry about.

The Back Cover

Schoolyard rivalries. Baking disasters. Puffed sleeves.

When Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert decide to adopt an orphan to help manage their family farm, they have no idea what delightful trouble awaits them. With flame-red hair and an unstoppable imagination, 11-year-old Anne Shirley takes Green Gables by storm.

What the cover doesn’t tell you:

This is based on the Canadian novel Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery.

What’s good?

This is the classic story of a young orphan girl, sent by mistake (they wanted a boy) to live with siblings Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert. Despite her precocious nature, she tugs at their hearts, making it difficult for the Cuthberts to send her back. The story moves quickly and touches on the best parts of the novel. Marilla and Matthew are well drawn, and the illustrations capture the time period and beauty of the island nicely.

Best Part: Matthew.

What isn’t good?

I didn’t like a lot of the artwork. While I enjoyed the backgrounds and color palette, there were a lot of inconsistencies with people’s proportions and angles that I found a bit distracting. Anne had a strange detached nose, yet other characters’ noses were not drawn that way. And I’ve never been a fan of the empty circle for eyes. Besides that, the story was very truncated. This is typical for a novel adapted into a graphic novel, but it’s disappointing that so much—character and plot development—is lost in translation.

Worst part: Beady eyes.

Recommendation ☺☺☺☻☻ (3/5)

I love L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables. The graphic novel was cute, but it lacked the character and plot development that makes the novel a classic. The graphic style makes the story move almost too fast, and the reader loses out on the depth and charm or the original. Having said that, Anne Shirley fans should enjoy this as a companion to the novel and movies. It’s sweet and fun.

Marsden, Mariah, and Brenna Thummler. Anne of Green Gables: a graphic novel. Kansas City: Andrew McMeel Pub., 2017.

The Breadwinner: A Graphic Novel adapted from a story by Deborah Ellis

Pages: 78

Intended Audience: Tweens and up

Genre: Contemporary / War

Notes for Parents: Contains some mature scenes.

The Back Cover

Parvana lives with her family in one room of a bombed-out apartment building in Kabul, Afghanistan’s capital city. Parvana’s father—a history teacher until his school was bombed and his health destroyed—works from a blanket on the ground in the marketplace, reading letters for people who cannot read or write. One day, he is arrested for having forbidden books, and the family is left without someone who can earn money or even shop for food.

As conditions for the family grow desperate, only one solution emerges. Forbidden to earn money as a girl, Parvana must transform herself into a boy, and become the breadwinner.

What the cover doesn’t tell you:

This is a graphic novelization of the 2000 novel of the same name written by Deborah Ellis, and its graphics are based on the animated feature film released in 2017.

What’s good?

It’s a simple, yet powerful story of an Afghan family trying to survive in their war-torn community under the oppressive rule of the Taliban. Parvana is a formidable girl, brave, and determined to keep her family together. The artwork, adapted from the animated film, is beautiful and the color palette sets a haunting tone. The story has good structure, is filled with tension and danger, and touches on topics like politics, religion, corruption, inequality, fear, and injustice.

Best Part: Parvana is an amazing character.

  

What isn’t good?

The story is a very abridged version of the book and the animated film. It’s obvious that a lot of scenes are missing from the graphic novel that lend itself to story development. Some facts are also changed from the original.

Worst part: Nothing is terrible.

Recommendation ☺☺☺☻☻ (3/5)

It was an excellent graphic novel, but I gave it only three out of five because the book and movie are better. This makes a great companion, but doesn’t capture enough of the story to be a proper stand alone. Regardless, it’s beautifully done and I recommend it (along with the book and movie).

Ellis, Deborah. The Breadwinner: A Graphic Novel. Toronto: Groundwood Books, 2018. Adapted from the feature film directed by Nora Twomey, produced by Aircraft Pictures, Cartoon Saloon, and Melusine Productions. Text adapted by Shelley Tanaka from a screenplay by Anita Doron.

Brave by Svetlana Chmakova

Pages: 241

Intended Audience: Teens and mature tweens

Genre: Graphic novel

Notes for Parents: Contains scenes of bullying.

The Back Cover

In his daydreams, Jensen is the biggest hero that ever was, saving the world and his friends on a daily basis. But his middle school reality is VERY different—math is hard, getting along with friends is hard…Even finding a partner for the class project is a huge problem when you always get picked last. And the pressure’s on even more once the school newspaper’s dynamic duo, Jenny and Akilah, draw Jensen into the whirlwind of school news, social-experiment projects, and behind-the-scenes club drama. Jensen has always played the middle school game one level at a time, but suddenly, someone’s cranked up the difficulty setting. Will those daring daydreams of his finally work in his favor, or will he have to find real solutions to his real-life problems?

What the cover doesn’t tell you:

This is a companion book to the author’s graphic novel Awkward. However, it works as a stand-alone story. (Jensen appeared as a minor character in Awkward.) A third book is planned called Crush.

What’s good?

Jensen is so easy to care about. Many readers will immediately be able to relate to him. He’s sweet, friendly, loves to draw, and wants to help. He’s grateful for the friends he has and doesn’t notice that some of his “friends” aren’t being very nice. He dreams of being brave but doesn’t recognize his own resiliency and strength. The cast of characters is diverse. Sub-plots include Jenny and Akilah’s friendship woes, and the dress code rebellion. The artwork is beautifully expressive. Best of all, the author offers no easy answers—no quick solutions. The story is both realistic and hopeful.

Best Part: Jorge. He was a small but important part of Jensen’s story.

What isn’t good?

I suppose there was room for a more complex story, but I like the simplicity of it. The colors are muted, but the drawings are well done, so that’s not a complaint either. There really isn’t anything I didn’t like.

Worst part: Nothing.

Recommendation ☺☺☺☺☺ (5/5)

It was a quick and easy read with an unpretentious plot. The story touches on more than one kind of bullying, and creates a poignant and entertaining narrative of the middle school experience. Definitely recommended.

Chmakova, Svetlana. Brave. New York: Yen Press, 2017.

The Witch Boy by Molly Knox Ostertag

Pages: 213

Intended Audience: Tweens and Teens

Genre: Graphic Novel / Supernatural

Notes for Parents: Some mature themes

The Back Cover

Everyone in Aster’s family is born with magic. Boys grow up to be shapeshifters; girls into witches. No exceptions.

But Aster can’t seem to get the hang of shapeshifting. Instead, he spends his time spying on the witchery lessons the girls are getting. He seems to have a knack for casting spells and wants to know more, but the only person he can share his growing gift with is Charlie, a girl from the non-magical side of town.

Then, during a night of shapeshifting practice, one of the boys goes missing. Aster knows he can search for the boy with the witchcraft he’s been secretly learning. Could breaking his family’s most important tradition save the day—or ruin everything?

What the cover doesn’t tell you:

This is the author’s first middle-grade graphic novel.

What’s good?

This beautiful graphic novel uses fantasy to explore gender issues and other topics like friendship, family, secrets, and power. The plot is simple but with a complexity of themes, including gender roles, non-conformity, self-acceptance, and courage. The characters are well-developed, and very likeable. The novel is a quick and easy read with good illustrations.

Best Part: There is a great example of what we can become (a monster!) if we’re forced to deny who we really are.

What isn’t good?

There isn’t anything I didn’t like. The drawings aren’t as crisp as the kind of style I prefer, but they’re still good and the colors do a good job of setting the mood. If anything, I wish there was more to the story.

Worst part: None.

Recommendation ☺☺☺☺☻ (4/5)

There’s so much in this one little story. It took me less than an hour to read, but I found in packed full of meaningful symbolism and excellent imagery that left me with lots to think about. Definitely recommended.

Ostertag, Molly Knox. The Witch Boy. New York: Graphix, 2017.

Archie, Vol. 1: The New Riverdale by Mark Waid

Pages: [176]

Intended Audience: Teens

Genre: Graphic novel

Notes for Parents: Some mature content

The Back Cover

Welcome to the new Riverdale! America’s favorite teenager, Archie Andrews, is reborn in the pages of this must-have graphic novel collecting the first six issues of the comic book series that everyone is talking about.

Meet Riverdale High teen Archie, his oddball, food-loving best friend Jughead, girl-next-door Betty and well-to-do snob Veronica Lodge as they embark on a modern re-imaging of the beloved Archie world. It’s all here: the love triangle, friendship, humor, charm and lots of fun—but with a decidedly modern twist.

What the cover doesn’t tell you:

In December 2014, Archie Comics announced that its flagship series Archie would relaunch with a new first issue in July 2015. The new series would be a modern take on the Archie characters by writer Mark Waid and artist Fiona Staples, featuring serialized storylines. After the first three issues, Annie Wu drew an issue, followed by new regular artist Veronica Fish. The new title received IGN's "Best New Comic Series of 2015" award.

Volume One is a collection of issues #1-6. It includes bonus content including scripts, sketches, variant covers and the full first issue of the all new Jughead series by writer Chip Zdarksy and artist Erica Henderson.

What’s good?

1)    The artwork in the first three issues is awesome.

2)    The characters look and feel fresh, updated, and their backstory and relationships are dynamic.

3)    The dialogue was witty and the plot was simple and easy-to-follow.

Best Part: Jughead Jones.

What isn’t good?

1)    The artwork in the next three issues is disappointing when compared to the first three.

2)    Veronica and Archie very difficult to like.

3)    The story was juvenile, boring, and quite cheesy.

Worst part: Veronica Lodge.

Recommendation ☺☺☻☻☻ (2/5)

This gets a two out of five for two big reasons – the jarring change in the artwork after issue three, and the very bland plot. Why update the look and the characters if you’re not going to update the story? Now, don’t get me wrong, it was entertaining, but in the same way the original was entertaining when I was twelve. This is fluff. Fans of the original Archie will likely enjoy the modern update. Fans of the CW series will likely be disappointed with the lack of murder and mayhem. I’m only willing to recommend this to die-hard fans.

Waid, Mark. Archie, Vol.1: The New Riverdale. [New York]: Archie Comic Publications, 2016.

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.

Ghosts by Raina Telgemeier

Pages: 240

Intended Audience: Tweens and up

Genre: Graphic novel / Supernatural

Notes for Parents: Contains scenes with ghosts and discussions about terminal illness.

The Back Cover

There’s something different about this town…Catrina and her family are moving to the coast of Northern California because her little sister, Maya, is sick. Cat isn’t happy about leaving her friends for Bahia de la Luna, but Maya has cystic fibrosis and will benefit from the cool, salty air that blows in from the sea. As the girls explore their new home, a neighbor lets them in on a secret: There are ghosts in Bahia de la Luna. Maya is determined to meet one, but Cat wants nothing to do with them. As the time of year when ghosts reunite with their loved ones approaches, Cat must figure out how to put aside her fears for her sister’s sake – and her own.

What the cover doesn’t tell you:

This is a bit of a deviation from her other graphic novels as it contains some supernatural elements.

What’s good?

Bold, colorful artwork and excellent storytelling drive this graphic novel about a young girl with a terminally ill sister who moves with her family to a town where ghosts are welcomed instead of feared. The relationship of the two sisters is realistic and relatable. Older sister Cat is protective, full of anxiety, and often skeptical, while younger sister Maya, who has cystic fibrosis, is energetic, adventurous, and full of optimism. Their contrasting personalities weave brilliantly into the mystery surrounding their new town. Spanish-American culture, namely (Día de los Muertos Day of the Dead) celebrations, and the rumor that ghosts frequent the small California town, act as a catalyst that allows both sisters to deal with their fears about death.

Best Part: Maya’s optimism.

What isn’t good?

I’ve read other reviews that suggest there are issues in this novel with cultural appropriation and inaccuracies with the portrayal of a child with cystic fibrosis. I don’t know enough about any of those things to be able to agree or disagree, but I think it’s safe to say that there are some inconsistencies included and liberties taken in both respects. Some suspension of disbelief is definitely required, and the information in the novel should not be considered culturally, historically, or medically dependable.

Worst part: None.

Recommendation ☺☺☺☺☻ (4/5)

This was an easy-to-read, engaging story with several heart-stopping and heart-warming moments. The real purpose of Día de los Muertos may have been downplayed, and the portrayal of life with cystic fibrosis may have been a little outdated, but the heart of the story – the relationship between the two sisters – was beautifully told. Definitely recommended.

Telgemeier, Raina. Ghosts. New York: Graphix, 2016.