WEIRDO, by Tony Weaver Jr., Jes Wibowo and Cin Wibowo, ‎First Second, Sept. 17, 2024, Paperback, $14.99 (ages 10 and up)

An awkward teen struggles with mental health issues and self-doubt in Weirdo, a middle-grade graphic novel memoir by Tony Weaver Jr.

Eleven-year-old Tony Weaver, Jr. loves comic books, anime, and video games, and idolizes the heroic, larger-than-life characters he finds there. But his new classmates all think he’s a weirdo. Bullied by his peers, Tony struggles with the hurt of not being accepted and tries to conform to other people’s expectations. After a traumatic event shakes him to his core, he embarks on a journey of self-love that will require him to become the hero of his own story. —Synopsis provided by First Second

Tony Weaver Jr. explores the painful experience of bullying and ostracism in Weirdo. This heartfelt and heartbreaking graphic novel celebrates differences and confirms that there’s a place for all of us.

Weirdo honors all the little quirks that make us who we are, and the joy that comes when we find “our people.”

Weaver’s story is deeply personal, and some parts — attempted self-harm — are difficult to read about. That’s not to say Weaver goes into great detail. In fact, this section of his book is incredibly emotional due, in part, to all the elements he leaves out. It is not graphic, but given the suggested reading age, parents should be aware and ready to have conversations.

On its face, Weirdo sounds like an unhappy story. And part of it is. But the bigger part is one of survival and self-acceptance. It will especially appeal to readers who find themselves on the “fringes” of the social hierarchy.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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39 CLUES: ONE FALSE NOTE: A Graphic Novel, by Gordon Korman and Hannah Templer, Graphix, Sept. 3, 2024, Paperback, $12.99 (ages 8-12)

Orphan siblings continue to race around the world in search for family history in the 39 Clues: One False Note, a graphic novel by Gordon Korman and Hannah Templer.

Amy and Dan made the choice of a lifetime when they gave up a million dollars in favor of a Clue and joined a competition unlike any the world has ever seen. After barely escaping Paris with their lives, now they’re in Vienna to discover the truth about their famous ancestor, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and the long-buried secrets connected to his equally talented but overlooked sister, Nannerl.

But with their enemies closing in, Amy and Dan must decide how much they’re willing to risk to find the clues, and who they’re willing to betray in the process… —Synopsis provided by Graphix

I handed my 10-year-old an advanced reader copy of One False Note, which is the second book in the 39 Clues graphic novel series, on a recent camping trip, and she read it “at least 15 times” during our vacation. It’s pretty much all she wanted to read. Here’s her review:

One False Note continues the journey of Dan, Amy, Nellie (their au pair) and Saladin (the cat).

I like how they get ahead of the other teams on their quest for finding the power of the Cahills. It’s an adventure mystery. But it’s easier to read if you’ve read the first one (The Maze of Bones).

I loved the first book. I love graphic novels. I wanted to find out if Dan, Amy and the rest of the team succeed.

The Maze of Bones was written by Rick Riordan and illustrated by Ethan Young. One False Note is written by Gordon Korman and illustrated by Hannah Templer. I like how they traded off the authors and illustrators. I wanted to see how different people imagined the characters, see what different styles they have.

My favorite part is when the kitty — who has been on a hunger strike for a bunch of weeks — finally gives in, and he likes it: “Gobble Gobble Snarf Snarf Snack.”

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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PEARL: A Graphic Novel, by Sherri L. Smith and Christine Norrie, Graphix, Aug. 20, 2024, Paperback $11.99 (ages 10 and up)

A Japanese-American girl must survive years of uncertainty and questions of loyalty in Hiroshima during World War II in Pearl, a graphic novel by Sherri L. Smith and Christine Norrie.

Amy is a 13-year-old Japanese-American girl who lives in Hawaii. When her great-grandmother falls ill, Amy travels to visit family in Hiroshima for the first time. But this is 1941.

When the Japanese navy attacks Pearl Harbor, it becomes impossible for Amy to return to Hawaii. Conscripted into translating English radio transmissions for the Japanese army, Amy struggles with questions of loyalty and fears about her family amidst rumors of internment camps in America — even as she makes a new best friend and, over the years, Japan starts to feel something like home.

 Torn between two countries at war, Amy must figure out where her loyalties lie and, in the face of unthinkable tragedy, find hope in the rubble of a changed world. —Synopsis provided by Graphix

I received an advanced copy of Pearl earlier this summer, and my daughter took it with her on a weeklong camping trip. She had five books with her, but she read and reread Pearl at least 16 times (that’s what she says!).

Why did she read it so many times?

“Because it had a good story,” my daughter told me. “I like how the character improves over each year in Japan. And… I like that she almost explodes.”

She has two favorite parts. The end where it says “Life is a treasure… thrive.”  She also liked how Amy is known as many things — a monitor for the Japanese Imperial Army; an atomic bomb survivor; a daughter; a sister; a cousin; a friend.

Pearl “shows the struggles of real people and war conflict,” she explained. “The illustrations are really good. The artist is really creative. I like how she put many different pictures into one panel.”

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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ASH’S CABIN, by Jen Wang, First Second, Aug. 13, 2024, Paperback, $17.99 (young adult, ages 14 and up)

A misunderstood teen searches for a place of their own in Ash’s Cabin, a coming-of-age graphic novel by Jen Wang. 

Ash has always felt alone.

Adults ignore the climate crisis. Other kids Ash’s age are more interested in pop stars and popularity contests than in fighting for change. Even Ash’s family seems to be sleepwalking through life.

The only person who ever seemed to get Ash was their Grandpa Edwin. Before he died, he used to talk about building a secret cabin, deep in the California wilderness. Did he ever build it? What if it’s still there, waiting for him to come back…or for Ash to find it? To Ash, that maybe-mythical cabin is starting to feel like the perfect place for a fresh start and an escape from the miserable feeling of alienation that haunts their daily life.

But making the wilds your home isn’t easy. And as much as Ash wants to be alone…can they really be happy alone? Can they survive alone? —Synopsis provided by First Second

Ash’s Cabin is reminiscent of Gary Paulsen’s Hatchet but with more contemporary issues.

Ash feels misunderstood by everyone — their peers, their siblings, their parents. The only person who really seemed to get them was their grandfather. Ash decides that if they can find grandpa’s cabin, maybe it will be a special place. A place where they can be themselves, away from all the noise.

Ash’s plans are dangerous, yes, but they make sense to them. And that’s what makes sense with Jen Wang’s character study. In Ash, Wang explores gender identity in a way that will feel right to readers.

Wang’s distinct artwork, rendered in muted earth-tone watercolors, sets the tone. Emotion plays out in her illustrations, and her settings are beautiful.

Ash’s Cabin is a fast-moving graphic novel — I read it in one sitting — that stays with you days after completion. It won’t be a good fit for everyone, but it will resonate with the readers who need it most.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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WE ARE BIG TIME: (A Graphic Novel), by Hena Khan and Safiya Zerrougui, Knopf Books for Young Readers, Aug. 6, 2024, Paperback, $13.99 (ages 8-12)

A Muslim teen as she joins an all-girls, hijab-wearing basketball team in We Are Big Time, a graphic novel by Hena Khan and Safiya Zerrougui.

Aliya is new to Wisconsin, and everything feels different than Florida. The Islamic school is bigger, the city is colder, and her new basketball team is…well, they stink.

Aliya’s still excited to have teammates (although the team’s captain, Noura, isn’t really Aliya’s biggest fan), and their new coach really understands basketball (even if she doesn’t know much about being Muslim). This season should be a blast…if they could just start to win. As they strengthen their skills on the court, Aliya and the Peace Academy team discover that it takes more than talent to be great — it’s teamwork and self-confidence that defines true success. —Synopsis provided by Knopf Books for Young Readers

We Are Big Time is a fictionalized story based on the real-life experiences of the Salem School girls’ varsity high school basketball team in Milwaukee, Wis., during their 2018-19 season. Author Hena Khan interviewed the coach and several players, and used their answers as inspiration for the book.

Because of this, We Are Big Time feels weighted in reality. And while basketball is the central topic running through the book, it goes beyond sport. Themes of family, friendship, culture, finding your place on a team and differentiating yourself all come into play, and they all feel well explored and authentic.

Safiya Zerrougui’s illustrations are a great extension of Khan’s text. Her linework is smooth and her characters are expressive.

We Are Big Time is an uplifting graphic novel that will appeal to athletes, girls and fans of contemporary stories. It’s a great option, especially now, with so many kids buzzing about all the action they saw during the Olympics.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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THE NIGHT LIBRARIAN: A Graphic Novel, by Christopher Lincoln, Dial Books, July 30, 2024, Paperback, $13.99 (ages 8-12)

Twins discover a secret side to the New York City Public Library in The Night Librarian, a graphic novel by Christopher Lincoln.

Twins Page and Turner know about the magic a library holds—they’ve been going to their beloved New York City public library for years, especially since their parents are always traveling for work.

But a secret mission involving their dad’s rare and valuable edition of Bram Stoker’s Dracula uncovers a world they’ve never known, featuring a mysterious Night Librarian, famous heroes (and villains) that have broken free from classic books, and an epic battle to save the library from total destruction. —Synopsis provided by Dial Books

The Night Librarian is an ode to libraries, books, adventures and the librarians that change lives.

This fun graphic novel adventure not only takes readers inside the bowels of the library, but into the literal pages of classic books.

Author/illustrator Christopher Lincoln tells his story with humor and heart. Page and Turner are a bit obnoxious, but kids will love their interplay. And the twins eventually learn to work together, giving them nice character arcs.

Lincoln’s illustrations are set against backdrop colors of yellow (day) and blue (night) and feature strong linework and expressive characters.

The Night Librarian is a fast-moving graphic novel that kids — especially those who love books — won’t want to put down.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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THE MIGHTY BITE #2: WALRUS BRAWL AT THE MALL: A Graphic Novel (Volume 2),  by Nathan Hale, Harry N. Abrams, June 11, 2024, Hardcover, $15.99 (ages 7-10)

Trilobite and his friends return in Walrus Brawl at the Mall, the second book in Nathan Hale’s graphic novel series for 7- to -10-year-olds, The Mighty Bite.

Trilobite scores a viral video hit when he stages a comedy opera prank. Amber gets pulled into the wild world of walrus fighting, and Tiffany’s past as a competitive video game player comes back to haunt her. Opabinia and company are also back to cause trouble at every step.

The gang will cause mayhem on a hospital ship and a giant floating mall shaped like a ball before they find out that fame always comes at a price. Plus, much more in this wild graphic novel. —Synopsis provided by Harry N. Abrams

Walrus Brawl at the Mall is yet another graphic novel that my 10-year-old took possession of before I could read it. She admits she’s probably too old for it, but that didn’t stop her from devouring it. Here’s what she had to say:

“It’s funny!

“You should probably read the first one before the second… But it does have an introduction about the characters, so I don’t know. Either way is good.

“My favorite part is when one of the medics almost puts a needle in the trilobite’s eye because he has an exoskeleton.”

This book, she says, is “perfect for people who like farting jokes. It has a lot of animals that were extinct a long time ago but people have found fossils about them. I think other kids should read this book.”

So, there you have it. A funny book featuring cool artwork, extinct animals and potty humor. What more could a younger middle-reader ask for?

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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YOUNG HAG AND THE WITCHES’ QUEST, by Isabel Greenberg, Harry N. Abrams, May 14, 2024, Paperback, $17.99 (ages 12 and up)

Travel back in time through Arthurian legends in Young Hag and the Witches’ Quest, a graphic novel by Isabel Greenberg.

Once there was magic in Britain. There were dragons and wizards and green knights and round tables and kings that pulled swords out of stones. But now, the doors to the Otherworld have closed, and the magic is gone.

All that is left are the stories of those bygone days. Young Hag, her mother and her grandmother, Ancient Crone, are the last of the witches in Britain. At least, that’s what Ancient Crone says.

Young Hag has grown up hearing those tales and believing in her the power of her Grandmother. But when tragedy strikes, and their world is shaken, Young Hag turns her back on magic. She is sick of the tales of family curses, faerie doors, lost magic, and ancient swords. If they are witches, where is their magic when they really need it?

And then one day they find a changeling baby in the woods. Confronted with real magic at last, Young Hag has no choice but to believe. She sets off on the greatest quest of her life; to bring the magic back to Britain.

But when faced with magic and myth, can Young Hag put aside her doubts and fears? Or will she simply become a forgotten footnote in the tale of famous kings and wizards? —Synopsis provided by Harry N. Abrams

I’ll be honest, I passed Young Hag and the Witches’ Quest to my 10-year-old without blinking. She saw a graphic novel in my office, and basically adopted it as her own. “I don’t think it’s for 12 and older because I read it and I enjoyed it and I’m 10,” she told me when I asked her how she like the book.

My daughter was initially drawn to Young Hag and the Witches’ Quest because of the author. She knows Isabel Greenberg from her illustrations in Athena: Goddess of Wisdom and War and Gaia: Goddess of Earth and immediately wanted to see more. “I love the illustrations,” she said.

The book — in my daughter’s words — is “about the granddaughter of Morgan le Fey, and they’re on a quest to fix Excalibur because it’s broken. I think the most interesting part is King Arthur was only born because King Uther married Arthur’s mom through trickery.”

My kid says that it’s a really interesting book and that she would recommend it to other kids. Given that she’s read it at least three times, I think it’s fair to say, the book is a hit in our household.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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THE NEW GIRL: A GRAPHIC NOVEL (The New Girl #1), by Cassandra Calin, Graphix, June 4, 2024, Paperback, $12.99 (ages 8-12)

A girl faces a world of change when her family moves from Romania to Canada in The New Girl, a graphic novel by Cassandra Calin.

Goodbye, old life…

Lia and her family are waiting to board a flight across the Atlantic, leaving behind family, friends, and Romania — the only home Lia has ever known. But Lia’s heartache is overshadowed by the discomfort of her first period. As if things weren’t difficult enough! Now Lia is thrust into a world where everything is different: her home, her language, and even her body. With so many changes happening at once, Lia struggles with schoolwork, has trouble communicating with classmates, and has no idea how to manage her unpleasant periods. Will she ever feel like herself again?

Inspired by the author’s own immigration experience, The New Girl is a story about change and acceptance. —Synopsis provided by Graphix

I brought The New Girl with me on a family trip, and my 10-year-old took it and wouldn’t give it back. Here’s her review:

“I like graphic novels and when I saw the cover, I knew someone would choose the artist for a graphic novel. Plus, it looked kind of interesting.

It’s about adjusting to a new life where you have to learn a new language and make new friends.

I think the best thing is a lot of girls can relate to Lia about getting stressed about cramps and her period.

The New Girl has lots of languages in it. And a lot of diversity in it, too.

I like how the illustrations look realistic, but it still looks a bit cartoony.

The thing I would have like better is maybe a bit less drama. Plus, it’s all about boyfriends, and that’s not my cup of tea.”

If that’s not a glowing recommendation, I don’t know what is. My 10-year-old has read it at least 10 times during our trip, and we’ve still got a few days left. “I like it!” she says.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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SHINY MISFITS: A GRAPHIC NOVEL, by Maysoon Zayid and Shadia Amin, Graphix, April 16, 2024, Paperback, $14.99 (ages 8-12)

A girl is desperate to show the world her star quality in Shiny Misfits, a new middle-grade graphic novel by Maysoon Zayid and Shadia Amin.

Bay Ann wants to shine. No matter what.

She’s sure her moment in the spotlight has arrived when she wins the school talent show with a showstopping tap routine! But then her classmate and crush, Alyee Maq, causes her to wobble and almost fall. The video of him catching her goes viral, making Alyee an overnight sensation for “helping her.” Bay Ann is reduced to her disability and her talent is ignored.

Bay Ann doesn’t want her classmate to get all the fame, and she is NOT satisfied being anything but the best. She’ll do everything in her power to beat Alyee at his own attention-seeking game. With the help of her two best friends, Michelle and Davey Matt, she’ll go up against Alyee and his crew to prove she’s number one.

But as Bay Ann tries to find the thing that really makes her stand out, everything she tries goes disastrously wrong. What if the only way to beat her enemy . . . is to join him? —Synopsis provided by Graphix

Shiny Misfits is like a book on steroids. Each setup, each conversation, each scene is full of rapid-fire action that’s sometimes dizzying in application.

Bay Ann has cerebral palsy, and is tired of people not looking beyond her disability. She knows that if given the chance, her tap routine can make her a star.

To be honest, Bay Ann comes across as pretty self-centered. Everything is about her and her dreams. Grownups are evil, and her main competition is out to get her. There’s a lot of drama here. But honestly, that’s the character, and the book wouldn’t work otherwise.

There’s an underlying message about the negative impact of social media and the push to be popular, as well as the value of true friendship.

Illustrator Shadia Amin is definitely in sync with author Maysoon Zayid’s text, creating panels featuring a range of emotion — pure joy to humorous to angst — that really bring the whole story to life.

Shiny Misfits is a fast-moving graphic novel that reminds readers to focus on people as a whole rather than focusing in only on their disabilities or accomplishments.

Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.

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