Re-Gifters by Mike Carey [Graphic Novel]

High school is a pretty tricky time.  So, finding the “perfect” gift for a guy you like — and then finding out that he re-gifted it to someone else — can be rather traumatizing.  It is certainly made worse, however, when you take into consideration that the gift was bought with the money that your parents intended for you to use as an entry fee to a hapkido competition.  There is still the chance of winning a ticket to compete in the tournament, but what if you don’t get in?  How will you ever tell your parents what you’ve done?

Happy Reading!

Star Wars: Tag & Bink Were Here by Kevin Rubio [Graphic Novel]

My husband is a huge geek — and I mean that in the nicest possible way! Seriously. Since Star Wars is one of the geeky things he loves, and I am all about helping him get a Star Wars fix, I decided to bring home this graphic novel a while back. And, since I am not nearly as knowledgeable about Star Wars as my husband, I thought this graphic novel was a nice way to level the playing field — because the two main characters, Tag & Bink, are not among the members of the original, well-known Star Wars character lineup.

Tag & Bink are two officers on a ship that is overtaken by the Empire. Rather than face certain death, they decide to “borrow” some armor from a couple of dead stormtroopers. While it is a good way to blend in, nevertheless, looking like stormtroopers does not necessarily make life any easier for the pair. Between cameos of classic/favorite characters, tons of action, and lots of laughs, this book is sure to please even the most avid of Star Wars fans.

Happy Reading!

The Professor’s Daughter by Joann Sfar & Emmanuel Guibert [Graphic Novel]

It has been a while since I actually read this book, but I remember the experience quite well. The whole time I was reading, I kept thinking, “This makes absolutely no sense!” An archaeologist’s daughter falls in love with Imhotep, a mummy, who has been dead for centuries but is somehow still “alive” enough to walk and talk? And then she is kidnapped by another mummy, but finds him repulsive because he is a mummy.

Don’t get me wrong — I actually enjoyed it and found much of it rather clever and/or humorous. It was just a little weird for my tastes. (And, yes, I do realize that it is strange for me to find this book “weird” when I am so in love with Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series!)

Happy Reading!

Salmon Doubts by Adam Sacks [Graphic Novel]

Have you ever wondered what life was all about — like, why are we all here? Or how to go about talking to that cute guy/girl you’ve had your eye on? Have you ever felt pressure to conform to what society considers normal? If so, you’re not alone.

In this graphic novel, a salmon named Geoff tries figure out who he is, why he exists, and what he really wants to do with his life. Full of typical teen angst, this graphic novel is witty and, at times, laugh out loud funny. I laughed especially hard over the conversation about one [teenage] salmon’s obsession with sex (spawning):

“Spawn, spawn, spawn, spawn, spawn, spawn. Is that all you care about?”
“Hey! If it wasn’t for spawning, we wouldn’t be alive. That’s what we’re here for!”

The scene with the “alien abduction” (a fish who was caught by humans and then released back into the water) was pretty funny too. Overall, this book is a great example of how a light approach can get you pretty far when you’re dealing with some pretty heavy topics. If nothing more, this is a fun book. Still, it can serve to be a great philosophical conversation starter if you so desire.

Happy Reading!

The Plain Janes by Cecil Castellucci [Graphic Novel]

After she is injured in a bombing in Metro City, Jane’s parents decide to move her out to the suburbs. Determined to start over better than before, Jane resists the temptation to try and “fit in” to become popular. Instead, she seeks out a table of misfits in the cafeteria. After introducing herself, she discovers something very ironic — they are all Janes (Jane, Jayne, and Polly Jane). After some initial hesitation, they agree to start a secret club called P.L.A.I.N. (People Loving Art In Neighborhoods) to liven up their town. Although some people like the art, others — including the police — try to stop the “art attacks.” I don’t know about you, but I think I like being PLAIN!

Happy Reading!

Déogratias, a Tale of Rwanda by Jean-Philippe Stassen [Graphic Novel]

Many people think of World War 2 and the holocaust as a thing of the past. Sadly, there are countries in Africa in which genocide is still taking place. In this graphic novel, we are introduced to a character named Déogratias — a young boy who has witnessed a lot of terrible things during Rwanda’s civil war. Told through a series of flashbacks, Déogratias’ story includes a lot of brutality and loss. The images of violence are somewhat graphic, but not over the top. Especially considering the wealth of historical information in the foreword, this graphic novel is a must read for teens and adults alike.

Happy Reading!

Sardine in Outer Space by Emmanuel Guilbert

This graphic novel is hilarious! Throughout the story, Supermuscleman, the “Chief Executive Officer” of the universe, is scheming to make children more obedient. Sardine, her cousin Louie, and her uncle, Captain Yellow Shoulder — along with the other orphans aboard the spaceship Huckleberry — are doing their best to foil his plans. Supermuscleman and his assistant, Doc Kroc, keep trying out different costumes, but the disguises are never good enough to fool our unlikely heroes.

Throughout the story, there are references that adults might “get” more than Tweens. [My personal favorite was the mention of a video game called No-Child-Left-Behind-School II.] The general tone is very appropo, nevertheless, with enough “gross” stuff for Tweens of both genders.

If you’ve never read a graphic novel, this would be a good place to start. The layout is very easy to follow, and the humor doesn’t stop!

Happy Reading!

American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang

I had never heard of Gene Luen Yang, nor had I ever seen any of his graphic novels. When every librarian on ADBOOKS started praising this graphic novel, though, I knew it was something I needed to read! I will be the first person to admit that I need to s-l-o-w d-o-w-n and make myself actually take time to look at the pictures of a graphic novel, but this one seemed, somehow, different. I found myself drawn into the story, wanting to find details in the pictures, and not just flying through the dialogue. I guess that could be one indication of greatness! Another is that this book just won the Michael J. Printz Award! If you haven’t ever taken the time to read a graphic novel, this would be a good place to start.

Happy Reading!

Writ in Stone [Nancy Drew, Girl Detective Graphic Novel] by Stefan Petrucha

This is a Nancy Drew, Girl Detective graphic novel — much like the Hardy Boys, Undercover Brothers graphic novels I discussed earlier. I used to read Nancy Drew books when I was younger, so I was interested in seeing how this format measured up to the novels. Well… There certainly is something to be said for pictures. If you don’t like reading, graphic novels are probably the better way to go. Instead of trudging through long descriptions of a crime scene, for instance, you are able to actually look at the crime scene. When it comes to surprises, though, I think the illustrator should work a little harder at not giving things away. I will try not to say too much, but let me say this much — I knew “who dun it” long before the end, and it was all because of an illustration that showed too much of the person’s face. Oops! That mistake aside, I think fans of Nancy Drew are highly likely to enjoy the graphic novels as well.

Happy Reading!

Babymouse: Our Hero by Jennifer Holm

In this latest graphic novel about Babymouse, we catch a glimpse of gym class at her school. Just like in the school I went to, there is a much-dreaded dodge ball tournament every year. The thing is, though, that Babymouse has always found a way to get out of participating… Until this year. Her teacher warns her that there will be no excuses — and that the class participation grade will go on everyone’s permanent record! What will Babymouse do?!? Will Felicia Furrypaws reign supreme again, or will Babymouse actually come through as her team’s hero? Find out for yourself!

Happy Reading!