Category: Middle Grade

Posted in Fiction, Graphic Novels, Middle Grade, Teen, Tween Reads, Young Adult/New Adult

Tales from the TBR: More Winx Club!

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Winx Club Vol. 2: Friends, Monsters, and Witches!, by Iginio Straffi & Rainbow S.p.A., (June 2024, Papercutz), $14.99, ISBN: 9781545800805

Ages 7-12

The second collected volume of Winx Club reprints three classic stories from Winx Club’s 2004 run: In “A Friend for Bloom”, Bloom tells Musa, Tecna, and Flora how she came to Alfea, and how Stella helped her realize that she is a fairy. “Prisoner of the Dark” sees Bloom caught by the Trix, who trap her inside a tree. “The Swamp Monster” sees the Trix return to make more mischief when the Specialists notice animal carcasses in the swamp – just as the Winx are near the swamp on assignment. Middle graders and middle schoolers who enjoy Disney’s W.I.T.C.H. series will enjoy this collected volume, as will your anime and manga Magical Girl fans.

I’ve discovered that having the Winx Club Wiki on hand has been helpful for some of my graphic novel readers: it’s a good resource for anyone interested in learning more about the series, with in-depth profiles on the characters and resources on the various series, episode breakdowns, movies, and more.

 

Fate: The Winx Saga Vol.1 : Dark Destiny, by Olivia Cuartero-Briggs/Illustrated by Christianne Gillenardo-Goudreau, (August 2024, Mad Cave Studios), $14.99, ISBN: 9781960578938

Ages 12+

Folks, this is a Winx Club for middle school and beginning high schoolers! Fate is an original graphic novel and a continuation of the Netflix series (2021-2022). Set in the magical school of Alfea, this group of fairies is coping with the loss of their friend, Bloom, after she left to find her mother in the Realm of Darkness. The group is attacked with new powers and find themselves up against an enemy they’ve never experienced before. Is Bloom going to come back and save the day? The illustration has a more YA graphic novel feel – less bright, characters are more realistic with a soft cartoon feel; think Molly Knox Ostertag, Faith Erin Hicks, or M. Duffy. Fate brings Winx Club to a slightly older audience, whether it’s tweens and teens that have moved on from the earlier Winx series, are fans of the Netflix series, or are just ready for a magical series geared toward them. It’s a good investment for you graphic novel series, if you have fantasy readers.

Posted in Fiction, Horror, Middle Grade, Tween Reads

Remy Lai goes horror with Read at Your Own Risk

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Read at Your Own Risk, by Remy Lai, (Aug. 2024, Henry Holt & Co.), $13.99, ISBN: 9781250323354

Ages 8-12

Lai goes full-on horror with her latest book, and I am delighted. I have been a fan of Lai’s since I read Pie in the Sky and love her talent for tender family stories. With Read at Your Own Risk, the author uses an illustrated diary format, similar to Pie in the Sky but with more illustration. The book reads as the diary of a girl named Hannah, who played a game with her friends but is now cursed, and is filled with the creepiest, crawliest storytelling that will delight middle graders. Lai’s characters remind me of Junji Ito’s human characters, sporting wide black eyes and creepy smiles; during Hannah’s interactions with the spirit – played out in the diary itself – we get loose teeth, drops of blood, and sinister wordplay. Illustrations are black and white, with splashes of red for gore – I mean, good – measure. Your Goosebumps readers are going to squeal with terrified joy at this one. A must-purchase.

Read at Your Own Risk has a starred review from Kirkus.

Posted in Fiction, Fiction, Graphic Novels, Intermediate, Middle Grade

Tales from the TBR: The Adventures of Penguin & Panda

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

The Adventures of Penguin and Panda: Surprise!, by Brenda Maier/Illustrated by Fanni Mézes, (Apr. 2024, Marble Press), $9.99, ISBN: 9781958325056

Ages 6-10

Geared toward emerging readers, this sweet graphic novel is the first in a new series and perfect for readers who love Mo Willems’s Elephant and Piggie and Ben Clanton’s Narwhal and Jelly stories. Penguin and Panda are best friends who go on easygoing adventures. Surprise! contains four short stories, all with an emphasis on friendship and gentle humor: the two go on a picnic, play hide and seek, take an art class, and try to keep a surprise secret from the other. Penguin is little bit high-strung and Panda is imaginative and kind, always looking out for Penguin. The dialogue between the two characters is lively, funny, and kind. Illustrations are adorable, with Penguin sporting ponytails and a pink sweater, and Panda’s body language is open and expressive. Consider adding this to your intermediate graphic novel sections if you haven’t already. There are two Adventures of Penguin and Panda available now; a third will be on shelves in October. Visit Marble Press’s Resources page for free downloadable worksheets and activities.

Posted in Fiction, Middle Grade, Science Fiction, Tween Reads

Tales from the TBR: Realia by Ulric Alvin Watts

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Realia, by Ulric Alvin Watts, (Oct. 2020, Smashwords), $2.99 (e-book), ISBN: 9781005273897

Ages 8-12

Graeme Pendlebury is the smartest kid in his fifth grade class, which means he’s got to be the smartest kid in his K-5 school, right? He sees himself going to MIT after high school, because that’s where “high-tech, cuttingedge, things that obviously very smart people must have worked on”, and he’s very interested in robots, solar-powered race cars, new personal computing technology, and the Internet. Set in the late ’90s, Watts’s young hero is a child prodigy who’s ripe for a sci-fi adventure, and he finds one during a trip to the Computer Museum at MIT, where he receives a valuable gift and meets a mysterious new teacher at school whose classes are strange at best. Once Graeme’s blissful fog brought on by his good fortune clears, he realizes that there is a something very strange going on, and it’s up to him to save the human race. Kirkus sums it up best by calling Realia “Isaac Asimov meets a sci-fi version of Goosebumps”. There are aliens, conspiracies, and space and time travel, all set in a time before social media and starring a fifth grade boy who’s ahead of his class and possibly, his time. It’s a relatively short and quick read that sci-fi fans will enjoy. Currently, it’s available as an ebook; if you have Libby/Sora/e-book readers, consider a purchase.

Posted in Fiction, Fiction, Graphic Novels, Intermediate, Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction

Another kids’ classic goes graphic: Amber Brown is Not a Crayon

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Amber Brown is Not a Crayon: The Graphic Novel, by Paula Danziger/Illustrated by Victoria Ying, (May 2024, G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers), $9.99, ISBN: 9780593615706

Ages 7-10

Full disclosure: I don’t think I’ve ever read any of the Amber Brown novels, which is insane, considering I’m a kids’ librarian. That said, I thoroughly enjoyed the graphic novel adaptation of Amber Brown is Not a Crayon, illustrated by Victoria Ying, who also wrote and illustrated last year’s YA graphic novel Hungry Ghost. Ying captures Amber Brown’s playful, quirky spirit and the close friendship she has with Justin, who is moving to Alabama, where his father has relocated for a better job. Ying uses bright, happy colors for Amber’s storytelling, with moody, purplish and green washes to denote painful memories: Amber’s parents arguing; her father leaving; Justin’s family packing up their home. Frustrated at trying to communicate her feelings, she and Justin have a falling out over a shared ball of gum, but reconcile right before the move; Justin confesses to having a hard time talking about his feelings, too. The art is appealing and the story stays relatable: themes of friendship, separating, and talking about our feelings will resonate with kids. Kids who love The Baby-Sitter Club and The Baby-Sitter’s Little Sisters will gobble these up.

Amber Brown is Not a Crayon: The Graphic Novel has a starred review from Kirkus.

 

Posted in Fiction, Middle Grade

The Peaches are back… with a mystery!

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

The Great Peach Experiment 4: Duck, Duck, Peach, by Erin Soderberg Downing, (Apr 2024, Pixel Ink), $9.99, ISBN: 9781645952428

Ages 8-12

The fourth outing in the Great Peach Experiment series follows the family as they settle into their B&B business and brace for a glut of guests as the Festival of Ships sails into town. The big attraction is the WORLD’S LARGEST RUBBER DUCK; a giant rubber duck that town curmudgeon Ms. Joye is hoping will bring her family to town to visit. The Peach siblings all have their hands full preparing for the festival: Lucy is dealing with the guests, who are… a lot; Freddy and his friends are set to build a record-breaking giant cardboard castle; and Herb is helping out any way he can. The big problem happens after a storm, when the giant rubber duck goes missing! Did the world’s worst magician, who happens to be staying at The Peach Pit, magic it away? Did it blow away during the storm? It’s a fun family mystery loaded with laughs. This is my first Peach outing, and while it would definitely give readers more context to be familiar with the characters, it’s not necessary; Downing gives first-time readers the basics that also provide a refresh for existing fans of the series. Dad Peach is widowed and raising his family with the help of Great Aunt Lucinda, and they’re engaged adults; the Peach kids are the stars of the book, but their grownups are an active part of their lives. Black and white illustrations from Freddy Peach’s sketchbook (drawn by the author’s children) and a recipe for monkey bread (created by the author’s daughter) add some extra fun. If you haven’t met the Peaches yet, this is a fun summer adventure with which to start.

Posted in Middle Grade, Non-Fiction, Non-fiction, Tween Reads

AANHPI Month Reads: Exclusion and the Chinese American Story

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Exclusion and the Chinese American Story (Race to the Truth), by Sarah-SoonLing Blackburn, (March 2024, Crown Books for Young Readers), $8.99, ISBN: 9780593567630

Ages 10-14

The Race to the Truth series is a middle grade/middle school series that takes an unvarnished look at marginalized communities in American history. Exclusion and the Chinese American Story traces the history of Chinese people in America. Tied closely to the history of African Americans in America, Blackburn begins with the Chinese arrival on U.S. shores during the Gold Rush, hoping to pursue their part of the American Dream. They quickly found themselves “othered” by the white men that legislated their very existence while paying them poverty wages to do the work that white men could no longer force Black Americans to do. Blackburn discusses racial hierarchies and how the Chinese moved along that hierarchy as American politicians needed them; Angel Island, where immigrants on the West Coast languished while waiting to be admitted to America; the practice of “paper sons and daughters” in attempts to circumvent racial legislation; and where we stand today in terms of racial diversity. She includes photos of primary sources and spotlights individuals like Ho Ah Kow, a laborer who successfully sued a San Francisco sheriff over racially motivated local ordinances, and Anna May Wong, the first Chinese film star in Hollywood. Easily readable, each chapter offers thought- and discussion-provoking questions to consider. Back matter includes resources and an extensive bibliography. Informative, well-written, and a frank look at how far we still have to go in terms of racial equity.

Posted in Fiction, Graphic Novels, Middle Grade, Teen, Tween Reads, Uncategorized, Young Adult/New Adult

Graphic Novels catchup!

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

I fell a bit behind from reviews between life and the fact that I have trouble turning anything down (it’s really hard to Read All the Books! no matter how much one wants to), but I am giving it a college try. So here’s a catchup of some graphic novels that are already out, but that you may not have been able to check out yet.

 

The Blue Stars: Mission One: The Vice Principal Problem, by Kekla Magoon & Cynthia Leitich Smith/Illustrated by Molly Murakami, (March 2024, Candlewick Press), $22.99

Ages 8-12

A new middle grade series from middle grade powerhouses? Yes, please! Magoon and Smith take on social issues with a sensitivity and voice that middle graders will appreciate. Riley Halfmoon and Maya Dawn are cousins who move to Urbanopolis to live with their activist grandma. Riley isses her Muscogee cousins, and Maya misses her parents, but at school, they each join clubs and start getting into the swing of things just as their school culture is threatened. Using their talents, the two decide to join forces and go after the bad guy. Taking aim at money, power, and corruption, Magoon and Smith make their protagonists relatable and likable; they value family and community, and have rich diversity around them. An excellent pick for graphic novel collections, Blue Stars is the first in a new series. Visit The Blue Stars website for author information and tour dates and a free downloadable discussion guide.

The Blue Stars: Mission One has starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Kirkus.

Winx Club Vol. 1: Welcome to Magix, by Iginio Straffi (Created by) & Rainbow S.p.A., (Jan. 2024, Papercutz), $14.99, ISBN: 9781545811375

Ages 7-12

I have fond memories of Winx Club back in the early 00s; my older sons loved the show when it was on Nickelodeon! It was bright and cheery with a lot of action, and they were here for it, so seeing it some years later brought back some nice memories. That said, this book is an insta-hit with the kids at my library. They love anything magical girl, and this take on the Japanese magical girl subgenre is colorful, upbeat, and a lot of fun. Originally created by Italian animator Straffi, the show had some popularity with American audiences and is looking at a 2025 reboot, so it’s a good time to introduce readers to the series.

Volume 1: Welcome to Magix does not assume readers have any prior knowledge of the Winx universe, so you’re good. It’s the origin story, where Bloom, a fairy warrior, goes to Magix Fairy School , and meets a group of besties with superpowers of their own. They take on monsters and witches, and learn about themselves through their adventures and their developing friendships. The action is fast-paced and readers are going to gobble it up. If you’re looking for anime and manga-adjacent books for younger readers, consider Winx Club for your collections. Talk this up to your W.I.T.C.H. readers!

 

School for Extraterrestrial Girls ,Vol 2: Girls in Flight, by Jeremy Whitley/Illustrated by Jamie Noguchi, (Nov. 2023, Papercutz), $12.99, ISBN: 9781545806968

Ages 8-12

We finally have a sequel! Four years ago, Whitley and Noguchi released the first School for Extraterrestrial Girls and it was so good. I am so happy that a second volume is on shelves, because this is such a good story. When we last left Tara, Misako, Summer, Kat and friends, the school had been destroyed in the big final battle. Taking place immediately on the heels of Volume 1, Girls in Flight has the students moving to a new, hidden school where they will wait out their school’s reconstruction. The location: The School for Extraterrestrial Boys! The girls are staying in summer lake cabins while the boys stay in the castle where classes are held, and we get some romances in the story. We also get creepy Headmaster Stokes, who has a creepy obsession with Tara and her people. Whitley delves into burgeoning crushes, representation and diversity, and, naturally, a nefarious plot or two. The art is fantastic, with color and movement throughout. It’s another great story, and I hope school isn’t out of session for too long before we get a Volume 3. Give this to your fantasy readers; best for middle school, while some elementary kids will love the fantasy aspects.

 

Aya: Claws Come Out, by Marguerite Abouet & Clément Oubrerie, Translated by Edwige Dro, (Feb. 2024, Drawn & Quarterly), $24.95, ISBN: 9781770467019

Ages 14+

This is a YA and New Adult graphic novel series set in the Ivory Coast; a slice-of-life look into the lives of a group of people living in middle-class Africa. Aya is a college student and new intern at Solibra, a beer company. She finds herself at odds with the head of human resources, while her friend, Moussa is desperate for his CEO father’s attention. Her friend Albert has to find a new place to live after being outed, and his ex, Inno, discovers that the life of an undocumented immigrant in France can be difficult. Didier just wants to take Aya out to dinner, but Aya doesn’t seem to have the time, and Bintou discovers soap opera stardom comes with drawbacks. Translated from French and set in the 1980s, Claws Come Out is an interesting look at life in Africa at the time, but without reading previous Aya books, readers may be lost. Pacing and panel placement can feel disjointed. Purchasing all 6 books may be an expense in this budget crunch, but if you are interested in testing the title, try one or two of the first books in the series and see how they do before purchasing others.

The Inventor: The Dangerous Discovery, by Lars Henrik Eriksen, (Jan. 2024, Papercutz), $12.99, ISBN: 9781545811481

Ages 7-12

You know I can’t go long without recommending a STEM/STEAM book. The Inventor is that book. This first volume introduces readers to Cobalt Cogg and his grandfather, Alfred. The two live on the island of Mata-Mata, and Cobalt wants to be an inventor just like Alfred. There’s a problem when Cobalt and his friend Linnea get into an accident with one of Alfred’s inventions, and Cobalt must find a way to recover and move past his grief with the help of his friends and family. Touching on themes of grief and loss, tinkering and Alpha-Energy, Eriksen creates a tale that is interesting and touching. The look and feel is Miyazaki-influenced, so consider booktalking this to any Miyzaki fans you may have.

Volume 2 is due out in September, so your readers won’t have to wait too long if you invest them in the series now!

Posted in Fiction, Fiction, Graphic Novels, Intermediate, Middle Grade

Winnie the Pooh gets the graphic novel treatment!

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Winnie-the-Pooh, by A.A. Milne & Travis Dandro, (Apr. 2024, Drawn & Quarterly), $29.95, ISBN: 9781770466968

Ages 7+

PEN Graphic Novel Award winner Travis Dandro introduces a new generation of readers to the Hundred Acre Wood and its most famous inhabitants in his graphic novel adaptation of A.A. Milne’s classic, Winnie the Pooh. Winnie the Pooh entered the public domain in 2015, allowing for a graphic novel retelling. And what a perfect time for it! Graphic novels are more popular than ever, and Pooh’s stories are ready to speak to a new audience while revisiting old friends and readers. Faithful to Milne’s storytelling, Dandro lays out each story in black and white art, giving a soft comic book feel to the characters.  Features are softer, rounder, and Fans of the original stories will love Dandro’s interpretation. Removing the omniscient narrator, he gives characters dialogue and uses spreads and playful panels to tell the stories, adding amusing moments like Rabbit’s 11-step plan to “capture Baby Roo”, showing Rabbit reading from a sheet of paper while the list is laid out in enumerated detail. Endpapers show a map of the Hundred Acrew Wood and key locations from the stories. Dandro also created a brand-new story exclusively for the new volume. There are some lump-in-the-throat moments, beautifully interpreted and reimagined, and the famous moments – Pooh getting stuck in the “tight place” and Owl’s discovering Eeyore’s tail, for a couple – all here to enchant new readers. A lovely addition to graphic novel and classics collections.