Please post on your choice of reading in this category. Remember, you are reading like a media specialist, so it is not about your personal likes and dislikes. Include in your post:
a. Audience for whom the book is written
b. Audience to whom it will appeal (might differ from a.)
c. Particular strengths of the book
d. Particular weaknesses of the book
e. Any special considerations (artwork, curriculum links, community values, beliefs espoused, etc)
f. And, in the School Library Journal’s format: Your verdict, supported with details
No plot summaries and no spoilers, please. Failure to follow that rule will result in revocation of your authoring rights, guaranteed!!
When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamison and Omar Mohamed
ReplyDeleteGrade 5-8, though older kids and adults alike will enjoy this window into the world of Omar Mohamed, a Somalian refugee living in Dadabb, a Kenyan refugee camp. Author Victoria Jamison helps Omar tell his true-life story through this eye-opening and truly incredible graphic novel. At a very young age, Omar and his brother, Hassan, loose both parents in Civil War. They flee to Dadabb with thousands of others trying to escape the misery of their home-land. Together, Victoria and Omar paint the picture of life in a refugee camp: the heartache, poverty, loneliness, friendship, and daily grind. When Stars Are Scattered will likely stick in your mind causing a feeling of melancholy at the events that you now know are the real-life battle of millions. Because of Omar Mohammad's experience, he has started the non-for-profit, Refugee Strong. You can find him on Twitter @dantey114. Verdict: This is a must read for middle grade students and teachers alike as it will open their eyes to the world around them, and presumably peers who have had similar experiences.
I have this one on reserve at the library and can't wait to read it! You can hear an excerpt of the book here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/599538/when-stars-are-scattered-by-victoria-jamieson-and-omar-mohamed-illustrated-by-victoria-jamieson-color-by-iman-geddy/
DeleteThe Phantom Twin
ReplyDeleteThe title of this graphic novel, “The Phantom Twin,” is as much an allusion to its plot as a clever play on the phrase “phantom limb,” a term used in neurology to describe the sensation that an amputated or missing limb is still attached to one’s body. This title works on many levels, as it is on the surface a tale of two conjoined twins who have joined a traveling carnival sideshow which makes money off of exploiting their physical appearance. Readers are also informed in the book’s summary that one of the twins dies during a mysterious operation, and her bereaved sister must go on living without her, while feeling her presence everywhere she goes.
This novel was likely written to appeal to many types of readers; it is broad in its themes and diverse in its representation. Middle-grade children who enjoy graphic novels as a whole will be drawn to reading it. There is some discussion throughout the book on the exploitation of people with physical disabilities and mental disorders, and reading these portions will appeal to an even wider audience of perhaps physicians and mental health professionals to facilitate discussions with patients.
The plot is fast-moving, which will either attract readers or dismay them. Main character Iss, the sister who survives the operation, experiences an abusive boss, an untrustworthy lover, the potential of job loss, and more at a rapid pace. There is often little transition between these plotlines, as the reader turns from one page to another they are sometimes jostled back and forth, without the advent of page breaks or section breaks that come with non-graphic novel books, it is sometimes difficult to know when we are switching time or place. However, the artwork style is a true standout in this graphic novel; there is a subplot involving a tattoo artist and readers will be able to see the influence that flash tattooing and tattoo art in general had on the illustrations in this novel.
The book could also easily find a place in classroom curriculum; author Lisa Brown includes an addendum at the end which offers a brief history on the real-life existence of traveling carnivals and their “freak shows,” which forced people to entertain crowds and put their bodies on display for little or no money. She writes accounts of these entertainers and the types of lives they lead while on the road, including photos of some of these ensembles. It could make for an interesting history lesson on the abuse or profit of disabled people.
VERDICT: An artistic, empathetic look at the lives of so-called “freak show” performers, which handles its depiction of disability with respect and humanity.
I'm glad that there is some information included at the end so that readers can learn more about this dynamic. Thumb nails of some of the book's illustrations can be found here: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781626729247
DeleteSmile by Raina Telgmeier
ReplyDeleteGr 4-7. In this title Raina relates her own personal experience of having orthodontic work done after a freak accident when she was in sixth grade. This autobiographical graphic novel takes us on a four-year journey from the night of the accident into Raina’s high school years, as she endures the pain and challenges of her dental work alongside the pain, challenges brought about by adolescence. Worried about her appearance while looking for her first love and navigating changing social norms and changing friendships; will Raina survive the pain of orthodontic treatment as well as the insecurity she feels in social settings and pain caused by her friends . The real-world situations presented in the novel make the story one that all readers can relate too regardless of the passing of time between the original events and today. The time-tested themes of self-worth, friendship, and the struggles of adolescence are presented throughout the this fast paced easy to read graphic novel. Verdict: This book will be read, enjoyed and treasured by students from fourth through seventh grade as it proves that you can survive the trials of middle school and come out a stronger more confident with every reason to smile.
I appreciate this review and I really like the way you worded the last sentence! :) Raina Telgemeier has a real gift for honing in on a specific insecurity/condition/anxiety that many young people have and creating a wonderful uplifting book around that. The first of her books that I read was Guts, which is about a girl who experiences frequent stomach pains and nausea to the point where she can't function sometimes at school. She learns the nausea is a symptom of her anxiety, and seeks treatment. I had a very similar experience as a teenager and when I read Guts I couldn't believe it was so resonant and that I'd never encountered a story with a character like me in that way before. It sounds like Smile would similarly help kids who feel insecure about braces or dental work at that age. I can see why these books are so popular and beloved!
DeleteIt would have been helpful 30 plus years ago when I had braces. I was the first one in my class to get them and refused to talk or smile for a week. Like Raina I had them for 4 years and heard every taunt imaginable.
DeleteI think having orthodontia as a middle schooler is such a relatable experience! I'm glad there are books out there like Smile which let readers know they are not alone!
DeleteMarch: Book Three
ReplyDeleteJohn Lewis
March: Book Three is a biographical graphic novel about the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the role that civil rights activist John Lewis played. This text is a fantastic way to get students engaged in major historical events. This book is intended for young adults and I see it best fitting with 9-12th grader. This book, as well as the previous two March books, would be great to incorporate into a high school American history class. This book does a fantastic job of taking historical events and bringing them to life through text and images. The illustrations are extremely powerful, even though they are done in black and white. Another large strength of this book is that it is written by John Lewis and it is reading first hand experiences on major events in during the Civil Rights Movement. This book is a great way to teach students how far we as a country have come and how much growth we still need to make. March: Book Three was the winner of the National Book Awards for Young People’s Literature in 2016. This book is extremely well written and a page turner with little to no weaknesses.
Verdict: This book is a must have in a high school library. John Lewis’ accounts during this monumental time in our country’s history provides an insight that most textbooks lack.
I've read this book Andrea and it blew me away! I realized the power of a graphic novel to engage with and gain new perspectives on history. This trilogy covers some tough topics, so I agree with you, a must have for the HS library!
Delete"Dancing at the Pity Party" by Tyler Feder
ReplyDeleteI can’t help but recall a phrase long-used to indicate the success of a particularly evocative experience: “You’ll laugh! You’ll cry!” These contrasting statements can hint at the wide range of emotions one may undergo while engaging with a situation, oftentimes in reference to a piece of art. It’s hard to think of an experience that might make one simultaneously wipe tears from their eyes while busting out laughing than reading Tyler Feder’s graphic memoir “Dancing at the Pity Party.” As the book’s subtitle suggests, this a true story about the death of the author’s mother. Readers will learn that Tyler’s mother developed mysterious symptoms and was swiftly diagnosed with a late-stage form of cancer as Tyler is finishing up her first year in college. What follows is a chronicle of Tyler and her family grappling with what becomes the inevitability of their mother’s death, and the aftermath.
At this point, it may be clear why one would be moved to tears by this story; what is less clear is what anyone would find within it to laugh about. This is the genius of author Tyler Feder. Though the subject matter of her story and her personal perspective on it is deeply sad, she makes it clear that her means of processing her grief is through humor and attempts at levity. As such, to begin each chapter, she includes a sort of illustrated infographic that finds the flipside of her sadness, all of them titled something humorous and unexpected, like “My Mom Died Young Reaction Bingo” or “Dead Mom: The App”. The beautiful strength and power of this story lies in its author’s vulnerability to share the depiction of her deepest grief and also the reality that sometimes, the only way to survive it was to crack a smile.
Readers who have experienced grief, particularly the grief of losing a parent, will find a lot of resonance within this book. The text makes a point to not claim to be a guidebook for grief, rather an expression and means of processing it, but its existence alone may be proof to readers that they can express their feelings however is comfortable and real to them. People who love those who have experienced loss may also find this book to be a powerful means of connection.
VERDICT: A candid account of grief that does not shy away from its devastating hardships nor its surprising humor. The book is a concerted effort towards the author’s healing that will leave a legacy of helping to heal the losses of its readers; a must-have for the conscious social-emotional collection.
Sounds like this book is an example of comic relief. Loss is such a real experience that can be challenging to express. It's good to know there are books out here for readers who need windows, mirrors, and sliding glass doors into the experience of grief.
DeleteNew Kid by Jerry Craft. Grades: 5-8.
ReplyDeleteNew Kid is about Jordan Banks, a seventh grader who loves to draw. He wants to go to art school but instead his parents send him to a prestigious school known for their academics and far removed from his Washington Heights neighborhood. Jordan is one of the few kids of color at his new school and he struggling to adjust to fitting in at his new school but also keeping true to himself and his friends/family in his neighborhood.
This story is incredibly witty and fresh, but it is also candidly about race. It's more than a story about a new kid at a new school, it's a complex look at the microaggressions that many BIPOC experience in all aspects of their lives. Jordan reflects on his experiences in full page illustrations that reflect his sketch pad. There is one illustration that shows his bus route to school and how he has to transform as he moves through each neighborhood in order to fit in. The illustrations are poignant and light but are done in a way that opens the door for discussions on race without scaring people away.
Despite the setbacks, Jordan is able to make a few friends at his new school that he can count on and they challenge him to reconsider his assumptions about them (ie. his White friend who lives in a mansion).
VERDICT: Must have for any upper-elementary or middle school media center. This graphic novel provides great opening for kids to explore conversations surrounding race and racism in school.
If you liked this one, then I recommend read the new companion novel Class Act. It describes issues of race and class and has wonderful artwork! Each chapter opens with a parody illustration of other popular graphic novels.
DeleteAmulet: The Stonekeeper, by Kazu Kibuishi
ReplyDeleteThis book was brought to me by a very enthusiastic fifth grader who said I absolutely had to read it because she LOVES it. While graphic novels are not my favorite genre to read, I can understand why a fifth grader would enjoy this particular book. The plot is basic and simple, focusing on a young girl who discovers her family is part of an alternate world filled with elves and magic. It has all the elements of an engaging story; loss, the potential to reverse loss, heroes, light, and darkness. Although there are only a few plot twists (and I found them relatively predictable), it is precisely the predictability of the book that I think would make it appealing for children, particularly children who are in middle school or upper elementary school. Whereas the writing is not rich, I did find the illustrations captivating and well done. What lacks in the writing is made up for in the pictures, making it easy for a child to use his or her imagination to fill in the blanks for the writing. And truly, that seems to be what makes a great graphic novel – the mix of pictures with words. Amulet: The Stonekeeper is the first of nine books in a series and I can see it being one that would attract and hold the attention of struggling readers. The enthusiastic fifth grader I mentioned above has already told me I HAVE to read the second book, too!
VERDICT: A great resource to have in a media center that will hook and engage struggling readers.
I've been interested in this series, as my students love it, too! It sounds like a perfect light summer read. I agree that the balance between pictures and images is what makes a great graphic novel. I've found that the best graphic novels often tell separate/conflicting/side stories through the images; the most powerful graphic novels have images that carry some of the narrative weight.
DeleteI also read this book upon the recommendation of a child and I began to understand why we could never keep the series on the shelf and why the books kept falling apart! It does create a magical adventure for the reader to enter in! My understanding is that these books take years to make so it is hard for readers to wait for the next installment!
ReplyDeleteHeartstopper by Alice Oseman
ReplyDeleteHeartstopper by Alice Oseman is a contemporary graphic novel about two high school boys becoming fast friends and maybe more! Charlie is a sophomore in an all-boys high school who came out as gay the previous school year and because of that, has faced some bullying from classmates. Things have calmed down for him and in his homeroom class he meets Nick. Nick is a seemingly typical jock. He plays rugby, he is tall and muscular, and is popular. Charlie and Nick immediately start a friendship that quickly turns into a crush for Charlie, but he’s not sure how Nick feels.
Heartstopper is a graphic novel written for students in grades seven and up. This book shows what a healthy friendship looks like to those that may not have a real example in their lives. Charlie and Nick show each other respect and kindness. Readers will enjoy watching the relationship between these two boys grow. This book also offers positive representation of the LGBTQIA+ community, while also being realistic when showing one of the characters questioning their identity.
VERDICT: This graphic novel is a wholesome, heartwarming story of how first love should be. It is a hug in book form. Every school library should have this series.
Hi Megan,
DeleteSo many of my friends are obsessed with Alice Oseman! I know her novel "Radio Silence" was a huge hit and really resonated with people I knew who read it as they were finishing up high school and starting college because it really reflected that stage of life and made them feel understood. Since then I've seen some of her other novels get some buzz too, but I think it's especially exciting to see a graphic novel of hers! I think presenting thoughtful and resonant stories like hers in that format will make them even more accessible and attractive to young adult readers. Heartstopper is definitely on my list!
Will fans of Raina Telegemier's Drama also love this book?
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteSmiles by Raina Telgemeier is the story of a sixth grader who after getting home from Girl Scouts trips in her front yard and knocks out her 2 front teeth. She goes through the turmoil of getting braces and not just once, having surgery, wearing the awful looking headgear and then getting a retainer with fake teeth. All of this in middle school when there is an earthquake, boy confusion, and friends who turn out not to be the type of friends she wants to be with.
ReplyDeleteSmile is written for grades 3-6 and I would definitely keep it there. I would not consider it a Young adult novel. I would not find students much older very interested in the book.
Strengths is it is a fast read and can be quite comical at times. It is well written and touches on the things that most middle schoolers worry about. How they look and how they are perceived by others.
Smile won the Eisner Award for Best Publication for Teens in 2011. The Young Adult Library Services Association's 2011 Top Ten Great Graphic Novels for Teens and 2011 Association for Library Service to Children Notable Children's Book for Middle Readiers
Verdict: Smiles is a very good book. It is a fast read and students love to read the book. It should be on every elementary and Middle school shelf.
I agree with you Katie that this is a middle grade novel (3-6), but not YA.
DeleteNew Kid by Jerry Craft
ReplyDelete*Winner of the Newbery Medal, Coretta Scott King Author Award, and Kirkus Prize for Young Readers’ Literature!
Gr 4-7--- Seventh-grader, Jordan Banks is an aspiring artist and desperately wants to go to an art school. However, his mom has a different plan and enrolls him in a prestigious private school where he is one of only a few kids of color. Throughout the story, Jordan makes new friends and experiences typical middle school issues. However, what makes this story stand out is the all-too-common microaggressions and racism Jordan experiences from students and teachers. Teachers often get mixed up and call him by the name of one of the other black kids in the school and others look to him to answer questions and represent his entire race. Jordan’s search for his place in a new school culture without losing himself is the overarching storyline. This book is authentic and relatable. VERDICT A visually appealing, fresh graphic novel told from the perspective of an African American middle schooler navigating racism in a mostly white private school. A required addition for middle grade graphic novel collections!--- Jenna Stevens-Royer, 2021
Our students have loved this book and how fast it is to read! They also enjoyed the interviews with Jerry Craft. He wrote this book because when he was growing up there were not books with kids who looked like him. The book brings up tough topics of discrimination, racism and identity in a way that could start conversations with kids of all ages.
DeleteIf you have not yet read Jerry Craft's companion novel, Class Act, I recommend it!
DeleteSmile, by Raina Telgemeier.
ReplyDeleteI can relate to this story big time. First, I was one who had braces for 4 years, had to wear the headgear at night, and witnessed my little sister trip and fall and knock out her front two teeth. Just watching her go through all of the pain and trips to the dentist was horrifying. I was also a student in middle school that struggled with friends treating me in a kind and caring manner. Students that would enjoy this read would be those from 4th grade up to 7th grade. I feel as if students who grow through middle school and go from friend struggles can relate and appreciate what Raina is going through. I love how Raina, finally stands up to her friend group and is able to eventually meet new friends that are kind and caring to her. I also think this a great book for students to learn about what an autobiographical is and to help teach about social-emotional behaviors.
The strengths of this book are endless, teaching students to persevere through tough times. Raina never gives up even when her friends are hard on her and pick on every little thing about her. She continues to grow throughout the book and becomes a very strong independent person. They say to never judge a book by its cover, Smile is one that is welcoming and inviting. Just waiting to jump into the next student's arms. There are not any weaknesses that come to mind about this book. It’s the perfect length for 4th-7th grade readers. Even if you have students that are stronger readers this has a great relatable story line.
Verdict: Students grades 4th – 7th will relate to the events that are happening in this book. Students may even feel comforted when they see that others have gone through similar struggles. I will be recommending this to my students and colleagues as this is a great book to teach students about perseverance.
I hope this book can normalize the experience of orthodontia as it so common in adolescence.
DeleteLong Way Down: The Graphic Novel, by Jason Reynolds and art by Danica Novgorodoff, is written for ages 14 and up. It would appeal to high school ages and older.
ReplyDeleteLong Way Down is narrated by Will, a fifteen-year-old boy whose brother was shot and killed the day before. Will believes that he knows who shot his brother. He grew up learning that if someone you love is killed and you know who did it, you get revenge. Will takes his brother’s gun and sets out to do just that. On his way down to the lobby, the elevator stops on each floor, bringing unexpected visitors that make Will reexamine everything he thinks he knows.
Danica Novgorodoff’s watercolor artwork perfectly matches the somber but tense tone of the story. Jason Reynolds’ text conveys the shock, grief, anger, fear, and confusion that Will is experiencing. Having the added visuals with the story could be a strength or a weakness depending on the reader. The topics are very heavy and tragic, and seeing the images of people being shot and killed may be too much for some readers. Others may feel more impact and connection with the story because of the illustrations.
This is an own voices book; Jason Reynolds is a Black author writing about Black characters. The original novel Long Way Down, which this was adapted from, received a number of awards. The graphic novel has also attracted some recognition. It was a top ten title in the 2021 Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers from the Young Adult Library Services Association and was on their list of 2021 Great Graphic Novels for Teens. It has received at least six starred reviews.
VERDICT: Long Way Down: The Graphic Novel is a gripping exploration of grief and the cyclical nature of revenge, asking readers to see humanity beyond the violent actions. It would be a powerful addition to libraries at the high school level and up.
I recommend reading the original novel, Long Way Down, if you haven't already!
DeleteSnapdragon by Kat Leyh Ages 10-14(I think it would be better for 12 and up)
ReplyDeleteEvery town has their resident legend or tall tale. Snapdragon’s town claims to have a witch! Snapdragon, Snap for short, runs into the witch as she looks for her lost dog. What Snap discovers is that the witch, Jacks, is just a strange woman who sells the reconstructed skeletons of roadkill. Snap needs Jacks help and agrees to work with her in exchange. The reader is introduced to Snap’s inner circle: her mom who works and is going to school and her new friend Louis who is struggling with identity. As Snap works with Jacks she learns more about being true to yourself, the power Jacks has and she may have as well and a long lost connection to her own family! Snap learns about herself with the help of those who love her and proves herself to be a hero for the next generation.
Strengths: Characters are relatable, showing young kids who do not know how they fit in and question if they are “normal”. We also see examples of positive loving relationships as well as harmful examples. Snapdragon’s illustrations depict diverse characters and focus on black characters in a variety of shades. Open discussions are had about sexuality, identity and being comfortable with yourself. Characters are encouraged to be honest but the story does show the harassment that can come from society. The story is engaging, introduces themes of magic, family, friendship, love of animals and showcases several heroes.
This novel does cover many mature themes which may make it a more appropriate choice for a middle school library vs. an elementary school. Some of the transitions make it seem like some of the background was left out so the story can be challenging to follow at times.
Verdict:
This would make a great addition to middle or high school libraries. The mature content offers a wonderful way for students to connect to important social topics and have authentic conversation. The characters desire to be happy as their true selves is a theme relatable for readers of all backgrounds.
Have you read Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor? Amazon says, "Affectionately dubbed "the Nigerian Harry Potter," Akata Witch weaves together a heart-pounding tale of magic, mystery, and finding one's place in the world." I think it might pair well with this book.
DeleteNimona, a spunky shape-shifting teenager, self-anoints herself as the evil sidekick of the kingdom’s villain, Lord Ballister Blackheart. However there is more to both Nimona and Lord Blackheart than meets the eye. Set in a half-medieval half-futuristic world that runs on hero-villain tropes, this graphic novel delightfully subverts expectations and plays on fairy tale archetypes in a refreshing way. Humorous and quick-witted, the villainous characters are loveable and engaging. The twisting plot keeps the reader guessing, and the beautiful artwork transforms the story beyond the dialogue and text, with hidden plot details and symbolic character design changes.
ReplyDeleteThe ending of the graphic novel feels a little anticlimactic and rushed, as major conflicts and mysteries are quickly resolved in the last couple pages. This may be due to the fact that Nimona began as a web comic series. Similarly, the relationship between Lord Blackheart and his sworn nemesis Sir Goldeloin feels underdeveloped and thrown in at the end.
Nimona is written for grades 8-12. The graphic novel does grow increasingly darker in content, which may be surprising for audience members who enjoyed the lighthearted and playful beginning. This graphic novel would also appeal to adults that are interested in fantasy tropes, web comics and retrofuturistic stories. For educators, Nimona’s artwork and plot would lend itself to units on symbolism and character archetypes.
A National Book Award finalist, Nimona would make a great addition to all high school libraries. Simultaneously lighthearted and thought-provoking, Nimona will keep readers intrigued with the mystery, relationships and artwork throughout the novel.
Thanks for sharing about this book, and your family book club, with us in class.
Delete- Jody Eskro
ReplyDeleteWhere the Stars are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed is a graphic novel about two Somali boys living in a Refugee Camp in Kenya. The boys were separated from their family members and are being looked after by an elderly woman in the camp. As the boys navigate their life in the camp they watch as others are sent to America and Canada and while they want to leave their camp there is also something about leaving while so many others are forced to stay that doesn’t sit right with the main character. This book was written for students aged 9-13 but will appeal to older readers as well. The biggest strength of this book is the beautiful artwork. The images are full color and tell the story incredibly well. In addition, the story is complicated in best way. It is the kind of page turner that tugs at your heart strings and will motivate you to finish reading. Also, it features a character with a disability in such a positive way. For a weakness it was really difficult to think of one but the beginning can take a couple of pages to really get hooked. Once you fall in love with these characters though, you won’t be able to put it down.
ReplyDeleteVerdict: This hauntingly beautiful graphic novel about living in a refugee camp will be checked out over and over again in your media center.
Not related, but this was by far my favorite book that I’ve read for this class!
This was your favorite book for class! I have it on hold at the library and am eagerly awaiting my turn to read it.
DeleteI was hesitant prior to reading Dragon Hoops by Gene Luan Yang. It is a thick, hardcover book and I am not a huge fan of graphic novels. After reading the first few pages, however, I could not put the book down. Dragon Hoops breaks the 4th dimension, as Yang highlights his own journey documenting the basketball team at the school teaches at. At first glance, this graphic novel is a typical sports book but it is much more than that. Yang discusses the history of basketball, the sexism and racism involved in the evolution of the sport, and the impact that sports can have on people struggling to find a place.
ReplyDeleteAccording to his website, Yang wrote Dragon Hoops for students ages 14-18. There are a few heavy conversations related to race, sex, and sexual violence, however, this book could appeal to students as young as 12, especially those interested in sports. It could also appeal to adult readers interested in sports and the history of sports. People who enjoy beautiful illustrations may also like reading this book.
There are so many strengths of this book. The illustrations are beautifully made with the utmost attention to detail. The whole time I was reading, I was in awe of Yang's character development and how much intention was behind every conversation the characters had. Finally, the history and impact of basketball was woven in without making the book feel like a historical fiction novel.
Dragon Hoops was a Printz nominee in 2021 and won the Harvey Book of the Year Award in 2020.
Verdict: This striking graphic novel is about basketball but also about so much more. It will engage all sorts of readers.
~Zoe
It's true, the sheer size of a book, before even reading the first page can feel daunting, no matter the age of the reader!
Delete