Ghosts

From Goodreads:    THERE'S SOMETHING DIFFERENT ABOUT THIS TOWN...

Catrina and her family are moving to the coast of Northern California because her little sister, Maya, is sick. Cat isn't happy about leaving her friends for Bahía de la Luna, but Maya has cystic fibrosis and will benefit from the cool, salty air that blows in from the sea. As the girls explore their new home, a neighbor lets them in on a secret: There are ghosts in Bahía de la Luna. Maya is determined to meet one, but Cat wants nothing to do with them. As the time of year when ghosts reunite with their loved ones approaches, Cat must figure out how to put aside her fears for her sister's sake -- and her own. 

Raina Telgemeier has masterfully created a moving and insightful story about the power of family and friendship, and how it gives us the courage to do what we never thought possible.

My Thoughts:

-    This was another really fun book from Raina Telgemeier. I enjoyed it a lot.

-    I learned a few things about The Day of the Dead. It was really interesting. I liked learning more about the holiday and culture.

-    I really liked the characters. I think a lot of kids could relate to Catrina. 

-    The illustrations were great. I loved the expressions on the character's faces. They crack me up. 

-    I highly recommend this to anyone who loved Smile and Sisters, and any graphic novel fan. This would be a fun one to read with kids too. 

Space Dumplins

Goodreads Synopsis:    Highly acclaimed graphic novelist Craig Thompson's debut book for young readers about a plucky heroine on a mission to save her dad.

For Violet Marlocke, family is the most important thing in the whole galaxy. So when her father goes missing while on a hazardous job, she can't just sit around and do nothing. To get him back, Violet throws caution to the stars and sets out with a group of misfit friends on a quest to find him. But space is big and dangerous, and she soon discovers that her dad has been swallowed by a giant, planet-eating whale. With her father's life on the line, nothing is going to stop Violet from trying to rescue him and keep her family together.

Visionary graphic novel creator Craig Thompson brings all of his wit, warmth, and humor to create a brilliantly drawn story for all ages. Set in a distant yet familiar future, SPACE DUMPLINS weaves themes of family, friendship, and loyalty into a grand space adventure filled with quirky aliens, awesome spaceships, and sharp commentary on our environmentally challenged world.

My Thoughts:

-    I think younger audiences would enjoy this one, but it wasn't for me.

-    It was weird, but not good weird.

-    I wasn't into any of the characters.

Sunny Side Up

Goodreads Says:    Sunny Lewin has been packed off to Florida to live with her grandfather for the summer.  At first she thought Florida might be fun -- it is the home of Disney World, after all.  But the place where Gramps lives is no amusement park.  It’s full of . . . old people.  Really old people.
 
Luckily, Sunny isn’t the only kid around.  She meets Buzz, a boy who is completely obsessed with comic books, and soon they’re having adventures of their own: facing off against golfball-eating alligators, runaway cats, and mysteriously disappearing neighbors.  But the question remains -- why is Sunny down in Florida in the first place?  The answer lies in a family secret that won’t be secret to Sunny much longer. . .

My Thoughts:

-    I was pleasantly surprised by this book! It was wonderful, and I really needed a good book. I've given 2 stars to the last three books I've read, so I'm glad I finally found a good one!

-    I thought this book was going to be a fluff book about a girl and her summer adventures, but it was so much more! 

-    Sunny's family is struggling, and I loved how Sunny's story was told through flashbacks. I really wanted to find out more about her brother and what happened to Sunny that made her parents send her to live with her Grandpa for the summer. I really felt sorry for Sunny and her family. Having a family member with addiction is never fun, and I know from first hand experience how hard it is on everyone.

-    I loved all the comic book references! Great stuff! 

-    I'm glad Sunny had a kid her age to hang out with. 

-    The illustrations were very cartoony and fun. 

-    I really warmed up to Sunny's grandpa by the end of the book. At first he seemed like a stereotypical grumpy old man, but he has a kind heart and genuinely cared for Sunny and her family.

-    The ending was great! I loved that Sunny's summer wasn't a total bust. She had fun and made good memories. I also loved the message of hope at the end.

-    I'm really impressed that this book for younger audiences touches on a hard concept, and it handles the addiction problem in a very real and tasteful way. Well done!

Dogs of War

Goodreads Synopsis:    Sheila Keenan's captivating stories, paired with Nathan Fox's stunning art, bring the heroic military actions of man's best friend to life!

Some war heroes heard the wind whistling over a hidden trip wire.
Some war heroes sniffed out a sniper 1,000 yards away.
Some war heroes stood tall . . . on four legs!

DOGS OF WAR is a graphic novel that tells the stories of the canine military heroes of World War I, World War II, and the Vietnam War. This collection of three fictional stories was inspired by historic battles and real military practice. Each story tells the remarkable adventures of a soldier and his service dog and is rendered with fascinating and beautiful detail, bringing to life the faithful dogs who braved bombs, barrages, and battles to save the lives of countless soldiers.

Based on the real-life roles of military dogs that served as Red Cross rescuers, messengers, scouts, search-and-rescue teams, sentries, and mascots, DOGS OF WAR captures both the adventure and the devastation brought on by war, as well as the celebrations of life and friendship between boys and their dogs.

My Thoughts:

-    I really enjoyed these stories. They were heart-warming and eye-opening. There should be more non-fiction graphic novels.

-    I loved the three stories, and I like that they covered three different wars.

-    I didn't realize animals played such big roles in war and military. It makes sense that you would use them.

-    The artwork was great. The struggles of war were portrayed without being too graphic. 

-    I loved the relationships between the soldiers and the dogs. It was very touching.

-    Great book! 

Drama

From Goodreads:    PLACES, EVERYONE!

Callie loves theater. And while she would totally try out for her middle school's production of Moon Over Mississippi, she can't really sing. Instead she's the set designer for the drama department stage crew, and this year she's determined to create a set worthy of Broadway on a middle-school budget. But how can she, when she doesn't know much about carpentry, ticket sales are down, and the crew members are having trouble working together? Not to mention the onstage AND offstage drama that occurs once the actors are chosen. And when two cute brothers enter the picture, things get even crazier!

My Thoughts:

-    I love Raina Telgemeier books! They are so fun and so true to life in a humorous kind of way.

-    The illustrations are awesome! Raina is one of my favorite illustrators. Her characters are cute, and their facial expressions crack me up. The faces are SO expressive, the reader knows exactly how the character feels

-    This book almost made me want to work backstage for a play. It seems fun.

-    I love Callie's hair. It is a fun purple/magenta color.

-    I'm sure a lot of girls can relate to Callie. I know I had a few of her dramatic moments. 

-    I like how the story is told in different acts instead of chapters, like a play.

-    Callie's love for stage sets reminded me a lot of my love for architecture. They are very similar. I connected a lot with Callie.

-    I liked the twins. Their personalities complimented each other so nicely. You can't help but love them. 

-    Fun fun fun!!! I want more from this author!!

Sisters

Goodreads Says:    Three weeks. Two sisters. One car. A True Story

Raina can't wait to be a big sister. But once Amara is born, things aren't quite how she expected them to be. Amara is cute, but she's also a cranky, grouchy baby, and mostly prefers to play by herself. Their relationship doesn't improve much over the years. But when a baby brother enters the picture, and later, when something doesn't seem right between their parents, they realize they must figure out how to get along. They are sisters, after all.

My Thoughts:

-    I love the cute and colorful illustrations, especially the facial expressions. They crack me up!

-    Raina begging for a little sister is my daughter right now. I feel for those parents.

-    I liked all the flashbacks, and I liked how the pages were a little yellowed so it had this older feeling.

-    Raina and Amara's relationship reminds me a lot of me and my little sister. I can relate to a lot in this book.

-    I love the walkman! I used to listen to my CD player all the time to pass time and drown out other noise as well.

-    I love how realistic yet hilarious this story is. I think a lot of sisters will enjoy this graphic novel.

Previous Smile Book:

(cover is linked)

Smile

Goodreads Says:    From the artist of BSC Graphix comes this humorous coming-of-age true story about the dental drama that ensues after a trip-and-fall mishap.

Raina just wants to be a normal sixth grader. But one night after Girl Scouts she trips and falls, severely injuring her two front teeth. What follows is a long and frustrating journey with on-again, off-again braces, surgery, embarrassing headgear, and even a retainer with fake teeth attached. And on top of all that, there's still more to deal with: a major earthquake, boy confusion, and friends who turn out to be not so friendly.

My Thoughts:

-    I'm sure a lot of teens (and adults) can relate to this story. It nails the self conscience aspect of being a teen, and it nails everything awful about getting braces. Yes, I had them too. 

-    I love the cartoony illustrations. The facial expressions were so funny, and conveyed the characters emotions perfectly.

-    I love how many times I said to myself, "I felt the exact same way!" or "That was me too!"

-    I can't wait to read this to my daughter. Maybe if she gets braces in the future, I'll give her this book as a present. 

-    This was a really cute graphic novel with a great message in the end. 

-    This book made me smile! One of the best graphic novels I've read!

My Re-Read Thoughts:

-    This book is SO fun! It is still one of my favorite graphic novels. 

-    I really noticed Raina's friends this time around. They were jerks, big jerks! I'm glad she finally ditched them for better ones. 

Amulet: Escape from Lucien

Goodreads Says:    Navin and his classmates journey to Lucien, a city ravaged by war and plagued by mysterious creatures, where they search for a beacon essential to their fight against the Elf King. Meanwhile, Emily heads back into the Void with Max, one of the Elf King's loyal followers, where she learns his darkest secrets. The stakes, for both Emily and Navin, are higher than ever.










My Thoughts:

-    I'm getting bored with this series. 

-    I thought this was the last volume, but it isn't. I don't think I'll finish the series.

-    The illustrations and architecture aren't impressing me as much any more. I want more story.

-    The story isn't going anywhere. I want more action! The pace is so SLOW!

Previous Amulet Books

(covers are linked)

  
 

Amulet: Prince of the Elves

Follow up letter from this post:

Dear Provo Library,

Thank you so much for answering my plee by buying more copies of Amulet: Prince of the Elves. My family can finish the series, and we are ever so grateful!

Sincerely,

A Loyal Patron :)

Goodreads Says:    THE ENEMY GROWS STRONGER...

Emily survived the chaos of the Guardian Academy, but Max Griffin has stolen the Mother Stone. With it, the Elf King forges new Amulets that will give him the power to invade and destroy the nation of Windsor. Emily and her friends lead the soldiers of the Cielis Guard in a fight to stop him, but Max stands in their way. And when she seeks information from the Voice of her Amulet, she discovers that the Voice is much more sinister than she ever could have imagined. 

My Thoughts:

-    Since there was a big gap between reading the last book and this, I had forgotten a few things, but it came back. Sadly the momentum from all the excitement wore off.

-    The scenery and architecture are STUNNING! I LOVE the art in this book.

-    Not a lot happened to progress the story. I just have more questions.

-    I loved the pages and panels that didn't have dialogue. It was a feast for the eyes, and the story and emotions came across brilliantly.

-    There is a lot to wrap up still, and there is only one more volume left. I hope it ends well. I don't like loose ends. 

Previous Amulet Books

(covers are linked)

  

Amulet: The Last Coucil

From Goodreads:    Kazu Kibuishi's thrilling, NEW YORK TIMES bestselling series continues!

Emily and her friends think they'll find the help they need in Cielis, but something isn't right. Streets that were once busy are deserted, and the townspeople who are left live in crippling fear. Emily is escorted to the Academy where she's expected to compete for a spot on the Guardian Council, the most powerful Stonekeepers. But as the number of competitors gets smaller and smaller, a terrible secret is slowly uncovered--a secret that, if left buried, means certain destruction of everything Emily fights for.

My Thoughts:

-    This series would make a cool TV show. 

-    There were a lot of similarities with Studio Ghibli's Castle in the Sky.

-    I thought I had some things figured out, but I was wrong! I love a good surprise in a story.

-    Again, LOVE the illustrations. The scenery is amazing, some of my favorite in any graphic novel. 

Previous Amulet Books

(covers are linked)

  

Amulet: The Stonekeeper

Goodreads Says:    Graphic novel star Kazu Kibuishi creates a world of terrible, man-eating demons, a mechanical rabbit, a giant robot---and two ordinary children on a life-or-death mission.

After the tragic death of their father, Emily and Navin move with their mother to the home of her deceased great-grandfather, but the strange house proves to be dangerous. Before long, a sinister creature lures the kids' mom through a door in the basement. Em and Navin, desperate not to lose her, follow her into an underground world inhabited by demons, robots, and talking animals.
Eventually, they enlist the help of a small mechanical rabbit named Miskit. Together with Miskit, they face the most terrifying monster of all, and Em finally has the chance to save someone she loves.

My Thoughts:

-    The illustrations are fantastic! I love the vibrant pictures and characters.

-    The story wastes no time getting into things.

-    The story is engaging and adventurous.

-    The environments are awesome.

-    I can't wait to read the rest of the series!