721 - Graphic Novel Review
It's Time to Review Graphic Novels!
Wang, Jen. Stargazing. Illustrations by Lark Pien. First Second, 2019. 224 pages. $12.99. ISBN 978-1250183880
Summary: Moon is everything Christine isn't. She’s confident, impulsive, artistic . . . and though they both grew up in the same Chinese-American suburb, Moon is somehow unlike anyone Christine has ever known.
But after Moon moves in next door, these unlikely friends are soon best friends, sharing their favorite music videos and painting their toenails when Christine's strict parents aren't around. Moon even tells Christine her deepest secret: that she has visions, sometimes, of celestial beings who speak to her from the stars. Who reassure her that earth isn't where she really belongs.
Moon's visions have an all-too-earthly root, however, and soon Christine's best friend is in the hospital, fighting for her life. Can Christine be the friend Moon needs, now, when the sky is falling? -- Amazon
Review: Stargazing by Jen Wang is a Children's Literature Award winner and heartwarming graphic novel conveying the complexities of self-identity and friendship. The story follows Christine, a smart and quiet girl who prefers predictability, and Moon, who is artistic and free-spirited. They meet in their Chinese American suburb and develop a friendship that challenges their understanding of the world and themselves. The two main characters find a balance in their differing personalities and rely on each other to navigate growing up as Chinese Americans and developing health issues. The illustration style, by Lark Pien, supports the emotions felt throughout the text, which can be seen in the subtle face changes in the characters. The delicate line-work and pastel color palette support the rollercoaster of emotions and moments of reflection skillfully, as seen in the image above. There is also special attention given to the food throughout the story, which is a nice touch as food is a prominent part of Chinese culture. The book is not too dialogue-heavy, with each frame containing around one sentence, making it more accessible for early readers. With the themes of friendship and identity, children will be able to relate to Stargazing and understand what the characters are going through. This deeply personal story reflects events of Jen Wangs events in her own childhood and highlights how different people can experience life even when living within a very specific community.
Summary: After the tragic death of their father, Emily and Navin move with their mother to the home of her deceased great-grandfather. The strange house proves to be dangerous. Before long, a tentacled creature lures the kids' mom through a door in the basement. Em and Navin, desperate not to lose her, follow her into a fantastical world inhabited by robots, mysterious plants, and talking animals. It's up to Em and Navin to figure out how to set things right and save their mother's life! -- Amazon
Review: The Stonekeeper by Kazu Kibuishi is the first installment of the adventurous Amulet series. The story opens with the heart-wrenching death of their father, which launches the main characters, Emily and Navin, into a dangerous and fantastical world. The central themes of the story include loss, family, and the burden of responsibility. This is seen when the Amulet changes Emily from a normal girl to a heroine who must keep her family safe and save their mom from a monster kidnapping. Throughout the story, readers can see how the relationship between the siblings strengthens with each obstacle they face. The illustrations are detailed with memorable-looking characters, and the color palette is moody with the use of darker colors matching the story's atmosphere. Kibuishi skillfully brings the fantasy to life with his art style and dynamic composition. Readers can see how action-packed the characters' adventure is. The author's verbal and visual storytelling creates an immersive reading experience for the audience. Middle-grade readers will be able to follow the plot and relate to the feeling of wanting to keep their family safe. Overall, The Stonekeeper is a great introduction to the world of action and fantasy in the Amulet series. There is only room for more character growth and rich world-building as the series continues.
Summary: Garlic feels as though she’s always doing something wrong. At least with her friend Carrot by her side and the kindly Witch Agnes encouraging her, Garlic is happy to just tend her garden, where it’s nice and safe.
But when her village of vegetable folk learns that a bloodthirsty vampire has moved into the nearby castle, they all agree that, in spite of her fear and self-doubt, Garlic is the obvious choice to confront him. And with everyone counting on her, Garlic reluctantly agrees to face the mysterious vampire, hoping she has what it takes.
After all, garlic drives away vampires…right? -- Amazon
Review: Garlic & the Vampire by Bree Paulsen is a whimsical graphic novel about a shy and anxious bulb of garlic who tends a magical garden run by a kind witch. When the garden residents suspect that a vampire has moved into the nearby castle, Garlic is chosen to confront him. (Obviously, since vampires are repelled by garlic.) This book covers themes of self-discovery, overcoming anxiety, and adventure, and is simple enough to keep younger readers hooked. Throughout Garlic's journey, readers can watch as she figures out how to overcome her anxieties and believe in herself, which many readers can relate to. Along with the touching story, Paulsen's art style complements the text delightfully. Her lines are kept soft, and the color palette is warm yet colorful. The anthropomorphic vegetable friends are expressive, artfully emoting what the readers may also be feeling as they read this book, which you can see in the image above. Overall, Garlic & the Vampire is an endearing story that will capture the hearts of all readers. The empowerment in the story, paired with its humor and simple sentence structure, is a fantastic introduction to graphic novels for younger readers, while the adventure and story of self-confidence will stick with readers of all ages.
Brian, Rachel. Consent (For Kids!): Boundaries, Respect, and Being In Charge of You. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2020. 64 pages. $15.99. ISBN 978-0316457736
Summary: Consent is like being ruler of your own country...population: YOU.
This is a smart, playful guide to consent and bodily autonomy, packed with bright and energetic illustrations. Readers will learn about boundaries and how to set them; ways to respect themselves and others; what to do if someone makes them feel uncomfortable or unsafe; and much more. Along the way, they'll be encouraged to reflect on (and improve!) their own behavior and to practice consent in their daily lives.
Whether you're looking for a consent primer to share with a friend or searching for a way to talk to your child about what it means to be in control of their own body and respect others', look no further! This humorous and insightful book from the co-creator of the viral "Tea Consent" video is the perfect teaching tool, conversation starter, and insightful, empowering resource for educators, kids, and families everywhere. -- Amazon
Review: Rachel Brian's Consent (For Kids!): Boundaries, Respect, and Being In Charge of You is a kid-friendly non-fiction graphic novel navigating the rules and boundaries of consent. Although the concepts of consent, bodily autonomy, and boundaries are complex, Brian is skillfully able to break down the topics into easily digestible sections with her comic-style format. Her doodle-like illustrations successfully portray scenarios where consent is needed, such as tickling, hugging, or pushing. She includes various skin tones (shades of gray) and abilities on her stick figure characters, which was a nice way to include some diversity into the narrative and make known that consent is all-inclusive. The use of varying and dynamic typography keeps the book engaging while helping children learn healthy communication skills. She includes scenarios that many children have been through, such as playing by the pool and going to push someone in, to make the conversation accessible and relatable. Overall, Consent (For Kids!) is an invaluable source of information for children, parents, and educators looking to explain the importance of boundaries and respect gently and positively.
Comments
Post a Comment