Back of Book: 

A sinister drive-through threatens to end the world—and three kids in a beat-up truck are humanity’s only hope!

It’s the night before dress rehearsal, and the school theater troupe is working late and very hungry. Eleven-year-old twins Axl and Ivan—along with their sixteen-year-old driver, Sid—volunteer to make a late-night fast-food run. At the drive-through, their tacos start to... move. And they don’t seem friendly. Even after they get rid of the food, the world around them isn’t quite right. There are strangely moving cars, buildings, and people—and they seem intent on swallowing everything in their path. Now the trio will have to use their wits, their truck, and even their windshield scraper to escape... before they’re replaced by monstrous versions of themselves!

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Middle Grade | Graphic Novel | Science Fiction | Horror 

Review: 🌟🌟

Back of Book: 

When Lana and her father return to their seaside hometown to help clear the debris of a storm, the last thing she expects is to discover a colony of Aquicorns—magical seahorse-like residents of the coral reef. As she explores the damaged town and the fabled undersea palace, Lana learns that while she cannot always count on adults to be the guardians she needs, she herself is capable of finding the strength to protect both the ocean, and her own happiness.

Book Number: Stand Alone

Genre: Middle Grade | Graphic Novel | Fantasy | LGBTQIA+ 

Review: 🌟🌟

A cute, middle grade graphic novel that showcases the importance of ocean conservation. 

Lana visits her aunt's seaside town in order to help clean up after a massive storm. While there, Lana wants nothing more than to enjoy her time in the town of her childhood. One day while she is exploring the sea, she comes across an injured seahorse-like creature (an aquicorn) and decides to take care of it until it heals. Another vicious storm is about to hit her town, and it is up to Lana to stand up for the Aquicorns and the ocean home that they need to survive. 

This book provides some great messages about how we need to protect the ocean and live in tandem with the creatures that live beneath its waves. It also talks about how everyone can make a difference, no matter how small, when it comes to ocean conservation and protecting marine wildlife. 

The messages that this book portrays is pretty much the only highlight of the book for me. The character development is near nonexistent, the plot is boring, and the art is cute, but doesn't really hold up the story as a whole. 

Overall, I think "Aquicorn Cove" could be a great book to introduce young readers to ocean conservation in a fun, magical way, but besides that, the story is a bit too basic for me to have gotten much enjoyment out of it. It's nothing special, but it's filled to the brim with positive messages. 

Back of Book: 

Author-artist Fern Haught weaves an enchanting, gentle fantasy tale of friendship, determination, and respecting nature in their debut graphic novel.

Juniper and Hadley have a good thing going in Larkspur, spending their respective days apprenticing at a little bakery and performing at the local inn. But when a stranger places an unusual order at the bakery, the two friends (and Hadley’s pet snake, Fern) set out on a journey to forage the magical mushrooms needed to make the requested galette pastries.

Along the way, Juniper and Hadley stumble across a mystery too compelling to ignore: Something has been coming out of the woods at night and eating the local farmers' crops, leaving behind a trail of glowing goo. Intent on finally going on an adventure that could fuel their bardic craft, Hadley tows Juniper into the woods to investigate.

What started as a simple errand to pick mushrooms soon turns into a thrilling quest to save some furry new friends―and their caretaker, a soft-spoken little fey named Thistle―who are in danger of losing their home. 

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Middle Grade | Graphic Novel | Fantasy | LGBTQIA+ 

Review: 🌟🌟🌟

A cute middle grade graphic novel that falls in the same vein of fantasy as "The Tea Dragon Society" books. 

Juniper and Hadley live quiet lives as interns at Larkspur's local bakery. One day, a little excitement comes knocking when a mysterious person orders a special order of baked goods. These treats require a rare ingredient that can't be found in Larkspur. In order to make this request, Juniper and Hadley set out on a quest to find the mushrooms and make the requested pastries. 

I have been looking forward to reading "The Baker and the Bard" for quite some time now. I thought that this book was a YA romance going into it, but it is in fact a brief story of two friends who work together to accomplish their objective. It saddens me that this book is marketed incorrectly, because it means that many middle graders who would eat this book up are going to miss out on it. As a middle grade story, this book is a solid read. It literally reads like the cousin to "The Tea Dragon Society" with very similar themes, LGBTQIA+ characters, and art styles. 

Hadley was my favorite part of this story. They are a bit stereotypical in some ways, but I enjoyed how antsy they are and how they go looking for adventure. Their snake companion Fern is also quite cute. Their matching detective hats were definitely one of this book's highlights for me. 

Unfortunately, this book doesn't have that much depth, and it reads pretty much like a glorified picture book. The art is cute and the vibe is cozy, but it felt like the story was over in a matter of minutes before I even had a chance to get attached to anything. 

Overall, "The Baker and the Bard" is a short fantasy graphic novel that is cute and cozy. It may not have much depth, but it is pretty adorable for what it is. I didn't find myself attached to much in this book, but there were still many moments that made me smile. This plot and world have potential, so I would be willing to see what Haught comes up with next despite the fact that I didn't enjoy this book as much as I was hoping to. 

Back of Book: 

A gripping and hilarious middle-grade summer camp memoir from the author of Anya's Ghost.

All Vera wants to do is fit in—but that’s not easy for a Russian girl in the suburbs. Her friends live in fancy houses and their parents can afford to send them to the best summer camps. Vera’s single mother can’t afford that sort of luxury, but there's one summer camp in her price range—Russian summer camp.

Vera is sure she's found the one place she can fit in, but camp is far from what she imagined. And nothing could prepare her for all the "cool girl" drama, endless Russian history lessons, and outhouses straight out of nightmares!

Perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier, Cece Bell, and Victoria Jamieson, Vera Brosgol's Be Prepared is a funny and relatable middle-grade graphic novel about navigating your own culture, struggling to belong, and cherishing true friendship.

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Middle Grade | Graphic Novel | Memoir | Contemporary 

Review: 🌟🌟🌟

"Be Prepared" is a graphic memoir adorned with embellishments to make for a cute story about a young girl named Vera who is forced to spend her summer at a Russian camp. 

This was a cute story that showcased true events from the author's life. The beginning of the story really pinpoints how lonely and awkward Vera feels among her peers. When she hears about a Russian summer camp, she thinks it is the perfect opportunity to make friends just like her. But upon her arrival there, she learns that she isn't quite cut out for the camping lifestyle. 

I think that Brosgol has a very simple yet cute art style. This books illustrations are very fitting to the story, because it follows a young girl who loves to draw. The illustrations often add to the humor of the book, which was nice to see. I also appreciate sharing this piece of her life, as I could see many people relating to it immensely. 

Overall, "Be Prepared" was a quick and easy read that didn't stand out but brought a bit of joy into my day. I relate to it due to the fact that I am not an outdoors person, so I totally get how camping can be disagreeable. I believe this is the first middle grade graphic memoir that I have read, and I feel it introduced me to the genre rather nicely. I would recommend this one to those who want to reminisce about their times at camp or camping, or those who feel like it is often a struggle to fit in with others. 

Back of Book: 

Perfect for fans of Victoria Jamieson and Raina Telgemeier, this heartwarming middle grade graphic novel follows two nonbinary kids who navigate anxiety and identity while having fun and forming friendships at their summer orchestra camp.

After attending an incredible concert, Tate Seong is inspired to become a professional violist. There’s just one they’re the worst musician at their school. Tate doesn’t even have enough confidence to assert themself with their friends or come out as nonbinary to their family, let alone attempt a solo anytime soon. Things start to look up when Tate attends a summer orchestra camp—Camp Prodigy—and runs into Eli, the remarkable violist who inspired Tate to play in the first place. 

But Eli has been hiding their skills ever since their time in the spotlight gave them a nervous breakdown. Together, can they figure out how to turn Tate into a star and have Eli overcome their performance anxieties? Or will the pressure take them both down? 

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Middle Grade | Graphic Novel | Contemporary | LGBTQIA+ 

Review: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

A heartwarming middle grade graphic novel about a group of violists learning to forge friendships and conquer their anxieties at summer camp. 

Tate Seong decides to pick up the viola after attending a life changing concert. Afraid that they'll never be good enough to perform, Tate decides that they're going to sit out of this year's concerts. Desperate to help them out, Tate's parents tell them about a summer camp called Camp Prodigy for young string players who desire to hone their skills. Once they arrive at camp, Tate meets the young violist who changed their life, Eli Violet. The two nonbinary youths soon strike a deal and find themselves working together to become the best musicians they can be. 

This story was such a cute one. As a violist myself, this was truly a heartwarming read that reminded me heavily of many of my own memories. I may never have went to a summer camp, but I've participated in enough sectionals, ensembles, and other orchestral shenanigans to find this book very nostalgic. Pair that with the many church mission trips I went on in my teen years, this book was reminiscent of many of my own experiences. 

Tate is struggling with their identity and telling their family that they are nonbinary. Not only does Eli help Tate hone their skills on the viola, Eli also helps them gain the confidence they need to tell others who they truly are. Middle grade stories that feature coming out in such a positive way are always great to see, so I am happy to add "Camp Prodigy" to my list of middle grade queer book recs. 

I must say, it took me a hot second to get used to this art style, but it grew on me rather quickly. When I started this book I truly thought that the art was going to take away from the story immensely, but I ended up finding myself enjoying it before the story was through. 

This book is a great reminder to enjoy the small things in life and to not be afraid to ask for help from your loved ones. Life gets stressful, so it's important to give yourself a break and not push yourself harder than you'd push anyone else. I truly adore the way that Tate and Eli's families treats them, and I think being comfortable enough to communicate one's needs to their family is an important thing for all children to have and to witness in media. 

Overall, I really enjoyed the time I spent with "Camp Prodigy." It is such a sweet middle grade graphic novel that highlights so many unique different string players. It urges the reader to give themself grace and to ask for help when they need it. Tate and Eli's platonic relationship was so endearing and it was amazing to see the two of them bond with their fellow violists. Pair that with all of the diversity and queer rep, this book is a banger of a read. As a string player myself, I highly recommend checking this one out. 

Back of Book: 

From Kazu Kibuishi, creator of Amulet, comes an irresistibly charming pair of characters! 

Copper is curious, Fred is fearful. And together boy and dog are off on a series of adventures through marvelous worlds, powered by Copper's limitless enthusiasm and imagination. 

Each Copper and Fred story in this graphic novel collection is a complete vignette, filled with richly detailed settings and told with a wry sense of humor. These two enormously likable characters build ships and planes to travel to surprising destinations and have a knack for getting into all sorts of odd situations.

Book Number: Stand Alone Collection 

Genre: Middle Grade | Graphic Novel | Fantasy 

Review: 🌟🌟🌟

A collection of legendary comic artist Kazu Kibuishi's early comics "Copper" featuring an anxious dog and an adventurous boy. 

I've been interested in checking out this comic series ever since I heard Kibuishi speak at a convention a couple years back. After indulging in these comics, I can say that Kibuishi is truly a master at his craft, but I don't think any of these comics are going to stick with me for very long. 

Some of the highlights of this collection has got to be the fact that Copper and Fred ride around on giant turtles as a mode of transportation, which is just super unique and very Kibuishi. I also appreciate all of the moral concepts that Fred dwells on as well as the mental health aspects that are explored through this dog. He often considers his own mortality, whether people truly care about him, or if the adventurous ideas that Copper has are truly a good idea. I found this dog relatable in many ways, and I feel he most definitely reflected the moments that Kibuishi was having during his struggling career as an artist and some of the many difficulties he came across as a new adult. 

Overall, Kibuishi's "Copper" comics dive into some deep concepts that many teens and new adults can relate to despite this book often being categorized as middle grade graphic novel. Kibuishi is a genius in his art form, but I just didn't get that much enjoyment out of the majority of these comics. I really enjoyed some of them, and certain ones even had me pausing my reading journey to take time to consider what Kibuishi wanted me to take away from said comic strip. I will always appreciate Kibuishi as an artist and a human, even if I unfortunately have not fallen in love with his work. 

Back of Book: 

A graphic novel of friendship, family, and what happens when you defy and exceed expectations.

Donut (middle name: The; last name: Destroyer) has a heart of gold and incredible strength. She lives in a world where everyone is born with a special ability and can choose whether to develop it for good or evil. Donut has just received the best news of her lifeu—she's been accepted to Lionheart School for Heroes! But her parents are the most infamous villains around, and her best friend, Ivy, can't understand why Donut would choose a life of boring heroism and ruin their plans to cause chaos. Donut is determined to prove that, despite her last name, she's meant to go her own way and be a hero. Meanwhile, Ivy cooks up a plan to get Donut kicked out of Lionheart—back on track to villainy!

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Middle Grade | Graphic Novel | Fantasy 

Review: 🌟🌟🌟

A quirky middle grade graphic novel that explores the power of friendship and what it truly means to be good.

Donut may be part of the infamous Destroyer family, but that doesn't mean that she is going to follow in her evil parents' footsteps. Rather than use her super strength to cause chaos, Donut decides that she will attend the Lionheart School for Heroes instead. Upon her arrival, some dubious events start occurring around the school. This won't stop Donut's dreams as she is willing to do whatever it takes to prove her innocence and become the best hero ever.

I think this book will be beloved by many children, but it's one of those books that just didn't hit for me. The humor, themes, and plot were a bit too cheesy for me to truly appreciate, but my time reading this book wasn't painful or not enjoyable. The art style isn't my favorite either, but it most definitely fits the tone of this book.

My favorite thing about this graphic novel has to be Donut's parents. Any time the Destroyers are on the page was so entertaining. They are super weird and a tad creepy in the best way possible. I may have been anticipating their next appearance the entire book, but I'd say that's a positive thing.

The messages of defying life's expectations and striving to be the person you want to be are very insightful. I'm sure that these would hit harder for the intended middle grade audience too, which would enhance the experience for young readers.

Overall, "Donut the Destroyer" is a fun and quirky graphic novel that I'm sure many middle grade readers will sincerely like. I personally didn't overly enjoy it, but there were aspects I really appreciate about it.

Back of Book: 

Twelve years ago, the boy and the girl lived. But one was supposed to die.

July Chen sees ghosts. But her dad insists ghosts aren’t real. So she pretends they don’t exist. Which is incredibly difficult now as it's Hungry Ghost month, when the Gates of the Underworld open and dangerous ghosts run amok in the living world. When July saves a boy ghost from being devoured by a Hungry Ghost, he becomes her first ever friend. Except William is not a ghost. He’s a wandering soul wavering between life and death. As the new friends embark on an adventure to return William to his body, they unearth a ghastly truth―for William to live, July must die.

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Middle Grade | Graphic Novel | Fantasy 

Review: 🌟🌟🌟

A middle grade graphic novel with an interesting take on ghosts, the spirit realm, and the Underworld. 

I wasn't expecting much more than a cute story featuring ghosts with this one, and it most definitely delivered on this expectation. The story follows July who tends to be forgotten by everyone who knows her. That is, until she meets a ghost boy by the name of William. Unbeknownst to them, their lives were intertwined twelve years ago in a moment in which one of them was supposed to die. Their chance meeting was in actuality a sign from the universe. The two must work together to save each others lives both from the hungry ghosts and the King of the Underworld. 

The art style in this one is cute and the story was fun and unique. The importance of food (especially magic soup!) was a fun little touch. It was a bit cheesy at times and was a tad immature for my taste, but it was pretty good in its totality. The thing I had to appreciate the most about the story is July and William's found friendship that they acquired. 

Overall, "Ghost Book" was a quick middle grade read with goofy characters and an interesting take on the ghost world. It wasn't anything too special, but it didn't take long to read and I feel it could be a really fun read for kids in October to feed the spooky vibes. 

Back of Book: 

When seventh-grader Ash, his crush Eleanor, and their friends are transported to a girls-only imaginary world, Ash must come to terms with the fact that he may actually be a transgender girl. Full of wonder, humor, and heart, Girl Haven is the newest original story from the author of Lumberjanes.

Three years ago, Ash's mom, Kristin, left home and never came back. Now, Ash lives in the house where Kristin grew up. All of her things are there. Her old room, her old clothes, and the shed, where she spent her childhood creating a fantasy world called Koretris.

Ash knows all about Koretris: how it's a haven for girls, with no men or boys allowed, and filled with fanciful landscapes and creatures. When Ash's friends decide to try going to Koretris, using one of Kristin's spellbooks, Ash doesn't think anything will happen. But the spell works, and Ash discovers that the world Kristin created is actually a real place, with real inhabitants and very real danger.

But if Koretris is real, why is Ash there? Everyone has always called Ash a boy. Ash uses he/him pronouns. Shouldn't the spell have kept Ash out? And what does it mean if it let Ash in? 

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Middle Grade | Graphic Novel | Fantasy | LGBTQIA+ 

Review: 🌟🌟🌟

A youth who was assigned male at birth questions their sexuality when they are transported to a world where no boys are allowed. 

Ash misses their mom more than anything. She left over three years ago, but they are unwilling to lose her entirely. Ash clings onto the scraps they have of her by reading the books about a magical world, Koretris, that their mother penned throughout the years. One day, when Ash is showing their new friends their mother's work, they are accidentally transported to Koretris, a world in which only females are allowed to inhabit. This has Ash questioning everything. They were born a boy and have always used he/him pronouns. Is there something that Koretris knows that Ash hasn't been willing to accept yet? 

The concept of this one seems pretty comical and cute on the surface. I was hooked by the premise of a youth that was assigned male at birth being transported to a world that only allows girls to enter it. I mean, I'm always down to try a middle grade trans read. I didn't enjoy this one as much as I thought I would, but it was still an enjoyable book in the long run. 

The way that this story explores gender is quite literal, but I don't think that is necessarily a bad thing. It sort of paints an intense line between male and female, but it also doesn't skirt away from the fact that nonbinary people exist, too. One of my favorite looks at gender in this one is through all of Ash's girlfriends. They showcase various natures of femineity, which is quite cool and paints a clear message to the reader that there isn't a right way to be a girl (or to not be a girl). 

The main problem I had with this one is its lack of depth. Koretris has so much going for it, but it also lacks the depths of most magical worlds. Also, every conflict was resolved in like three seconds, which was a tad annoying. The scene transitions were also a bit clunky; there was at least three times where I had to flip back to make sure that I didn't miss a page. Mostly minor gripes, but complaints all the same. 

Overall, "Girl Haven" is a really quick read of a middle grade graphic novel. It explores gender in a simple to understand way that leaves plenty of room for children to reflect about their own lives. It may be lacking in depth and struggle in a few technical aspects, but for the most part, I'd say this was a good read. 

Back of Book: 

Ebo is alone.

His brother, Kwame, has disappeared, and Ebo knows it can only be to attempt the hazardous journey to Europe, and a better life—the same journey their sister set out on months ago.

But Ebo refuses to be left behind in Ghana. He sets out after Kwame and joins him on the quest to reach Europe. Ebo's epic journey takes him across the Sahara Desert to the dangerous streets of Tripoli, and finally out to the merciless sea. But with every step he holds on to his hope for a new life, and a reunion with his family.

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Middle Grade | Graphic Novel | Contemporary 

Review: 🌟🌟🌟

Back of Book: 

In a vibrant city, two girls from very different walks of life join forces to fight censorship and protect the people they love. Eleven-year-old Cinzia is a printer’s apprentice. She adores Mestra Aronne for taking her in—most guilds don’t have room for apprentices with a crippled leg—and she loves life in the raggedy workshop that smells of paper and printing, where secrets and stories are always circulating. So when Mestra Aronne is imprisoned for publishing accusations against the ruling family, Cinzia will do anything to prove that Mestra Aronne only told the truth.

Elena is the exact same age as Cinzia, but she’s forced to keep to her rooms and garden. To protect her, according to her mother. To protect the city, according to her uncle. Because Elena is not the charming, powerful noble her family wants her to be. According to them, she doesn’t communicate well. She’s too gullible and literal and struggles to understand other people.

After unexpectedly meeting face-to-face, the girls follow a trail of clues through their golden city, drawing supporters and learning more about their home and each other than they ever could have imagined. If one person—no matter how young—can change the course of history, just imagine what a whole flock of them could do.

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Middle Grade | Graphic Novel | Historical 

Review: 🌟🌟

A middle grade historical adventure featuring a group of girls and the lengths they will go to spread the truth through their Italian inspired city.

Cinzia is a printer's apprentice and Mestra Aronne has made it one of her biggest priorities to teach Cinzia that one of a printer's most important jobs is to spread the truth. Even if said truth may have some dangerous consequences. When Aronne is arrested for writing secrets that the magistrate would rather keep hidden, Cinzia teams up with the young princess Elena to find evidence that will reveal the magistrate's corruption.

I have to begin this one by saying that the artwork in this book is stunning. There are multiple full page spreads that showcase beautiful chapels, bustling marketplaces, and grand palaces. Every single location has so much intricacies and it's insane how much detail Bi puts into every single illustration.

Unfortunately, the story did not live up to the images. Besides the fact that it takes place in Italy during the Middle Ages and the act of printing is really interesting, this story didn't have much going for it. I didn't get attached to any of the characters, the plot didn't seem all that urgent (despite the kids always being on the run), and the writing itself just kinda bored me.

This book does have some good messages in it. Firstly, it showcases that diverse groups of people existed throughout all of history, which is something that is often skimped over in media. People of color, as well as those with disabilities and members of the LGBTQIA+ community are hinted on throughout this book. Honesty and the power of the truth is another important lesson that this tale exhibits. This book also has some feminist themes, so it has several positive messages sprinkled throughout.

Overall, I found the story of "Ink Girls" to be rather boring, but the artwork is spectacular. I didn't get overly attached to much of anything, so therefore I didn't take much away from this graphic novel. I'd say it's probably a cute read for young readers that enjoy historical fiction.

Back of Book: 

Two hundred years ago, humans drove the dragons from the islands of May. Now, the last of the dragons rises to wreak havoc anew—with only a healer's daughter and a kite-flying would-be hero standing in its way. 

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Middle Grade | Graphic Novel | Fantasy | Romance  

Review: 🌟🌟 

Back of Book: 

For fans of The Witch Boy and Squished, Lunar Boy is a must-have heartwarming coming-of-age graphic novel about a young boy from the moon who discovers a home in the most unlikely places, from debut twin creators Jes and Cin Wibowo.

Indu, a boy from the moon, feels like he doesn’t belong. He hasn’t since he and his adoptive mom disembarked from their spaceship—their home—to live on Earth with their new blended family. The kids at school think he’s weird, he has a crush on his pen pal who might not like him back, and his stepfamily doesn’t seem to know what to do with him. Worst of all, Indu can’t even talk to his mom about how he’s feeling because she’s so busy.

In a moment of loneliness, Indu calls out to the moon, begging them to take him back. And against all odds, the moon hears him and agrees to bring him home on the first day of the New Year. But as the promised day draws nearer, Indu finds friendship in unlikely places and discovers that home is more than where you come from. And when the moon calls again, Indu must decide: Is he willing to give up what he’s just found?

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Middle Grade | Graphic Novel | Science Fiction | LGBTQIA+ 

Review: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

A middle grade graphic novel that expertly blends science fiction and real-life issues in a tale of self-discovery, overcoming prejudices, and learning where your place in the universe is. 

Indu feels like an alien on New Earth. Not only is he a boy from the moon, he's also transgender and doesn't speak Indonesian fluently, which makes it difficult to communicate with his new blended family and his classmates. Trying to adapt to a new hometown, a new family, a new language, and a new community is hard for anyone—but it is even harder for Indu, the Lunar Boy himself. 

This book was so cute! Indu is such an awkward, relatable protagonist. I have never went through many of the circumstances that he does, but my heart goes out to all of the hardships he endeavors during this story. I love the way this kid reacts to unexpected interactions (especially his first interaction with Noah) and I totally get how hard it is to make friends. It was inspiring to see how Indu knocks down the barriers that stand in his way and discover what he truly wants in life. 

There was so much diversity in this book; it makes me so happy! In the LGBTQIA+ community alone, there are transgender (boys and girls), bisexual, panromantic, lesbian, gay, nonbinary, and many other characters that are questioning their identities. I love the inclusive vibes of many aspects of this book, but I'm glad that their was still some addressing of bullying, prejudice, and queerphobia in this story. The Muslim identifying characters as well as just the overall Indonesian society in this story was truly great to see. The unfamiliar diverse aspects took me a minute to fully digest, but as soon as I wrapped my head around the language, I truly enjoyed every moment of the inclusive nature of this book. (A special shout out to Yuliana; she is such a cool character that added stellar diversity and has an epic name.) 

This book also dives into the awkwardness of blending two families into one, especially when they are of very different cultures. It was really neat to see Indu grow closer to his new Dad, despite some initial hurdles that they encountered. He had various issues with his new siblings too, and it was so wholesome and inspiring to see him find common ground with both of them. 

The art in this book is so pretty. The colors are so soothing and the illustrations are so detailed. The scenes in space are especially atmospheric. I would definitely read more books by the Wibowo duo just for the art style alone, not to mention all the inclusive aspects in this story. 

My biggest gripe I have about this book is the romance elements. I did like Alon and Aminah's rollercoaster of a relationship, but the Indu and Noah arc was a little shallow. These two are pretty young, and I feel that this book could have been perfectly fine without leaning into a romantic place. 

Overall, "Lunar Boy" is such an inclusive graphic novel in many ways that is elevated by its beautiful images and impactful messages. I would definitely be interested in checking out more books by this duo in the future. I would definitely recommend to those who love inclusive reads, especially if you have a special interest in the LGBTQIA+ community or Indonesian culture, or if you just want a sweet, yet complex coming of age story.  

Back of Book: 

Being a Moth Keeper is a huge responsibility and a great honor, but what happens when the new Moth Keeper decides to take a break from the moon and see the sun for the first time? A middle-grade fantasy graphic novel about passion, duty, and found family.

Anya is finally a Moth Keeper, the protector of the lunar moths that allow the Night-Lily flower to bloom once a year. Her village needs the flower to continue thriving and Anya is excited to prove her worth and show her thanks to her friends with her actions, but what happens when being a Moth Keeper isn't exactly what Anya thought it would be?

The nights are cold in the desert and the lunar moths live far from the village. Anya finds herself isolated and lonely. Despite Anya's dedication, she wonders what it would be like to live in the sun. Her thoughts turn into an obsession, and when Anya takes a chance to stay up during the day to feel the sun's warmth, her village and the lunar moths are left to deal with the consequences.

K. O'Neill brings to life a beautifully illustrated fantasy world about responsibility to yourself and your community. The Moth Keeper is filled with magic, hope, and friendship.

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Middle Grade | Graphic Novel } Fantasy | LGBTQIA+ 

Review: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

A sweet graphic novel about finding the place you belong and the codependency of nature's wonderful creatures. 

Being a Moth Keeper is a huge honor and a great responsibility, and there is no way that Anya is going to let her nocturnal community down. The months keep the Night-Lily flower flourishing, so Anya knows that she needs to protect the moths at all costs in order to keep her village safe. As Anya spends her nights alone, taking care of the moths, she begins to wonder what it would be like to live in the sun. As Anya's curiosity begins to become obsessive, Anya has to choose between sticking to her important responsibilities or exploring her own interests and self-identity. 

I've read many of K. O'Neill's other books and wasn't very impressed with them, but I found "The Moth Keeper" to be really cute. I actually felt something for Anya as a character (which is a huge win) and I really like the the messages and style of this graphic novel. The imagery is so cute, and I enjoyed the storytelling narration of the book. 

The themes in this one dive into how animals in nature depend on one another, how to ask for help when you are struggling, while also exploring trying to find one's place in the world. I love that there is a day community and a nocturnal community and that they really reflect how animals work together in unity. Anya has a large weight on her shoulders and she doesn't want to burden others, so she just keeps carrying the pain. I think the lesson of sharing one's responsibilities when they become too much is a great one for young readers. Anya is also conflicted about whether she wants to keep her job as a Moth Keeper or if she wants to live in the light. I think that this was an interesting vein to explore and can be compared to many other aspects of life. 

And now I have to talk about all the casual representation that O'Neill put into this one. There is a gay couple, an albino, a young girl who uses a cane, and it is all done with no great fanfare. I love seeing casual diversity thrown into things (especially kids books), and I'm glad that O'Neill continues to do this. 

Overall, I enjoyed the brief time it took to read "The Moth Keeper." I'm glad that O'Neill has at least one book that hit for me. I truly enjoyed the art style, the writing, the characters, and the world. It still isn't my favorite graphic novel ever, but one I would totally put on a list of middle grade recommendations. 

Back of Book: 

Mike Holmes, the artist behind the hit series Secret Coders and Wings of Fire, delivers his solo debut: My Own World, a middle grade memoir-inflected fantasy graphic novel.

Life is difficult for nine-year-old Nathan. All he dreams of is hanging out with his older brother, watching Raiders of the Lost Ark, and enjoying summer vacation far away from the neighborhood bullies. When he overhears his parents talking about a family crisis, he seeks sanctuary from his troubles. In an abandoned lighthouse, Nathan discovers a portal to a berry-colored world where time has little meaning and he, finally, is in control. There, his imagination takes him on wondrous adventures, across seas and through the air, with new extraordinary friends of his own creation. In his magical hideaway, Nathan is safe from the anxieties of his life—but can he bring himself to face the real world?

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Middle Grade | Graphic Novel | Fantasy | Contemporary 

Review: 🌟🌟

A lonely child finds solace from his pain in a magical world fueled by his own imagination. 

Nathan longs for nothing more than his brother Ben to pay attention to him. But instead, his brother wants to hang out with his friends, leaving Nathan to fend for himself against the bullies and insecurities in his life. When he discovers a magical lighthouse, he finally can take control of his own life. In his sanctuary, the only limits are the limits of his imagination. Unfortunately, his real-world anxieties still exist outside of his sanctuary and Nathan will have to learn to face harsh reality. 

There are elements of this book that I think are neat. One being the fact that Nathan wants to be with his brother, but Ben doesn't have time for him. This is a super realistic conflict that I feel many young children can relate to. Secondly, I enjoy the content of Nathan's magical world that he creates (especially Meow). Lastly, the grief that Nathan feels over the family emergency and the progression of this issue broke my heart. Beyond that though, I mostly found this book to be incoherent, discombobulated, and odd. I didn't hate it, but I feel that I could have connected more to everything going on if the transitions would have been a bit smoother and the mini story arcs would have been threaded together better. 

Overall, "My Own World" is a quick middle grade graphic novel that many kids can probably relate to, but it didn't do much for me. It was a bit confusing and I feel that this book should have been able to draw more emotions out of me. It wasn't horrible, but it wasn't anything special either. 

Back of Book: 

Somewhere in the universe, there is the perfect tune for you.

It’s almost the end of middle school, and Charlie has to find her perfect song for a music class assignment. The class learns about a different style of music each day, from hip-hop to metal to disco, but it’s hard for Charlie to concentrate when she can’t stop noticing her classmate Emile, or wondering about Luka, who hasn’t been to school in weeks. On top of everything, she has been talked into participating in an end-of-year performance with her best friends.

Then, the class learns about opera, and Charlie discovers the music of Maria Callas. The more she learns about Maria’s life, the more Charlie admires her passion for singing and her ability to express herself fully through her music. Can Charlie follow the example of the ultimate diva, Maria Callas, when it comes to her own life?

This evocatively illustrated graphic novel brilliantly captures the high drama of middle school by focusing on the desire of its finely drawn characters to sing and be heard.

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Middle Grade | Graphic Novel | Contemporary | LGBTQIA+ 

Review: 🌟🌟

A pretty straightforward middle grade graphic novel about trying to fit in while also being yourself.

"Operatic" follows a girl named Charlie and her middle school music class. In this class, they are given an assignment from their teacher, Mr. K, to pick a song that represents who they are as a person. Throughout the novel, Mr. K introduces the children to all kinds of musical genres and Charlie finds herself falling in love with opera. But everyone else in her class hates opera and thinks it disgusting. How can Charlie find the strength to be herself, when everyone around her dislikes such a huge part of her?

I feel like this book has a decent enough premise, even though it is a bit cliche. Unfortunately, I feel like it just wasn't pulled off that well. The story jumps around from place to place and it often felt like I was reading multiple different books at once. This was quite detrimental to the plot, because the book is so short. I think one of the major problems is how much ground this book is trying to cover. It talks about self-confidence, mental health, sexuality, the importance of music, and so on. Trying to adequately cover all of these bases in a short graphic novel was an ambitious task and I just feel it wasn't pulled off that well.

I thought that all of the main male characters, Emile, Luka, and Mr. K, were interesting with their own sets of hobbies and values. But all the other characters? I didn't even remember anything about them only minutes after reading the novel. In all honesty, I had to recheck the name of the main character before writing this review. Sigh.

Overall, this book tries to tackle a bunch and just doesn't come out on top. I appreciate how heavily involved music is and the shout-out to opera, but I mainly just found this novel very flat. I wish more of the concepts could have been explored in more depth and that the graphic novel wouldn't feel as disjointed. No harm done in reading it, but I definitely didn't gain much of anything.

Back of Book: 

From Eisner Award winner Vera Brosgol comes an instant classic about courage, confidence, and inner beauty.

Jane is incredibly plain. Everyone says so: her parents, the villagers, and her horrible cousin who kicks her out of her own house. Determined to get some semblance of independence, Jane prepares to propose to the princely Peter, who might just say yes to get away from his father. It’s a good plan!

Or it would’ve been, if he wasn’t kidnapped by a mermaid.

With her last shot at happiness lost in the deep blue sea, Jane must venture to the underwater world to rescue her maybe-fiancé. But the depths of the ocean hold beautiful mysteries and dangerous creatures. What good can a plain Jane do?

From Vera Brosgol, the author of Anya's Ghost and Be Prepared, comes an instant classic that flips every fairy tale you know, and shows one girl's crusade for the only thing that matters—her own independence. 

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Middle Grade | Graphic Novel | Fantasy 

Review: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

A laugh-out-loud underwater adventure starring a plain girl with a heart of gold. 

Jane Brown's parents have just passed away and now she is about to be kicked out of her own house so her male cousin can inherit the estate. That is, unless she can get married in less than a week. With one hope left, Jane goes into the nearby village and inquires for the handsome Peter. Moments after Peter agrees to marry her, he is kidnapped by an illustrious mermaid who also wants to marry him. Jane sets out on a desperate quest to save her fiancé from the mermaid that has stolen him away. As Jane explores the murky depths, she discovers that horrors beyond her imagination lie just beneath the water's surface. . . 

I've read several of Brosgol's books and have felt pretty mid towards them. This one though, is an absolute banger. It is a fantastic middle grade graphic novel indeed. The premise is fun, I found myself laughing aloud over and over again, and the themes are things that all children deserve to hear. 

The characters are what truly bring this story to life. Jane, our protagonist, has a heart of gold and she is willing to do anything to help her friends. Peter is shallow, but in a way that with a little growth, he'll be a great boon to society. Mr. Whiskers (the talking seal, not the cat) is by far my favorite character. I adore his attitude, and the fact that he is a seal makes him S-tier. The mermaids each have their own charm, and I thought it was neat to learn about how the mermaid folklore worked in this world. Also, shoutout to Vodnik the Water Demon; he really helped breathe life into this story for the short appearance that he made. 

I was shocked to learn Mr. Whiskers secret! I am well versed in many different folklores and for some reason, I never suspected that he was more than just a talking seal. Oh well, I can't predict them all. But being this surprised by a middle grade novel doesn't happen often, so good job Mr. Whiskers! 

The messages in this book such as "things aren't always as they first appear" and that "true beauty lies within" are all great lessons that kids need to be exposed to. The world tells people from a young age that beauty is a key to happiness, and that if you aren't pretty, you won't find love. This is so false, especially because beauty is subjective. I'm so over people valuing physical appearances more than anything else, whether it be about romantic attraction or just showing people common courtesies. I'm glad that characters like Jane are becoming more and more popular and working to change the narrative that has toxically been thrown in our faces for way too long. 

Overall, I adore "Plain Jane and the Mermaid." This story is the perfect mix of quirky, heartfelt, and inspiring, which had me hooked right away. The art is great, the characters are brilliant, and the themes this book portrays are much needed. I laughed aloud dozens of times throughout this graphic novel, which made this book a perfect serving of dopamine. I couldn't recommend this one enough to children and adults alike who are looking for fun fantasy adventure stories! 

Back of Book: 

Farz and his family are Silki-charmers; they follow the giant, spiderlike creatures known as "Silkis" through their jungle home, harvesting their precious silk. It's been their family's tradition for generations. But Silkis can be dangerous and not everyone wants them around. Farz may be ready to try a different life, but he doesn't want the Silkis to disappear forever.

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Middle Grade | Graphic Novel | Fantasy 

Review: 🌟🌟🌟

A middle grade graphic novel set on a distant planet that explores topics such as family traditions and changing worldviews. 

Farz is a Silki-charmer, a group of brave souls who tame the dangerous spider-like Silki's in order to harvest their silk. Unfortunately, the mayor has banned the harvesting of Silki silk and Farz is faced with a tough decision. Should he serve the mayor that he is obliged to serve as a member of his illustrious patrol or should he stay true to his roots and help his Silki-charmer family save the dying species? 

This is the first indie graphic novel that I have ever read, so I feel that I am a little unsure how to view it compared to others. On the one hand, the story is entertaining, the themes are thought-provoking, the world is unique, and the imagery was very much its own thing. On the other hand, I feel like this book didn't exactly need to be a graphic novel and that the illustrations didn't add a whole lot to the story. I'd say that choosing to portray this tale in a graphic format was overall a fine decision though, and elevated this tale from a short story to a graphic novel. Also, I'm not sure how entertained a young child would actually be by this story, but it also felt rather juvenile, so it's most definitely middle grade. 

The importance of family traditions really stuck out to me in this one. Farz's family has always been Silki-charmers and it goes against everything inside of him to have to hunt these Silki's. As the world around us changes though, people are often forced to learn to adapt to such chances. I liked seeing how Farz in the end stood up for what he believed in, and is working toward keeping the tradition of spinning silk alive and well on his home planet. 

I think that the world that this book is set on is interesting, but I feel it could be greatly expanded on in future installments. This story most definitely leaves many unresolved plot threads, so I could easily see more books to come after this one. 

Overall, "Silk" was a quick middle grade read that had me invested the whole way through, but wasn't terribly unique in the long run. I enjoyed it, but I don't think it is all that memorable. I think that the length of this one could persuade many readers to give it a try and get them thinking about topics such as changing worldviews, steadfast traditions, and unjust legal movements. 

Back of Book: 

Snap’s town had a witch.

At least, that’s how the rumor goes. But in reality, Jacks is just a Crocs-wearing, internet-savvy old lady who sells roadkill skeletons online. It’s creepy, sure, but Snap thinks it's kind of cool, too.

Snap needs a favor from this old woman, though, so she begins helping Jacks with her strange work. Snap gets to know her and realizes that Jacks may in fact have real magic—and an unlikely connection to Snap’s family’s past.

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Middle Grade | Graphic Novel | Contemporary | Fantasy | LGBTQIA+ 

Review: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

I enjoyed "Snapdragon" way more than I thought I would. It is the cute graphic novel about a Snap, a girl who's a little tomboyish and that's totally fine with her. When her dog goes missing and Snap finds them with the towns witch, an unlikely friendship is born. Snap and the witch, Jacks, develop a relationship that is littered with mysteries surrounding Jacks' past and Snap is desperate to find out everything that Jacks can teach her.

I was really surprised by all the rep in this one. Not one does Snap's mom approach her about whether or not she is transgender, Snap's bestie actually IS trans. On top of that, the dog is missing a leg, there's gay characters, bi people, the list goes on. The representation was neat, especially because this is a kids book. I love how easily these things are starting to get interwoven into normality.

One of my biggest concerns about this book was the fact the author chose to name their main character Snapdragon. But don't worry! There was an actually reason and it added another layer of significance to the story. The art style also threw me off right away, but it ended up really fitting the story. So if you have your doubts about this one, know that I did too before I read it.

Overall, I really enjoyed this one and Snap really grew on me as a character. I would totally recommend this to a kid who is a reluctant reader or to anyone who is looking for a well thought out children's graphic novel.

Back of Book: 

Now with sixteen pages of bonus content from George Takei and his co-creators: a new afterword plus a behind-the-scenes tour of the process of researching, writing, drawing, and promoting They Called Us Enemy, featuring historical documents, scripts, sketches, photos, and more!

George Takei has captured hearts and minds worldwide with his magnetic performances, sharp wit, and outspoken commitment to equal rights. But long before he braved new frontiers in Star Trek, he woke up as a four-year-old boy to find his own birth country at war with his father's—and their entire family forced from their home into an uncertain future.

In 1942, at the order of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, every person of Japanese descent on the west coast was rounded up and shipped to one of ten "relocation centers," hundreds or thousands of miles from home, where they would be held for years under armed guard.

They Called Us Enemy is Takei's firsthand account of those years behind barbed wire, the terrors and small joys of childhood in the shadow of legalized racism, his mother's hard choices, his father's tested faith in democracy, and the way those experiences planted the seeds for his astonishing future.

What does it mean to be American? Who gets to decide? When the world is against you, what can one person do? To answer these questions, George Takei joins cowriters Justin Eisinger & Steven Scott and artist Harmony Becker for the journey of a lifetime. 

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Middle Grade | Graphic Novel | Memoir | Historical | LGBTQIA+ 

Review: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Back of Book: 

In a summer of goodbyes and new beginnings, shy Ashton Price hopes to confess to their theater camp crush in this heartfelt middle-grade graphic novel. Perfect for fans of The Tryout and The Girl from the Sea .

This is the last hurrah, the final curtain call. 

Ever since sixth grade, Ashton Price and their best friend and enduring crush, Ivy Santos, have spent their summers together at theater camp. Now it’s their last year before they part ways for high school, and Ash is determined to end it on a high note!

With Ash as stage manager and Ivy the lead in this year’s musical, this summer’s shaping up to be everything the two could have hoped for. Maybe Ash will even work up the courage to ask Ivy out! But between Ivy rehearsing long hours with her colead and Ash throwing themself into an ambitious stage production, will they end up drifting apart instead?

As summer wanes and September looms, Ash and Ivy’s friendship will change forever, one way or another. 

Book Number: Stand Alone

Genre: Middle Grade

Review: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

A middle grade graphic novel starring a group of middle schoolers at a theatre camp. 

Ashton Price has had a crush on their fellow theatre enthusiast, Ivy Santos, for the last few summers. Now that it's their final year together at theatre camp, Ash is desperate to gain the confidence they need to finally tell Ivy how they feel. Unfortunately, things don't go as planned when Ivy's stage partner, Lucas, is way more charming than Ash could ever be. The show must go on despite Ash's brewing feelings and they are ready to put their best foot forward to make this year's production of "Ella" as good as it can be regardless of their intense emotions.

This is a really sweet read featuring a nonbinary youth at theatre camp. Ash is a bit of a nerd who loves to draw and has an extensive passion for working tech. This makes them working as stage manager a perfect fit, and I really enjoyed following their journey to bring their theatre group's production to life. The technical elements of this show were pretty cool, so that was definitely a highlight of this reading experience. 

The drama in this one is a tad self-inflicted, but it wasn't over the top either. The main conflict is literally Ash trying to build up the confidence to ask their crush out while they also believe that their crush is crushing on someone else. This is a pretty legit thing and seems like a perfect amount of drama for a middle school theatre camp. 

Overall, "Upstaged" may not have been an overly unique story, but I still had a ton of fun with it. Seeing Ash chilling with his friends and the overarching theatre camp vibes made for a really fun time. The romance elements were subtle and not too overbearing, which is always appreciated in middle grade. I would definitely be willing to read more of Easter's work in the future!