Huda #4: Huda F Would Love You? written by Huda Fahmy and reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: This fourth and final graphic novel in the beloved Huda F series by Huda Fahmy. Set during the summer after Huda's high school graduation, the story follows her as she begins community college and pursues her mission to find a husband. Armed with a plan to charm the aunties into setting her up with eligible sons and supported by a new squad of girl-power friends, Huda navigates the complexities of Muslim courtship and modern romance. However, as she encounters a seemingly perfect boy in her English literature class and stumbles through unspoken cultural rules and expectations, she discovers that finding her "happily ever after" requires more than external validation. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: At 256 pages, this coming-of-age story balances rom-com lightness with meaningful character growth, exploring marriage readiness, self-awareness, and the role of community in a young Muslim woman's life. Readers will connect will connect with this story because it authentically captures the confusion and excitement of navigating romance and identity during young adulthood. For Muslim teens, especially hijabi girls, the book offers rare and unapologetic representation that feels genuinely seen and understood. Readers consistently report that Huda's experiences mirror their own—from the awkwardness of gender separation in their communities to the constant pressure and judgment from aunties and uncles. The humor throughout makes serious topics feel accessible rather than preachy, allowing teens to laugh while processing real challenges.The graphic novel format keeps the story engaging and visually entertaining.  The book handles mature themes like grooming, passive-aggressive behavior, and misogynistic attitudes in age-appropriate ways that spark important conversations. The inclusion of strong historical and contemporary Muslim women as role models—like Khadijah and Fatima Al-Fihriyyah—provides positive cultural anchors. Additionally, the relationship red flags guide at the end empowers young readers with practical wisdom about recognizing unhealthy dynamics. The story also celebrates platonic love, familial bonds, and self-love, resonating with teens of all backgrounds who are learning to accept themselves. Fahmy's witty, self-aware voice and the genuine character development make this book feel like advice from a trusted older sister rather than adult instruction. This book enriches school libraries by offering teens a mirror, a window, and a map for navigating their own journeys toward authenticity and self-love.

Ghosted: A Funny and Heartwarming Story About Seventh Grade Friendship for Children written by Michael Fry and reviewed by Rebecca Lowe

Summary: Main character Larry has been best friends with Grimm since fourth grade. Now in seventh grade, Grimm dies after being struck by lightning. But Larry discovers that friendship doesn't die that easily, as Grimm continues to haunt Larry! Larry is determined to help his friend cross over and believes the answer lies in their bucket list. Together Larry and Grimm embark on a series of wild misadventures in their pursuit of helping Grimm move on. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: Ghosted holds much in common with the beloved Diary of a Wimpy Kid series -- wild hijinks and the same illustrated text format. While the story at first is lighthearted and silly, seriousness creeps in as secondary characters express concern for Larry and acknowledge his grief. Larry also meets with a psychologist and has a conversation about how people talk to the dead all the time, how that can feel quite real, and also guilt. The reader becomes aware that Grimm was, in fact, not always a nice person, and Larry is struggling with how to make amends to some of the people Grimm hurt. The over-the-top escapades keep the story light hearted and funny even while dealing with serious topics like grief, guilt, and bullying. In the drawings, Larry is white and Grimm is black.

The King of Kazoo: A Graphic Novel written by Norm Feuti, reviewed by Debra Gantz

Summary: King Cornelious is frustrated that he has no accomplishment unlike the kings before him. His daughter, who knows magic, comes to him to share what her familiar, a bird, allows her to see from its eyes. There is a problem on the mountain just outside the kingdom. When she brings this curiosity to the king, he dismisses her. He shows her his new car, created by his clever worker, Torq. Torq is very creative and capable, but never gets credit. When an explosion happens in the mountain, something must change. Off they go in the car to find the problem and solve it to save the town. King Cornelius is hysterically small minded and his daughter and Torq are needed to give them a chance to discover the musings of an evil wizard and to stop him from destroying the town. This graphic novel is adorable throughout. There are fun characters me along the way, but it is the goofy antics of the king that save the day. It is lovely that in the end, the king discovers that credit needs given when people deserve it. Kindness and compassion as well as humility are wonderful traits to share. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: The creativity and fun never end in this one from the town, to the swamp, to the mountain and back again Norm Feuti has held my attention. I am certain that he will entertain my students in my elementary school, as well. I don't typically read graphic novels aloud, but I might have to show this one off with my 3rd graders as I have several in those classes that I think will beg to check this one out for themselves. I especially loved how he explains newspaper comics, his job, in his bio at the end of the story.

The Baby-Sitters Club Graphic Novels #4: Claudia and Mean Janine adapted by Raina Telgemeier and reviewed by Debra Gantz

Summary: I had to read one of the most popular series in my graphic novel collection. I was surprised how much I liked this book. The story is easy to follow of the club and and the work they do for their community in babysitting and now play groups. The meat of this story, though, is really about the importance of family. Claudia and her very smart, very studious sister do not get along. Claudia does a lot to help around the house, but her sister is always studying. When their grandmother has a stroke and needs help, the tension increases. I like the way Raina Telgemeier (originally Ann M. Martin) handles this family tension and allows both girls to grow and change in their relationships with their family. I also like how the summer play group interactions allow for this dynamic to change for the better. The pace, graphic format, and club and family depictions are well done. So, the story is about communication all said and done. Communicating is not the same as reacting to things and making time to communicate changes perspectives most of the time. Janine and Claudia are very different and rather than talk through the differences, they allow them to fester. One of the kids the club sits for has a new baby sister and he is allowing his frustrations to get in his own way of celebrating his new sister that he already loves so much. When Mimi, the grandmother of the family is diagnosed with a stroke, she has to relearn communication and Claudia learns quite a bit from that experience enabling her a chance to try connecting with Janine differently. 

Straight Talk for Librarians:  I have a very mixed reaction to the book series from students and parents in my building. Kids love the series and will also read the Little Sister versions. Parents feel the girls in middle school and what they deal with at their age is too much. I had to divide and conquer with graphic novels. I have a very small budget. When I started my collections, I made a section for only 4th and 5th and put Babysitter's Club books there and the younger section is where the Little Sister books are located. Having read this one, there is no reason I can see that it cannot be read by younger students, but my families have grown used to what I did when I did not have enough graphic novels, so I keep that system. I would recommend that Elementary Librarians be ready for discussions with parents. I read over 500 books a year, but if you cannot keep up with that much reading, join our Libres Blog (https://libresbooksmi.blogspot.com/) and read about the books or use NovelList or Titlewave to get reviews. Most parents just want to be heard and know you are thinking carefully about your collections in your school library.

The Mythmakers: The Remarkable Fellowship of C.S. Lewis & J.R.R. Tolkien written and illustrated by John Hendrix, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: "The Mythmakers" is a graphic novel biography that explores the friendship and creative journey of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. This narrative, enriched with comic panels, follows their lives from childhood through their experiences in World War I, their meeting at Oxford, and the formation of their literary group, the Inklings. The story reveals how their friendship influenced their legendary works, such as "The Chronicles of Narnia" and "The Lord of the Rings," and how they redefined fantasy as a genre for adults. John Hendrix masterfully combines historical facts with fiction, providing insights into their personal and professional lives, while also touching on themes of mythology, faith, and creativity.

Straight Talk for Librarians: I really enjoyed this book and learned a lot about how the fantasy genre came to be!  It was interesting to have this view of how and why Tolkien and Lewis's friendship developed and how it influenced their writing.  Even after all these years, students are still checking books out by both authors. I think that literature teachers (and other readers) would love this book to explore the impact of Lewis and Tolkien on the fantasy genre. There is definitely an opportunity to explore the historical context of World War I and II and their influence on literature. This would complement a World Religions class and/or Philosophy. I think that within the library a book club could be conducted like the Inklings.  I think the color palette was muted to help convey the emotion of the story and it was fun to see the characters from both authors' stories within the pages.  I think a lot of sadness was conveyed during the wars and then as the friendship started to change.  The vocabulary is pretty high level and a good choice for high school students and even adult readers. I highly recommend this book for all kinds of libraries.

Hooky # 1 written and illustrated by Míriam Bonastre Tur and reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: In Hooky, twins Dani and Dorian miss the bus to magic school and unexpectedly become labeled traitors within the witch community. As they navigate a series of misadventures, they find themselves pursued by powerful magic families and royals seeking lost princes. Joined by a mischievous local, a princess, and a future-seeing teacher, they strive to clear their names and heal their fractured kingdom. This captivating graphic novel blends whimsy with darker themes and features vibrant illustrations that enhance its magical storytelling, making it a delight for readers who enjoy adventure and fantasy. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: This book is is a good choice for middle school manga. It originitated from some Webcomic platform that I am not familiar with. There are 2 more volumes to follow this first one. The book can lend itself to a few programming ideas. A librarian can display it for fun reading, recommend it for a manga loving book club. Students can discuss themes of friendship, loyalty, and adventure. Librarians can create collaborative projects where students develop their own short graphic stories, encouraging creativity and engagement with the medium. So it would be a great collaboration with an ELA or Visual Arts teacher. This book serves as a gateway to discussions on diversity, acceptance, and the complexities of good versus evil. It's appropriate for middle school and some high school students might enjoy it as well.

Wolfie Monster and the Big Bad Pizza Battle: A Graphic Novel written and illustrated by Joey Ellis, reviewed by Terry Wahrman

Summary: Wolfe and his monster brothers, Jackson and Roy, own Magik Cheez Pizza. There’s a new pizza place in town run by Lord Mudpant and he has taken over all the other stores in town. He wants their pizza store too. Lord Mudpant has evil plans to turn the town into zombies and take their money. He is not going to let these brothers stop him. It’s up to Wolfie to get to the bottom of his deceit. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: Entertaining, colorful artwork, and humorous. Every page was illustrated with interesting detail. Great for teachers to get a low level reader interested in reading. Elementary students were very interested in reading this book over my shoulder. A lexile of 430 makes it well suited for elementary students or struggling middle school students. Highly Recommended

Dear Dumb Diary (Deluxe) #19 Dumbness is a Dish Best Served Cold written by Jim Benton

Summary: Jamie Kelly returns in this super-deluxe, full-color edition of the "Dear Dumb Diary" series, bringing her trademark humor and quirky observations to life at Mackerel Middle School. In this installment, Jamie, along with her friends Isabella and Angeline, embarks on a mission to make money through a food-related venture. Despite their initial struggles with ideas like smart nutrition plates, they eventually strike gold with a unique salad dressing that captures attention and earns them some cash. The book is filled with Jamie's hilarious thoughts, colorful illustrations, and relatable middle school drama, including themes of friendship, financial awareness, and overcoming challenges. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: Middle school students will enjoy this book for its humor, engaging illustrations, and the relatable antics of Jamie and her friends. The lighthearted narrative tackles real-life issues, such as financial struggles and the importance of creativity in problem-solving, making it both entertaining and educational. The diary-style chapters, though presented in a novel format, maintain a fun and easy-to-read flow, appealing to fans of similar series like "Dork Diaries" or "Diary of a Wimpy Kid." The vibrant illustrations enhance the storytelling experience, capturing the attention of young readers. Overall, Jamie's adventures and her humorous take on middle school life resonate with students aged 10 and up, encouraging them to embrace their own challenges with laughter and creativity.

Botticelli's Apprentice written and illustrated by Ursula Murray Husted, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: "Botticelli’s Apprentice" by Ursula Murray Husted is a historical graphic novel set in 1400s Florence, Italy. The story follows Mella, a young girl whose family works for the renowned painter Sandro Botticelli. Mella dreams of becoming Botticelli's apprentice, though the odds seem stacked against her. She is known as the Chicken Girl and she takes care of the chickens and other non-glamourous jobs like washing the paint brushes. The plot thickens with the introduction of Datus, Botticelli's official apprentice, who struggles with his artistic skills. As an apprentice, Datus is responsible for making the canvas, mixing paints and plaster and other odd jobs. Botticelli is not really teaching him anything at this point. Datus steals one of Mella’s drawings and claims it as one of his own. Mella is mad, but she knows no one would believe her if she said it was hers. Eventually, Datus apologizes for what he did and their tense relationship blossoms into a heartwarming friendship, showcasing themes of empowerment, collaboration, and the art-making process. Husted's vibrant illustrations echo Botticelli’s style, immersing readers in the world of Renaissance art. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: Librarians can suggest this book to art teachers and they will love the biography and art history in the book. . This graphic novel serves as an excellent entry point for discussions about the Renaissance, highlighting the social dynamics and challenges faced by women artists during that time. Librarians can organize themed book clubs or reading circles where students engage in discussions about Mella’s journey and the importance of creativity. This book went into a lot of detail about some of the techniques and materials used during this time. I really liked the description of how lapis lazuli was made into paint and used by artists. While the lapis lazuli material is not a reality in school, librarians and teachers could still set up art workshops inspired by the techniques mentioned in the book, such as how to make tempera paints or canvas panels. This hands-on approach encourages students to explore their own artistic talents while learning about historical art processes. The author provides some great classroom activities on her website, along with some technique videos that are mentioned in the book. The glossary at the front of the book is an ideal place for it and defines the more unfamiliar terms before actually getting to them in the text. I also enjoyed the author notes at the end to put part of the fiction and non-fiction into context.  This book would also be a great lead into a information/media literacy lesson on copyright. This book is a highly recommended choice for upper elementary to middle school students. A wonderful addition to any school library.  

Thank you to HarperCollins and Quill Tree Books for a ARC on #NetGalley

Brownstone written by Samuel Teer and illustrated by Mar Julia, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: "Brownstone" is a poignant coming-of-age graphic novel centered around fourteen-year-old Almudena, who embarks on a transformative summer journey with her estranged Guatemalan father, Xavier. After her white mother leaves for a dance tour, Almudena is left with her father, whom she has never met, in a Brooklyn neighborhood that is predominantly Spanish speaking (Almudena does not speak any Spanish). The story unfolds as Almudena grapples with a language barrier, cultural identity, and her father's expectations to renovate a dilapidated brownstone. As they work together, Almudena not only learns about her father and their heritage but also discovers her place within the community and her own identity. The vibrant illustrations capture both the challenges and warmth of urban life, showcasing the complexities of family, belonging, and the impact of gentrification. The narrative is rich with humor, heart, and relatable moments, making it a meaningful exploration of the ties that bind us beyond blood relations. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: School librarians can effectively incorporate "Brownstone" into library lessons and programming by focusing on themes of identity, family, and community. Organizing book discussions can encourage students to share their perspectives on Almudena's journey and relate it to their own experiences. Additionally, librarians can create activities that explore cultural heritage, such as art projects inspired by the graphic novel's illustrations or writing prompts that ask students to reflect on their family stories and cultural backgrounds. Furthermore, librarians can host a graphic novel workshop where students learn about the elements of graphic storytelling, using "Brownstone" as a case study to analyze character development, visual storytelling, and the importance of representation in literature. I thought it was a really engaging book.  It was a quick read with lots of layers.  Lots of different ways to look at love through friendships, family, past romances and current relationships.  It would be a good addition to any high school library.

Freshman Year written and illustrated by Sarah Mai, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: A graphic memoir that captures the unique mixture of excitement, anxiety, and self-discovery that comes with transitioning to college life. Sarah, a recent high school graduate from suburban Wisconsin, embarks on her freshman journey at a Minnesota college, filled with aspirations to impress her professors, meet new friends, and grow as an artist. However, her optimistic outlook is quickly challenged by the realities of college life, including the pressure from her high-achieving roommate, the end of her summer romance, and the overwhelming sense of freedom and isolation in this new environment. Drawing inspiration from her personal college journals, Mai expertly illustrates the struggles and triumphs of an 18-year-old navigating the complexities of her first year away from home. The narrative unfolds without conventional chapters, instead using brief narrative markers to denote the passage of time and significant events like midterms and finals. This structure mirrors the chaotic nature of college life and emphasizes Sarah's emotional journey. With its blend of humor, heart, and honesty, Freshman Year resonates with anyone who has faced the daunting yet exhilarating challenge of stepping into adulthood. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: A great choice for any reader who is becoming curious about the college experience and the challenges of transitioning from high school to college. The graphic novel's relatable themes of self-doubt, friendship, and personal growth can serve as a springboard for workshops that explore emotional well-being and resilience in students preparing for higher education. This could be a great choice for a book club, encouraging students to share their thoughts and feelings about their own experiences or anxieties regarding college. The graphic format can also appeal to reluctant readers, making it a valuable resource for promoting literacy. By connecting this book to broader themes of identity and change, librarians can foster a supportive environment where students feel comfortable discussing their aspirations and concerns about the future.  I would say this book is a happy for now book because the story is not over.  While there was a breakup, the main character definitely explores her love for her family, her friends and gets tingly feelings about new guys she meets at school :)

Sherlock Bones: #2 Sherlock Bones and the Sea-creature Feature written by Renee Treml, reviewed by Terry Wahrman

Summary: The octopus of the new ocean life exhibit at the natural history museum goes missing. The trio of sleuth detectives, Sherlock Bones, Watts, and Grace the chocolate loving raccoon are on the case. Visiting students stated they spotted a sea monster in the mangrove exhibit and several puddles are found around the smaller exhibits. Could there be a connection? 

Straight Talk for Librarians: This book is silly, light hearted and educational. It is written in chapters to make it easier to read with several chapters dedicated to the sea creatures. Introducing students to exhibits with live creatures and mangroves can be highly entertaining when mixed with humor. The sea monster is found out to be a lonely sloth who came in with the mangrove and the missing octopus is not missing, only camouflaging itself. This book could be used to motivate slower readers. Highly recommended.

Sherlock Bones: #1 Sherlock Bones and the Natural History Mystery written by Renee Treml and reviewed by Terry Wahrman

Summary: Sherlock Bones lives in the natural history museum with his trusty sidekick Watts, a stuffed blue parrot. When things go missing or lost, they are first to arrive on the scene. The Royal Blue Diamond goes missing and there is no time to waste. If only Grace, the silly new racoon, can stay out of their way, they may have the chance to find it. Time is getting away. The museum might close their doors if they don’t find it quickly. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: Cute and funny for all ages and genders. Great way to introduce the concept of a natural history museum and all it contains. This graphic novel is written in chapters. There is a lot of satire when Sherlock has one sided conversations with his stuffed bird pal Watkins. Sherlock introduces students to using deductive reasoning by asking questions. The interaction with the pesky raccoon Grace turns into a real friendship and a lesson on how to deal with different types of friends. I would recommend this book to a child that doesn't like to read. The humor and characters are very entertaining. Highly recommended.

Akim Aliu: Dreamer written by Akim Aliu and Greg Anderson Elysée illustrated by Karen De La Vega, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary:"Dreamer" is a poignant graphic memoir by Akim Aliu that offers an honest portrayal of systemic racism within the world of hockey. Raised in Ukraine by a white mother and a Nigerian father, Akim experiences the challenges of cultural identity and racial discrimination from an early age. When he moved to Nigeria, he also faced discrimination along with his mother. His first language is Russian. Akim's parents decide that the best opportunity for their two children will be in Canada. There Akim discovers his passion for hockey, but his journey is marred by hazing, racism, and bullying throughout his career. Despite these obstacles, Akim's talent leads him to be drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks, and he eventually co-founds the Hockey Diversity Alliance in 2020. This graphic novel is not only a personal narrative but also a call to action, urging readers to acknowledge and combat racism in sports and society. The book effectively exposes the harsh realities of the hockey world and the difficulty of racially mixed marriages both in the Ukraine and in Nigeria.  The artwork is expressive, sporty and the narrative voice shifts a few times. So, it has some literary and artistic elements to analyze. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: This book is an essential read for ages 13 and up, providing valuable insights into the experiences of Black athletes and the ongoing need for diversity and inclusion in sports. The graphic novel's engaging visual storytelling can attract reluctant readers, making it an excellent addition to book clubs or reading circles. A guided reading session could analyze themes of racism, resilience, and the importance of representation, encouraging students to share their thoughts and experiences related to these issues. Additionally, the book can be paired with social studies lessons on immigration, cultural identity, and the history of sports in Canada. Activities could include research projects on the Hockey Diversity Alliance and its impact on the sport, as well as creative writing assignments where students reflect on their own dreams and challenges. After I finished reading the book, I had to look up the news stories about the people mentioned to see a more detailed account of how things went down.  The moments of joy are found in the friends and families that took Akim in while he was playing travel hockey and lifted him up.  The love of Aliu's parents and brother really stand out. The brutality that Steve Downie and Coach Bill Peters unleashed on Akim really calls them out for what they did to a fellow human being.  There is partial justice in getting this story out into the world.  But also sadness for a hockey career cut short because of the abuse of power by a few people at the top of an organization.  This book is also particularly timely because of the conflict in Ukraine.  This story will show a bit of history as to what it was like to live there in the 1980s.  This book will keep you thinking long after you finish reading it.  Powerful and highly recommended for any middle/high school library.

Link to news article

Baby Monkey, Private Eye written by Brian Selznick and David Serlin, reviewed by Debra Gantz

Summary: This chapter book for all ages has bold black text and a hilarious main character working as a private detective. (Baby Monkey, Private Eye will be as endearing for adults who may notice the nods to films of years past in the illustrations.) Baby Monkey will search for clues, eat a snack, take notes, and solve the case. (Take careful note of the paintings and newspapers in the illustrations for more connections.) So, in short this is a picture book read aloud in the form of an early chapter book. (Don't miss the back matter, if you book talk this one.) Selznick and David Serlin have created a masterpiece in this sweet and funny book. Teachers who need to teach mystery books really need to consider this one. Librarians who teach back matter in their books will have much to discuss with the index and bibliography after the story. Even art teachers will find joy in the paintings on the wall and how they connect to each story. This book is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for all libraries! (I read this one before I received this book to review and have hoped for a sequel from this pair ever since.) 

Straight Talk for Librarians: This may be the single hardest book to place in a school collection. I put it in chapter books with a label that alerts my readers that it has more white space and picture support. I could see some choosing picture book locations, especially if they want parents to see this charming and unique book. It is possible we will continue to have this confusion with Brian Selznick as he continues to push the definition of picture book and chapter book to extremes. (To my great joy!)

Nnewts #2: The Rise of Herk written by Doug TenNapel, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: Herk, the lovable Nnewt, returns in the sequel to "Escape from the Lizzarks," embarking on a thrilling adventure in Amphibopolis. Having found a new family and home, Herk faces a dire situation when the Lizzarks launch a fierce attack using a giant monster. In his quest to defend the city and his adopted family, he seeks help from the megasloth. Meanwhile, Herk's sister, Sissy, uncovers a troubling truth about their long-lost brother, Zerk, who may have dark connections. As Herk's magical abilities grow, Sissy finds herself manipulated by the snake lord, leaving her uncertain about whom to trust. The story is packed with action, surprising plot twists, and military advancements, making it an engaging read. The novel’s artistic style and magical elements provide a fun experience. Written by Doug TenNapel, this graphic novel blends adventure and fantasy, appealing to readers who enjoy fiction with a strong narrative. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: This graphic novel can serve as a springboard for discussions on themes such as family dynamics, identity, and moral choices. Librarians can organize book clubs where students analyze character development and plot progression, encouraging them to draw connections between the text and their own lives. Additionally, incorporating art projects that focus on the novel's illustrations can enhance students' appreciation for graphic storytelling. The action-packed narrative can also be linked to lessons on storytelling techniques, allowing students to create their own graphic stories.

Adventures of John Blake #1: Mystery of the Ghost Ship written by Philip Pullman and illustrated by Fred Fordham, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: The Adventures of John Blake is a graphic novel that blends time travel and adventure, aimed at middle-grade readers. The story follows Serena Henderson, an Australian teenager whose family yacht capsizes during a storm, leaving her stranded at sea. She is rescued by John Blake, a young man aboard the ghost ship Mary Alice, which has the ability to traverse through time. John, who appears 16 but is actually 106 due to a time-travel mishap, and his crew face off against the sinister Dahlberg Corporation, a tech giant reminiscent of Apple, intent on harnessing the ship’s secrets for world domination. As the plot unfolds, Serena learns about the ghost ship's unique abilities and the diverse crew members, each with their own intriguing backgrounds. The narrative intertwines themes of technological obsession and the consequences of seeking power, as characters grapple with their connections to the past and present. While the illustrations by Fred Fordham are engaging, the dialogue and character development could benefit from further depth. Overall, the story presents an exciting adventure that introduces readers to complex themes within a captivating framework. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: This graphic novel is a great choice to teach students about the unique aspects of graphic storytelling, including visual literacy, panel layout, and dialogue integration. Students can explore the themes of technology and ethics within the story, discussing the implications of modern devices and the concept of technological dependency. Students could research historical figures mentioned in the novel, such as Albert Einstein, and discuss the nature of time travel in literature. There is an opportunity for students to create their own graphic novel pages or storyboards, encouraging them to incorporate themes from the book, such as adventure, time travel, or the battle against a villainous corporation. These activities can help integrate the graphic novel into various subjects, promoting critical thinking and creativity among students.

Cleopatra in Space #3: Secret of the Time Tablets written by Mike Maihack, reviewed by Terry Wahrman

 

Summary:  Young Cleopatra is on another adventure to find the time tables before Octavian. These tablets will determine Cleo’s fate.  While being attacked by Octavian’s ships, the group separates into different space pods and travels down to Hykosis.  There Cleo runs into Antony, her rival.  Antony and Cleo are consistently trying to find the same items.  Antony helps Cleo and Akiri exscape Octavian’s guards only to find Hykosis is littered with Octavian’s men.  After Octavian kills the leader of the orphanage. who hiding the tablets, he sets a trap for Cleo.  She is the only one who can bring the tablets to life.

Straight Talk for Librarians:  This is the 3rd book in the series.  The story picks up where it left off, but has its own mission.  It was not difficult to follow along, having not read the first two books.  There are several diverse characters and friends helping friends. Sometimes the writing is very basic.  Multiple pages of Bam, Crash, Blatz, Zwack, Zap, Zip, and Z-ting.  This is for a student’s pleasure read.  One who finds space and time travel their niche.  I ordered books 1 and 2 to add to my collection.  Recommended

NewsPrints #2: EndGames written and illustrated by Ru Xu, reviewed by Terry Wahrman

Summary:  In this sequel to NewsPrints, the fight for freedom and truth continues with Blue searching for her friend Crow.  Crow is a boy that was created to end the war.  He is a flying war machine.  Blue is half Grimmaean and half Goswish.  The new Goswish queen is not backing away from the war.  She is forging ahead and wants to have all the territories under her rule by beating Gremmaeans into submission.  Blue, raised in Goswish, gets kidnapped by the Gremmaeans and learns a lesson in working together for the common good.

Straight Talk for Librarians:  A lot is lost by not having read the first book.  The beginning is confusing because characters are introduced without background.  Xu could have written a prologue to introduce the characters from book 1 and make the transition better.  This would end a lot of confusion in certain scenes.
Goswish’s have black hair and brown eyes and Gremmaeans have blond hair and blue eyes, because Blue has traits of each, blond hair & brown-eyed, she is neither friend nor foe. She has to defend herself all the time.  She can pass through either country with a few changes like a wig or sunglasses.  Her lack of acceptance strikes a true cord common among today’s teens. I purchased the first book to add to my collection.  I believe I won't be able to keep it on the shelf.

Not recommended as a stand-alone read

ParaNorthern and the Chaos Bunny A-hop-calypse written by Stephanie Cooke and illustrated by Mari Costa, reviewed by Todd Erickson

 

Summary:  Young witch Abby is on fall break and intends to help her mom out at the Witch's Brew Cafe, where a motley crew of creatures meet up to hang out in the supernatural village of North Haven. Her best friends are a pumpkin head, wolf girl, ghost and her little sister Ella, who is being bullied. Abby's magic powers are a somewhat out of whack, and she when she casts a spell to prevent further bullying of Ella, she unleashes a Bunny Apocalypses. It's up to Abby to dig deep into her witchy heritage and realign her witchy powers to send the bu nnies back through the portal from which they hopped. Abby's mom and friends are there to help her believe in herself and her powers. 

Straight Talk for Librarians:  This is a light hearted, funny book about a witchy girl and her misfit friends. They are all dealing with Middle Grade insecurities in some form or other. There's an underlining message of acceptance and low-key celebration of what makes everyone unique. Everyone is riddled with self doubt at some time or other, but friends and family are there for Abby to help her find her way. The bunnies serve as a manifestation of her own insecurities. The message is pretty straightforward, but subtle enough not to be preachy. It's implied that wolf girl may have a crush on Abby.