What are graphic novels? Graphic novels are books with a storyline told in the format of a comic, like the comic one would read in the newspaper. According to the American Bookseller’s Association (ABA), they state, “Graphic novels are essential for the developmental growth of a reader, as well as for entertainment and experiencing the breadth of what reading has to offer.” And this week, our young readers, Ryan and Serenity, both Stratford students, recommend a few graphic novels for other young readers.
With the support of Miss A., Children’s Librarian at the Stratford Library Association, Ryan and Serenity wrote their reviews, rated their reads, and suggested more great options for young readers.
Miss A shares, “Stratford Library is excited to join Stratford Crier with book suggestions and recommendations.”
Ryan’s review:
Frizzy by Claribel A., art by Rose Bousamra, Ideal for readers ages 9-14.
I give this book a four star rating because it shows how you could express your feelings to your mom and dad and face the fears of not telling. Even though Marlene was not confident to tell her mom that she loves her hair big and Frizzy, she had two best friends that encouraged her to tell her mom. Her mom did not realize this, but only understood when Marlene told her.
Why would other kids like this book? It is a graphic novel with a lot of emotions to it. In the beginning, the emotion was fear because she did not want to make her mom unhappy, then it became stressful because she did not like to travel to the salon, then confusion because her hair looks good but the mom thinks it’s not, and finally feeling brave at the end when she told her mom about her liking her hair the way it is. This book makes me feel happy with the ending and feeling brave to tell my mom if I am unhappy with something.
Library summary: Marlene enjoys art and spending time with Camilla, her best friend. Unfortunately, her mother Paola insists she visit the salon every week to straighten her hair into something “presentable.” Luckily, Marlene has friends and family to help her strategize conversations with her mother about what she wants to do with her hair.
Rating: 4 stars
Ryan’s picks from the Library new book shelf are:
- Babbitt’s Tuck Everlasting graphic novel adapted and illustrated by K Woodman-Maynard
- Sunny Figures It Out graphic novel by Jennifer and Matthew Holm
Serenity reviews:
Spy Ninjas series by Vannotes, Illustrated by Mike Anderson, Ideal for ages 8-16.
Four people who are Youtubers fight bad hackers. Chad Wild Clay has orange blond hair and is good at ninja weapons. Vy Qwaint has long, black hair and is good at opening doors and can fit into small spaces. Daniel Gizmo has brown hair, and his favorite thing is gathering spy weapons. Melvin Pz9 has long, straight black hair, and he plays all kinds of games like Roblox. Regina Ginera has straight, black short hair. Regina likes to change her clothes for every situation. The Youtubers are fighting Project Zorgo, hackers who want to take over the Spy Ninjas and their safe house. The Spy Ninjas do all sorts of booby traps to catch Project Zorgo. A dangerous game will decide if they go home or not.
Kids will like this book because it’s about fighting and defeating bad hackers. I liked that the Youtubers were trying to save each others’ lives from dangerous hackers. I cared about the characters. This graphic novel is medium exciting, and I rate it 4 stars. I recommend it.
Librarian Miss A: Serenity felt the characters were well differentiated and that she wanted to see how their epic battle for the Internet played out. Serenity rated the book 4 stars because she liked it, but it wasn’t the best book that she had ever read. She felt other children in a wide range of ages would also enjoy this graphic novel.
Rating: 4 stars
Serenity’s picks from the Library new book shelf are:
- The Rema Chronicles: Kingdom of Water by Amy Kim
- Ghost Town by Eric Colossal
This is terrific! I’m excited to read more from young literary critics and see what “kids these days” are enjoying.