Book Review: Yvain

YVAIN: THE KNIGHT OF THE LION by M.T. Anderson is a graphic novel set in the world of King Arthur’s court.

Based on Chrétien de Troyes’ 12th century epic poem, Sir Yvain is a knight who encounters two women who are each powerful in their own way. Sword fights and battles with dragons provide balance to this medieval romance. The book concludes with an excellent author’s note and illustrator’s note detailing the background and inspiration for the book.

Librarians will find teens who enjoy medieval stories and graphic novels drawn to both the story and the illustrations. Fans of M.T. Anderson will be happy to see him embracing the graphic novel format. Graphic novel lovers will enjoy the sophisticated graphics and well-illustrated story. Teachers may wish to weave this graphic novel into a literature course.

Published by Candlewick on March 14, 2017. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: One Today

ONE TODAY is a picture book adaptation of Richard Blanco’s amazing poem written for President Barack Obama’s second presidential inauguration.

Blanco’s poem tells the story of a day in America from early morning through night.

Best known for his comic series such as Captain Underpants, Dav Pilkey brings the poem alive through his vibrantly painted illustrations.

Librarians will find this picture book to be an excellent read-aloud book.

To learn more about the poet, go to http://richard-blanco.com/.

Published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Hachette on November 3, 2015. Review copy courtesy of publisher.

App Review: Shakespeare

SHAKESPEARE by PlayShakespeare is a free app containing the complete works of Shakespeare.

With 41 plays, 154 sonnets, and 6 poems, students can search by exact or relaxed words or phrases. The free version contains options for changing color combinations along with fonts and text sizes. In addition to the text itself, students can also read detailed scene breakdowns.

The pro-version contains line numbers, a glossary, and other useful additional features.

Librarians will find this to be a practical resource for students seeking the works of Shakespeare for their English classes.

To learn more about the app, go to http://bit.ly/shakesfaqs.