Graphic Novels

 Graphic Novels

Fox & Rabbit


Ferry, Beth. Fox & Rabbit. illus. by Gergely Dudas. 96p. 2020. Tr. $12.99. ISBN. 9781419740770.

Fox & Rabbit by Beth Ferry follows the episodic adventures of the two title characters. Gergely Dudas's simple, yet adorable illustrations perfectly match the tone of Ferry's writing. The illustrations successfully bring Fox and Rabbit to life, showing the characters' emotions and actions without over shadowing the text. 

This graphic novel is perfect for transitional readers. The situations the two friends find themselves in are ones that many young readers can either clearly understand or relate to. Ferry's writing meets the reader where they are at, and does not complicate the plot with ideas or events that are over their heads. 

Fox & Rabbit is the first in Ferry's Fox & Rabbit series. As readers fall in love with Fox and Rabbit, they can continue reading about the two friends in Fox & Rabbit Make Believe and Fox & Rabbit Celebrate. 

Amulet #1: The Stonekeeper


Kibuishi, Kazu. Amulet #1: The Stonekeeper. illus. by Kazu Kibuishi. 192p. 2008. Tr. $12.99. ISBN 9780439846813.

Amulet #1: The Stonekeeper follows the fantastical adventure that main characters Emily and Navin embark on to save their mother from a tentacled monster. This graphic novel's complex themes of grief and sacrifice is best suited for upper elementary and middle grade readers. Kibuishi's illustrations truly demonstrates his ability to show rather than tell. His text and illustrations work in harmony to tell Emily's story in a meaningful and engaging manner.

Amulet #1: The Stonekeeper is the first in Kibuishi's Amulet series. Emily and her family's story continues in the eight books that follow, and a ninth book, Amulet: Waverider, which is excepted to be released in February of 2024. 



New Kid


Craft, Jerry. New Kid. illus. by Jerry Craft. 256p. 2019. Tr. $12.99. ISBN 9780062691194.

Author and illustrator Jerry Craft explores complex themes through his humorous and heartwarming graphic novel New Kid. Craft's illustration perfectly elevate his story and interestingly show his main character's internal thoughts and feelings about the world and people around him. The illustrations are effective and well executed, giving more depth to Jordan's story. 

This book would be best for readers in the upper elementary and middle school grades. While self-acceptance and self-confidence are universal themes that all readers can appreciate, the additional themes related to race and racism may be too complex for younger elementary aged readers.

For readers that fall in love with New Kid, they can continue Jordan, Drew, and Liam's stories in Craft's two companion books School Trip and Class Act.

Comments

  1. Jen CJune 11, 2024 at 1:41 PM

    Good content here. You could build on any of these for a strong review. Remember that you're looking for a 40/60 split between summary and evaluation in your reviews.

    ReplyDelete

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