As someone who remembers exactly where she was the day the Challenger exploded, I was still able to learn much from this well-done graphic novel. I adAs someone who remembers exactly where she was the day the Challenger exploded, I was still able to learn much from this well-done graphic novel. I admit I was a bit skeptical about a science fiction story about the Challenger, but the author treated the subject with just the right mix of reverence, irreverence, and science. The illustrations were incredibly helpful with understanding the workings of the craft and the bold, limited palette balanced patriotism and space rather well. ...more
The characters in this story captured my imagination. They were age appropriate and the school relationships were typical of middle school. I enjoyed The characters in this story captured my imagination. They were age appropriate and the school relationships were typical of middle school. I enjoyed the creative use of color and shading to enhance the two perspectives. The storyline was a bit implausible, but not impossibly so until the resolution. Marjorie's father popping up in the last pages as though magically cured of crippling depression was a bit troubling and unrealistic in my opinion....more
A wonderful coming-of-age story with a gourmet twist. Cici's plan to bring her grandmother from Taiwan for a visit finds her trying to balance her TaiA wonderful coming-of-age story with a gourmet twist. Cici's plan to bring her grandmother from Taiwan for a visit finds her trying to balance her Taiwanese heritage with fitting in, making friends, and discovering that what makes us different also makes us the same. The graphic format lends itself well to the story in the representations of food and foreign language. Excellent choice for upper elementary and middle school libraries....more
Couched as a story of the Louisiana Purchase, this Hazardous Tale paints a fascinating picture of the slave trade and Haitian Revolution. Nathan Hale Couched as a story of the Louisiana Purchase, this Hazardous Tale paints a fascinating picture of the slave trade and Haitian Revolution. Nathan Hale does an amazing job of placing U.S. history in the context of the time, something which middle and high school textbooks fail to do well. With humor, intrigue, and a fair dose of gore, this tale is sure to capture its intended audience and hold them fast....more
Twins Grayson and Hawke are in mortal danger after a coup leaves their Grandfather dead. They seek refuge in the Communion of Blue, a sisterhood that Twins Grayson and Hawke are in mortal danger after a coup leaves their Grandfather dead. They seek refuge in the Communion of Blue, a sisterhood that weaves the tapestries of life. While they are hiding, waiting for the time to expose the treachery, they learn more about themselves than they expected. The illustrations are rich with color, expression, and tell a bit of the story themselves. I found myself describing this book to a friend and realizing that I hope the author decides to develop the story further in a sequel....more
An account of the Holocaust through the eyes of children who survived. The graphic format adds an air of fear and desperation to the stories, told so An account of the Holocaust through the eyes of children who survived. The graphic format adds an air of fear and desperation to the stories, told so that they may be read by children who are new to learning about the Holocaust. Having grown up knowing many survivors and hearing their accounts, this book strikes me as an important addition to school libraries....more
I started this book thinking it would just be tales based on food and love. It ended up being so much more. The neighborhood, the stories, the multi-eI started this book thinking it would just be tales based on food and love. It ended up being so much more. The neighborhood, the stories, the multi-ethnicity represented, the teaspoons of fantasy folded in... I just loved it. Definitely for high school and up....more
A coming-of-age story that is excellent portrayal of siblings trying to find their own voices. Twins or not, most students will be able to recognize tA coming-of-age story that is excellent portrayal of siblings trying to find their own voices. Twins or not, most students will be able to recognize themselves in this story. Great addition to school libraries where Shannon Hale, Victoria Jamieson, and Raina Telgemeier books are popular....more
Great story, perfect for middle school. Has all the dynamics of changing friendships and finding your passions against the backdrop of the 70s and theGreat story, perfect for middle school. Has all the dynamics of changing friendships and finding your passions against the backdrop of the 70s and the Watergate Scandal. Some things don't change much over time....more
This was a wonderful read. Set in the past but utterly relatable today. Several plot lines masterfully woven together with the help of the deft hand oThis was a wonderful read. Set in the past but utterly relatable today. Several plot lines masterfully woven together with the help of the deft hand of Gurihiru. The essay, "Superman & Me" at the end was equally as captivating. I may need to order more copies for our library....more
This story starts simply, in a quiet tone punctuated with sudden breathtaking jolts. I found myself wanting to write a review about a quarter of the wThis story starts simply, in a quiet tone punctuated with sudden breathtaking jolts. I found myself wanting to write a review about a quarter of the way through just to talk about the author’s deft use of language which made me feel as though I had plopped myself into the most comfortable chair in which I’d ever sat. The characters are well-drawn and the imagery is stunning. This story is the most beautiful ode to moving through grief I’ve read in YA fiction and I found tears streaming down my face not only for the characters but for the realizations we all face when confronted with loss. Highly recommend for upper middle and high school....more
If you live U.S. history and/or Texas history, this is the book for you. Love this “Bigger & Badder” version with all the extras thrown in. Nathan GalIf you live U.S. history and/or Texas history, this is the book for you. Love this “Bigger & Badder” version with all the extras thrown in. Nathan Gale, keep these coming! My graphic novel guys will be battling over who gets this!...more
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