Every month, staff at our Downtown branch read books in a specific fiction genre or nonfiction subject, to familiarize themselves with titles they might not have discovered otherwise. Recently they read graphic novels for kids, teens, and adults. Here's what staff members read and what they had to say about it.
The Graveyard book, volume 1 and volume 2, by Craig Russell
This two volume set is adapted by Craig Russell for the graphic novel genre and based on the Newbery award winning novel by Neil Gaiman. The set does a nice job of staying true to Gaiman’s book. The story begins with a family who has just been murdered. Miraculously the youngest member, a toddler called Nobody Owens, escapes by crawling to the graveyard across the way. He comes under the protection of a mysterious guardian and is raised by the ghosts who lie in state. Great storyline, not overly creepy or gruesome. What I particularly like is that Craig Russell showcases the talent of many artists by allowing a different artist to draw each chapter. 5 stars
Babymouse (series), by Jennifer L. Holm
Winner of multiple Children’s Choice Awards, this graphic novel is great for the younger audience. It’s a super cute story about a mouse who doesn’t quite fit in at school, gets lost in her imagination, and dreams big. The Fourteenth Goldfish, although not a graphic novel, is another great book by Jennifer Holm about Ellie’s grandfather, a scientist who has reversed time and become a teenager, and now must live with his daughter and granddaughter, Ellie. 4 stars
Scott Pilgrim’s Precious Little Life, by Bryan O'Malley
A remake of the original black-and-white graphic novel: 22-year-old Scott Pilgrim is in a garage band, dating a high school girl, then meets Ramona. Scott falls hard for Ramona, but Ramona has baggage. Scott must fight her first evil ex-boyfriend (there are seven) to have the right to date her, and so starts this cult following of the Scott Pilgrim series. This colored volume 1 has nice previously unpublished extras that even the expert Scott Pilgrim reader will enjoy. 4 stars
Bone, volume 1: Out from Boneville, by Jeff Smith
Starting as a comic strip, 55 comics were turned into 9 graphic novels. A series about a young bone boy, Fone Bone and his two cousins who are thrown out of the town of Boneville, and on their travels get separated. They cross desert and land in medieval times. Great humor, good vs. evil, part Lord of the Rings, a really fun read for kids and adults alike. 5 stars
Stardust, by Neil Gaiman
The story is about a young man, Tristran Thorn, who goes on a journey to find a fallen star for the girl he loves. The story takes him into the land and sky of pirates, witches, and ghosts, among others in the realms of faerie. The movie was made with a younger audience in mind; however, the books are for the YA and adult audience. All in all lovely story telling. 5 stars
Alex + Ada, Volume 1, by Sarah Vaughn Alex doesn’t want a realistic “robot” X5, but when his new X5 Ada comes into his life, his outlook changes. Good cover art. 4 stars
Ms. Marvel, volume 1: No Normal, by G. Wilson
Kamala Khan is growing up in New Jersey with her traditional Muslim parents when she suddenly discovers she has extraordinary gifts. 4 stars
Ultra: Seven Days, by Joshua Luna A fun non-traditional superhero story where the heroine is told by a fortune teller that she will find true love in seven days. 4 stars
Against the Grain: MAD Artist Wallace Wood, edited by Bhob Stewart Wallace Wood is considered one of the great artists in both science fiction and comics, most notably for his work on MAD Magazine. This biography includes many unpublished works as well as articles and essays from friends who knew him well. A maverick who truly went - as the title states - against the grain. 4 stars
Hyperbole and a Half, by Allie Brosh A collection from this author’s popular blog, including her cartoons, that candidly deals with her depression in a funny way. The format of the book is very similar to a graphic novel. 5 stars