Book review - Story Spinners

 

Title: Story Spinners    

Author: Cassandra Federman

Genre: realistic fiction

Age range: young middle grade

Similar book: Stella and Marigold by Annie Barrows

Summary (provided by publisher): Big sister Kennedy and little sister Devon couldn’t be more different. Their shared room has a clear divide down the middle. On one, musical theater–loving Kennedy keeps things tidy. On the other, heavy metal fan Devon looks like she lives in an exploded toy store. When baby sister Eve moves in, her contribution is crying. Constant. Ear-piercing. Crying.

The added stress pushes the older girls to their breaking point, and they get into their biggest fight yet. In response, Mom and Dad crack down, seizing all beloved electronics until Kennedy and Devon can find a way to get along. Now stuck together with no distractions except Eve’s screaming, the two land on a desperate solution: tell Eve a bedtime story so epic that it puts her to sleep and gets her big sisters out of trouble.

Pizza aside, the only thing the girls have in common is their love of stories. But Kennedy’s fairy tales make Devon want to barf, and Devon’s nonsensical adventure stories make Kennedy want to tear her hair out. So they try to mash-up a story of true love, adventure, princesses, pirates, pirate-princesses, dragons, spiders, and…garbage trucks?

That’s a lot of story to spin. Will their hilarious fairy tale remix solidify their sisterly bond or break it forever after?

What I liked: Kennedy and Devon are distinct characters. And anyone who's ever had to share a space with a vastly different sibling will relate to this plot. While the girls' reactions are a bit extreme, the plot is well paced and mostly playful.

What I didn't like: The resolution of the difference between the sisters is perhaps oversimplified but it makes for a quick read. It doesn't dig deep into the issues or introduce many complications.

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Graphic novel spotlight - Ghost Town

 

Ghost Town by Eric Colossal

Plenty of graphic novels are just one thing - funny, exciting, heart-felt, scary. It's what we expect. With Ghost Town, though, Colossal had managed to combine all four of those elements into a single narrative in a way that feels natural and understandable. With a solid cast of characters and illustrations that convey complex emotions, this is a book that is fun to read and leaves the reader with some ideas to consider. While the plot certainly stretches the bounds of believability it never pushes the ideas too far and doesn't attempt to over-explain. While this won't be everyone's cup of tea, it's a fun experience if you're willing to give it a chance.

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Non-fiction book review - I'm a Dumbo Octopus

 

I'm a Dumbo Octopus by Anne Lambelet

I love a good informative graphic novel and this book fits that definition to a t. We are introduced to Grimpy, a dumbo octopus, who explains features common to cephalopods, telling the reader all about what makes each species amazing. These, though, are not features of Dumbo Octopi. So there is some plot here as Grimpy begins to feen like it isn't special and we get the expected messaging about how our differences are important and everyone has something to contribute. More importantly, Lambelet does not shy away from using correct scientific terms. Each word is explained in an easy to understand way. The result is a book that is both visually compelling and deeply informative.

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Book review - Dino Poet

 

Title: Dino Poet

Author: Tom Angleberger

Genre: humor

Age range: upper elementary

Summary (provided by publisher): Get writing or get eaten! Dino Poet is on a mission: to write the first great poem—ever!

His lunch, a prehistoric frog, is also on a mission: to not get eaten! So when Frog tells Dino Poet that his poems stink, he decides lunch can wait . . . for now. The two set off into the wide, wild world, chasing life! Chasing poetry! Until a T-Rex starts chasing them.

What I liked: This is a great way to educate kids about poetry forms and to encourage creativity. As Dino Poet encounters different dinosaurs and situations Frog gives a quick introduction to a type of poem and encourages Dino to experiment. In the vein of Adventures in Cartooning, a little bit of plot prevents the information from becoming dull.

What I didn't like: The explanations of the forms are very brief, even incomplete. And the plot is quite thin as well. This isn't a book you're going to gain a lot from but it is entertaining.

More information: Dino Poet releases March 25

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Graphic Novel spotlight: The Snips

 

The Snips: A Bad Buzz Day by Raul the Third

If you like a graphic novel that is a bit off beat, you may enjoy the Snips. It takes the standard middle grade team dynamic - a cast of characters with unique abilities, all necessary to complete a job - and applies that to fighting crime through hair styling. It is, simply put, the best kind of strange. It absolutely does not take itself seriously. The illustration style is reminiscent of early cartoons and the color palette is slightly muted so it never becomes overwhelming. There's no serious takeaway here, just a simple entertaining story.

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Non-fiction book review - Spices and Spuds

 

Spices and Spuds by Andy Warner

If you have any interest in history, social studies, or plants, this may be the book for you. Warner breaks down all the known history of a plant and how it has shaped society. From wood to agriculture, the spice trade to industrialization, it's all here. The book is divided into chapters focused on a kind of plant. It's structured like a graphic novel, though it is quite text heavy. This is not a book you're going to sit down and read all at once, but rather one to read slowly, allowing yourself time to absorb the information.

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Graphic novel spotlight - Heebie Jeebies

 

Heebie Jeebies by Matthew Erman

Looking for a ghost story that's more funny and exciting than scary? This might be the book for you. Combining a search for a lost treasure with social conflicts, Heebie Jeebies gives us s story of outsider kids looking for stability and understanding. It's not afraid to make jokes even as it digs into their characters and motivations. With a strong visual design and a solid plot, this is an entertaining read suitable for middle grade readers.

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Graphic novel spotlight - Taxi Ghost

 

Taxi Ghost by Sophie Escabasse

This book could have been tired and standard. The set-up is pretty common - a girl starting puberty discovers that she now has supernatural abilities. Right from the moment Adele discovers she can talk to ghosts, though, Escabasse presents us with unique twists. For one thing, the major female influence in her life - her grandmother - doesn't train her to use her abilities. All her grandmother wants to teach her is how to keep ghosts away. And the ghosts themselves are deeply involved in local affairs. They have unusual rules (riding in cars, an inability to walk in snow, etc) that present odd challenges that add to the charm of the book. More than just a story of ghosts and justice, Taxi Ghost explores the change that we can make and the value of listening. With detailed illustrations this is a book that can be enjoyed repeatedly.

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Graphic novel spotlight - The Inscrutable Dr Baer

 

The Inscrutable Doctor Baer and the Case of the Two-Faced Statue by Jerzy Drozd

Doctor Who (Doctor Baer even sort of resembles the Doctor as portrayed by David Tenant) meets Jackaby in this offbeat adventure. Doctor Baer is a fastidious character with a deep understanding of cursed objects who finds himself thrown into an adventure with an overly-eager pair of sidekicks. The stakes are high but the tone is light. The art is incredibly detailed but never takes itself too seriously. That makes this a great deal of fun to race-through or linger on an individual page and lends itself well to re-reading. 

Graphic novel spotlight - Ash's Cabin

 

Ash's Cabin by Jen Wang

If you are the sort of reader who loved Hatchet or My Side of the Mountain, then Ash's Cabin is the book for you. The resemblance to the latter book is stronger since Ash chooses to go off the grid and live a spare existence rather than being thrust into a survival situation. We walk through Ash's whole journey - what motivates them to leave, the preparations they make, and the difficulties they encounter. This is a deeply introspective story and that nature is reflected in the delicate illustrations and muted color palette. As a whole, it balances text and images well to tell a complete story.

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Graphic novel spotlight - We Are Big Time

 

We Are Big Time by Hena Khan

If you're looking for a sports story that transcends the typical narrative about teamwork, give We Are Big Time a look. This book combines the typical new-kid story with a conversation about girls in sports. And more specifically, about being a Muslim girl in sports. We see a team that simply wants to play basketball without having to explain themselves but unexpectedly becoming ambassadors for the Muslim community. A sweet story that addresses racism and Islamaphobia without ever becoming threatening or violent. The athletics are nicely balanced with interpersonal issues so there's something here for most readers, sports fan or no.

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Graphic novel spotlight - The Night Librarian

 

The Night Librarian by Christopher Lincoln

The promotional material for this book compares it to the movie Night At The Museum and that's a pretty accurate description. One could also compare it to The Pagemaster, though that's a little more niche. We jump right into a world of magic and adventure around famous books. With a cast that includes a pair of mischievous kids and a band of vigilante librarians, it's exciting and inventive. With a wild plot it requires a solid willing suspension of disbelief and a little patience to fully understand what is going on. But a kid who enjoys Hatke's Mighty Jack or the Amulet series is primed for this one as well.

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Graphic novel spotlight - Jackson's Wilder Adventures

 

Jackson's Wilder Adventures by Sarah Davidson

Blend the dynamic of Calvin and Hobbes with the vibe of the Science Comics series and you'll get something like this book. Comprised of three shorter stories, each one follows the same pattern: Jackson encounters some difficulty and thinks it would be easier to be an animal. His thylacine pal then takes him on a magical journey to the wild to see animals in their natural habitat and learn how they live, a lesson that generally relates directly to his problem. Fun, accessible, and educational.

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Graphic novel spotlight - SCRAM

 

SCRAM by Rory Lucey

Most kids have dreamed of discovering something rare or new: Bigfoot, dinosaurs, treasure, or ghosts. That's the idea at the heart of this book. A trio of friends set out in search of magical beings. They do their research and armed with a collection of facts they search for clues. Therein lies one of the benefits of this book. THey learn how to research and fact-check. There's an underpinning of media literacy throughout the story. Overall, though, it's a fun story focused more on humor than anything else. It's somewhat reminiscent of the Bad Machinery series, though aimed at a slightly younger audience.

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Graphic novel spotlight - Woe

 

Woe by Lucy Knisley

Having followed Knisley on social media for a while, I've long enjoyed her comics about cats, especially the early ones about the aging cat Linney. If this book had only been a collection of Linney comics that would have been okay with me. But she's taken it beyond that simple construct. She's woven a narrative and reflection about the nature of owning cats into the collection. With the last section a more melancholy reflection on aging and loss, this is a charming and heart-felt story of cats and family.

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Graphic novel spotlight - Willa and Wade and the Way Up There

 

Willa and Wade and the Way Up There by Judith Henderson and Sara Sarhangpour

Willa and Wade is a simple, accessible graphic novel for young readers. The illustrations are uncluttered, making visual interpretation easier. The vocabulary is accessible, with any more complicated words explained by the characters. The plot is straight-forward, as Willa and Wade make different attempts to fly. Readers will enjoy their descriptions of sensations that approach flight, though the pair is forever seeking the full experience.

 

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Graphic novel spotlight: Maelstrom: A Prince of Evil

 

Maelstrom: A Prince of Evil by Lorian Merriman

Maelstrom is a Loki type figure. Raised to be an evil overlord, his approach to life is more trickster than true evil. When he finds himself in a company of "good guys" who are preparing to mount a revolution against his evil mother, he thinks of it as the most fun thing that could happen. He'll play with these folks, let them think that he's on their side, and turn at the last moment. The plot takes directions we would expect but that's okay. The characters are strong, providing pathos and levity in equal measure. This is a solid quest story with fight scenes and magic. The art style is cartoony without becoming overly silly. There's enough reflection to suit more serious-minded readers.

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Graphic novel spotlight - Night Stories

 

Night Stories by Liniers

This is a fantastic way to relay folk tales. The visuals are strong with lots of detailed line work. The collection is framed as a pair of siblings telling each other scary stories before bed. But it's noteworthy that "scary" is pretty loosely used here. Even small kids could read this without becoming overly frightened. So don't read this looking for spooks. But it's a solid expression of some cultural tales.

 Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Graphic novel spotlight - Plain Jane and the Mermaid

 

Plain Jane and the Mermaid by Vera Brosgol

There are many stories about plucky young girls who go on adventures. Girls who are lovely but come from low class homes and wish to improve their circumstances. This is not one of those stories. Jane is a character who has never been enough. Too plain for her mother. Too female for her father. Too much of a dreamer for her peers. She doesn't have a lot of options in society. And with her home threatened by a predatory relative, she goes after the one thing she thinks can save her - marriage to an attractive but low income young man in town. This sends her on a reluctant quest with mermaids and witches and undersea societies. With dynamic illustrations and pleasantly complex characters this book is a delight to read and leaf through time and again.

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Graphic novel spotlight - Karate Prom

 

Karate Prom by Kyle Starks

Between the title and the cover art, no one is going to be surprised by the humorous nature of this book. It absolutely does not take itself seriously. This is basically the more madcap version of Scott Pilgrim. With a meathead, jerk villain, constant battles, and a strong fighter as a female character, this is a fun read. Nothing deep, but still quite enjoyable.

 Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley.