A True Wonder: The Comic Book Hero Who Changed Everything written by Kirsten W. Larson , illustrated by Katy Wu and reviewed by Debra Gantz

Summary: This book feels like a comic with this artwork by Katy Wu alongside the research history of the character by Kirsten W. Larson. I was smitten from the start! I loved Wonder Woman, but as a child did not associate her affect on women's rights as well as how she changed the way people saw women. (Very helpful before the war as during the war women were needed to keep so much running.) This book will be loved by my students and allow for great conversations with their families about how Wonder Woman, a comic and TV character, affected so many. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: So many of my students love graphic novels and comics and manga. Few seem to know what precipitated the graphics they love so much. This book allows me to show them historical changes since comic books were so huge and some characters became TV stars, as well. I am so impressed with the backmatter in this book. I love opportunities to discuss back matter and author/illustrator notes!

Shuri: A Black Panther Novel #1, written by Nic Stone, reviewed by Amanda Davies

Summary:   As Challenge Day (the day when others can challenge the rule of her brother, King T'Challa) nears, Shuri becomes increasingly worried about indicators that there might be a greater challenge to both T'Challa and Wakanda as a whole. She is desparate to find the cause of the destruction of whole swaths of the heart-shaped herb while also designing a new habit for her brother to keep him safe during Challenge Day. When all of her tests of the dying herb fail to reveal anything, she and her friend/future body guard, K'Marah, seek out Ororo (Storm from X-Men) for advice. And their stealth trip to Ororo is only the beginning of their adventure. 

Straight Talk for Librarians:  This engaging, tech-filled, and funny peak into Shuri's role in Wakanda is just the beginning of a series where she'll be the center of the story. Shuri's frustration at the lack of recognition for the princesses of Wakanda and the fact that no women have ever been the Black Panther is an important theme throughout the book. Shuri's pride in her science and technology knowledge is inspiring. While there are many references to the Marvel and X-Men universes, even readers who aren't familiar with either the comics or the movies will enjoy the action, humor, and Nic Stone's story-telling here. Shuri and K'Marah's relationship develops throughout the book in a way that feels authentic.