Self-acceptance – Cannonball Read 17

A Delightful Medley of the Finest New Middle Grade Graphic Novels

Freestyle by Gale Galligan

Growing Pains by Kathryn Ormsbee and Molly Brooks

The Baby-Sitters Club #12: Jessi's Secret Language by Chan Chau

Frizzy by Claribel A. Ortega and Rose Bousamra

Tidesong by Wendy Xu

The Tryout by Christina Soontornvat and Joanna Cacao

October 23, 2022 by GentleRain Leave a Comment

My love of middle grade graphic novels continues to deepen as more and more great books come out. Over the past week I read these six, which almost all came out recently (Tidesong came out in 2021). What really struck me about most of them is the wonderful diversity of viewpoints and experiences, which makes for a varied and rewarding reading experience. Hopefully as the generation of kids reading these grows up, we will see a similar boom in YA and adult graphic novels. Freestyle […]

And what little girls are made of

Blancaflor, the Hero with Secret Powers: A Folktale from Latin America: A Toon Graphic by Nadja Spiegelman

January 25, 2022 by BlackRaven Leave a Comment

While focusing on one story in Blancaflor, the Hero with Secret Powers: A Folktale from Latin America: A Toon Graphic you will see multiple stories come together due to the collective ideals of storytelling around the world. This version of Blancaflor by Nadja Spiegelman and Sergio Garcia Sanchez highlights the Latin influences of this wonderfully illustrated story of women’s strengths and hidden talents which we see unfolding to save the prince/her love. The story is simple, Blancaflor is the daughter of ogres. Her father gave […]

I’m Team Glue, but I see the Importance of Glitter

When Glitter Met Glue (When Pencil Met Eraser) by Karen Kilpatrick

January 20, 2022 by BlackRaven Leave a Comment

When Glitter Met Glue is part of the When Pencil Met Eraser series by Karen Kilpatrick. They are about our pens, pencils, erasers, markers, and other tools of art/writing that come to life to teach a lesson and entertain. They are a formula that you have seen before but are fresh due to the way German Blanco creates their illustrations. Here we learn about how friendships are created and how even if you are feeling underappreciated, you are still a vital part of the team. […]

To the kooks, rebels, and heroes

Starboy: Inspired by the Life and Lyrics of David Bowie by Jami Gigot

October 13, 2021 by BlackRaven Leave a Comment

Step back from the fact this picture book, Starboy: Inspired by the Life and Lyrics of David Bowie is based on the idea of Bowie’s childhood and not a true account of his life, and you will enjoy this story that tells us to dance to the stars and dance with the cosmos. It shows that you need to be yourself and to hear what other people cannot hear. And learn that we all need to listen to those stars and that cosmos. Jami Gigot […]

Magic and dragons and Aunties oh my!

Tidesong by Wendy Xu

July 14, 2021 by BlackRaven Leave a Comment

cbr13bingo Pandemic Tidesong is the graphic novel adventures of Sophie, her cousin Sage, and Great-Aunt Lan, along with a lost dragon named Lir. The magical journeys they experience bring them into a world of true magic, friendship and the real meaning of family and responsibilities. Sophie wants to go to the Royal Academy of magic. The best in the land. And not just because her mother and grandmother want her to. Of course, she first must learn to control the magic she has and […]

Prince Sebastian would like to introduce you to himself, Lady Crystallia

The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang

February 25, 2019 by BlackRaven Leave a Comment

The Prince and the Dressmaker most likely was pretty cutting-edge when it came out last year. We were started to talk about sexual identity and gender fluidness and the issues that come from that. Using the graphic novel format also is a bit different. But this publishers imprint seems to be the one to go to for cutting-edge stories in this usually more approachable format. However, a year later, having a young man dress in woman’s clothing as sometimes he feels male and sometimes female, […]

Zirza on A Gothic Classic for a ReasonIt's one of those wish-you-could-read-it-again-for-the-first-time books. I loved it.
Emmalita on “It came to something when you found yourself hoping that the footsteps you heard were ghosts.”I loved the ending! I don’t think it’s been out long enough to talk about why though.
Dixie on Track Her Down by Melinda LeighI am just starting Track Her Down and I have read them all in order till now and thought I...
Roland of Gilead on How can you give us the gift of a crazy character named Rando Thoughtful and then just as suddenly take that gift away? We need to talk, Uncle Stevie.I came across this randomly years after it was written because I was searching "Random Thoughtful. But I have the...
Emmalita on “Only you, Em, would refer to heartbreak as a distraction. I think I would have a more sympathetic response if I asked to marry a bookcase.”Oh my goodness, Gallifrey was beautiful. I’m sure her mittens were gloriously murdery.

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