The Bramble by Lee Nordlling-NO

Nordling, Lee. Ill. By Bruce Zick. The Bramble. Pgs. 31. Calorhoda, 2013. Content: Violence: G, Mature Content: G Sexual Content: G. GRAPHIC NOVEL.

When a young boy walks away from a game, he heads into the woods and ends up in the Bramble. There, he meets monsters and extraordinary things happen. The pictures are too dark. There is no text, so the dark pictures make it really hard to figure out what is going on. Although the parts of the story you can figure out are enjoyable. I would not recommend for most libraries. EL, MS. NO. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, WHI Public Library.

Red Handed: The Fine Art of Strange Crimes by Matt Kindt –NO

Kindt, Matt Red Handed: The Fine Art of Strange Crimes 272 pgs. First Second, 2013. $26.99  Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: G. GRAPHIC NOVEL

The city of Red Wheelbarrow has some sneaky criminals. There is a woman with the inability to stop stealing chairs, a photographer who sets people up for tragic moments, a magician who can’t stop using his slight of hand skills, and an elevator repair man who takes pictures when he shouldn’t, and more. Decective Gould is trying to solve these crimes, that is what he is good at, and he just knows there is a common thread between them all.

A homage to old school crime fiction, we are presented with graphic novel art that includes newspaper print, changes in format, and lots of pale washed out figures (like the faded color on old newspaper print). The story is all over the place and I had trouble telling some of the characters apart. I never did bond with the main character of the detective. This book is for a hard core fan of graphic novels, maybe even a bit of a hipster. I don’t think students would seek this one out in a school library unless they were a fan of the author.

HS –NO Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

The Great American Dust Bowl by Don Brown - ADVISABLE

Brown, Don The Great American Dust Bowl.  Illustrated by Brown, Don. PICTURE BOOK.  Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Books. 2013. $18.99.  Content: PG.

Comic book format with accurate details about the American Dust Bowl.  Walks readers through the tough times that occurred during the great Depression. Can be used by teachers in curriculum units pertaining to the Dust Bowl.  It is visually appealing and teaches about the Dust Bowl in an interesting way.  Students will enjoy a comic book style on an event so grim.

HS- ADVISABLE Reviewer: Mindy Tidwell

Spartan and the Green Egg: A Trip to the Rainforest by Nabila Khashoggi –NO

Khashoggi, Nabila and Illustrated by Cadag, Manuel  Spartan and the Green Egg: A Trip to the Rainforest 59 pgs. Full Cycle Publications, 2013. $13.89.  Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: G.

When Spartan tells his best friends about a book that teaches them how to communicate with aliens, they decide to give it a try. Not only does an alien egg appear in their tree house, but it communicates with them. It takes them to the Amazonian rain-forest, where they meet Amazon Natives, learn about logging and deforestation, and help to turn things around.

I had high hopes for this large glossy educational graphic novel. But one thing I am really picky about, especially with genres outside of historical fiction, is terminology. This book features Amazon Natives, but refers to them twice as just Indians. Worst of all one of the kids jokes that the Indians might boil them for dinner. Also these Amazon Natives are portrayed as extremely stereotypical Pocahontas style Native Americans. I am all for opening students eyes to the dangers of logging and deforestation of these precious rain-forests, but when they solve the problem purely with Alien magic (isn't that just handy?), it just doesn't work for me at all.

EL –NO Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

Delilah Dirk and the Turkish Lieutenant by Tony Cliff –ADVISABLE

Cliff, Tony Delilah Dirk and the Turkish Lieutenant 176 pgs. First Second, 2013. $12.09.  Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG. GRAPHIC NOVEL

Delilah Dirk is a free spirited adventurer in early 1800’s. She travels the globe in her flying boat taking jobs, stealing, and fighting. In Constantinople she meets up with Selim, a Turkish Lieutenant. When he becomes embroiled in her escapades, he must escape with her. Selim mostly just likes sitting with friends and making and drinking tea, so life on the road for him, in constant danger, is jarring. But life without it, without Delilah, might just be too dull…

Top notch fantastic illustrations. One scene was frame-worthy stunning. The action is non-stop and interesting. I did feel like this was a character introduction story, made only to set the foundation for a real story. I think students will love the strong female heroine and maybe the historical setting will interest them in history. Also, despite the cheesy romance title, the book is romance free -just a pure adventure and friendship story.

MS, HS –ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

Nothing Can Possibly Go Wrong by Prudence Shen –ADVISABLE

Shen, Prudence and Illustrated by Hicks, Faith Nothing Can Possibly Go Wrong 288 pgs. First Second, 2013. $12.22.  Content: Language: G (0 swears) Some grey area swears; Mature Content: G; Violence: PG.

High school student Charlie, has a plan. He is determined to get his robotics club the school funding it needs to enter a big competition. A key piece of this plan is to become President of the school council in order to ensure the funding goes to them…not the Cheerleaders. The cheerleaders are just as determined and force Nate, the captain of the basketball team to run against his friend. When all else fails, they whole lot of them team up to ensure their funding –entering their robot in a death match local competition for money. Will these enemies be able to work together and triumph?

I really liked this black and white graphic novel. It was a fun, fast paced read with lots of easily distinguishable characters that were full of personality. I liked that it wasn't romance heavy and the plot line was really creative. Why did I not rate it as Essential? The artwork, is good enough to tell the story but not exceptional.

MS, HS –ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

Templar by Jordan Mechner –ADVISABLE

Mechner, Jordan and Illustrated by Pham, LeUyen and Puvilland , Alex  Templar 480 pgs. First Second, 2013. $4.49.  Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: PG-13; Violence: PG. GRAPHIC NOVEL

Set in the 1300’s, this graphic novel follows the story of Martin, a Templar Knight, having returned from battle, is now in France. When the King of France and his chief minister Nogaret conspire to bring town the knights, Martin and a few friends escape the net. After meeting a group of former Templars, though having more relaxed morals (i.e. drinking and thieving), they discover they may know where the treasure of the Knights Templar is hidden. Together they hatch a plan to “move” the hoard to a safer location, well at least that is Martin’s plan. In the meantime Nogaret is catching up to them.

This book is huge, it takes two hands to lift! The story is so engaging though, that those near 500 pages fly by. The story isn’t too complex, despite being rich with historical detail, and students would find it fun, intriguing, and adventurous. There is just enough nudity, though not particularly sexual in nature, that it isn’t fit for younger than High School. The illustrations are fantastic and feature excellent fast paced battle scenes. If you get this for your library, be prepared to produce some fun books about the Knights and their mysteries along with it, because students will want to learn more asap!

HS –ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

Hocus Pocus takes the Train by Sylvie Desrosiers –ADVISABLE

Desrosiers, Slyvie Hocus Pocus takes the Train  32 pgs. Kids Can Press, 2013. $14.19.  Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: G.

In this wordless graphic novel an adorable magicians rabbit, Hocus Pocus finds a friend, but alas, it turns out that friend is a stuffed animal –that belongs to a baby. When the train takes off with the baby crying for its toy, the rabbit springs into action to try to reunite the pair. But a fast train and his nemesis, Dog, might just hamper his efforts.

This is a pretty cute book! I like that it invites readers to tell the story to themselves or a parent as they follow what is happening. The illustrations are bright and simple. When students tell you “I can’t read yet”, this might be a fun book to hand them.

EL (K-3) –ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

The Unkindness of Ravens (Bigfoot Boy #2) by J. Torres–ADVISABLE

Torres, J. The Unkindness of Ravens (Bigfoot Boy #2) 100 pgs. Kids Can Press, 2013. $12.92.  Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: G.

Rufus is so excited to spend a weekend back at Grammy’s. He is thrilled to see his friend Penny and run through the woods as the Sasquatch! But the Ravens want the ancient totem he uses to change into Bigfoot. They think it would be fun to play tricks with and they decide to go after it.

If your students loved the fun and interesting first book in this series, they will love this one too!! My students have been asking for it non-stop and I think that this book would not disappoint. The artwork is top notch and trickster ravens are always fun! I would recommend this for any elementary librarian looking to build a graphic novel collection.

EL -ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

Big Top Otto (Elephants Never Forgot Book #2) by Bill Slavin –NO

Slavin, Bill Big Top Otto (Elephants Never Forgot Book #2) 128 pgs. Kids Can Press, 2013. $12.20.  Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: G.

Otto is an elephant who is searching for his monkey friend named Georgie. After seeing a circus poster with an monkey, he seeks out the circus. Together with his parrot friend Crackers, they get into continuous mischief –at a football game, a parade, and more. When the pair find animals in big time danger they know they have to help out.

Although the artwork is bright and varied in presentation, something about it just feels dated to me, like comics in old newspapers. The plot was extremely fast paced. This book faces a demographic problem –the language is too old/dated slang for elementary students, but I think middle schoolers won’t find animals capers very interesting. On top of that the historical heroine Harriet Tubman is portrayed in this book as a fat pig named Harriet Tubby. Escaped farm animals were the ‘slaves’ on the underground railroad. I found the entire scene extremely offensive.

EL –NO Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

Birds VS. Bunnies (The Flying Beaver Brothers Book #4) by Maxwell Eaton III –NO

Eaton, Maxwell Birds VS. Bunnies (The Flying Beaver Brothers Book #4) 96 pgs. Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2013. $6.29.  Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: G.

The Flying Beaver brothers are enjoying a day at sea but they stumble into a conflict as birds and bunnies fight over an island. Ace and Bub hatch a plan to find out who caused this war and how to stop it. They must trick both parties, both of which think they are spies. The Beaver brothers are in big trouble.

Although this fourth graphic novel in the series had a more distinct plot than the last one I reviewed, I just didn't enjoy the story. I need either great artwork or a great story to carry me through, but this one had neither. There is a popular trend to have basic single color artwork, such as in Baby Mouse and Squish, and I like both of those series, but in this book, I find it irritating. No harm in purchasing this series for a prize, its kind of cute, but I wouldn't spend good money to add it to my collection.  

EL (K-3), EL – NOT RECOMMENDED Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

The Mud-Slinging Moles (The Flying Beaver Brothers Book #3) by Maxwell Eaton III –NO

Eaton, Maxwell The Mud-Slinging Moles (The Flying Beaver Brothers Book #3) 96 pgs. Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2013. $6.29.  Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: G.

The Flying Beaver Brothers, Ace and Bub, find their newest problem is a mud, lots of it, everywhere. Where is it coming from? They take to sea to find out more. They find out that Captain Jo Jo and his crew of moles have some strange ideas about how to fix the problems in their own land –and it involves ruining Beaver Island in the process.

This graphic novel wasn’t one of my favorites. Between the vague artwork and the single color spectrum illustrations, I found I had trouble even seeing what was going on. The orange mud, the orange trees, and the orange ground all blend into one. Not to mention that many of the characters look quite a bit alike. As for content, I didn't enjoy reading this book. I think students might enjoy it, but I found very little merit. The plot was nonsensical most of the time, there was no character development, and the bottom line was that it just wasn't funny.

EL (K-3), EL – NOT RECOMMENDED Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

Binky: License to Scratch by Ashley Spires - OPTIONAL

Spires, Ashley Binky: License to Scratch, 64 pgs.  Kids Can Press, 2013.  $16.95  GRAPHIC NOVEL Content: G. 

Two cats, Binky and Grace and their dog, Gordie are taken to the vet to be babysat while their owners go on vacation.  Binky believes that only bad things can happen at the vet, so he is intent on escaping.  He tries to communicate with Gordie and Grace in different ways.  When they finally find themselves in the venting system on their way to escape, they run into Professor Tuffy, a cat who has been watching the vet through the vents and has made an alien/feline hybrid.  Just as Binky and his friends help Tuffy and the vet find each other, Binky’s owners show up from their trip and take them home. 

This story is all over the place and the world building is confusing because it’s a mix of reality (like the vet), and pretend, (the cats think they are on a space mission).  The characters aren’t funny or endearing and the storyline is boring.  My boys love graphic novels, but this one was too confusing and they didn’t really care for it. 

EL (K-3)-OPTIONAL.  Reviewer, C. Peterson.

Primate by Jim Ottaviani –OPTIONAL

Ottaviani, Jim and Illustrated by Maris Wicks Primate: The fearless science of Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, and Birute Galdikas 144 pgs. First Second, 2013. $15.17.  Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: G.

This graphic novel provides a snapshot of the lives of three famous female primatologists: Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, and Biruté Galdikas. All brought into the field by Louis Leakey, each had their own journey and accomplishments. We see their start in primatology, along with fun personal information, and a bit about how the three of them interacted.

I have always been really fascinated by Jane Goodall, but I found this book to be a bit on the boring side. This was because the characters looked very similar and the colors palate is limited so the whole thing just blurred together. I don’t think the book as valuable as a research biography since each profile is fairly short and undetailed. As for entertainment, or inspiration, I think students would not be that interested –the scenes lack the action and unique viewpoints that graphic novels can offer.  

MS, HS – OPTIONAL Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

The Cookie (Bean Dog and Nugget Book #2) by Charise Mericle Harper –ESSENTIAL

Harper, Charise Mericle The Cookie (A Bean and Nugget Book) 48 pgs. Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2013. $4.49.  Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: G.

A little graphic novel featuring incredibly simple characters, Bean Dog and Nugget, having little conversations and incidents. In this book, the two of them argue about an invisible donut then about how to split a last cookie, everything coming to a awesome conclusion.

Wow, that was hard to describe. For the record, I am now officially obsessed with this author. I laughed out loud reading the hilarious banter between these two characters. This book is smart and witty while being totally silly and goofy!! I think students will love Nugget and Bean, relating to their friendship and their quirks. Told in a graphic novel format that is a great introduction to early readers.

EL –ESSENTIAL Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

The Ball (Bean Dog and Nugget Book #1) by Charise Mericle Harper –ESSENTIAL

 Harper, Charise Mericle The Ball (A Bean and Nugget Book) 48 pgs. Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2013. $4.49.  Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: G.

Here we meet Bean Dog and Nugget as they lose Bean Dog’s ball into a scary bush at the park. They come up with some wild schemes to get it back. Including throwing in their shoes, dressing as superhero’s, and more.

I about died laughing reading this book. I think students will adore these simple quirky characters. As with Captain Wedgieman, by this same author, wasn't funny enough –I think she topped herself. I can’t wait to introduce students to this series. I am preparing for a few brawls by buying multiple copies.

EL –ESSENTIAL Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

Squish Game On! (Book #5) by Holm, Jennifer and Holm, Matthew –ADVISABLE

Holm, Jennifer and Holm, Matthew Squish Game On! (Book #5)  96 pgs. Random House Books for Young Readers, 2013. $6.29.  Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: G.

Squish’s best friends are into a new video game called Mitosis. Squish becomes addicted, giving up sleep, and ignoring his homework. Readers also get the continuing story of Squish’s favorite comic book hero, Super Amoeba, who is fighting black mold.

I have to admit that I really didn't like Squish when I read another book from this series, but it has grown on me. It’s a popular request from students, 3-4^thgrade boys. I loved this one because Squish comes to his own conclusions about what excess is doing to his life. I also think students will relate to the video game and comic inclusions as well. Very entertaining!

Elementary –ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

Martha Speaks: Canine Comics by Jamie White –ADVISABLE

White, Jamie Martha Speaks: Canine Comics 112 pgs. HMH Books for Young Readers, 2013. $8.99.  Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: G.

Six Short stories about Martha the Dog –told in graphic novel format. In one adventure Martha accidentally gets downloaded into Alice’s computer. In another adventure Martha helps to solve a dog crime spree. In another Martha finds out that obstacle course's are harder than they look! Another story features Martha’s movie star dog crush and how she helps him to be a real off-screen hero.

Ok, I know I can be a bit overly complimentary on anything graphic novel, but this was truly an excellent adaptation from TV. The color are bright and vivid and the stories are fun and entertaining. Students who are a fan of Martha the Dog will adore this book!

EL –ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

Lunch Lady and the Video Game Villain (#9) by Jarrett J. Krosoczka- OPTIONAL

Krosoczka, Jarrett J. Lunch Lady and the Video Game Villain: Lunch Lady #9, 96 pgs.  Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2013.  $6.99.  (Rating: G). This book is about a lunch lady who works undercover at the school.  There have been stolen electronics in the school.  The lunch lady and her assistant try to find the thief.  When they find out who it is, they have to do something to retrieve all the electronics.  This novel has great illustrations.  The illustrations are a good mix of cartoon and reality.  The story itself was mediocre.  There wasn’t enough to keep my interest.  I usually like the Lunch Lady series, so I was disappointed in this one.  EL- OPTIONAL.  Student Reviewer: JL- age 10. 

Poseidon: Earth Shaker (Olympians) by George O’Connor

O’Connor George Poseidon: Earth Shaker (Olympians) 80 pgs. First Second, 2013. $8.99.  Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG.

A graphic novel introduction to Poseidon, his adventures and his offspring. The author even clues us in on why Poseidon, god of the sea, chooses the horse, a land creature, as his sacred animal. We meet his ‘monstrous’ children and find out his feelings towards his family. Includes fact sheets, recommended reading, and discussion questions.

Although this wasn't my favorite of this series by this author, it was still a fantastic read. The artwork is top notch and really brings, some often confusing myths, to life. There is just enough sexy scenes that it’s not appropriate for elementary school. I think this series will jump start the interest in Greek/Roman mythology for older students.

MS, HS - ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.