Manu: A Graphic Novel (¡¡MANU!!), written by Kelly Fernández, reviewed by Terry Wahrman

Summary:  Best friends, Manu and Josefina, attend a magical boarding school for girls. Manu always seems to find herself on a crazy adventure that leads to her getting in trouble with the nuns. While the Nuns see a little girl with grand magical potential, Manu just wants to be a kid and have fun. In this graphic novel by Kelly Fernandez, a prank Manu pulls goes horribly wrong. Josephina is upset and wishes for Manu to disappear! When Manu really does disappear she struggles to find a spell to change her back. Manu’s magic is too powerful and Manu learns why the Nuns were always trying to get her magic under control.

Straight Talk for Librarians:  Being a big fan of graphic novels Manu!! Is a great addition to any library. Although it is focused on the middle grades, High Schoolers can still capture the thematic joy that is this modern fairytale. Beautiful design, well-structured, and antic-filled magic adventures. While I assumed this would be a quick read I found myself trapped in the imagery. What should have taken me an hour to read took me three! The diversity and cultural connections without making them the prime focus of the story really allows the reader to experience Maru’s story as their own. Personally, I give this book 5 stars.