Graphic novels

Lumberjanes: Beware the Kitten Holy by Noelle Stevenson and Grace Ellis

~ Janet Dawson ~ Leave a comment

Published by BOOM! Box

Summary:  April, Jo, Ripley, Molly, and Mal are five very different girls enjoying summer camp.  And what a camp!  In the first few pages, the girls ward off a pack of talking foxes who deliver a cryptic message, “Beware the kitten holy”.  They return home to a very angry camp counselor, Jo, and a more lenient camp director, Rosie, who seems to know more than she’s telling.  Originally four comic books, each section is introduced with a page from the Lumberjanes Field Manual, describing a merit badge (“Up All Night Badge”, “Robyn Hood Badge”).  Filled with friendship and Girl Power, there are sure to be more Lumberjanes adventures.

Pros:  Holy Mae Jemison (she and other female heroes are frequently used in exclamatory contexts)!  Each girl has a strong and distinctive personality, and there’s a new adventure on every page.  The Lumberjanes are sure to popular with those ready to move on from Raina Telgemeier.

Cons:  The portrayal of boys is not very flattering (they’re cookie-baking, housecleaning simpletons until they transform into evil monsters).

Mr. Pants: Slacks, Camera, Action by Scott McCormick, pictures by R. H. Lazzell

~ Janet Dawson ~ Leave a comment

Published by Dial Books

Summary:  When cool cat Mr. Pants sees a flier for a film contest, he decides he wants to make a movie and win big.  But life keeps interfering: his mom has planned a tea party, there are chores to be done, and the other kids don’t want to take him seriously.  He perseveres, filming what he can, and piecing together snippets on his computer to create a masterpiece.  The excitement builds at the film festival…will Mr. Pants get the $1,000 prize and his trip to Hawaii?

Pros:  This is the second installment in a new graphic novel series, and Mr. Pants is a worthy successor to Babymouse.  With short chapters, lots of action, and plenty of laughs, these books will engage the most reluctant reader.

Cons: The tea party scene was a little confusing to me.  Too many cats.

Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson

~ Janet Dawson ~ 7 Comments

Published by Dial Books

Summary:  Astrid and her best friend Nicole seem to be drifting apart as they get ready to enter junior high. When her mother takes the two girls to the roller derby, Astrid discovers her passion.  She tries to convince Nicole to sign up for roller derby camp with her, but Nicole prefers ballet.  Astrid goes anyway, and the four weeks of camp turn out to be life-changing for her.  As the youngest and least experienced member of the group, she has the hardest time getting into shape, and spends more time lying on the rink floor than skating.  But she also makes a friend, dyes her hair, and gets a new derby name.  By the time the girls get to do an exhibition bout, Astrid is still the weakest player, but she’s learned enough to be able to contribute to her team at a crucial moment.

Pros:  Middle grade readers will cheer for Astrid as she learns how to be herself and to navigate the tricky waters of girls’ friendships.  Fans of Raina Telgemeier’s Smile and Sisters will love Roller Girl.

Cons:  Graphic novels like this take too long to create…I can’t wait to read the next installment of Astrid’s story