Gaia: Goddess of Earth

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by Imogen & Isabel Greenberg

The story of the ones who came before Zeus and his siblings, this origin story graphic novel begins with the goddess Gaia, the creator of Earth, according to the ancient Greeks. It shows the development of conflict between her desire for peace on Earth and her husband, children and grandchildren’s desire for chaos and dominance over the Earth. The book begins with introducing the reader to Gaia and her offspring. While this was helpful, I kept wanting to see a family tree to show some of the more convoluted family connections. Much of the book is about the various conflicts in each generation for leadership, all while Gaia looks on sadly as peace is constantly challenged by her descendants. You see battles with the Titans, Zeus overthrowing his father, Giants trying to wrestle control from Zeus… so much conflict! The artwork is bold, dark, autumny colors & stylized characters. Facial expressions say a lot about how the characters are feeling. The book includes a glossary and a brief bibliography. Fans of Greek mythology will enjoy this prequel to so many of the more familiar myths and legends that came after these earlier struggles.

Grounded for All Eternity

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by Darcy Marks

Mal and his friends are just regular teens, except that their quiet suburban neighborhood is located in an unusual place – Hell. They are currently under lock down during their last vacation together for a while because of an escaped prisoner from the 8th circle of… Hell. The friends end up “falling” into another dimension – Earth – and realize they have to help bring the escaped prisoner home if they want to get back to their regular lives. This funny story was full of adventure and turned the stereotypical ideas of Hell=bad/Heaven=good a bit on its head. As it turns out, BOTH do the world a pretty important service & by working together, they just might accomplish their goals more efficiently. Similar to the recent popularity of mythology books by Rick Riordan and others, this tale melds a bit of the horror genre with the mythology of the hereafter. Much of the story takes place on Halloween in Salem, Massachusetts (& in Hell), so it’s also a perfect October read! There is a slight hint of a possible lgbtq romantic relationship in Mal’s future, but it’s very subtle. Mal has romantic interest in both a girl and a boy in the book – neither of which really develops in the story until a romantic letter he writes at the very end to one of his interests. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am sure my students will eat it up!

Tin Man

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by Justin Madson

Fenn, a lonely boy, meets Campbell, the tin man in a junkyard while looking for spare parts for the rocket ship he’s building in his garage and they instantly become friends. Fenn also finds a metal clock/heart part that he assumes belongs to the tin man & hands it to him. So begins the twisted, modernized tale of the Wizard of Oz, complete with a yellow brick road, a tornado, and a wizard of sorts. Fenn’s sister, his once-helper of the rocket, is struggling with her own problems – the loss of their grandmother, a jerk of a boyfriend, and flagging hopes and dreams. She, too, finds help from the tin man struggling with his own problems and broken heart. Even without knowing the original story of The Wizard of Oz, I think modern readers will enjoy this graphic novel. The art work is done in bold colors and subtle facial expressions, but add to the poignancy and rough times all the characters are striving to get through. I enjoyed all the little “Easter eggs” scattered throughout the story that refer back to the original story. In one scene you see two women talking. One is clearly Glinda & the other, clad in black & white striped tights & red shoes, is a nod to the Wicked Witch of the West. A lion appears on a movie poster and a sweater. The Flying Monkey taco truck. Even the town name forms the initials O.Z.  This is a clever graphic novel that has much to offer. I think readers will enjoy it.

Hana Hsu and the Ghost Crab Nation

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by Sylvia Liu

I really enjoyed this action-packed, futuristic story of a plucky twelve year old heroine whose curiosity and determination save her and her classmates from becoming manipulated by adults who should have been protecting and training them. The story shows Hana and her friends in a recently accelerated program to learn how to use a technology that will mesh their minds with the internet and each other. She quickly realizes that something is not right with the program and begins to investigate. She does this while grieving her father and the splintering, distant feelings of her immediate family. Readers who love technology or video games will enjoy the action scenes in the virtual world as the students train with their new tools. I liked that Hana also loves OLD technology, particularly animatronics that she builds from scraps in the junkyard. The pacing of the story is solid and the characters are all multi-ethnic. Even the cover draws you in. I think this title will be a hit with middle school readers who enjoy a fast-paced novel of intrigue and action.

Hiders Seekers Finders Keepers: How Animals Adapt in Winter

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Three different ways in which different animals in the wild to make it through the winter are named and given very brief descriptions. The illustrations provide added details.

There are the animals which hide: snakes, snails, bumblebee queens, chipmunks, wood frogs and more.

There are the animals which seek warmer or different areas: Canada geese, elk, pronghorn antelope, Ruby-throated hummingbirds, green darner dragonflies and others.

There are the animals which find a way to stay throughout the winter: white-tailed deer, red foxes, mice, gray jays and more.

The Author’s Note includes definitions for diapause and brumation, as there is no glossary.

(M.K.P.)

When the Sky Glows

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Ten celestial phenomenon which often emanate ooohs and aaaahs from viewers are presented and explained in the gorgeous vibrantly illustrated book. The phenomenon include: sunrise, sunset, lightning, rainbows, solar eclipse, volcanoes, fireflies, meteors, auroras, and the moon.

(M.K.P.)

FLY by Alsion Hughes

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Fly by Alison Hughes is a novel in verse that is sure to leave a mark. Felix Landon Yarrow or more commonly known as FLY sits in a wheelchair at the age of 14. Although this makes life harder FLY sets out to save his crush from a drug-dealing boy named Carter. When his original plan falls apart he realizes it’s time to rock the boat. The creative format of the verses generates an interesting, more inventive way of understanding the words on the page. This book would appeal to fiction and YA readers. The representation of FLY’s feelings as a teenager is both relatable and comforting. Even for readers who aren’t attracted to young adult fiction, the adventure in verse will pull them in. (Reviewed by a WMS student)

My Name is Jason. Mine too. Our Story. Our Way

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By Jason Reynolds and Jason Griffin

This beautifully poetic and artistic book is a collage of the two artists’ early works while struggling to make it in Brooklyn shortly after the two former college roommates graduated and moved to the “big city”. Reynolds’ poetry is often superimposed over Griffin’s painting/collages in a way that helps the reader feel the raw excitement, terror, & sometimes loneliness that comes with making a big leap of faith in yourself in a new place. At the time of this collection, both were unknowns trying to make enough money to eat and pay rent so they could keep making their art. Fans of Jason Reynolds will enjoy this look back at his early years of personal struggle while also discovering the mixed media style of his friend Jason Griffin. Whereas current work is more fictional in nature, this is raw him. Anyone struggling to stay true to themselves while fighting all the doubts that come with it will be able to relate. I also really like the message of these two very different looking young men finding such a strong connection with each other as they lean in & support each other during their struggles to make it. There was not much I didn’t like about the book though the artistic style of Griffin’s work may not appeal to everyone, I really liked it. I’m sure my middle school readers who are fans of Reynolds and poetry are really going to like this book, and there is nothing that makes it inappropriate for middle schoolers other than the book is about people in their 20s. 

Redeptor

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In Jordan Ifueko’s sequel to Raybearer, Tarisai will be tested physically and mentally as she begins her control of the throne as Empress. Tarisai is still a rock star of a heroine, staying one step ahead of most issues that arise but when spirits of the past add that additional layer of doubt, Tarsai takes a little of a Christ-like role in deciding if she can live with her people or if she must die to absolve them of past transgressions. This fantasy world continues its mythical tale as beautifully crafted as Tarisai’s characterization. Fans of Raybearer will enjoy Redemptor’s 2nd and final part of the story.

You Are More Than Magic

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Minda Harts gives heartfelt advice on everything from finding your first job to reacting to squabbles between friends or break-ups of family, and from self-advocacy and positive self-reflection to being vulnerable in relationships. While race and gender positivity are obviously the reason for the book, this white reader could read it from the advocate’s lens as well as the learner’s lens. Discussion questions for chapters are at the end as well as reflective questions for a white audience and comments for a white caregiver. This is the “gift” book that counselors, teachers, guardians, and advocates can share with the beautiful brown girls in our lives. Harts writes in conversational, tell-it-like-it-is prose that creates the authentic cradle of care these girls need to be leaders in our society. You Are More Than Magic is highly recommended for school libraries.