92. Into the Bewilderness

92. Into the Bewilderness. Gus Gordon. 2025. 192 pages. [Source: Library] [graphic novel, children's graphic novel, 5 stars]

First sentence: One spring afternoon, deep in the woods, far from anywhere, friends Luis (the large furry one) and Pablo (the small furry one) are on their way home after a successful outing picking gooseberries. 

Premise/plot: Luis (a bear) and Pablo (a mole) are best, best, best, best friends. They live in the woods and have a great life. But Luis is a philosophizing bear who wonders about the world outside the woods. He's a bear that is considering leaving the woods to go on the occasional adventure. When Luis wins theater tickets for the Big City production of a play, the two leave for the City....but will the City live up to everything Luis has imagined it to be? Can their friendship withstand such a big adventure?

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. It was a delightful read. I loved the dialogue. I loved the friendship. I loved how they have so many nicknames for one another.

 

© 2025 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

46. Unhappy Camper

Unhappy  Camper (Graphic Novel) Lily LaMotte. Illustrated by Ann Xu. 2024. 208 pages. [Source: Library] [Middle grade graphic novel]

First sentence: Claire and I had many daring adventures with our dolls.

Premise/plot: Michelle (our narrator) and Claire (her older sister) are at odds in Unhappy Camper. Michelle wants to blend in--fit in, be liked, be popular--with her friend group and peers. Claire wants to be true to herself and express her most true self--which in this case means embracing her Taiwanese culture a thousand percent. Claire has gone many years to a Taiwanese-American summer camp. Michelle has never once wanted to go. This year her parents have decided she HAS to go. They hope these two sisters will learn to get along better and become greater friends. Michelle, meanwhile, spends a good deal of time worrying about her friends back home. Her friends seem to pity her for having to go to this "weird" "awful" camp. [That's the impression I got.] What will Michelle learn about herself? her sister? her friends? 

My thoughts: Graphic novels are not my go-to choice at the library. But I always try to read a few per year. This graphic novel is a coming of age novel that deals with relationships--the relationship between two sisters, the relationship(s) with friends. Michelle is building towards an "aha" moment where she realizes that her friends may not be true friends that truly care about her.

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

32. The Girl Who Sang

The Girl Who Sang: A Holocaust Memoir of Hope and Survival. Estelle Nadel. Illustrated by Sammy Savos. 2024. 272 pages. [Source: Library] [graphic novel; graphic memoir; Jewish/Holocaust]

First sentence: Will I ever be free?

Premise/plot: The Girl Who Sang is a MEMOIR [nonfiction autobiography] in graphic novel format. It is set primarily during the Second World War, but the memoir continues through some turbulent aftermath years. After the war, the family of siblings emigrate to the United States. But there is no magical, warm and fuzzy happily ever after story. Love sometimes isn't enough to keep a family of siblings together. 

My thoughts: I loved, loved, loved, loved this one. I don't read many graphic novels--fiction or nonfiction. But this one is a MUST. I found it compelling and haunting. It was SO well done. I have read plenty of books about the Holocaust and the Second World War. I've read fewer graphic novels, however, this is a powerful format for storytelling. Perhaps the story will impact readers more by being in this format.

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

1. Courage to Dream

Courage to Dream: Tales of Hope in the Holocaust. Neal Shusterman. Illustrated by Andres Vera Martinez. 2023. [October] 256 pages. [Source: Library]

Genre(s): Graphic novel, short stories, historical fiction, speculative fiction, alternate realities, MG fiction, 

First sentence of "He Opens a Window": Gretchen, No! 

Premise/plot: There are five thematically-linked stories told in graphic novel format. The approach isn't strictly historical, each story has a speculative twist [science fiction, fantasy]. It definitely has a Twilight Zone feel. I don't mean it in a glib way. While some might view Twilight Zone as just being entertainment and spooky fun, there are some thought-provoking episodes. The stories in Courage to Dream ARE thought-provoking. They engage you on a what-if or what-might-have-been level. 

The five stories are "He Opens a Window," "Legend Speaks of a Superhero...," "Spirits of Resistance," "Exodus," and "The Untold."

My thoughts: As I mentioned above, this one very much embraces the twisty-turns of speculative fiction.

Will this one be for every reader? Probably not. It isn't historically "true" or "accurate" enough to read to really learn the realities [of the horrors] of the Holocaust. It is very much a serious, sobering sci-fi twist to our reality. 

I found all five stories memorable and haunting. I don't know that I could pick a true favorite of the bunch. "Exodus" might stand out a little more than the others. My least favorite story is probably "Spirits of Resistance" (but I could see it being someone's favorite.)

I do think it can be enjoyed by readers middle grade on up. I found it enjoyable as an adult.

© 2024 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

115. Captain America: The Ghost Army

Captain America: The Ghost Army. Alan Gratz. Illustrated by Brent Schoonover. 2023. [January] 176 pages. [Source: Library] [Middle Grade; Young Adult]

First sentence: TING, TING, TING, TING, PAKOW, RAT-TAT-TAT-TAT, POOM

Premise/plot: Graphic novel set during World War II starring Captain America (aka Steve Rogers) and Bucky Barnes (aka James Buchanan Barnes). There are others you'd probably recognize as well from the Marvel Universe. It is set during World War II, as I mentioned, and the pair are investigating a strange, supernatural phenomenon. The soldiers that they'd killed just hours before have come back to life and are foes once more. Their victory camaraderie broken up by GHOSTS. But ghosts that are held back (restrained) by moving water. This is a [supernatural] mystery worth investigating...and it takes them into a village.

Meanwhile, readers get panels featuring the villainy-villains. A big battle between the two is coming....

My thoughts: I have never read an actual-actual Marvel comic OR graphic novel. This is definitely a graphic novel. (I talk as if I could tell the difference with my eyes blindfolded. I couldn't.) Captain America and Bucky are two great characters that I've loved from the movies alone. I know, I know, I know that the comics can be VERY different from the movie depictions. I do think there are some differences--perhaps big differences--between these characters and the movie characters. They are not cookie cutter copies. How Gratz's and Schoonover's depiction line up against the actual [canon] collection of Marvel comics is a question for someone more well-schooled. Again, not my area of expertise. 

I definitely appreciated the story. It was a little bit over the top, but in a good way.

 

© 2023 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

79. Smaller Sister

Smaller Sister. Maggie Edkins Willis. 2022. 320 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Olivia, darling, meet your new baby sister. This is Lucy. 

Premise/plot: Smaller Sister is a new graphic novel by Maggie Edkins Willis. Lucy and Olivia (aka Livy) are close in age and sometimes close in spirit. (They even have their own secret code for writing notes back and forth). Smaller Sister is both a coming of age (graphic) novel and a "problem" novel. Though perhaps the phrase "problem novel" is out of fashion??? Olivia, the older sister, has a problem, a big problem. She develops an eating disorder that shakes up the whole family. It isn't just Olivia's problem, it is everyone's. Lucy doesn't know how to process this--to put it mildly. Her *old* familiar Livy seems to have vanished literally and figuratively. Her sister is changing in dozens of ways including physically. But it is the emotional lost-ness that haunts Lucy. 

So the book is about the sibling relationship. The book spans perhaps three years give or take. We see glimpses of several grades at two different schools. (Plus one flashback scene at a previous school, I believe). But the book is also about friendship in general. In particular, how TOXIC friendships can be. One can desire a best friend or a good friend so much that one is able to overlook a dozen red flags as to why the relationship may be unhealthy or toxic. Such is the case with these siblings. In particular, Lucy, since we see this through her point of view. There is no quick or easy shortcuts on making and keeping best-best-best friends that will stick with you through thick and thin for better or worse. Lucy's realizations are slow but sure in coming. (Probably VERY realistic. One pep talk probably not going to solve a girl's problems in middle school.)

Plenty of scenes depicting life at home, at school, at the mall, and at camp.

My thoughts: This book tackles a real problem realistically. Eating disorders. Body image issues. Low self-esteem. How so called friends--close "best" friends at that--can pick, pick, pick, pick, pick, pick on you, namely your physical appearance. If a person only can feel good about themselves by putting you down and keeping you down, they aren't really a friend worth keeping. Friendships in middle school especially can lead to DRAMA, drama, and more drama. 

But what I loved especially about it was the focus on the relationship between two sisters. We see them at their best, their worst. Highs, lows, twists, turns. The relationship has its tense moments. Words are said that can't be unsaid, but that can be forgiven. The relationship between sisters can be ever-changing, but a solid foundation can be relied upon on the darkest of days. I love all the little, tiny details depicting this relationship. The development of both sisters is so well done. I liked both sisters very much.

Lucy is heading into fifth grade when the graphic novel begins, and by the end of the novel she's in seventh grade, I believe, or heading into seventh grade. Her sister is a grade above her--so sixth grade through eighth grade. 

The subject of eating disorders may be triggering for some readers. But I also want to point out that in one panel, Lucy discovers her sister's diary and she reads that her sister has thought about swallowing poison because she doesn't want to live. This could certainly be triggering for some readers. The book warns of one but not the other? 

 

© 2022 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

138. Friends Forever

Friends Forever. Shannon Hale. Illustrated by LeUyen Pham. 2021. [August] 304 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: And this year...I was an eighth grader.

Premise/plot: Friends Forever is the third book in Shannon Hale's autobiographical graphic novel series. (See also Real Friends and Best Friends.) These graphic novels chronicle her middle school (or junior high) years. This third volume is her recollections of being an eighth grader. The book is arranged somewhat thematically. Together the chapters tell the complete story of a young girl with BIG emotions that she didn't always know how to handle. And sometimes it wasn't just big emotions but BIG circumstances as well. 

My thoughts: I would love at some point to read all three books back to back. Enough time has gone by that I only remember loving the books in a general way. I don't remember the specifics or all the whys. I remember appreciating the honesty and vulnerability especially. I believe there were photos of her in the back of the book from that time period. That takes bravery.

So what did I think of this third book? Well. In some ways it made me uncomfortable. I'll try to explain. It made me uncomfortable in that it was so relatable. It was transporting me back emotionally--and I was going kicking and screaming. Any day where you can forget what it was like to live through your eighth grade year is a good day--as far as I'm concerned. I think there is something universal about this awkwardness and insecurity. The experiences included in the graphic novel feel authentic and raw. And overall, I think that's a good thing. While adults may relate by remembering their own experiences--and perhaps they are close(r) in age to Shannon Hale--the target audience isn't remembering. The target audience is currently living through these oh-so-tough years. And I think that's where the opportunity is. As adults we can want to shield kids from darker emotions and experiences. That doesn't make them go away. This book full on acknowledges those darker emotions--the insecurity, the fears, the stress, the worries, the frustration, anger, disappointment, loneliness, uncertainty, depression, despair--that come at home and school and everywhere in between. And the vulnerability on these pages--and the graphic novel does a great job of depicting the emotional angst and despair--is painful. Painfully valid. Painfully relatable.

 

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

95. Guts

Guts. Raina Telgemeier. 2019. 144 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Mom? What is it, honey? My stomach feels funny.

Premise/plot: Though it is not marketed as such, Guts is a prequel to Raina Telgemeier's autobiographical graphic novel SMILE. Guts covers her younger years--fourth and fifth grade. In this one, Telgemeier tackles the subject of anxiety, panic attacks, and GUT troubles (literally). Life at home and school are proving stressful--a little too stressful. Raina doesn't have (yet) the coping skills needed to thrive. In particular, she's struggling to have good, healthy friendships. There's some light bullying/teasing involved.

My thoughts: I liked this one. There were a few sequences/scenes that were oh-so-relatable. Sometimes feelings are so much bigger than words, and sometimes there are just no words to express them. Not as much happens in Guts as in the previous graphic novels. Mainly we have Raina's troubles at school and home. For example, Raina dreading/hating/fearing doing oral reports for school. Even with a partner, she struggles to find a confident voice ready to face her classmates. (So relatable!) Relationships with classmates do evolve and grow in this one. I think it is true to life, but it may not be as thrilling and memorable as Smile or Sisters.

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

94. Sisters

Sisters. Raina Telgemeier. 2014. 199 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Are you sure you're all packed? You're not forgetting anything? What about the tent?

Premise/plot: Raina's family (her mom, her two siblings Amara and Will) are preparing to DRIVE to a family reunion in Colorado. (The dad will be flying to meet them there a bit later on in the week). As the family heads out for their adventures (and misadventures!) Raina has time to REFLECT on her life. Readers are treated to a series of flashback sequences. We see a young Raina anxious and eager to have a baby SISTER. We see Raina ecstatic--at first--until she realizes that her new sister doesn't do much at all. We see the tension between the two--they aren't all that close! We also see them both react to the news of having a baby brother! Meanwhile, there's plenty of action happening in the present both on the way and on the way back. In fact the climax of the book (in my opinion) happens on the way back!!!!

My thoughts: I really liked Smile. I did. I enjoyed Raina's perspective. I thought she was a great character. (It is an autobiographical graphic novel). But I really LOVED, LOVED, LOVED, LOVED the second book in the series. Sisters was all kinds of awesome! I loved the flashback scenes especially. I won't mention my absolute favorite, favorite, favorite, favorite scene because SPOILERS but, seriously, this book is unforgettable. I loved the author including photographs there at the end.

Definitely recommend this series.

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

93. Smile

Smile. Raina Telgemeier. 2009. 214 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Smile!! Good! Let's get you set up in a chair, and the orthodontist will look at your teeth in a few minutes.

Premise/plot: Smile is an autobiographical graphic novel by Raina Telgemeier. The graphic novel chronicles her middle school adventures and misadventures. (The novel opens with her in sixth grade. It closes with her in high school.) The novel focuses on her...you guessed it...SMILE. And she has a lot of reasons to NOT want to smile. Growing up is tough. Growing up with braces is tougher. Growing up with braces and missing two front teeth....well....that's the kind of tough that leads you to write books as an adult. It all starts with an accident...

The book is about growing up, struggling with friendships, the increasing tension in her family, puberty, and self-esteem issues to a certain degree. She's certainly self-conscious about her smile!

It is autobiographical. It is set late 80s to early 90s.

My thoughts: I definitely enjoyed reading Smile! I found the book relatable. It was a quick read. I loved the artwork. I loved the family dynamics. I loved the story. I loved the characters.

 

© 2021 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

55. Blades of Freedom

Blades of Freedom: A Tale of Haiti, Napoleon, and the Louisiana Purchase. (Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales #10) Nathan Hale. 2020. [November] 128 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: Gather round young and old! Step up and see the hanging! The execution of the spy Nathan Hale is about to begin. And by execution, you mean story time.

Premise/plot: Out of all the Hazardous Tales, Blades of Freedom may be the most complicated/complex. It isn't the story of one man. Or two. Or three. Or four. Or even a dozen. The book's subject matter is so complex that it requires a WHEEL to spin. Each chapter, the wheel is spun and two characters--historical figures?--are chosen. Obviously, this is a plot device. Hale knows exactly how he wants his story spun. Some of the characters are mosquitoes. (I'm not lying.)

It is a LONG, LONG, LONG answer to the question how did America acquire the Louisiana territory. It spans CENTURIES. The subtitle helps clarify a little. (But only a little).

My thoughts: I am going to be a voice of dissent--for better or worse. (Probably worse since this one has so many five stars and four stars). I did not care for this one...at all. Which is sad since I typically love this series and get so excited to read another installment of it. The books have explored some dark, tragic, bleak, horrible, troubling times. None of the books have been happy-happy-cheery-cheery. But this one felt a little bit more extreme. 

I am not for softening history, sugar-coating it, making it all warm and fuzzy for modern readers. Nor am I all about shallow, surface-only story telling. So I'm not saying that Hale should "change" history to keep the series age appropriate. But I can't imagine a kid being emotionally ready--mentally prepared--for the HEAVY, HEAVY, SUPER-HEAVY weight of this one. For better or worse, I just imagine handing this book to a child to be like handing a kid a hundred pound weight like it's nothing.

In some ways--perhaps not all ways--it is a very political tale. To the extent that human rights have been politicized, you could say it is all politics. But rather you slant it all human rights or slant it politics, it is heavy. We have parallel accounts of the French revolution (and its aftermath, namely Napoleon trying to be like Pinky and the Brain and conquer the world) AND the Haitian revolution. You can believe that slavery is wrong, wrong, super-super-wrong, completely unjustifiable; you can believe that it's wrong for the nobility to let the peasants starve without any concern and compassion--and still be blown away by how wrong mass slaughter, mass murder, the brutality of it all really is. It's a BLOODY, BLOODY, BLOODY book. The book explores--to some extent--the mentality of revolutionary politics. Anything is justifiable if you get the desired end results. 

The world view isn't new to me. In fact, Victor Hugo's Les Miserables explores many of the same themes and views. But Hugo wasn't trying to entertain children. If Blades of Freedom was marketed for adults, I wouldn't have any issue with it at all. The themes explored are worthy of thought.

I was also bothered by how the mosquito (mosquitoes) were the heroes of this one. To the extent that Yellow Fever was seen as a SAVIOR and every time someone died of it the readers were supposed to cheer. (Or at least that's how I felt it was being pushed.) Like the mosquitoes were fighting on the right side, and were doing their part to rid the island of evil.

The book also ended in a very ODD place. It was almost like Nathan Hale ran out of paper and said, well, that's good enough. I've reached my goal for page counts. I'm done. 

 The book also explores voodoo. Yes, voodoo. I guess this is inescapable in a way since it's about the history and culture of Haiti. So expect several (a handful?) of scenes with characters drinking animal blood. And then there's Pauline--Napoleon's sister--she is kind of traumatizing in my opinion. If I was a kid, I'd be having nightmares.

 Reading is 100% subjective. Every single reader is different. Some readers may think this is the absolute best book ever. And I do not think every reader has to agree about a book. That is always important to keep in mind. So many people think that their subjective opinion is the one and only valid opinion. It doesn't bother me at all that 87% of readers (so far) have given this one 4 or 5 stars.

© 2021 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

54. Major Impossible

Major Impossible. (Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales #9) Nathan Hale. 2019. 128 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: I've been on this gallows long enough! It is time to execute this spy! 

Premise/plot: The provost and hangman are joined by an eavesdropper leavesdropper, Bill Richmond, in Major Impossible. Nathan Hale, our hero, talks his way out of execution and straight into another tale. This time he's telling the hazardous tale of John Wesley Powell and company as they explore the Colorado River and (discover?) explore the Grand Canyon. There were ten that set out to explore on this expedition. (But how many would make it to the end?)

This story also uses flashbacks--which definitely annoy the hangman, especially at first.

The adventures mainly focus on the "present day" (1869) exploration of the river/canyon AND through the flashbacks events like the civil war.

For those not at all familiar with Nathan Hale and his hazardous tales, the series is a graphic novel series rooted in history. Nathan Hale, our hero, is facing execution by the British in 1776. He's prolonging his would-be execution by telling tales from history. Though to the provost and hangman, these "historical" events are from the future. He's an entertaining storyteller and he always leaves them wanting more, more, more.

The graphic novels aren't without some lighthearted moments (though perhaps the one on the Donner Party is an exception). In this one, some humor comes in as one of the adventurers lose all their clothes but their long john underwear.

My thoughts: I am not the target audience of this one, not really. That's a given. My complaint--really my sole complaint--is that the font size is teeny-tiny. I have to squint my way through the whole book. Seriously hard on the eyes. BUT again I am not the target audience. I do think younger readers--with better vision--will not have a problem reading and enjoying this one.

I have nothing but solidly good feelings about the series as a whole. I really do enjoy sitting down and enjoying Nathan Hale's hazardous tales. I think the series is super fun. I like learning about different historical figures in a fun and entertaining way.

I'm not sure this one is my absolute favorite and best from the series. But I definitely enjoyed it as part of the whole. I do recommend the whole series.

I do think you could read the series out of order.

© 2021 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

World at War: White Bird

White Bird: A Wonder Story. R.J. Palacio. 2019. 224 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Julian, no more video games. Do your homework. This IS my homework. I’m FaceTiming Grandmere for my humanities project.

Premise/plot: White Bird is a Wonder story told in graphic novel form. The framework of the story stars Julian, a character first introduced in Wonder. If you need a refresher, he was one of the main bullies tormenting Auggie Pullman. But the heart and soul of this one is Julian’s assignment. His grandmother, Sara, is sharing her war story, her life-changing experiences as a Jewish girl in hiding. When the Second World War begins, Sara and her family aren’t panicking yet. They live in Free France, not the Occupied Zone. But changes come one after another. Soon there are all sorts of restrictions, rules, and dangers. Jewish people have even begun to be rounded up. Sara didn’t exactly plan out a place to hide, or even to hide at all. But a series of events soon leave her just one choice to trust a “crippled” often bullied and teased boy with her life. His name is Julian.

My thoughts: I was unfamiliar with this story. Though apparently much of it is told in a previously published novella/short story. I absolutely loved the story. I loved the relationship between Sara and Julian—both Julians. It is a heartwarming, heartbreaking story of love, endurance, kindness, and hope.

I believe that Holocaust stories both nonfiction and fiction are important—even essential. Children need to be introduced to the Holocaust. We cannot afford as a society to forget.

This is a love, love, love for me.

I believe that all people have a light that shines inside of them. This light allows us to see into other people’s hearts, to see the beauty there. The love. The sadness. The humanity. Some people, though, have lost this light. They have darkness inside them, so that is all they see. In others: darkness. No beauty. No love. Why do they hate us? Because they cannot see our light. Nor can they extinguish it. As long as we shine our light, we win. That is why they hate us. Because they will never take our light from us.

You might forget many things in your life, but you never forget kindness. Like love, it stays with you forever.

© 2019 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Best Friends

Best Friends (Real Friends #2) Shannon Hale. Illustrated by LeUyen Pham. 2019. 256 pages. [Source: Library]

  First sentence: In summer, nothing ever seemed to change. The sky stayed blue. The air stayed warm. And friends stayed friends forever.

Premise/plot: I’m tempted to keep it simple and short and merely say Shannon Hale’s newest book should be required reading for humanity. It’s one of those meaning of life books. Those aren’t as common as you might believe. So what is this one about? It is the follow up to her previous graphic novel, Real Friends. Both books are inspired by her childhood. Both books are set in the mid-80s. This one covers her sixth grade year, 1985/86. But it does feature a few flashback sequences to earlier years. A young Shannon is trying to figure out the rules: rules about how to be liked, how to avoid being laughed at, how to make friends, how to keep friends, how to be true to yourself yet not so true as to be deemed a weirdo. Is there a way to stay popular/semi-popular and still be kind? Why does being kind require such bravery? Is lying ever justified?

Throughout it all, she’s also struggling with anxiety, panic attacks, and a bit of OCD. Whether you personally struggle with these exact mental health issues or not—I think the book is an honest and thought provoking way for readers to experience what it is like and perhaps gain a bit of empathy.

Who hasn’t struggled at one age or another with friends—making, keeping, forgiving friends. It can be a traumatic, troubling thing—some may struggle a year or two before finding their people, their crowd, where they actually belong; some may spend decades struggling to find “real” or “best” friends. This book keeps it real, keeps it honest, and stays ever-relevant.

My thoughts: I love, love, love this one so much. It is so honest at times that it stings when bringing up memories from the past—my past. I think no matter where you fit on the spectrum of popular or unpopular, bully or bullied, it will give you food for thought. I hope it is an empathy builder especially for children reading the book. The book is incredibly amazing. I loved the glimpse into Shannon’s past. This one will be hard to beat as a favorite of the year.

© 2019 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Queen of the Sea

Queen of the Sea. Dylan Meconis. 2019. Candlewick Press. 400 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: A queen does not abandon her people.

Premise/plot: Queen of the Sea is a graphic novel loosely inspired by the Tudors. Loosely. The author purposefully did not make it about Henry VIII, Bloody Mary, and Queen Elizabeth I. Though that would have been an intriguing subject for a graphic novel, that isn't this graphic novel.

Queen of the Sea has a young heroine, Margaret, who has lived on an island, Albion, off another island, also Albion. She doesn't know who her father and mother were, or if they are alive or dead. All she knows is life at the convent. But while you might think life at the convent would offer no variety, no excitement, no adventure...well, you'd be mostly right...but not completely. Plenty happens--for better or worse.

It is a lovely coming of age novel.

My thoughts: I loved it. That's the short version. Did I love it because it's a graphic novel? No. Yes. Maybe. I really, really, really loved the characters and the story. Part of that story is told in the illustrations. So while a novel on the same topic would most likely thrill me just as much, there's a little something special in the illustrations.

I loved the characterization. I loved spending time with Margaret, William, Eleanor, Francis, and some of the sisters. Margaret and Eleanor's relationship is complex--rightly so. This one just had depth and substance to it. 

 

I loved the story and found it compelling. I read this one in one sitting. It was rough there at the end--it's hard for me to sit still that long--but it was worth it. No bookmark needed. Ha!

 

I would definitely recommend this one. Perhaps not to those that love, love, love graphic novels. I think the appeal is the HISTORY and the WORLD-BUILDING. If you don't love history, if you don't find it fascinating, then I'm not sure that this graphic novel would sweep you up, up, and away. But if you do, this is a treat of a book. So give it a try even if graphic novels aren't quite your cup of tea.  

© 2019 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Anne Frank's Diary: The Graphic Adaptation

Anne Frank's Diary: The Graphic Adaptation. Adapted by Ari Folman. Original text by Anne Frank. Illustrated by David Polonsky. 2018. 160 pages. [Source: Review copy]

First sentence: No one would believe me, but at the age of 13, I feel totally alone in this world.

Premise/plot: This is a graphic novel adaptation of Anne Frank's Diary of a Young Girl. It is not unabridged by any means; the text has been condensed/adapted. But much of the text remains recognizably Anne's own words.

My thoughts: I really enjoyed this one. I don't usually enjoy graphic novels....but...every now and then I find myself loving one. Did I love this one? Yes, for the most part. I think the adaptation was well done. It condensed some of the material--which almost by necessity is a bit repetitive--and put the emphasis on some of the more dramatic sections. The book remains a coming-of-age memoir; readers witness Anne's emotional ride through puberty in the midst of war and uncertainty. I liked how the amount of text varied throughout. Sometimes Anne's own words are more powerful than any image could ever hope to be. And sometimes the illustrations really convey Anne's inner life remarkably well. For example, there's a spread where the illustrator is showing how Anne feels about being compared to her "perfect" sister Margot. That was PRICELESS in my opinion. Another great example is an illustration revealing Anne's disgust with her dentist roommate. She finds HIS UNDERWEAR on Kitty--her diary. That would certainly explain a lot if it is true.

I reviewed the definitive edition of her diary earlier this year where I discussed my reactions to Anne's text.

© 2019 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

The Tea Dragon Society

The Tea Dragon Society. Katie O'Neill. 2017. [Oct. 31, 2017] 72 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: Once upon a time, blacksmiths were as important as magicians. They made tools for the healers to cure the sick. Shoes to shod the hooves of working animals. Swords for adventurers to slay monsters. The world was forged in iron...Once upon a time.

Premise/plot: Greta is the heroine of Katie O'Neill's The Tea Dragon Society a middle grade graphic novel. It is a fantasy. Greta finds a small, injured dragon. The dragon is a tea dragon. Her father recognizes the dragon and knows the owner. Greta returns the dragon to its owner, Hesekiel. Seeing her interest in the tea dragon, he invites her to visit his tea shop anytime and learn more about tea dragons and how to take care of them. She also meets Minette and Erik. All three have tea dragons. The book is divided into four sections--the four seasons. Will Greta be lucky enough to get a tea dragon of her own one day?

My thoughts: Odd can be good. It can. I'm not sure that I love, love, love this one. It's not quite my cup of tea. But I liked it. So what makes a tea dragon a tea dragon? I can't tell you their origins of how they came to be, but, I can tell you a little bit about them. Tea dragons grow tea leaves off their horns. The tea leaves--when dried and brewed--offer tea drinkers (especially their owners) a magical trip down memory lane. The shared memories of tea dragons and their caretaker are imparted to the leaves themselves. Drink the tea and you'll be taking a trip.

There are many different kinds of tea dragons: Jasmine Tea Dragon, Rooibos Tea Dragon, Chamomile Tea Dragon, Ginseng Tea Dragon, Earl Grey Tea Dragon, Hibiscus Tea Dragon, Ginger Tea Dragon, and Peppermint Tea Dragon. Each has its own personality. I get the idea that no two tea dragons are alike. These dragons offer a rewarding relationship with their owners, but, it isn't easy-going especially in the beginning.

Katie O'Neill has without a doubt spent a great deal of time world-building. This especially comes through in the appendix. 

I love, love, love, love, LOVE tea. I've had all the teas listed above with the exception of Ginseng. (I've never drank Ginseng before.) I've never had a magical trip as a result of tea drinking. But I've made plenty of happy memories. I love to drink tea and read; I also love to drink tea and watch stuff. (For example, I love to watch Call the Midwife with a cup of tea in hand.)

If I had an equally strong attachment to dragons, I imagine this one would have delighted even more.

© 2018 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Raid of No Return

Raid of No Return. (Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales #7) Nathan Hale. 2017. [November] Abrams. 128 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: On March 8th, 1862, near the entrance to the Chesapeake Bay, the confederate ironclad CSS Virginia steamed into battle.

Premise/plot: Raid of No Return is part of a graphic-novel historical series written by Nathan Hale and starring Nathan Hale. Nathan Hale is joined by his executioners. He is delaying his execution by telling super-exciting action-packed stories from history, from the future. In this seventh adventure, he is turning to the second world war. This book is ALL about the Doolittle Raid or the Tokyo Raid of 1942. The adventure begins with the Japanese training to attack the United States.

My thoughts: I love, love, love this series. This is a good addition to that series. I love that the book follows all sixteen planes and their crews that took part in the raid. A few of the names were familiar to me, but not all of them. I would definitely recommend this one to anyone who enjoys history. You don't have to "love" graphic novels to be swept up into this story. 

© 2017 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Real Friends

Real Friends. Shannon Hale. 2017. 214 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: When I was little, I didn't worry about friends. After all, I had Mom.

Premise/plot: Shannon Hale has written a memoir of her early school years in graphic novel format; the novel covers kindergarten through fifth grade. It is illustrated by LeUyen Pham. The graphic-novel-memoir opens in Salt Lake City, Utah, in the fall of 1979. Throughout the book, readers see Little Shannon struggle at school and at home. At home, Shannon doesn't always, always, always get along with her sister, Wendy. (I believe Shannon's name is the only one that was not changed?) At school, Shannon struggles with distinguishing real friends from dare I say it here-today-gone-tomorrow friends. (You know friends that laugh with you one minute, and another minute are laughing at you. Or, you know friends that talk about you behind your back. Friends that leave you questioning where you stand with them. Is this a day they'll like you or hate you?!?!)

One thing that I loved throughout the book was Shannon's creativity and individuality. I loved seeing her imagination at work. I loved that she was never bored, but, was always inventing something new and wonderful to play. I also loved that storytelling was always involved whether it was acting out a story with friends or writing down a story. I also love that Hale didn't create a perfectly-perfectly-perfect heroine. Little Shannon struggles with anxiety and some OCD tendencies.

The novel covers the joys and sorrows of growing up. There are plenty of good and happy times depicted. But there are also other emotions as well. The book feels genuine, authentic, easy to relate to.

My thoughts: I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this one. Shannon Hale is a great writer, I think this may be my favorite so far. (She has written plenty of fantasy novels for various age groups.) I love LeUyen Pham. She is one of my favorite illustrators. I adore her work. Though graphic novels aren't usually something I gush like crazy about, I just have to say this one was wonderful. I would definitely recommend it!

I think it needs a NEWBERY.

© 2017 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Snoopy Contact!

Snoopy Contact! Charles M. Schultz. 2015. 176 pages. [Source: Library]

First sentence: (Lucy) How can you be happy when you don't know what this year has in store for you? Don't you worry about all the things that can happen? That's better...live in dread...and fear...be sensible... (Snoopy) He he he he he he he.

Premise/plot: Snoopy: Contact! is a collection of Peanuts comic strips. Probably half of the comics in this collection feature Snoopy as a World War I Flying Ace in pursuit of the Red Baron. The other half in this collection focuses on all the characters and takes readers through all four seasons.

One of my favorite Flying Ace strips has Snoopy imagining himself landing behind the trenches having to crawl over/under barbed wire before he's spotted by enemy machine gunners. The barbed wire is really a jump rope in action. That comic is on page 14.

Another favorite strip has Snoopy singing for his dinner. I could really RELATE to this one. Charlie Brown ends the strip saying, "I must admit he's a very satisfying person to cook for." This strip is on page 29. (Page 30 has a great summer-themed strip.)

A little later on readers see Snoopy going through a photo album. What's making him so happy? He's looking at pictures of all the supper dishes he's ever owned. (107)

Ever wondered if Snoopy is the kind of dog to make plans?

(Charlie Brown) Well, Snoopy, what are your plans for today?
(Snoopy) Plans? I hadn't even thought about it. But I suppose I'll sleep a little this morning...then this afternoon, I'll take a short nap, and later on I'll try to get more sleep...those are good plans. (54)

One of my favorite winter-themed strips has Snoopy skating. Snoopy has had to do a lot of his practicing at night...because otherwise he's "surrounded by flocks of admiring girls..." (141).

My thoughts: I really love this collection. Snoopy and Linus are my favorite characters from Peanuts. The book is a quick read. I often found myself wanting to share strips with others.

© 2017 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews