Critical Evaluation

This reboot of the classic Archie comics is a fun take on vintage characters, helping teenagers relate to a seemingly out of date comic. Rather than utilize the familiar and tired trope of a love triangle in which two women fight over a man, Betty and Veronica become friends and are understanding of each other. Though they may both have romantic feelings about the same person, they do not condescend or attack each other; instead they try to find a common ground and understand that it is Archie’s choice who he dates and that is not the other person’s fault. The primary focus of the comic was romance and relationships, but it was done in a way that did not feel offensive or off-putting; instead, it focused on the importance of communication, acceptance, and how dynamics in friendships can shift.

Archie’s character is as goofy as ever, but Betty’s portrayal as a super intelligent young women who is interested in mechanics, and also happens to be attractive, was a positive spin on outdated stereotypes of women. Similarly, Veronica becomes a much more three-dimensional character who may be privileged, but also wants to develop as a person and demonstrates compassion. While Jughead makes an appearance in this series he is not very prevalent and seems to have been demoted to a minor character. The depth of inclusion represented in this reboot is pleasant to see, with the addition of Toni Topaz as a bisexual woman of color and Kevin Keller a gay man. The authors clearly recognize the importance of representation and have made efforts to integrate characters of all backgrounds.

The artwork for this modern interpretation of the classic Archie comics is stunning, from the full color semi-realistic illustrations to the layout choices for dialog. Because this is a collection containing four different issues, each issue has a different illustrator, which can be a let down if you prefer one style over another. I appreciate that the creative team did not want to stifle an artist’s creative direction for the sake of continuity, but it can take the reader out of the story when they have to adjust to new art styles. Including the alternative covers for the different issues within this collection was an appreciated bonus, for it allows the reader to view the rare and varient covers they might have been able to view otherwise.

Reader’s Annotation

Archie and Betty have just broken-up and are trying to repair their friendship. If that wasn't difficult enough, newcomer to Riverdale Veronica complicates the matter further by catching Archie's eye in this lighthearted update of the classic Archie comics set in the 21st century.

About the Author

As stated on the author's Goodreads page, "Mark Waid (born March 21, 1962 in Hueytown, Alabama) is an American comic book writer. He is best known for his eight-year run as writer of the DC Comics' title The Flash, as well as his scripting of the limited series Kingdom Come and Superman: Birthright, and his work on Marvel Comics' Captain America," ("Mark Waid," n.d.).

Comic Book Database states, "Mark Waid bought his first comic, Batman #180, at age four and has never once since entertained the notion of not buying comics. He lived all over the Deep South through his formative teenage years, though you couldn't tell it by his accent, thank God.

In his early twenties, granted only the writing skills one absorbs by living life as a copious reader, Waid began freelance reporting for the comic book trade publications Amazing Heroes and Comic Buyer's Guide. This led to a brief staff position in the mid-1980s as editor of Amazing Heroes, followed by a longer editorial tenure at DC Comics (1987-1989), where he edited Legion of Super-Heroes, Secret Origins, Doom Patrol and a host of one-shot titles. With writer Brian Augustyn, Waid co-created DC's extremely successful franchise of "Elseworld" stories with Gotham By Gaslight, a tale of what Batman's career might have been like had he been active during the days of Jack the Ripper.

Waid left staff in 1989 to pursue a full time freelance career. Since then, he has written stories for every major comics publisher, including Marvel Comics (X-Men, Captain America), Archie Comics (where he served briefly as their cover-gag editor), Dark Horse Comics and DC Comics, under whose banner Waid produces most of his work. In years past, he has written every major comics character from Superman to Batman to Spider-Man. Waid's current credits include The Flash, whirlwind adventures of the Fastest Man Alive; Impulse, chronicling the exploits of Flash's teenage cousin; Ka-Zar for Marvel Comics and Ash: Cinder and Smoke, a six-issue mini-series forthcoming from Event Comics," ("Mark Waid: Bio," n.d.).

Genre(s)

Young Adult, Graphic Novel, Fiction, Contemporary

Curriculum Ties

English Language Arts/Art - Retell a story in graphic novel format

Booktalking Ideas

Although Archie is now dating Veronica, he remains friends with his ex-girlfriend Betty. Do you think this was difficult for Archie? Why or why not?

Reading Level/ Interest Age

Grades 7 and up per School Library Journal

Other Books in the Series

Archie, Volume 2 (Archie 2015 #2)

Archie, Volume 3 (Archie 2015 #3)

Archie, Volume 4 (Archie 2015 #4)

Archie, Volume 5 (Archie 2015 #5)

Archie, Volume 6 (Archie 2015 #6)

Challenge Issues

Classism, bullying, mild romance

Defense Preparation

• Have the library's collection policy memorized and a copy available for distribution to the patron in order to strengthen your position (LVCCLD, 2002).
• Explain that the library district does not restrict access to items within the collection (Heezen, n.d.) in compliance with the Library Bill of Rights (American Library Association, 1996).
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of why this item is available for circulation within the library including who the target demographic is for this title and it's contributions to the literary world.
• Refer to any awards the book and/or author might have in order to show the title's literary merit. Providing the fact that the title is well-known and accepted by the literary community can help strengthen your defense.
• Provide a few reviews, both positive and negative, from respected sources such as Kirkus or Publisher's Weekly to demonstrate your knowledge of the material and reflect professional opinions.
• Familiarize yourself with the material in order to understand explain the context in which the challenged issues interact with one another.
• Provide titles that can serve as an alternative if the patron maintains the title is inappropriate.
• Remain calm and collected, utilizing active listening skills in order to ensure that the complaint is viewed without judgement. The concerns of the patron are valid even though you may disagree with them, and they deserve an engaged conversation regarding the issue.
• Offer a Request for Reconsideration form as a last resort, explaining the reconsideration process to the patron (LVCCLD, 2002).

Why is it Included?

With the TV show Riverdale becoming such a success, a reboot of the classic Archie comics setting the timeless characters into modern day America will appeal to a younger generation. Teenagers can relate to Archie's well-meaning but blundering personality, Betty's focus, and Veronica's desire to be with the person she cares about whether her parents approve or not. This reboot has included many diverse characters, such as the bi-sexual Toni Topaz and gay Kevin Keller, allowing teenagers of all backgrounds and preferences an opportunity to see themselves reflected within the colorful pages.

Critical Evaluation

Bandette was an entertaining and joyful mystery featuring a well-rounded cast of characters and beautiful illustrations. It is a well-paced action adventure that allows the reader to follow along and enjoy the story that is unfolding with dragging along or passing by too quickly. Each character feels developed, from the minors to the majors, leaving the reader satisfied and interested at every turn of the page. The main character Bandette is full of wit and charm who doles out quips in stressful situations without losing focus on the important issues. Because all of the characters were so interesting, it leaves the reader wanting to know more about many of their backstories. Bandette is such an engaging character that by providing more of a background on how she began her thieving ways and the ways she interacts with the police would make this comic collection even more enjoyable.

The art is presented in a cartoonish-style without losing it’s integrity or becoming too gimmicky. Many of the colors presented on the page contain a lower contrast to allow Bandette to stand out, all without appearing dull and making for an eye-catching contrast. It utilizes a water color painted approach, which allows movement and flow through the artwork. The story naturally progresses from panel to panel, allowing readers new to comics the opportunity to follow the story clearly. The dialogue was easy to follow and well-written, a complaint many people who do not enjoy comics comment upon.

Included within the collection are extras that will delight fans of the comic. These extras include script excerpts and techniques on how to create the artwork, allowing for a reader-driven extension of the comic.

Reader’s Annotation

Paris's teen burglar Bandette must escape a hit put on her in this engaging graphic novel.

About the Author

As described on the author's website, "Paul Tobin is a New York Times-bestselling author. His writing includes Bandette; Colder; and many other comic books, graphic series and works of fiction. Bandette, drawn by Colleen Coover, was awarded the Eisner Award for Best Digital Series in 2013; again in 2016; and was a finalist for the Oregon Book Award for Graphic Literature in 2016. Paul’s graphic novel I Was the Cat, created with artist Benjamin Dewey, was nominated for an Eisner in 2015," ("Paul Tobin," n.d.).

Genre(s)

Young Adult, graphic novel, humor, mystery, adventure

Curriculum Ties

English Language Arts/Art - Retell a story in graphic novel format

Booktalking Ideas

Bandette is a fun main character, but she is still a burglar. Do you think her actions are justified? Why or why not?

Reading Level/ Interest Age

All ages per Publisher's Weekly

Other Books in the Series

Bandette, Volume 2: Stealers Keepers! (Bandette #2)

Bandette, Volume 3: The House of the Green Mask (Bandette #3)

Bandette, Volume 4: The Six Finger Secret (Bandette #4)

Challenge Issues

Theft, mild violence

Defense Preparation

• Have the library's collection policy memorized and a copy available for distribution to the patron in order to strengthen your position (LVCCLD, 2002).
• Explain that the library district does not restrict access to items within the collection (Heezen, n.d.) in compliance with the Library Bill of Rights (American Library Association, 1996).
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of why this item is available for circulation within the library including who the target demographic is for this title and it's contributions to the literary world.
• Refer to any awards the book and/or author might have in order to show the title's literary merit. Providing the fact that the title is well-known and accepted by the literary community can help strengthen your defense.
• Provide a few reviews, both positive and negative, from respected sources such as Kirkus or Publisher's Weekly to demonstrate your knowledge of the material and reflect professional opinions.
• Familiarize yourself with the material in order to understand explain the context in which the challenged issues interact with one another.
• Provide titles that can serve as an alternative if the patron maintains the title is inappropriate.
• Remain calm and collected, utilizing active listening skills in order to ensure that the complaint is viewed without judgement. The concerns of the patron are valid even though you may disagree with them, and they deserve an engaged conversation regarding the issue.
• Offer a Request for Reconsideration form as a last resort, explaining the reconsideration process to the patron (LVCCLD, 2002).

Why is it Included?

Part mystery, part comedy, readers will enjoy reading this graphic novel focusing on the French teenage thief Bandette. Although the stakes feel low at times, the fast-paced story will entertain many teenage readers.

Critical Evaluation

Jarrett Krosoczka’s emotional graphic novel autobiography is sure to resonate with young adult readers, whether they have been in a similar situation or not. Choosing to write such a personal story about traumatic events in his life was a brave decision, and one that I hope will inspire young adults who read it to work through any issues they encounter within their life. He showed that although things in his childhood were by no means great and his grandparents were not perfect, the unconditional love they showed him help shape him into the strong individual he is today. This memoir demonstrates that love and grief are complicated emotions that do not allows follow the rules. Although his mother was neglectful and unable to take care of him, he loved her and felt sorrow after she passed. His birth father did not want him, yet he was able to move past the fact and focus on those who he loved and felt love from in return. His grandparents raised him the best they could, but he is still able to objectively see they could and should have handled many situations in his childhood differently. And yet, despite all of the adversity he faced, he was able to channel his emotions into drawing and art. By doing so, he was able to utilize an outlet that was not destructive or harmful but still allowed him to express his feelings, both positive and negative.

If I had one critique it would be the illustrations were overly simplified. The combination of simple lines and black and white illustrations were not visually interesting. The story carried the graphic novel, but I believe that the story could have been more impactful had the illustrations been in color or included more detail. It was difficult to distinguish the characters from one another at times, and slightly distracted from the story. Overall, this graphic novel memoir was an excellent read of an inspiring man, and many young adults who read his graphic novel memoir will be able to relate to him.

Reader’s Annotation

Learn about famous children's author Jarret Krosockza's early life in this graphic novel autobiography detailing how he handled his mother's addiction, his interactions with his grandparents, and how he found ways to cope with the difficulties life threw at him.

About the Author

As stated on the author's website, "New York Times best-selling author/illustrator Jarrett J. Krosoczka creates books with humor, heart, and a deep respect for his young readers—qualities that have made his titles perennial favorites on the bookshelves of homes, libraries, and bookstores.

First published at the age of twenty-three, Krosoczka has more than thirty published books to his credit. Titles include several picture books, his wildly popular Lunch Lady graphic novels, and the Platypus Police Squad middle-grade novels. He also recently launched a new story arc in the Jedi Academy series with Star Wars™: Jedi Academy: A New Class.

Krosoczka is a two-time winner of the Children’s Choice Book Awards Third to Fourth Grade Book of the Year and has been a finalist for the prestigious Will Eisner Comic Industry Award. He has delivered two TED Talks, which have collectively accrued more than two million views online. Krosoczka has been featured on NPR and can be heard weekly on The Book Report with JJK on SiriusXM’s Kids Place Live, a show focusing on books, authors, and reading. His Punk Farm, Lunch Lady, and Platypus Police Squad series are all currently in development for film.

Realizing that his stories can inspire young readers beyond the page, Krosoczka founded School Lunch Hero Day, a national campaign that celebrates school lunch staff, and Platypus Police Reading Squad, a program in which police officers read aloud to children in schools and libraries. A consummate advocate for arts education, Krosoczka also established the Joseph and Shirley Krosoczka Memorial Youth Scholarships, which fund art classes for underprivileged children, in his hometown of Worcester, Massachusetts.

Krosoczka lives in western Massachusetts with his wife and children, and their pugs, Ralph and Frank," ("Biography," n.d.).

Genre(s)

Young Adult, Graphic Novel, Autobiography

Curriculum Ties

English Language Arts/Art - Retell a story in graphic novel format

Booktalking Ideas

Jarrett shared his childhood utilizing the graphic novel format. What interesting thing in your life do you think would be best told through the graphic novel medium?

Reading Level/ Interest Age

Ages 13 and up per Common Sense Media

Other Books in the Series

N/A

Challenge Issues

Child neglect, drug use, mild language

Defense Preparation

• Have the library's collection policy memorized and a copy available for distribution to the patron in order to strengthen your position (LVCCLD, 2002).
• Explain that the library district does not restrict access to items within the collection (Heezen, n.d.) in compliance with the Library Bill of Rights (American Library Association, 1996).
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of why this item is available for circulation within the library including who the target demographic is for this title and it's contributions to the literary world.
• Refer to any awards the book and/or author might have in order to show the title's literary merit. Providing the fact that the title is well-known and accepted by the literary community can help strengthen your defense.
• Provide a few reviews, both positive and negative, from respected sources such as Kirkus or Publisher's Weekly to demonstrate your knowledge of the material and reflect professional opinions.
• Familiarize yourself with the material in order to understand explain the context in which the challenged issues interact with one another.
• Provide titles that can serve as an alternative if the patron maintains the title is inappropriate.
• Remain calm and collected, utilizing active listening skills in order to ensure that the complaint is viewed without judgement. The concerns of the patron are valid even though you may disagree with them, and they deserve an engaged conversation regarding the issue.
• Offer a Request for Reconsideration form as a last resort, explaining the reconsideration process to the patron (LVCCLD, 2002).

Why is it Included?

Jarrett Krosoczka is a famous author of children's books who had a difficult childhood, a fact that is surprising considering the humorous content of his graphic novels for younger readers. Krosoczka's raw and honest approach to life with a parent who is an addict will be eye-opening to some young readers and relatable to others.

Critical Evaluation

Cory Doctorow’s sweet and beautifully illustrated graphic novel of a shy, self-conscious teenager’s realization of working conditions in other parts of the world will prove to be informative without being heavy-handed. The novel makes it clear that while the Chinese worker Anda befriended is committing a crime by selling products within the game Coarsegold Online is illegal and not the best solution, he is coming from a place of desperation and Anda should show some empathy when handling the situation. This graphic novel will likely appeal to gamers who relate to Anda’s desire to manifest her online persona, yet smartly highlights the negative aspects of gaming as well in Anda’s lack of interaction with those within her real life and the actions of gold farmers in online games. Unfortunately, parts of the story began to fall flat at the end and the resolution felt rushed. It was clear that Anda’s character developed, but I believe the graphic novel would be stronger if it showed us more instances of how Anda changed rather than told us she did.

The artwork within this graphic novel is beautiful and soft, reminiscent of other popular graphic novelists such as Raina Telgemeier. Many of the illustrations are semi-realistic and all are fully colored, painting the entire picture for the reader. Text within the graphic novel is displayed in a way that is not distracting to the reader, and is easy to follow along to. Those who are reluctant to read graphic novels due to the formatting would particularly enjoy the primary use of relatively equal-sized rectangles that read from left to right, top to bottom.

This graphic novel has widespread appeal to gamers, fans of graphic novels, and those who battle social anxiety. Those outside of the above mentioned categories could also find appeal in the artwork and fantastical nature of the game, and well as the social commentary presented.

Reader’s Annotation

Anda practically lives in the multi-player role playing game Coarsegold Online because she feels she can be who she wishes she was in real life: confident and strong. When she discovers that her new online friend is illegally collecting valuable items within the game and selling them for real-world currency in order to help his poverty-stricken family, she must reevaluate the concepts of right and wrong.

About the Author

As stated on the author's website, "Cory Doctorow (craphound.com) is a science fiction author, activist, journalist and blogger — the co-editor of Boing Boing (boingboing.net) and the author of RADICALIZED and WALKAWAY, science fiction for adults, a YA graphic novel called IN REAL LIFE, the nonfiction business book INFORMATION DOESN’T WANT TO BE FREE, and young adult novels like HOMELAND, PIRATE CINEMA and LITTLE BROTHER. His next book is POESY THE MONSTER SLAYER, a picture book for young readers. He works for the Electronic Frontier Foundation, is a MIT Media Lab Research Affiliate, is a Visiting Professor of Computer Science at Open University, a Visiting Professor of Practice at the University of South Carolina’s School of Library and Information Science and co-founded the UK Open Rights Group. Born in Toronto, Canada, he now lives in Los Angeles," ("About Cory Doctorow," n.d.).

Genre(s)

Graphic Novels, realistic fiction, gaming

Curriculum Ties

English Language Arts/Art - Retell a story in graphic novel format

Booktalking Ideas

Anda uses Coarsegold Online for fun, but also as an outlet for what she feels she lacks in her "real life." Do you think that her actions throughout the graphic novel made her more confident in her every day life? Why or why not?

Reading Level/ Interest Age

Ages 12 and up per Common Sense Media

Other Books in the Series

N/A

Challenge Issues

Economic disparity, online gaming, illegal activities, mild language, fantastical weapons

Defense Preparation

• Have the library's collection policy memorized and a copy available for distribution to the patron in order to strengthen your position (LVCCLD, 2002).
• Explain that the library district does not restrict access to items within the collection (Heezen, n.d.) in compliance with the Library Bill of Rights (American Library Association, 1996).
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of why this item is available for circulation within the library including who the target demographic is for this title and it's contributions to the literary world.
• Refer to any awards the book and/or author might have in order to show the title's literary merit. Providing the fact that the title is well-known and accepted by the literary community can help strengthen your defense.
• Provide a few reviews, both positive and negative, from respected sources such as Kirkus or Publisher's Weekly to demonstrate your knowledge of the material and reflect professional opinions.
• Familiarize yourself with the material in order to understand explain the context in which the challenged issues interact with one another.
• Provide titles that can serve as an alternative if the patron maintains the title is inappropriate.
• Remain calm and collected, utilizing active listening skills in order to ensure that the complaint is viewed without judgement. The concerns of the patron are valid even though you may disagree with them, and they deserve an engaged conversation regarding the issue.
• Offer a Request for Reconsideration form as a last resort, explaining the reconsideration process to the patron (LVCCLD, 2002).

Why is it Included?

This graphic novel, through brightly colored and whimsically illustrated faces difficult subjects such as poverty and moral obligations, or confidence in one's self. Anda is an extremely relatable character who utilizes online profiles to fulfill her hopes of being strong and confident in her every day life, and when she applies that bravery to real-world situations at the end of the novel it is inspirational.

Critical Evaluation

The all-female lead cast of characters within Lumberjanes Volume 1 provides examples of females who prefer to work together and utilize their differences rather than compete against each other in a refreshing fantastical adventure. This collection is full of plenty of action and contains many fantastical creatures, which will be appealing to fans of adventure and fantasy. Rooted in the real-world rather than a fantasy world, Lumberjanes Volume 1 provides an air of authenticity that is believable despite the many unbelievable situations the friends find themselves in. Each character has their own personality, drive, and skill, which demonstrates to young adult readers it is capable to work with other who are different than themselves; it shows that this approach might even be better than trying to solve everything yourself. The genuinely enjoy working together and show how important cooperation is without making the reader feel guilty for not doing so in the past.

The artwork within this graphic novel collection is brightly illustrated and is reminiscent of popular television shows such as Adventure Time and The Bravest Warrior, both of which fantasy-based so fans of these shows could find this graphic novel series appealing. The Lumberjanes uniforms the girls change into perfectly match their personalities and allow for their unique styles. The cells are typically laid out in a clear and concise way, allowing easy readability for those who find reading graphic novels difficult, but can overlap at times which may cause confusion. The text bubbles do not distract from the illustrations, yet the text itself could prove to be elevated. It seems to be slightly childish in dialogue, which might dissuade older teenage readers from giving it a chance.

Lumberjanes Volume 1 is an excellent example of ways in which intelligent teenagers can work together, utilizing their differences rather than criticizing them.

Reader’s Annotation

After they witness a mysterious old woman transform into a bear, the Lumberjanes set off on a mission to solve the mysteries at their summer camp.

About the Author

As stated on the author's Goodread page, "Noelle Stevenson is a comic artist and freelance illustrator residing in Los Angeles, California. She published the young adult graphic novel NIMONA in 2015, which is also serialized online . She has been nominated for a Harvey Award, and was awarded the Slate Cartoonist Studio Prize for Best Webcomic in 2012. She is a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art and has done published work for BOOM! Studios, Random House, MacMillan Press, and What Pumpkin Studios, among others. She is the co-writer of LUMBERJANES, a comic series from BOOM! Box, and has done writing work for Frederator's BRAVEST WARRIORS as well," ("Noelle Stevenson," n.d.).

Genre(s)

Young Adult, Graphic Novels, Fantasy, Adventure

Curriculum Ties

English Language Arts/Art - Retell a story in graphic novel format

Booktalking Ideas

Have you even been to summer camp? What was your most enjoyable experience there?

Reading Level/ Interest Age

Grades 9-12 per Booksource

Other Books in the Series

Lumberjanes, Volume 2: Friendship to the Max (Lumberjanes (Collected Editions) #2)

Lumberjanes, Volume 3: A Terrible Plan (Lumberjanes (Collected Editions) #3)

Lumberjanes, Volume 4: Out of Time (Lumberjanes (Collected Editions) #4)

Lumberjanes, Volume 5: Band Together (Lumberjanes (Collected Editions) #5)

Lumberjanes, Volume 6: Sink or Swim (Lumberjanes (Collected Editions) #6)

Lumberjanes, Volume 7: A Bird's-Eye View (Lumberjanes (Collected Editions) #7)

Lumberjanes, Volume 8: Stone Cold (Lumberjanes (Collected Editions) #8)

Lumberjanes, Volume 9: On a Roll (Lumberjanes (Collected Editions) #9)

Lumberjanes, Volume 10: Parents' Day (Lumberjanes (Collected Editions) #10)

Lumberjanes, Volume 11: Time After Crime (Lumberjanes (Collected Editions) #11)

Lumberjanes, Volume 12: Jackalope Springs Eternal (Lumberjanes (Collected Editions) #12)

Challenge Issues

LGBTQ+, fantastical creatures and elements

Defense Preparation

• Have the library's collection policy memorized and a copy available for distribution to the patron in order to strengthen your position (LVCCLD, 2002).
• Explain that the library district does not restrict access to items within the collection (Heezen, n.d.) in compliance with the Library Bill of Rights (American Library Association, 1996).
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of why this item is available for circulation within the library including who the target demographic is for this title and it's contributions to the literary world.
• Refer to any awards the book and/or author might have in order to show the title's literary merit. Providing the fact that the title is well-known and accepted by the literary community can help strengthen your defense.
• Provide a few reviews, both positive and negative, from respected sources such as Kirkus or Publisher's Weekly to demonstrate your knowledge of the material and reflect professional opinions.
• Familiarize yourself with the material in order to understand explain the context in which the challenged issues interact with one another.
• Provide titles that can serve as an alternative if the patron maintains the title is inappropriate.
• Remain calm and collected, utilizing active listening skills in order to ensure that the complaint is viewed without judgement. The concerns of the patron are valid even though you may disagree with them, and they deserve an engaged conversation regarding the issue.
• Offer a Request for Reconsideration form as a last resort, explaining the reconsideration process to the patron (LVCCLD, 2002).

Why is it Included?

This graphic novel series is a fun, magical journey following strong female characters who empower and support each other. The collection's full-color artwork is playful and entertaining.