Book Review: The Nameless City

NAMELESS CITY by Faith Erin Hicks is the first book in an engaging action-adventure graphic novel trilogy.

Designed for middle grades, the graphic novel adventure is set in a city whose name is constantly changing as a steady stream of invaders occupy the nation. To locals, the place is simply known as the Nameless City. Kaidu belongs to the latest occupiers. As he explores the city, he meets a local called Rat and they become friends. Together they learn about each other and work together to save their city from a new invader.

Librarians will find that graphic novel fans will be drawn to the timeless, full-color illustrations. Readers will enjoy the smart, complex characters and fast-paced storyline. This quick read will be a popular additional to the library’s graphic novel collection. Readers will be lining up for the next book in this trilogy.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.faitherinhicks.com/.

Published on April 5, 2016 by First Second, an imprint of Macmillan. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Red's Planet

RED’S PLANET by Eddie Pittman is the first book in a new, science fiction graphic novel series for middle grade readers.

When Red stows away on a UFO to get away from her foster family, she begins an adventure that crosses the galaxy. After her spaceship crashes, Red and an odd assortment of aliens must survive on a hostile planet.

The high-quality, color illustrations and fast-paced story will easily attract readers to this new science fiction series. Librarians will find a large audience for this graphic novel among readers of Bone, Amulet, Hilo, and the many other middle grade fantasy series. Fans of Eddie Pittman and his Disney series Phineas and Ferb will enjoy the familiar batter of characters and nonstop action.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.eddiepittman.com/.

Published by Amulet Books, an imprint of ABRAMS on April 19, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: You Were Here

YOU WERE HERE by Cori McCarthy tells the riveting tale of a group of teens on a graduation night quest.

On the fifth anniversary of her brother’s death, Jaycee revisits the playground where he died and decides to recreate his daredevil stunt. Caught in the act by her friends, the group sets out on an adventure to recreate Jake’s stunts. Told in alternating chapters through the eyes of Jaycee and her friends, readers are immersed in the lives of young adults coming-of-age.

What makes this title particularly compelling is the unusual ways characters expresses their story. For instance, some characters use visuals rather than narrative. While Bishop shares graffiti, Mik speaks through works of sequential art. These nontraditional approaches add engaging layers to the story.

Librarians will find that McCarthy’s writing style will appeal to young adult readers. The fast-paced plot will keep teens engaged from beginning to end. With a hint of romance, this contemporary story will appeal to most youth who enjoy realistic fiction. The strong character development and intriguing story make it one of the best picks of the season season.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.corimccarthy.com/.

Published by Sourcebooks Fire on March 1, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Stratford Zoo Midnight Revue Presents... series

THE STRATFORD ZOO MIDNIGHT REVUE PRESENTS graphic novel series by Ian Lendler and Zack Giallongo is an engaging way to introduce youth to the works of Shakespeare.

Designed for the middle grades, Macbeth is the first book in this graphic novel series. A group of animals puts on plays for an animal audience at their zoo. Their first production is MacBeth. This child-friendly retelling includes the basic structure of the play along with hilarious comments from the audience during the performance. Although the most famous lines are evident, the play is shortened to focus on just the key elements.

Romeo and Juliet is the second book in this growing graphic novel series. In this fantasy adaptation of the famous play, animals are both the actors and the audience members. The brightly colored illustrations will draw young readers into the story and provide an engaging introduction Shakespeare for middle grade youth.

Librarians will find this series to be a wonderful way to introduce Shakespeare’s greatest works. Consider building literature circles that focus on each of Shakespeare’s key works.

To learn more about Ian Lendler, go to http://ianlendler.com/.
To learn more about Zack Giallongo, go to http://zackgiallongo.com/.

Published by FirstSecond, an imprint of Macmillan.

Book Review: Secret Coders

SECRET CODERS by Gene Luen Yang and Mike Holmes combines an appealing action adventure with concepts related to computer programming.

When Hopper arrives at Stately Academy, she has a tough time fitting in until she meets a boy who shares her passion for solving the school’s mysteries. Together, they use binary numbers and beginning computer programming to unlock secrets kept by the school’s custodian.

Written for middle grades students, the graphic novel seamlessly weaves mathematics and computer science concepts into a witty school story. The attractive illustrations contribute both to the engrossing tale, as well as understanding of the math concepts.

Librarians will find that this book appeals to children who enjoy smart school stories. It also provides librarians with the chance to promote nonfiction books related to codes, computer programming, and robotics. Connect the book with makerspace activities related to STEAM. Mystery lovers will also enjoy the story’s unusual cast of characters.

Teachers will find this new series to be a wonderful way to help young computer scientists learn programming concepts. The memorable stories provide a meaningful context for remembering key ideas.

To learn more about this amazing new series, go to http://www.secret-coders.com/.

Published by FirstSecond, an imprint of Macmillan on September 29, 2015.

Book Review: Hilo: The Boy Who Crashed to Earth

HILO: THE BOY WHO CRASHED TO EARTH by Judd Winick is the first book in the new Hilo graphic novel, science fiction series for middle grade readers.

Readers will be enthralled with this exciting story featuring an ordinary boy named D.J. that meets a mysterious boy who falls from the sky. D.J., along with his friend Gina, help the strange other-worldly boy save the world. While children will be drawn to the robots and non-stop action, the story also features important themes related to friendship, acceptance, loyalty, and bravery.

The bright, colorful illustrations combined with the action-packed plot will have readers cheering for our latest graphic novel heroes. Librarians will find a huge audience among middle grade children who are thirsty for age-appropriate graphic novel titles. Librarians will appreciate the diverse cast of characters.

To learn more about the author, go to his website at http://www.juddspillowfort.com/.

Published by Random House Books for Young Readers on September 1, 2015.

Book Review: Baba Yaga's Assistant

BABA YAGA’s ASSISTANT by Marika McCoola is an engaging middle-grade graphic novel fantasy featuring a central character in Russian folklore.

Masha isn’t looking forward to a new stepmother and stepsister, so she decides to leave the family and apply for a job as Baba Yaga’s apprentice. She inherited a love of folklore and bit of magic from her grandmother, but that may not be enough to save her from this supernatural old woman who preys on children and flies around in a mortar wielding a pestle.

McCoola builds a convincing bridge between old folklore and modern society in this well-written, fast-paced graphic fantasy. Emily Carroll’s convincing illustrations draw readers into the plot. Of particular note are the beautifully bordered folktale sequences woven throughout the story.

This spooky, yet lighthearted tale will delight readers who enjoy fairy tales, but it will also be a hit with graphic novel fans. Librarians looking for age-appropriate graphic novels for middle grade children will be thrilled with this short, illustrated work. Teachers will enjoy the many curriculum connections related to folklore.

Published by Candlewick Press on August 4, 2015.