Garlic and the Witch (Garlic #2) by Bree Paulsen (MG Fantasy Graphic Novel Review)

Garlic and the Witch
(Garlic #2)
by Bree Paulsen
Published by Quill Tree Books
on September 6, 2022
Genre: Middle Grade, Graphic Novel, Fantasy
Length: 160 pages
Ages: 8 -12 years

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Synopsis:
Bree Paulsen's brave little protagonist, Garlic, is back in this charmingly illustrated standalone companion to Garlic and the Vampire, serving up another tale of friendship, magic, and self-discovery. 

Garlic loves spending time with Witch Agnes, Carrot, and her new friend, the Count, who has proven to be a delightful neighbor to the village of vegetable people rather than a scary vampire. But despite Agnes's best attempts to home-brew a vegetarian blood substitute for Count, the ingredient she needs most can only be found at the Magic Market, far from the valley. 

Before she knows it, with a broomstick in hand, Garlic is nervously preparing for a journey. 

But Garlic is experiencing another change too--finger by finger, she appears to be turning human. Witch Agnes assures her that this normal for her garden magic, but Garlic isn't so sure that she's ready for such a big change. After all, changes are scary... and what if she doesn't want to be human after all? 



My Thoughts:

Garlic goes on another adventure, this time to the far away Magic Market to buy the ingredients that Witch Agnes needs to fix Count's blood-subsitute. Garlic learns to overcome her fear of change and becomes a little more human along the way. 

I LOVE these books! 
They are seriously just the cutest, wholesome, heartwarming little basket of veggie-people and I just want to hug them!

Garlic is such a loveable character (as are all of the side characters) and I loved every moment of her growth and character development. Magicked into being, the veggie-people grow more and more human every day, and Garlic is very conscious of that, overworrying and then overcoming those worries with courage and a brave face. 

Besides the adorable characters, the story is simply magical with lots of camaraderie, heartwarming moments, and another beautifully happy ending.

These graphic novels are perfect for Autumn / Harvest season and include a vampire, witches, and a hint of suspense but are not scary and are the perfect read for leading into 'Spooky Season' for young readers. 

This is the stand-alone companion to 
Garlic and the Vampire!

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Invisible by Christina Diaz Gonzalez & Gabriela Epstein (Middle Grade Graphic Novel Review)

Invisible
Written by Christina Diaz Gonzalez
Illustrated by Gabriela Epstein
Published by Scholastic
on August 2, 2022
Genre: Middle Grade, Contemporary, Graphic Novel
+ English/Spanish Bilingual Book
Length: 208 pages
Ages: 10+ years

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Synopsis:
For fans of Twins and Allergic, a must-have graphic novel about five very different students who are forced together by their school to complete community service... and may just have more in common than they thought. 

How can you be yourself when no one sees the real you?

Christina Diaz Gonzalez, award-winning author of The Red Umbrella, and Gaby Epstein, illustrator of the Baby-Sitters Club graphic novel adaptations, have created a vibrant and relatable graphic novel about unexpected friendships and being seen for who you really are. 



My Thoughts:

A group of Spanish-speaking students at Conrad Middle School is forced to work together on a community service project that eventually brings them together and shows them the hardships that can befall anyone at any time. 

This is being shared as a modern-day 'Breakfast Club' but instead of a ragtag group of kids in detention, this wonderful graphic novel is about a group of Spanish-speaking kids that are persuaded to work together to boost their school's community volunteer hours, where they discover a family truly in need. Despite their differences, these empathetic young ones learn to work together to solve the dilemma and try to stay out of trouble in the meantime. 

This is such a heartwarming story with great character development and a happy ending but I especially loved that it is a BILINGUAL BOOK! Yes, I had to 'shout' that because I've yet to come across any book that shares the majority of its dialogue in another language, WITH TRANSLATIONS, and as someone that is fascinated by languages and actively learning to read Spanish, this was a beautiful thing to see and read. We really do need more books like this! 

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Expedition Backyard by Rosemary Mosco & Binglin Hu (Children's Graphic Novel Review)

 We received a digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Expedition Backyard
by Rosemary Mosco
Illustrated by Binglin Hu
Published by Random House Graphic
on June 21, 2022
Genre: Children's, Graphic Novels
Length: 128 pages
Ages: 4 - 8

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Synopsis:
Join two best friends--a mole and a vole--on their everyday expeditions to find beautiful plants, meet new animals, and learn more about the world around them in this nonfiction graphic novel. 

Each day, Mole and Vole venture out into the world--never forgetting their nature journal!--to see what they can find in their own backyard. From pigeons and jumping spiders to swamp milkweed and maple trees, these two explorers get to know every part of their local environment. But after an accidental move from the country to the city, Mole and Vole worry that everything will be different. As they explore, they discover plants to look at and animals to meet in their new home as well. 

The story of these two best friends brings to life a nonfiction adventure of finding wonder in nature everywhere--no matter where you live. This book concludes with fun activities for kids to do at home. 

Our  Thoughts:

Two best friends, Mole and Vole, live their best lives going on adventures and expeditions every day. No matter what happens, whether it's a scary predator or even a complete change of scenery, these two friends keep a positive outlook and face the big world head-on.  From the backyard to the city, Mole and Vole make every day a fun and educational adventure! 

Expedition Backyard is a children's nonfiction graphic novel that is perfect for nature and animal lovers! 


This is adorable!
We loved Vole's enthusiasm for adventure and Mole's tendency to nature journal all of their fun expeditions. 
The illustrations are super cute and there is some scientific labeling of flora and fauna thrown in to make it even more educational. 

There's a lot of great content at the end of the book as well, including step-by-step instructions to draw the characters and tips on how to keep a nature journal, join a community garden, learning to compost, and more! 

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Took: A Ghost Story (Graphic Novel adaptation) by Mary Downing Hahn & more (Middle Grade Graphic Novel Review)

 

Took: A Ghost Story Graphic Novel
Story by Mary Downing Hahn
Adapted by Hank Jones, Jen Vaughn, & Scott Peterson
Published by Etch / Clarion
on March 1, 2022
Genre: Middle Grade, 
Length: 160 pages
Ages: 8 - 12 years 

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Synopsis:
Daniel doesn't believe the woods behind his new home are haunted by an evil witch and her terrifying beast. But then his little sister disappears...and it's up to him to find her. 

This chilling graphic novel version of Mary Downing Hahn's popular page-turner will thrill readers who love spooky stories.


My Thoughts:

Hard times fall on Daniel's family of four and they move from Connecticut to an old, derelict farmhouse in West Virginia where the townsfolk say a seven-year-old girl named Selene disappeared--or was 'took'--fifty years before. When Daniel's little sister, Erica, disappears too, he must do and believe what he didn't think possible to win her back. 

 This middle grade graphic novel is well-suited for those that love spooky stories with dark, atmospheric visuals. There are witchy elements, a creepy, talking doll, and a monster named Bloody Bones for starters! The story soon develops into a high-stakes rush to win back Daniel's little sister and rid the town of it's most sinister citizen.

I haven't read the original story but Mary Downing Hahn was one of my favorite authors as a kid and I'm currently on a graphic novel kick so I borrowed it and dug right in. My only issue with it is that I don't feel like the cover really fits the story so don't let that creepy doll turn you away! 

This graphic novel adaptation is perfect for young horror or paranormal fans that want a quick, fun read!

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Cats Cradle: The Golden Twine by Jo Rioux (YA Fantasy Graphic Novel Review)

 I received a digital review copy of this graphic novel from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Cat's Cradle:
The Golden Twine
by Jo Rioux
Published by First Second
on June 21, 2022
(first published 2012)
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Graphic Novel
Length: 128 pages
Ages: 8 - 12 years

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Synopsis:
Jo Rioux (illustrator of M.T. Anderson's highly acclaimed The Daughter of Y's) makes her debut as a writer-illustrator in this fantasy-adventure graphic novel.

Suri loves monsters--studying their lore, telling stories about them (for a fee), and--she hopes--one day taming them. Unfortunately, no one takes an orphan street-urchin who travels with a merchant camp very seriously. But Suri's self-confidence, cleverness, and ambition serve her well when a mysterious new wagon joins her camp--holding something very big, very loud, and very monstrous.

And that's before Suri runs afoul of a treacherous family with its own beastly secret--and a prince hunting the greatest monster of all. 



My Thoughts:

Suri has wanted to be a monster tamer ever since she was a little girl. Orphaned and surviving off of scraps she musters up within the merchant camp she travels with, Suri is determined to make her own way and grow up to become a monster tamer. She gets her chance when a mysterious wagon containing a huge dark monster within joins the camp but breaks out and Suri meets a few shapeshifting monsters that are after the Golden Twine.

This is a fun fantasy with a brave and independent main character that is determined to hunt and tame monsters. It has a cutesy vibe that makes it perfect for young readers that want monsters and adventure but aren't quite up to reading horror. 

My only issue with this book is that it's the first in a trilogy that was never completed but somehow ended up republished a decade later with a new cover but still no middle or ending... and it does not do well as a stand-alone. There's no resolution and the story just abruptly stops. I'm hoping that the sequels will be forthcoming with the new publication date but was unable to find any updates on the trilogy.

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Mary Pope Osborne's Magic Treehouse: The Graphic Novel: Dinosaurs Before Dawn by Jenny Laird (Children's Graphic Novel Review)

Mary Pope Osborne's
Magic Tree House
The Graphic Novel:
Dinosaurs Before Dawn
Adapted by Jenny Laird
Illustrated by Kelly & Nichole Matthews
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers
on May 4, 2021
Genre: Children's, Graphic Novels, Chapter Books, Fantasy
Length: 176 pages
Ages: 6 - 9 years

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Synopsis:
The #1 bestselling chapter book is now a graphic novel!
Magic. Mystery. Time-travel. 
Get whisked back in time in the magic tree house with Jack and Annie! 


Our Thoughts:

Join Jack and Annie as they discover a mysterious (and magical!) tree house in the woods not far from their house. The tree house is filled from top to bottom with books and when Jack and Annie make a wish, they find themselves thrust back into the time of the dinosaurs! 

My daughter and I started reading this chapter book series last year and really enjoyed all the time travel adventures that Jack and Annie find themselves on. They are quick and easy reads that are perfect for beginner readers and are filled with facts about the time period that they end up traveling to so they are both fun and educational. 

This new graphic novel adaptation was even more fun to read, especially because my daughter picked this one up and read it out loud to me instead of the usual vice versa. The 'he said' and 'she said's were left out (thank the bookgods) and there's a lot of onomatopoeia that makes this even more beginner-reader friendly. 

This series is perfect for fans of history and magic and this first adaptation is perfect for dinosaur lovers! 

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Thornhill by Pam Sny (Middle Grade Horror Graphic Novel Review)

Thornhill
by Pam Smy
Published by Roaring Brook Press
on August 29, 2017
Genre: Middle-grade, Horror, Paranormal, Ghost stories
Length: 539 pages
Ages: 10 - 14 years

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Literary Awards:
Leeds Book Awards Nominee for 14 - 16 (2018)

Synopsis:
Parallel stories set in different times, one told in prose and one in pictures, converge as Ella unravels the mystery of the girl next door.

1982: Mary is a lonely orphan at the Thornhill Institute for Children at the very moment that it's shutting its doors. When her few friends are all adopted or re-homed and she is left to face a volatile bully alone, her revenge will have a lasting effect on the bully, on Mary, and on Thornhill itself.

2016: Ella has just moved to a new town where she knows no one. From her room on the top floor of her new home, she has a perfect view of a dilapidated, abandoned Thornhill Institute across the way, where she glimpses a girl in the window. Determined to befriend the girl, Ella resolves to unravel Thornhill's shadowy past. 


My Thoughts:

Told in dual POVs in different times, Thornhill tells the story of Mary, an orphaned girl who resides at Thornhill Institute before its abandonment, and Ella, a young, newly-motherless girl who has recently moved across the street from Thornhill and is looking for a friend. 
One POV is told in diary entries and the other in dark, macabre illustrations which gives us a quick, easy read despite how thick this book is! 

Mary's diary begins with her bully returning to Thornhill Institute and her situation escalates from there. 
Ella's illustrations share how she meets Mary and how their friendship builds. 
Their stories come together in the end in the most fantastic twist! 

I really loved this.
I adore ghost stories and illustration and love that this was both. It really reminded me of Brian Selznick's similarly illustrated novels, which I also loved. Pam Smy's illustrated stories are also geared toward middle-grade readers but considering the content, Smy's illustrations are a touch darker than Selznick's making them perfect for spooky season! 

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Maker Comics: How to Survive in the Outdoors by Mark Lawrence (MG Graphic Novel Review)

Maker Comics:
Survive in the Outdoors!
Written & illustrated by: Mike Lawrence 
Published by First Second Books
on June 15, 2021
Genre: Middle Grade, Graphic Novel, Environmental
Length: 128 pages
Ages: 9 - 13 years

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Synopsis:
In this volume of Maker Comics, First Second's DIY graphic novel series, you'll find step-by-step instructions for seven projects that will help you survive in the wild! 

Prepare yourself before you set off on your next adventure! Whether you're hiking in the wilderness or camping in your own backyard, Survive in the Outdoors! will equip you with the know-how you need. 


My Thoughts:

This is a fantastic graphic novel that is both a sequential story and a how-to guide to being in the outdoors! 

Sophia and Alonso are whisked off to their grandfather's for a fishing trip they'd rather not be on, but their abuelito makes it a fun and educational trip by giving them a fun little DIY to do beforehand and preparing them for what may come. Along the way, a few things happen that could have potentially been dangerous or life-threatening, but Sophia and Alonso have a wonderful living guide to the outdoors that helps them through each step of the way, including an impromptu overnight stay in the wilderness!

If you like a mixture of story and useful information, or just enjoy survival stories and how-to's, this is the graphic novel for you!

Survive in the Outdoors! includes step-by-step instructions for several outdoor activities that could help you learn to stay alive in desperate wilderness situations. Learn how to build a campfire, catch and clean fish, build a shelter, and more!

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The Incredible Nellie Bly by Luciana Cimino & Sergio Algozzino (Nonfiction Graphic Novel Review)

 I won a physical copy of this book in a giveaway from the publisher via Goodreads. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

The Incredible Nellie Bly:
Journalist, Investigator, Feminist, and Philanthropist
Written by Luciana Cimino
Illustrated by Sergio Algozzino
Introduction by David Randall
Translated by Laura Garofalo
Published by Harry N. Abrams
on March 2, 2021
Genre: Graphic Novel, Biography
Length: 144 pages

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Synopsis:
A visual biography of the groundbreaking investigative journalist.
Born in 1864, Nellie Bly was a woman who did not allow herself to be defined by the time she lived in. She rewrote the narrative and made her own way. 
Luciana Cimino"s meticulously researched graphic novel biography tells Bly's story through Miriam, a fictionalized female student at the Columbia School of Journalism in 1921.
As Miriam learns more of Bly's story, she realizes that the most important stories are not necessarily the ones with the most dramatic headlines, but the ones that, in Nellie's words, "come from a deep feeling."
This beautifully executed graphic novel paints a portrait of a woman who defied societal expectations--not only with her investigative journalism, but with her keen mind for industry, and her original inventions. 


My Thoughts:

The Incredible Nellie Bly is a fantastic graphic biography of the infamous investigative journalist that made waves by infiltrating a women's insane asylum and traveled around the world in less than 80 days, alone!

This fashionably designed graphic novel highlights Bly's groundbreaking investigations and how she opened the door for future female journalists (some of which share a cameo spread at the end of the book) as well as how she persevered despite the limitations set on women in that time period.

I found this to be quite fascinating with fantastic illustrations with era-appropriate clothing that take us right into the past, including Bly's 'around the world' travel outfit!


Many thanks to Abrams and Goodreads for the chance to read and review this! 


Want more nonfiction graphic novels about incredible women?
Try 'Astronauts: Women on the Final Frontier' by Jim Ottaviani!

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Class Act (New Kid #2) by Jerry Craft (YA Graphic Novel Review)

 

Class Act
(New Kid #2)
by Jerry Craft
Published by Quill Tree Books 
on October 6, 2020
Genre: Young Adult, Graphic Novel, Realistic Fiction
Length: 256 pages
Ages: 8 - 12 years

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Synopsis:
In this companion book to New Kid, this time it's Jordan's friend Drew who takes center stage in a story about being one of the few kids of color in a prestigious private school. 


My Thoughts:

One of my goals in 2020 was to read more graphic novels, at least one per month,  and thanks to covid my selection was quite slim but I happened across New Kid and loved it despite that school settings aren't my 'cup of tea'.  

Class Act is a fantastic continuation to New Kid, featuring the budding artist, Jordan Banks, and his RAD friends, including Drew who takes center stage on the cover of this sequel.

In New Kid, Jordan attends the prestigious Riverdale Academy where he navigates new classes, teachers, and friendships, as well as racism and microaggression from both teachers and classmates.

In Class Act, Jordan and his friends start eighth grade at RAD, or Second Form, where Jordan and Drew continue to maneuver through high school life. There's more focus on Drew this time around, though still told from Jordan's pov, as well as more focus on their friendship with Liam, but all the same characters are present and the themes are much the same, making this a must-read for young readers and educators alike. 

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The Girl Who Owned A City by O.T. Nelson & Dan Jolley (YA Graphic Novel Review)

 

The Girl Who Owned A City
Written by O.T. Nelson
Adapted by Dan Jolley
Illustrated by Joelle Jones
Published by Graphic Universe
on January 2012
Genre: Young Adult, Graphic Novel, Post Apocalyptic
Length: 125 pages
Ages: 10 - 17 years

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Synopsis:
A deadly virus killed every adult on earth, leaving only us kids behind.
My parents are gone, so I'm responsible for my little brother, Todd. I have to make sure we stay alive. Many kids are sick or starving, and fierce gangs are stealing and destroying everything they find. Lots of people have given up, but here on Grand Avenue, some of us are surviving, because of me. I figured out how to give the kids on Grand Avenue food, homes, and protection against the gangs. But Tom Logan and his army are determined to take away what we've built and rule the streets themselves. How long can we keep fighting them? 
In a world like this, someone has to take charge. 


My Thoughts:

Lisa and her little brother, Todd, are trying to survive in a post-apocalyptic world where a deadly virus wiped out everyone over the age of twelve. Lisa uses her wits to find supplies to live on but a local children's gang is quick to steal from them, leading Lisa to gather the neighborhood kids together to form their own militia. As Lisa's city grows and grows, the outlying gangs become more and more desperate for their supplies. Can Lisa build an army big enough to protect her city from attack?

This middle-grade graphic novel is based on the original novel with the same title that was published in 1975. It's not one I'd heard of or seen before but I needed a graphic novel to read to keep up with my one-per-month goal and this was what was available.  

This graphic depiction is an interesting look at how children and groups of children would react and survive in such a situation. I think the age of the original novel makes the content a little predictable with all the post-apocalyptic and/or zombie media that has been rather popular in the past decade, but the illustrations definitely made this worth the read anyway. 
There's tons of emotion, attitude, and even body language with proportional and life-like characters and the coloring was amazing as well!

I would definitely recommend to young readers that enjoy dystopian or post-apocalyptic reads. 

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Mary: The Adventures of Mary Shelley's Great-Great-Great-Great-Great-Granddaughter by Brea Grant & Yishan Lee (YA Horror Graphic Novel Review)

 I received an e-arc of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Mary:The Adventures of Mary Shelley's Great-Great-Great-Great-Great-Granddaughter
Written by Brea Grant
Illustrated by Yishan Lee
Published by Six Foot Press
on October 6, 2020
Genre: Young Adult, Graphic Novel, Horror
Length: 144 pages
Ages: 12 - 18 years

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Synopsis:
Angsty teenager Mary Shelley is not interested in carrying on her family's celebrated legacy of being a great writer, but she soon discovers that she has a the not-so-celebrated (and super-secret) Shelley power to heal monsters, just like her famous ancestor, and those monsters are not going to let her ignore her true calling anytime soon. 


My Thoughts:

In this fun YA horror/sci-fi graphic novel, we are introduced to a present-day great-granddaughter of the infamous author, Mary Shelley. Teenage Mary comes from a long line of women authors but she isn't sure she can fill the shoes set before her. As her family harps her about what she could write, Mary is busy with the onslaught of strange occurances and ghoulish beings that seem to pop up out of nowhere looking for her help, all while dealing with typical teenage issues like school and cute boys.

This was a really fun read, with fictional descendants of Mary Shelley that take the stage and have a special (and secret) talent that seems to attract all sorts of monsters! I loved the illustrations, some of which were rather horrific, and the unique band of side characters!

Young readers will love the angsty teenage MC, who isn't quite sure what she wants to do with her life, but ends up kicking butt at everything that is thrown her way.

Frankenstein was one of my first favorite 'dark' classics and first sci-fi reads as well. It was a brilliant book and has never left me, nor has Mary's personal life story. I enjoyed revisiting a little of it in this modern monster story featuring strong female characters! 

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Astronauts: Women on the Final Frontier by Jim Ottaviani & Maris Wicks (Nonfiction Graphic Novel Review)

Astronauts:
Women on the Final Frontier
Written by Jim Ottaviani
Illustrated by Maris Wicks
Published by First Second
on February 4, 2020
Genre: Nonfiction, Graphic Novel, History
Length: 176 pages
Ages: 9 - 13 years

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Synopsis:
In the graphic novel Astronauts: Women on the Final Frontier, Jim Ottaviani and illustrator Maris Wicks capture the great humor and incredible drive of Mary Cleave, Valentina Tereshkova, and the first women in space.

The U.S. may have put the first man on the moon, but it was the Soviet space program that made Valentina Tereshkova the first woman in space. It took years to catch up, but soon NASA's first female astronauts were racing past milestones of their own. The trail-blazing women of Group 9, NASA's first mixed-gender class, had the challenging task of convincing the powers that be that a women's place is in space, but they discovered that NASA had plenty to learn about how to make space travel possible for everyone. 

My Thoughts:

This fun nonfiction graphic novel is about women's journey into space and the lengths and hardships it took to get there!

Narrated by former US astronaut, Mary Cleave, this informative read shares her personal life story, starting as a child that wanted nothing more than to be a pilot and working up to being an actual astronaut that made it to space! Also told from Mary Cleave's pov, this book covers different milestones of the space program/s, such as stories and insights into other women's journeys to space, including Valentina Tereshkova who was the first woman in space, Sally Ride, and more.

This was an entertaining and educational read about a time in history when women were just starting to be included, but not without a fight, tough skin, and a good sense of humor! The women who signed up for the space programs were tested much more thoroughly and repeatedly than their male counterparts and were met with difficulties and opposition from many sides. This book has a good balance of humor in pointing out the discrepancies that came from accepting the female gender into space.

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Glass Town: The Imaginary World of the Brontës by Isabel Greenberg (Graphic Novel Book Review)

Glass Town:
The Imaginary World of the Brontes

by Isabel Greenberg

Published by Abrams ComicArts
on March 3, 2020
Genre: Young Adult, Graphic Novels, Historical Fiction, Fantasy
Length: 224 pages
Ages: 14 - 18 years

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Synopsis:
A graphic novel about the Bronte siblings, and the strange and marvelous imaginary worlds they invented during their childhood.

My Thoughts:

This historical fiction graphic novel begins with the eldest two Bronte sisters' deaths, leaving the remaining four siblings, Charlotte, Branwell, Emily, and Anne to care for each other. They find solace in creating stories set in a place of words and ink that they named 'Glass Town'. But Branwell's tendency to control the stories created there urges Emily and Anne to break away and create their own fantasy world called 'Gondal'. 

Meanwhile, Charlotte falls farther and farther into the world of 'Glass Town', losing herself to its surreal seduction. 

This was a pretty cool graphic novel, based on the real lives and imaginary creations of the Bronte sisters (and their brother) before they decided to write and publish their novels. There were some obvious parallels from their novels that showed through the characters and places in their childhood stories.

The illustrations are unique in a rough and chaotic sense. I didn't love the disproportionate people and thought it looked almost childish but still appreciated the overall style, coloring, and especially enjoyed the surreal aspects of the illustrated story.

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Monstress Vol 1: Awakening by Marjorie M. Liu & Sana Takeda (Adult Graphic Novel Review)

Monstress
Volume 1: Awakening
by Marjorie M. Liu
Illustrations by Sana Takeda
Published by Image Comics
on July 13, 2016
Genre: Adult, Graphic Novel, Fantasy, Horror
Length: 192 pages
Ages: 16+

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Literary Awards:
Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Graphic Novels & Comics (2016)
Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards Nominee for Best New Series & Best Writer (2016)
British Fantasy Award for Best Comic/Graphic Novel (2017)
Hugo Award for Best Graphic Story (2017)

Synopsis:
Set in an alternate matriarchal 1900's Asia, in a richly imagined world of art deco-inflected steampunk, MONSTRESS tells the story of a teenage girl who is struggling to survive the trauma of war, and who shares a mysterious psychic link with a monster of tremendous power, a connection that will transform them both.

My Thoughts:
This is fantastically dark and gruesome!

Maika, a teenage girl with only one arm, is sold as a slave along with a group of others and taken to a 'witch-nun' that does odd experiments on them. Maika is pretending to be merely human but she has a big secret... and a plan.

The artwork in this graphic novel is amazing! There's so much patterned, scrolling detail in the clothing, and the characters all have fantastically drawn hair that flows beautifully. There's also a ton of detail, depth, and expression in the faces, which sometimes border on horrific.

There's some really dark material in this, with slaves that are used as 'parts' or even food, which made me feel like it's partly horror. Otherwise, it's mainly fantasy, with some arcane or dark magic and an endgame that I definitely want in on! I'm looking forward to reading more from this graphic series!


A special thanks to Image Comics for providing this graphic novel for free on Kindle for Free Comic Book Day!

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Saga: Ch 1 by Brian K. Vaughn & Fiona Staples (Adult Graphic Novel Review)

Saga
(Single Issues #1)
Written by Brian K. Vaughn
Illustrated by Fiona Staples
Published by Image Comics

on March 14, 2012

Genre: Adult, Graphic Novel, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Length: 48 pages
Recommended ages: 16+

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Literary Awards:
Harvey Awards for Best Single Issue or Story (2013)

Synopsis:
Star Wars-style action collides with Game of Thrones-esque drama in this original sci-fi/fantasy epic for mature readers, as new parents Marko and Alana risk everything to raise their child amidst a neverending galactic war. 

My Thoughts:

This graphic novel has been the most recommended by just about everyone for years. I snatched it up from Kindle on Free Comic Book Day and wow, I absolutely get the hype now.

We start out with Alana and Marko giving actual birth to their child, with explicit graphic flashbacks to what led to that pregnancy, and then we realize they are in the middle of some great big war when the door is kicked down seconds later.
These new parents must fight and survive to give their child the life they want for her.

The characters in this book are of a mythological nature, which is pretty unique, but it seems like there is a lot of prejudice between species. I really enjoyed the inclusion of taboo subjects like sex, birth, and breastfeeding.

I'll definitely be continuing this asap!

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Persepolis: The Story Of A Childhood by Marjane Satrapi (Graphic Memoir Book Review)

Persepolis:
The Story of A Childhood
(Persepolis #1 of 2)

Written and illustrated by Marjane Satrapi
Published by Pantheon
on June 1st 2004 
(first published in 2000)
Genre: Graphic Novel, Memoir
Length: 153 pages

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Literary Awards:
Harvey Awards for Best US Edition of Foreign Material (2004)
ALA Alex Award (2004)

Synopsis:
Wise, funny, and heartbreaking, Persepolis is Marjane Satrapi's memoir of growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. In powerful black-and-white comic strip images, Satrapi tells the story of her life in Tehran from ages six to fourteen, years that saw the overthrow of the Shah's regime, the triumph of the Islamic Revolution, and the devastating effects of war with Iraq. The intelligent and outspoken only child of committed Marxists and the great-granddaughter of one of Iran's last emperors, Marjane bears witness to a childhood uniquely entwined with the history of her country.

My Thoughts:
This graphic memoir of Marjane Satrapi's early years, from age six to sixteen, focuses on the Islamic Revolution in her home country of Iran and her life in it.  Raised by outspoken parents, Marjane rebels against the regime early on, choosing to wear and listen to whatever she likes. As her country continues to change, with forced coverings for females and less tolerance of anything influenced by the West, Marjane finds herself rebelling more and more, to a point that her parents are quite worried!

This eye-opening autobiography gives us real-life memories of a child growing up during a pivotal time in Iranian history. Marjane is an open-minded, educated young girl with parents that taught her to think for herself and allowed her plenty of freedom at a young age. As a teenager, she has an openly rebellious streak that puts her in trouble's way more than once.

I went into this with a little bit of prior knowledge of Iran, having focused on expanding my knowledge of the Middle-East a few years ago after realizing how little I knew about the geography (or much else besides) there. While I've read plenty about the history and wars, I haven't read a lot about the youth or how they felt or reacted to these changes in history. I'm glad to have finally read this one and will try to get my hands on part 2 as soon as possible!

Setting:
Tehran, Iran

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Queen of the Sea by Dylan Meconis (Middle-Grade Graphic Novel Review)

I received a copy of this beautiful book from the author/publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Queen of the Sea

by Dylan Meconis
Published by Walker Books
on June 25, 2019
Genre: Young Adult, Graphic Novel, Historical Fiction
Length: 400 pages

Ages: 10 - 14 years

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | BookDepository

Synopsis:

Cult graphic novelist Dylan Meconis offers a rich reimagining of history in this hybrid novel loosely based on the exile of Queen Elizabeth I by her sister, Queen Mary. 

When her sister seizes the throne, Queen Eleanor of Albion is banished to a tiny island off the coast of her kingdom, where the nuns of the convent spend their days peacefully praying, sewing, and gardening. But the island is also home to Margaret, a mysterious young orphan girl whose life is upturned when the cold, regal stranger arrives. As Margaret grows closer to Eleanor, she grapples with the revelations of the island's sinister true purpose as well as the truth of her own past. When Eleanor's life is threatened, Margaret is faced with a perilous choice between helping Eleanor and protecting herself. 

My Thoughts:

Young Margaret knows she was sent to live at the convent on the island when she was just a baby. She knows this because she asked all of the ten people that were there when she arrived; the nuns, the servants, and even the old, sleepy priest. When a woman named Eleanor is brought to the island, Margaret comes to understand that the place that she has called home for so long is nothing but a prison for exiled enemies of the crown. She vows to help Eleanor and finds her place in the world.

This beautifully illustrated middle-grade graphic novel is an alternate history based on Queen Elizabeth I's early life. I've read a few books about Queen Elizabeth I in the past so I did pick up on the similarities with the family history between the royal half-sisters and the subsequent exile. While this may not be an accurate retelling, it is written and illustrated in a way that really delves into the monarchy, religion, and way of life at that point in time.

Aimed toward young readers that may or may not have encountered this historical time period before, the book does a fantastic job of explaining life in a convent and its religious purpose, from the different orders of nuns to the unique roles that each of them took on and what was expected in order to survive on a remote island.

I'm a big fan of traditional illustration and absolutely loved the artwork that makes up this graphic novel. I really enjoyed that when Margaret was telling a story about her past or the 'Queen of the Sea', the illustrations looked a little bit more childish, as if she were illustrating her memories for us in a juvenile way while the main plot is beautifully illustrated and watercolored.

This book is a bit on the lengthier side, with nearly 400 pages, but absolutely worth it! I flew through it and then read it again to my daughter and enjoyed it immensely both times. I would recommend to anyone that enjoys historical fiction or sequential art!
 

Many thanks to the author/illustrator, publisher, and Goodreads for this fantastic graphic novel!

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To Kill A Mockingbird: A Graphic Novel adapted by Fred Fordham (Graphic Novel Book Review)

To Kill A Mockingbird:
A Graphic Novel
Written by Harper Lee
Adapted/Illustrated by Fred Fordham
Published by Harper
on October 30, 2018
Genre: Graphic Novel, Classics
Length: 288 pages

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | BookDepository

Synopsis:
"Shoot all the bluejays you want, if you can hit 'em, but remember it's a sin to kill a mockingbird."

A portrait of race and class, innocence and injustice, hypocrisy and heroism, tradition and transformation in the Deep South of the 1930's, Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird remains as important today as it was upon its initial publication in 1960, during the turbulent years of the Civil Rights Movement.

Now, reborn as a graphic novel, Scout, Jem, Boo Radley, Atticus Finch, and the small town of Maycomb, Alabama, are all captured in illustrations by artist Fred Fordham.

My Thoughts:

I read To Kill A Mockingbird at least twice in middle or high school as required reading. I remember thinking it was a good book with an important message. I remember the debates and discussions it brought up in my small town classroom. I remembered the popular characters, too, but I couldn't really remember the story itself. It's been over a decade, after all.

I'd been planning to reread this book for quite some time when I came across this. It's a full-length graphic novel that is very true to the original prose. Most graphic novel adaptations I read seem to summarize the story into a short story-sequence but this one followed the entire story, giving us all the details and dialogue paired with lovely illustrations that brought the story to life and reminded me very much of the film adaptation that I also remember seeing in high school.

I won't go into detail about the plot or my thoughts on it but I'm glad to have revisited this important read in this particular format. Fred Fordham has done justice to this classic. I especially enjoyed the soft color palette and well-done characters' expressions and body language. If you like To Kill A Mockingbird or graphic novels, I would definitely recommend this!

 

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Tiger vs. Nightmare by Emily Tetri (Children's Graphic Novel Review)

Tiger vs. Nightmare

by Emily Tetri

Published by First Second 

on November 6, 2018

Genre: Children's, Graphic Novel

Length: 64 pages

Ages: 6-10

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | BookDepository

Literary Awards:
Geisel Award Nominee (2019)

Synopsis:

Tiger is a very lucky kid: she has a monster living under her bed. Every night, Tiger and Monster play games until it's time for lights out. Of course, Monster would never try to scare Tiger--that's not what best friends do. 

But Monster needs to scare someone... it's a monster, after all. So while Tiger sleeps, Monster scares all of her nightmares away.  Thanks to her friend, Tiger has nothing but good dreams. But waiting in the darkness is a nightmare so big and mean that Monster can't fight it alone. Only teamwork and a lot of bravery can chase this nightmare away. 

In this charming graphic novel for young readers, cartoonist Emily Tetri proves that unlikely best friends can be an unbeatable team, even against the scariest monsters. 

My Thoughts:

Tiger has a monster that lives under her bed but this monster is friendly and helps fight off Tiger's nightmares. That is until the biggest nightmare of all shows up. Monster will need all the help they can get to fight off this monster, and Tiger may just have to face her biggest fears!

This is the perfect introduction to graphic novels for beginner readers and little listeners!

This was such a cute story!

It has themes of friendship, imagination, and bravery and is beautifully illustrated with watercolors in a comic book format. 

This is the first time I've come across a graphic novel for such a young audience and now I want to see more! At 64 pages, this looks almost more like a little book than a picture book but it's a very quick read because it is mostly just images with some dialogue added but the story is powerful and quickly became one of our favorites. 

I really loved the illustrations. The watercolors really helped set the mood in both the daytime and nighttime scenes. Watercolors were a great choice to help blend the nightmares into the darkness. The nightmare monsters might be a little scary but my preschooler didn't seem bothered by them. She enjoyed the story and especially wanted it read at bedtime.

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