Graphic Novels/Comics

Author Guest Post: “Heroes: One Size Does Not Fit” by Karl Fields, Author of The Accidental Warriors

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“Heroes: One Size Does Not Fit”

All It’s been said that there are no new ideas in literature, just new takes on existing ones. Some of our most beloved stories borrow heavily from their predecessors. For example, long before Harry Potter there was “The Sword In the Stone,” which tells the story of Britain’s King Arthur from boyhood and which Rowling cites as one of her influences.

Similarly, the Hero’s Journey is one of the oldest ideas in fiction, regardless of medium. From Homer’s Odyssey to the Hunger Games, it’s a story structure that’s been around almost as long as stories themselves. Dante’s Inferno. To Kill A Mockingbird. The Hobbit. Even Miles Morales: Across the Spider-Verse. All make use of the hero’s journey.

 But what makes a hero? All too often in popular media, the hero is big, tough, infallible, and would never even entertain the thought of not meeting the moment; like most summer blockbuster action heroes, for example. But these larger-than-life types have a way of sucking all the air out of the balloon, leaving no room for growth or change.

Thankfully, that isn’t the only type of hero. Some are less tough, less sure of themselves, less obvious. Often, these characters want nothing to do with this hero stuff in the first place. That’s what makes them so much fun!

When I set out to write The Accidental Warriors, I knew heroism would be at the center of the story overall and also at the heart of the route traveled by Jalen, the main character. At the outset, he’s brash and confident to a fault. In fact, early on you could say he’s more like the first type of hero. That, however, is a front he uses to camouflage some serious insecurities.

As Jalen makes his physical journey — trying to find his way back to his familiar home from a magical, mysterious land he reaches by way of a portal — his internal journey forces him to confront his fears and doubts, of which there are many. And despite the story’s title, Jalen’s ultimate heroism results from him using his wits more so than in ways typically associated with a warrior.

Jalen isn’t the only hero in The Accidental Warriors. Heroism, in all of its forms, is on display throughout the story. Ram, Jalen’s best friend who is Autistic, shows courage in the face of danger and won’t let Jalen retreat from his destiny. The kids in village show heroism beyond their years in standing up to the local nemesis.

We love heroes because they give us someone to cheer for, but a hero without a journey can easily become a character with little dimension, and therefore easily forgettable. However, a hero on a journey speaks to the growth and self-discovery that we experience ourselves and becomes the kind of character that can live in a reader’s mind for a lifetime.

Exercise 1 The Hero’s Journey consists of twelve steps. Have students identify steps of The Hero’s Journey evident in The Accidental Warriors. (For example, Jalen’s call to adventure comes when his karate instructor’s daughter is kidnapped by a monster who escapes through a portal. It is at the insistence of his instructor that Jalen pursues, albeit reluctantly. He initially refuses the call, another of the 12 steps, choosing to focus on finding his way back home.)

Exercise 2 How many heroes are there in The Accidental Warriors? Is Jalen a hero? What about Ram? The villagers? Cyrus? The ancient magicians? If yes, explain what makes each of these characters heroic. If no, what could they do to show heroism?

Bonus Exercise While not necessarily a hero in The Accidental Warriors, what are some ways in which Jalen’s father could turn out to be a hero?

Published October 12th, 2022

About the Book: Jalen Banneker has a confidence problem … as in, too much of it. But what no one knows is that it’s all an act, hiding years of self-doubt.

But when an evil monster kidnaps his friend, Jalen must overcome his fears as he travels to a mystical world where he’ll have to defeat the monster, break an ancient curse, save his friend and find his way back home in time for dinner.

With an engaging story and vivid illustrations, this book will have readers ages 7-10 turning the pages right up until the end. The Virginia Library Association said “these fun and exciting reads that have a good mix of characters are the kinds of novels we need more of,” while BookLife Reviews says it’s filled with “lightning-paced transitions and supercharged magic!”

About the Author: Karl Fields is an army brat who spent much of his youth in places like Germany, Spain, and Okinawa. Away from American television and no such thing yet as social media, he developed a love for reading that continues to this day and that also led to his desire to be a storyteller himself. He has written several books for children and adults, including the Kate Albertson mystery series. He currently resides in Los Angeles, California. The Accidental Warriors is his first graphic novel. Find him online at www.facebook.com/karlfieldsbooks and @writerkarl on Blue Sky.

Thank you, Karl, for this insight into your transformation of the hero’s journey for The Accidental Warriors!

Author Guest Post: “Tackling My Own Book’s Educators’ Guide” by Anna Olswanger, Author of A Visit to Moscow

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“Tackling My Own Book’s Educators’ Guide”

Near the bottom of this page is a download link to the student guide for A Visit to Moscow. If you open the link, you’ll discover several discussion questions, beginning with this one:

“Rather than opening directly with the Rabbi’s arrival in Moscow, the book opens and closes with Zev’s dreamlike, enigmatic vision. Why do you think the author chose to bookend the story with these sequences? From whose perspective or perspectives are we experiencing this story?”

When Creators Assemble! (the nonprofit that works to bring graphic novels into educational spaces) was developing the guide, I wondered how I would answer the question myself. Why did I bookend the story of Zev’s vision? Why didn’t I just tell the simple, chronological story of the rabbi visiting Moscow and discovering Zev as a little boy, hidden away by his parents to protect him from the Soviet government’s antisemitism? Why add the dream-like, enigmatic opening and ending?

The simple answer is that, like any author, I wanted to add my own thumbprint to a story I had heard. I wanted to make it my own. But then I thought about where my part of the book had come from.

In listening to the story that would become A Visit to Moscow from Rabbi Rafael Grossman, the inspiration for the rabbi character in the graphic novel, I asked him endless questions about the real Zev and his family. I wanted to understand how the little boy, who had never been outside the room he was born in, would view the world. Would he be angry? Would he be afraid? Would he be bitter?

Zev, the little boy, later told Rabbi Grossman that when his mother was sleeping, he would turn the shade a little to see what was outside. Zev knew that in the winter it snowed. He knew there was rain. He knew when it was warm and when it was cold. As he looked out the window, he wondered about the world. He thought it was made up of mean people because he couldn’t go out and play, but—Rabbi Grossman emphasized—Zev never thought the world was ugly. He wanted to know more about it.

As soon as Rabbi Grossman arranged for the family’s visas to Israel, Zev and his parents were put on a flight to Europe. Zev thought the car that took them to the airport was an incredible thing. The airplane totally fascinated him. He talked about it later at his bar mitzvah in Israel and said he went up to God and then came down.

Rabbi Grossman said that when he visited the family in Israel, Zev ran around showing him things: his school books, his soccer ball, his kippah. Zev was excited and full of life, introducing his pals to the Rabbi, shouting, singing–not at all restricted. He seemed to love everything about his life.

Rabbi Grossman said Zev was extremely happy in Israel. His life was filled with learning the language, making friends, and playing sports. He traveled on buses and went to every part of Israel. Later, he went to a hesder yeshiva (a yeshiva program that combines advanced Talmudic studies with military service in the Israel Defense Forces) and received a degree in mechanical engineering. He married and had children. And through it all Zev had a very strong, loving relationship with his parents. Zev talked about the world as a beautiful place. He talked about Lebanon and how the mountains were extraordinary.

Lebanon, where as a young man he stepped on a land mine while on reserve duty and was killed.

That view of the world as an extraordinary place sustained Zev, whether in the one room in Moscow where he could only peek out the window or in the openness of the land and cities of Israel. I think for him, being alive on this earth was like being in heaven.

And that is what I added to the story to make it my own, Zev’s feeling of being alive on this earth. It’s why I added the opening where the adult Zev has just died and is looking down at the area in Lebanon where he stepped on a land mine and sees the lush landscape—a river, haze, the ruins of a rampart. He thinks he’s looking down from heaven, and then everything starts to disappear. He can’t remember his name or who he was. He hears a voice and follows it. He sees a man (later we realize it is the fictional version of Rabbi Grossman, the rabbi who visited Zev and his family in the Soviet Union) at his Shabbat table with his family. The man is about to tell his family a story, and the story is his meeting Zev and his parents during a visit to Moscow. I then added the ending where Zev remembers all the events in the book, realizes he has died, remembers he has been alive. That was where I added the line, “He remembers being alive was like being in heaven.”

The book couldn’t have been just the simple story of what happened to Rabbi Grossman. It had to include what Zev knew, what Rabbi Grossman knew, and what I came to know through hearing the story, writing it, and reading it—that this world, in all its richness, is heaven.

Will students have any idea about my reason for including the mystical bookends to the story as they try to answer that question in the student guide? No, but they might imagine a reason, and that is the start of making sense of what we experience in life and making our own story part of life’s big story. Hearing a story we don’t quite understand and working to make sense of it by filling in the blanks is, at least for me, what being a human in the chain of history is about.

Published May 24th, 2022 by West Margin Press

About the Book: This haunting graphic novel takes place in 1965 when an American rabbi travels to the Soviet Union to investigate reports of persecution of the Jewish community. Moscow welcomes him as a guest—but provides a strict schedule he and the rest of his group must follow. One afternoon, the rabbi slips away. With an address in hand and almost no knowledge of the Russian language, he embarks on a secret journey that will change his life forever. Inspired by the true experience of Rabbi Rafael Grossman, A Visit to Moscow conveys the spiritual Holocaust and dev­as­tat­ing antisemitism that existed in the Soviet Union, and the com­mit­ment of one Jew to bringing the hor­ri­fy­ing real­i­ty into the light. It offers a window into the bias that still exists against Jews today, both in Russia and in America. This brief, beautiful, digestible visual narrative is a perfect on-ramp for student interest in the history of religious persecution, the oppression in the Soviet Union, and the experience of the Jewish people at large. It’s a wonderful tool for teachers—approachable, brief, illustrated. A volume that can be read and discussed in a 40-minute class or used as the foundation for broader study.

2023 Eisner Award Nominee, Best Adaptation from Another Medium

2022 Brightness Illustration Award Longlist

About the Author: Anna Olswanger first began interviewing Rabbi Rafael Grossman and writing down his stories in the early 1980s. She is the author of the middle grade novel Greenhorn, based on an incident in Rabbi Grossman’s childhood and set in New York in the aftermath of the Holocaust. She is also the author of Shlemiel Crooks, a Sydney Taylor Honor Book and PJ Library Book, which she wrote after discovering a 1919 Yiddish newspaper article about the attempted robbery of her great-grandparents’ kosher liquor store in St. Louis. Anna is a literary agent and represents a number of award-winning authors and illustrators. Visit her at www.olswanger.com.

About the Illustrator: Yevgenia Nayberg is an award-winning illustrator, painter, and set and costume designer. As a designer, she has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the National Endowment for the Arts/TCG Fellowship for Theatre Designers, the Independent Theatre Award, and the Arlin Meyer Award. She has received multiple awards for her picture book illustrations, including three Sydney Taylor Medals. Her debut author/illustrator picture book, Anya’s Secret Society, received a Junior Library Guild Gold Selection Award. Her latest picture book is A Party for Florine: Florine Stettheimer and Me. Originally from Kiev, Ukraine, Yevgenia now lives and draws from her studio in New York City. Visit her at www.nayberg.org.

Thank you, Anna, for this insight into analyzing your graphic novel!

Wagnificent: The Adventures of Thunder and Sage by Bethanie Murguia

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Wagnificent: The Adventures of Thunder and Sage
Author: Bethanie Murguia
Expected Published: July 23, 2024 by Roaring Brook Press

Summary: Discover a new young graphic novel series full of humor and heart about a lovable dog, her favorite human, and their pawsome pack in this unforgettable friendship story perfect for fans of PAWCASSO and ANIMAL RESCUE FRIENDS.

Thunder the dog likes to take naps by the sunny window, sniff around for hidden treats, play fetch, and get cuddles from her favorite human, Sage.

Though Thunder wants to be good for Sage, she’s having a ruff time stopping herself from doing things she knows are wrong – like barking, digging, and chasing suspicious furballs around the yard. She’s shocked when her inner Wolf appears one day and reveals the truth behind these irresistible impulses. It’s all because dogs are really wolves! (That is, they’re descended from them.) The big question Will Thunder choose to be a loyal pet to Sage, or embrace the wild animal within?

For fans of PAWS and KATIE THE CATSITTER, and anyone who has ever pondered the secret life of their cherished four-legged sidekick, meet Thunder and Sage ―and get ready to feel ALL THE WAGS!

Review: I absolutely adored this charming graphic novel and can’t wait to share it with kids! It’s tells the story of a girl Sage and her pup Thunder. They have an amazing relationship until an imaginary wolf starts trying to convince Thunder to be more wolflike (destroying things, howling, running away). Thunder isn’t so sure that he wants to be wolfy because he is happy being a dog in Sage’s family. There are great themes in this book, and it was fun to read as an adult, too! I loved the ways in which the author shared more about how dogs have evolved into wolves through an engaging story! I highly recommend this one!

Tools for Navigation: So many kids are huge dog lovers, and this book will surely captivate thousands of readers. Teachers might have students read this book alongside a history of the domestication of dogs.

Discussion Questions: 

  • How does Thunder emulated wolves? How is Thunder different?
  • What internal conflict is Thunder experiencing?
  • What did you learn from this book?

Flagged Spread:

Read This If You Love: Books about dogs, graphic novels, humor

Recommended For: 

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Cross-Curricular Educators’ Guide for Above the Trenches by Nathan Hale

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Above the Trenches (Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales #12): A WWI Flying Ace Tale
Author & Illustrator: Nathan Hale
Published: November 14th, 2023 by Abrams Fanfare

Summary: In Above the Trenches, author-illustrator Nathan Hale takes to the skies with the flying aces of World War I to reveal another Hazardous Tale in American history in the #1 New York Times bestselling graphic novel series.

“Yippee! We’re going back to World War One!” said nobody ever—except maybe the Hangman.

When the Great War began in 1914, America had plans to stay out of it. But some young men were so eager to fight, they joined the French Foreign Legion. From deep in the mud and blood of the Western Front, these young volunteers looked to the sky and saw the future—the airplane.

The first American pilots to fight in World War One flew for the French military. France created a squadron of volunteer Americans called the Lafayette Escadrille (named after the great Marquis de Lafayette).

This book is about that volunteer How they got into the French military. How they learned to fly. How they fought—and died. And how these American pilots would go down in history with other legendary flying aces like the Red Baron and his Flying Circus.

Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales are graphic novels that tell the thrilling, shocking, gruesome, and TRUE stories of American history. Read them all—if you dare!

Teachers’ Tools for Navigation and Discussion Questions: 

Please view and enjoy the cross-curricular educators’ guide I created for Abrams for Above the Trenches:

You can also access the educators’ guide here.

You can learn more about Above the Trenches on Abrams’s page.

Recommended For: 

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Student Voices: Book Lists from Sarah S., 7th grade, and Lucy S., Isabela M., & Hala B., 8th grade

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Books Lists

“Ten Books I Wish I Could Read for the First Time Again” by Sarah S., 7th grade

New Kid by Jerry Craft

This book is much different than the graphic novels you will expect to read. This book is about Jordan who was enrolled into a private school where Jordan is one of the few kids of color in his entire grade and is struggling to find ways to fit in. This book was one of my favorite books because it shows the struggles he had to go through as a kid with color and I’ve never read any graphic novel like it.

Restart by Gordon Korman

This book is so unique and entertaining that I couldn’t stop reading. It is about a kid in 8th grade who had an accident and banged his head on the ground and lost all of his memory and has no idea of all of the horrible things he’s done in the past and now he has to deal with all of the consequences and what people expect from him. This book is so fun and I would have never guessed all of the plot twists in this book.

Front Desk by Kelly Yang

This book is about a girl named Mia who moved to the United States and helps her parents manage the front desk. She helps her parents hide immigrants, while dealing with the mean motel owner, and trying to fit in at school. While struggling for money, Mia uses her smarts to fight for her dreams of a better future. This book shows that no matter what is happening, you should always believe in yourself.

Drama by Raina Telgemeier

Drama is about Callie who is a theater-lover who’s working on her school’s production of ”Moon Over Mississippi ” because Callie’s not an actress, but instead she joins this production because she is all about stage crew and set design. This book dives into all the drama of setting up a school play and when two brothers enter the story, it just becomes even more messy.

The Summer of Broken Rules by K.L. Walther

This book follows Meredith who’s been grieving with her sister’s death. She goes to Martha’s Vineyard for her cousin’s wedding and there is a tradition of playing a game called Assassin with water guns. But things got messy when she met this guy named Wit and started breaking her own rules about love and life. This book is super interesting and I couldn’t stop reading. This book is so good and I would have never expected the plot.

Places We’ve Never Been by Kasie West

This book was such a fun book to read and honestly unexpected. Norah ends up on a road trip with her childhood friend, Skyler who she hasn’t talked to in a very long time. As they travel together, they start to reconnect and Norah begins to see Skyler in a different light. This book was super entertaining and a fast read. This book was so unexpected and I didn’t see it coming for sure. I thought it was just going to be a fast read but this story had much more coming.

Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson

This book is about Astrid who wants to be this cool and fun skater girl so she decides to join a summer camp to learn how to skate. She assumed Nicole, her friend would do the same but Nicole joined a dance camp instead. This book is all about Astrid growing up and the tough world of roller derby. This story has such a good moral about navigating friendships and still doing what you love and in this case skating.

Wonder by R.J. Palacio

This book follows August who was born with a facial deformity and he has been home schooled his entire life until now. August is starting 5th grade face-to-face and he wants nothing but to be treated as an ordinary kid but the kids at his school have made this difficult for him. I read this book in 4th grade but I still remember it made me so emotional. This book was so good and I wish I could reread it and rewatch the movie because it made me feel for August and was so sad.

Invisible by Christina Diaz Gonzalez, Illustrated by Gabriela Epstein

This book was a very fun read and completely different from other graphic novels I’ve read. This book is told from five different points of views from kids who don’t have much in common but one thing they do is they are all hispanic and speak Spanish. They are now trying to get along while also trying to finish their school community hours. This book is so interesting and I wish I could read it for the first time again because it was so funny and I love the different points of view in the story.

Kisses and Croissants by Anne Sophie Jouhanneau

This book follows Mia who is a ballerina and she joins a ballet summer program and she has this idea that at all times she will be focused on ballet but her plans change when she meets this boy. This book is very cute and I wish I could reread it because it was so fun seeing how Mia was going to do with all of the decisions in the story.

“Ten Books I Wish I Could Read for the First Time Again” by Lucy S., 8th grade

Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

The strong urge to revisit the Percy Jackson series, It’s like reconnecting with old friends you haven’t seen in ages – there’s this sense of familiarity and warmth that’s just irresistible. The blend of adventure, humor, and heart in those books is timeless, and it’s hard to resist the allure of diving back into that world.

But it’s not just about reliving past escapades; it’s about uncovering new layers and insights that I might have missed before. Each time I read any of  Percy Jackson’s universe, I discover hidden clues, unique parts, and character development that add depth to the story. It’s like peeling back layers of an onion – there’s always something new to uncover beneath the surface. So, yeah, rereading Percy Jackson isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s about embarking on a journey of rediscovery and exploration, one that never fails to captivate me.

Prisoner B-3087 by Alan Gratz

I’ve been really drawn to the idea of reading Prisoner B-3087 by Alan Gratz again. It’s a book that really hit me hard the first time around, especially with Yanek’s journey through the Holocaust. The emotions and struggles he faces are so vividly portrayed, it’s like you’re right there with him.

But beyond just enjoying the story, I think there’s something important about revisiting “Prisoner B-3087.” In today’s world, where there’s still so much prejudice and injustice, it’s crucial to remember the lessons from history. Yanek’s story reminds us of the dangers of intolerance and the importance of standing up for what’s right. So, rereading “Prisoner B-3087” isn’t just about enjoying a good book; it’s about learning from the past and working towards a better future. (I’ve read this book a gazillion times 😁)

Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi

Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi. As the second book in the Shatter Me series, it’s a captivating blend of romance, suspense, and self-discovery. Juliette’s journey, grappling with her identity and newfound powers, resonates with me on a deeper level, and I can’t wait to revisit the twists and turns of the plot.

However, beyond the surface-level excitement, Unravel Me delves into profound themes like individuality and the struggle for freedom. Each read-through offers a chance to uncover new layers of meaning and connect more intimately with the characters. It’s like embarking on a journey of self-reflection and growth alongside Juliette and her companions. So, rereading Unravel Me isn’t just about entertainment; it’s about exploring the complexities of the human experience and gaining insights that resonate long after the book is finished.

If He Was With Me by Laura Nowlin

Recently, I’ve found myself drawn back to the pages of If He Was with Me by Laura Nowlin. This novel holds a significant emotional resonance for me, particularly in its exploration of love, loss, and the relationships of human beings. The narrative, centered around Autumn and Finny’s profound connection amidst personal love, captivated me upon my initial reading and continues to linger in my thoughts.

Beyond the surface allure of its romantic drama, If He Was with Me delves into deeper themes such as friendship, grief, and the pursuit of happiness. With each revisit, I uncover new layers of meaning and insight, enriching my understanding of the characters and their struggles. Thus, the prospect of rereading this novel isn’t merely an act of revisiting a cherished story; it’s an opportunity for introspection, emotional resonance, and personal growth through literature. (I cried)

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson

Lately, I’ve been itching to dive back into A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson. This gripping thriller had me hooked right from the start with its compelling storyline and well-developed characters. Following Pippa Fitz-Amobi’s quest to uncover the truth behind a murder in her small town was both exhilarating and thought-provoking, as the twists and turns kept me guessing until the very end.

With the excitement of solving the mystery, there’s a deeper desire to explore the novel’s underlying themes. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder delves into issues of justice, truth, and the complexity of human nature, offering valuable insights that linger long after the final page is turned. Each time I reread the book, I discover new layers of meaning and subtle hints that enhance my appreciation for the story. So, the idea of rereading A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder isn’t just about reliving the suspenseful journey; it’s about immersing myself in a world of intrigue and reflection, where every chapter holds the promise of uncovering hidden truths.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

I’ve found myself drawn back to The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. This dystopian tale, with its gripping narrative and compelling characters, has left a lasting impression on me. Katniss Everdeen’s (With Peeta) journey through the brutal arena and her subsequent defiance against the oppressive regime of Panem resonate deeply with themes of resilience, social justice, and the human spirit’s capacity for resistance

Beyond the surface-level excitement and suspense, The Hunger Game offers a profound exploration of power dynamics and societal inequality. Each revisit to the novel provides an opportunity to delve deeper into its themes, uncovering new layers of meaning and relevance. It’s not merely about reliving the thrilling adventure; it’s about engaging with thought-provoking commentary on contemporary issues and reflecting on the complexities of the human condition.

Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery

Lately, I’ve been feeling this strong urge to return to the pages of Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery. It’s a story that holds a special place in my heart, like revisiting an old, cherished friend. Anne Shirley’s adventures, with her vivid imagination and boundless enthusiasm, never fail to uplift my spirits. Whether she’s embarking on mischievous escapades or enchanting the residents of Avonlea with her infectious charm, Anne’s journey serves as a comforting reminder of the joys of imagination and the warmth of companionship.

However, beyond the comforting familiarity of Anne’s world, there’s a deeper yearning to rediscover the profound wisdom and heartfelt emotions that the deeper meaning shows. “Anne of Green Gables” transcends its status as a simple children’s tale, offering timeless lessons in resilience, empathy, and the transformative power of love. With each return to its pages, I find myself drawn once more into Anne’s world, captivated by its rich imagery and enduring messages. The prospect of rereading Anne of Green Gables isn’t merely about revisiting a beloved story; it’s about reconnecting with the enduring spirit and timeless truths that lie within its pages.

She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton

This empowering collection of stories about women who have overcome adversity and made a significant impact in various fields resonates deeply with me. Each narrative is a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and unwavering perseverance in the face of obstacles. From historical figures like Harriet Tubman and Helen Keller to contemporary trailblazers like Oprah Winfrey and Sonia Sotomayor, the stories inspire me to strive for my dreams and never give up, regardless of the challenges I may encounter or face.

Moreover, beyond just the inspiration derived from the individual stories, there’s a broader significance to rereading She Persisted. In today’s world, where gender equality and empowerment remain pressing issues, the book serves as a timely reminder of the progress that has been made and the work that still lies ahead. By revisiting these stories of resilience and determination, I am not only reaffirming my own commitment to perseverance but also gaining renewed inspiration to advocate for positive change in my community and beyond.

Wonder by R.J Palacio

Lately, I’ve been feeling a strong pull to revisit Wonder by R.J. Palacio. This heartwarming tale about a young boy named Auggie Pullman, who faces challenges due to his facial differences, resonates deeply with its message of empathy, kindness, and acceptance. The story touched my heart when I first read it, as it beautifully portrays the power of friendship and the importance of seeing beyond external appearances to recognize the beauty within.

But beyond just reliving the emotional journey of Auggie and his friends, there’s a deeper longing to rediscover the profound lessons and universal truths embedded within the narrative. Wonder isn’t just a story; it’s a book for empathy and understanding, prompting readers to reflect on their own actions and attitudes towards others. Each time I revisit the book, I find myself inspired anew by Auggie’s resilience and the transformative impact of small acts of kindness. So, the prospect of rereading Wonder isn’t just about revisiting a loved novel, it’s about embracing its timeless message and striving to make the world a kinder, more inclusive place.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K Rowling

Recently, I’ve been wanting to revisit Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling. It’s like taking a trip back to Hogwarts and joining Harry, Ron, and Hermione on their adventures all over again. The mystery surrounding the Chamber of Secrets adds an extra layer of excitement to the story, keeping me on the edge of my seat.

But beyond the thrill of the magical world, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets also explores important themes like friendship and bravery. Each time I read it, I discover new insights about loyalty and standing up against injustice, just like the characters do. So, rereading it isn’t just about having a good time; it’s about gaining valuable life lessons too.

“15 Books I Want to Read” by Isabela M., 8th grade

Twisted Tales: Part of Your world by Liz Braswell

I read the Cinderella twisted tale and I love it, so I want to read more of them and since the little mermaid is one of my favorite princesses I really want to read this book.

Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter

I’ve seen this book a lot online and heard a lot of good reviews. Also, my sister read this book and she said she enjoyed reading it.

Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch

I read the book summary, and it looks like a nice book. I also saw that this book has a movie on Netflix so I want to read it so then I can compare it to its movie adaptation.

One Of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus

I’ve always wanted to read this book but never checked it out. I am pretty sure this book is really good because everyone I’ve asked about the book, they have told me to read it.

The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

I am very interested in her story. I’ve watched some videos of what she went through so I want to read what she wrote while everything was happening.

Spy School by Stuart Gibbs

It was recommended to me by my 7th grade teacher, and I saw that one of my classmates read this book and by their review I am interested in reading this book.

14 Ways to Die by Vincent Ralph

The plot of this book sounds really interesting. I want to see who wins the competition to catch the killer. I also want to start reading more mystery books because I find them entertaining.

Harry Potter Series by J.K Rowling

I watched all of the movies but never read the books because they are too long but now I think I may start reading them during the summer.

Today Tonight Tomorrow by Rachel Lynn Solomon

I like reading romance books and this book based on reviews looks like a good and fun book to read.

White Bird by R.J. Palacio

I saw this book in my school library and when I looked it up, I saw that it has great reviews. I also read the summary and it looks like a great book.

The Selection by Kiera Cass

This book series has been recommended to me by some of my friends, so I decided to look it up on Goodreads, and I found really good reviews.

House Arrest by K.A. Holt

I saw this book in another blog post and by the description written about this book, I feel like I will like it.

If he had been with me by Laura Nowlin

I have seen this book and its sequel on the internet, and I have read that it is sad but at the same time is a good book.

One for the Murphys by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

My friend recommended it to me. She said that she read this book last school year and that she really enjoyed reading it.

I Survived The Sinking of the Titanic, 1912: The Graphic Novel by Lauren Tarshis & Georgia Ball

I love reading the I Survived books, and I am very interested in the story of how the Titanic sank.

“Ten of my All-Time Favorite Childhood Books” by Hala B., 8th grade

Books that give children the opportunity to enjoy reading are the type of books that parents should encourage their children to read. As a kid myself, I always chose books that looked like they would give me comfort and would be fun, I did not admire reading as much as a child but when I came to reading these books below I started to enjoy watching the stories unfold just to reread them over and over again. I recommend everyone to read even if it’s an audio book, picture book, hardcover, etc. It gives a lot of different messages and life lessons to a reader. You can choose to keep that lesson with you or even leave it in the book as it doesn’t interest you. Still, whatever you do just know that reading at a young age will help build up many kids’ strengths and abilities and they will be able to be strong-willed and achieve their goals using all the lessons they learned from books and real-life experiences that might have taught them the same lessons a book has.

Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White

Charlotte’s Web is an awesome book to read, this book shows friendship and perseverance it teaches determination and how true friendship is valuable, and that throughout many struggles the friends who stay and make you the best of who you are, are the true friends you should surround yourself with and appreciate them for being with you through thick and thin. Many should understand how friendship works and how having good friends allows you to be your best self.

The Tortoise and the Hare by Aesop

The reason I loved The Tortoise and the Hare is that it taught me two things, first thing is that even if you are faster or better at something, don’t take that for granted and level down because even if you are the best you can still get even better. The second thing I learned is that even when you are slow you can still keep going and try your hardest to get better and faster and even win if you keep trying as hard as you can.

Pete the Cat I Love My White Shoes by Eric Litwin, James Dean, and Kimberly Dean

This was such a good book, It showed me how Pete’s shoes changed and even as they changed Pete kept going forward with each couple of steps. I recommend this book because it shows that even when there is change, you can keep moving forward and towards the future. I loved that Pete never got discouraged even as the shoes kept getting worse and worse.

Mama Bear’s Love by Jane Hubbard

I loved this book, it showed me how much love a mom gives to her child and how much more moms need to be appreciated. It shows how important a mom’s love can be in someone’s life. I love my mom with all my heart and would do anything for her, Knowing that she loves me even more than that gives me the strength to keep going with my life and to make her proud but most importantly, It showed me that not only do we need our parents love but they need our love in return as well and that we should always try our best to take care of them as well as ourselves.

A Bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon

This book was one of my favorites because It taught me to do my things and follow my dreams no matter who likes or dislikes it. It also showed me that no matter what there will always be someone or something trying to bring me down or challenge me but there will always be a way to bring yourself back up. I recommend this to others because It will show them that they should keep moving forward with their passion and dreams no matter what occurs.

Clifford the Big Red Dog by Norman Bridwell

This book showed how good friends are beneficial especially when someone requires a helping hand. Being a good friend is not a duty it is an option whether or not you want to be a kind and helpful friend and someone who will allow others to feel safe. This book taught me that helpful friends will stick with you and make you feel as happy as possible.

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems

This picture book was a very fun, exciting, and funny read, the book mainly showed a one-sided conversation in which you can respond to the characters yourself as if you were in the conversation. It was an exhilarating experience since as a kid I loved to answer the pigeon and tell them that they cannot drive the bus as if I was watching the bus for the bus driver. I believe this book is an easy, pretty quick, and funny read and should be more appreciated and read more often by children.

The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister

Some may disagree with the way I thought of this book and may argue that it shows how the fish has to get rid of part of itself for others to like him/her but when I was a child the way I felt about the book was that The Rainbow Fish was one of my favorite bedtime stories. This story showed a lot of different emotions which is why I loved it so much as a kid, it showed humiliation, sharing, friendship, and true happiness which are key things needed in one’s life to live with experiences of hardship and happiness of life so they can live to be a stronger person every time they grow older. I believe this book has taught me a lot about how to be prepared as I gain knowledge about expectations and how to move on with life as I make my own life myself with only the help of the important people in my life who have huge care for me.

The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn

I loved this book as a kid, this book showed great lessons one being that we don’t always want to do things we might have to do even when they seem scary at times or even strange, but it is part of experience and life to try new things out to see how you can use it or not use it in your future. It also allowed me to stop only seeing the bad in things and decide to consider the good that may come out of it, although you should always take notice of the cons and pros of things before considering you shall also see how well or unwell it will take you or if it will take you far. It taught me a lot about decision making which is an important aspect of life because you will always face decisions you will have to consider and think wisely about. I recommend this book to many people because it will show how as you are living there will be many challenges you will have to face and during that period, how you react with words or actions will affect how you are going to move on with your life and stay in a comfortable environment with good people all around you.

Olivia the Ballerina by Farrah McDoogle

Olivia the Ballerina used to be a book I would read many times, for a matter of fact I still own it to this day. This book showed me how trying to achieve things by practicing hard will get you to where you want to be, but it also showed me that as important as following your dreams may be, you must always still balance that with education and all the other important factors needed in one’s life. Homework is just as important as having other dreams because it will help you in the long run when you require knowledge. I recommend this book because it will teach others to value their education and dreams all at once.

Thank you so much to my student voices today–I loved sharing your book lists!

Student Voices: Author Reflections from Susana N., 7th grader, and Meghan K. & Ricardo D., 8th graders

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Author Reflections

“Four Authors I’d Love to Meet” by Susana N., 7th grade

I will love to meet Jenny Han. The books of hers I have read are amazing. I want to keep reading all her books. I love how she keeps the readers interested in the book. I will love to meet her and have a book with her autograph. The Summer I Turned Pretty is, for me, in my top two in all the book I read in this whole school year, and I hope keep reading all her book.

I have read almost all of Raina Telgemeier’s books; they are very good, and I love all of them! They are all so funny, and I recommend them. I want to meet Raina Telgemeier because when I first read Smile, almost the whole school was talking about it and when I first read it, it was really good, and I knew I had to read the other ones by her, and they were really good she a very good author.

When I first read Sunny Rolls the Dice, it became one of my top books of all the books I have read. Since I liked it, I knew I had to read all the series. All the books are so good. I need to meet Jennifer L. Holm. Her books always put a smile in my face. All her books are very good, if I could read a book again and again, it would be these.

I read the first Baby-Sitters Club book when I was in 6th grade, and it was so good! I knew I had to read all the books. Then I found out there was a series on Netflix, andand the series is as good as the book. I want to meet Ann M. Martin because her books are nice and always have a message of the story. They are more than just good book, they are really good books. I will always love these books.

“Author Spotlight: Ann M. Martin” by Meghan K., 8th grade

Get to Know Ann M. Martin

Ann M. Martin is the author of many books and series. One of her most famous series The Baby-Sitters Club. The Baby-Sitters Club has sold over 180 million copies. Even though Baby-Sitters Club is a popular series in her collection, that does not mean it’s the only one. She has written many different books, like Slam Book, On Christmas Eve, Rain Reign, and many more. Ann M. Martin has great books, and they teach great life lessons and give messages to whoever reads them. Ann M. Martin is a great author, I think, because she relates her books to some of her own life experiences and childhood memories or feelings. Ann M. Martin has made a name for herself in children’s and young adult fiction. She is a full-time writer and published her first book in 1985 while working for Scholastic as a children’s book editor. 

I chose Ann M. Martin to spotlight because her books and series are very inspiring and interesting to read. I loved her series The Baby-Sitters Club throughout middle school. They are one of the only books I would read because they kept me interested, as well as Baby-Sitters Little Sister. If anyone asked me for an opinion on her books I would recommend for them to read them. 

Resource: The Baby-Sitters Club Wikipedia & Ann M. Martin Wikipedia

“Reflection on Akira Toriyama’s Passing” by Ricardo D., 8th grade

Akira Toriyama — The Legendary Mangaka, No More | by Jijo George | Medium

Manga creator Akira Toriyama passed away on March 1st 2024. The cause of his  passing was due to an acute subdural hematoma, which is when you injure your head severe enough to cause pooled blood to push on the brain. His death was not announced on March 1st, it was announced on the 8th due to his family’s request. He still had a lot of projects he was working on when he passed as well. I found out late at night when a friend called me out of nowhere and told me about it. Dragon Ball is my favorite anime and his death happened before they even animate the moro arc, which is tragic.

What caused his death?

A few weeks before his death, Akira Toriyama said he wasn’t sure he could keep going. “I am not sure how much more I can do, as I am not very confident about my health, probably due to my lifestyle when I was younger…”. It is not confirmed what he meant by lifestyle, but it is assumed that he is referring to his smoking habits, poor diet, and stress early in his career. He spoke many times about how deadlines were getting to him and that he would smoke several packs of cigarettes a day, hair loss due to stress, and sleepless nights for days. If it’s like that for other manga artists, worrying about deadlines and stress, that’s just too much.

Who will be Akira Toriyama’s successor?

Despite his death, Dragon Ball Super will continue. His student and apprentice Toyotaro will write and also draw the manga. Toyotaro himself was a massive Dragon Ball fan since he was little. His drawing style and skills caught the attention of Akira and ended up working closely with him. I think Toyotaru could continue Dragon Ball but it’s not going to be the same, art style sure but, writing-wise I don’t think so. Toyotaru’s drawing skills are good but I don’t think he has much experience writing manga.

Other manga creator’s thoughts

Eiichiro Oda, known for making One-Piece, and Masashi Kishimoto, known for making Naruto both wrote eulogies about Akira Toriyama. Oda stated that it was too early, that sadness washes over knowing he would never see Akira again. Kishimoto wishes his family well and feels lost like Oda. It’s sad that we probably will never know what he was working on, nor the finished result.

Impacts on me

I grew up watching Dragon Ball when I was younger, I liked it so much that I even watched Dragon Ball GT. Most people think GT isn’t good and whatnot but I liked it. I also watched Dragon Ball Z Kai which is just Dragon Ball Z but improved. Once I found out about Akira’s death I couldn’t believe it. He usually didn’t speak publicly much so people knew little about him but he made the show I and millions of people watched every day in the morning. These news made everyone that watched the show feel down, including me.

Sources: https://thedaoofdragonball.com/blog/news/akira-toriyama-last-message/#google_vignette | https://screenrant.com/one-piece-naruto-akira-toriyama-tribute-dragon-ball/ | https://www.marca.com/en/lifestyle/tv-shows/2024/03/08/65ea8bc622601d0e068b4575.html

Thank you so much to my student voices today and their reflections on favorite authors!

Alterations by Ray Xu

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Alterations
Author & Illustrator: Ray Xu
Published January 30th, 2024 by Union Square & Co.

Summary: This funny yet poignant middle-grade coming-of-age story highlights the struggle of feeling invisible while yearning to be seen by all.

Kevin Lee is having a really bad week. Although he lives in a crowded Toronto apartment above the family’s alterations and dry-cleaning store, he mostly goes unnoticed. School isn’t exactly an oasis either—being one of the few Asian kids makes for some unwelcome attention. But when Kevin’s class plans a trip to Thrill Planet, a spectacular theme park, will he finally have a chance to turn his life around, or will it just be another day for Kevin Lee?

Fans of middle school graphic novels exploring identity and self-esteem will appreciate the poignant yet humorous journey of finding one’s place in the world, and readers who are looking for Asian representation in books will connect with Kevin’s story of racism, bullying, and the immigrant experience. With its mix of family relationships, friendships, and a thrilling amusement park climax, this inspiring read is perfect for fans of humorous middle grade fiction with diverse characters overcoming obstacles.

Praise:

This is an excellent debut middle grade graphic novel, both funny and full of heart, depicting the lives of an immigrant family.” —Book Riot

“A funny and heartfelt story that beautifully communicates the honest and awkward relationships we have with life and our immigrant parents.” —Dan Santat, Caldecott Medal winner and creator of A First Time for Everything

“Charming, relatable, nostalgic. Love Xu’s subtle and scraggly drawing style paired with his understated, yet deeply affecting storytelling. Brings me back to being a lonely Chinese kid in Toronto.”—Academy Award–winning director and screenwriter Domee Shi (Bao, Turning Red)

“Themes of sacrifice, survival, and love abound in a multidimensional story of navigating the bumpy terrain of family tensions and resilience across generations.”—Horn Book Magazine

“[A] moving depiction of a multigenerational immigrant Chinese family trying to sew themselves back together.”—Bulletin Center for Children’s Books

About the Author: Ray Xuis a Toronto-based story artist for television and feature films. His recent work includes the 2021 Netflix animated hit The Mitchells vs. The Machines; Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem; and more. He invites you to visit him online at raymond-xu.com.

Review: This book is about so much more than it seems at first. Is it about Kevin navigating middle school, definitely, but it is also about so much more. Set in the 1990s, Kevin finds himself in the middle of his parent’s divorce with his mother working all the time and his grandmother newly moved into their small apartment where he finds himself fighting with his sister and mom more than being happy. This unsettled feeling bleeds into school where he doesn’t fit in with the primarily white school population and finds himself being picked on for his differences and getting in trouble when he’s truly not doing anything wrong.

It is only through drawing that Kevin finds solace, and we, as readers, get to experience a story he is creating with his favorite superhero. This story runs parallel with Kevin’s life and is how he deals with the conflict surrounding him.

Readers will find empathy for Kevin throughout his story and will want to keep reading and rooting for Kevin to trudge his way out of the bumpy road he is navigating.

(Keep an eye out for some fantasy elements at the end of the book! I found it to be figurative more than literal magic to symbolize just one other way Kevin felt–you’ll have to let me know what you think!)

Tools for Navigation: This book will be read and loved by your graphic novel memoir fans. Although it is not a memoir, it fits in with Sunny Side Up, Mexikid, Smile, and other memoirs set in similar time periods.

Discussion Questions: 

  • How were both Kevin and his sister valid in how they were feeling?
  • How did Popo both help and add tension to the Lee household?
  • What does the roller coaster on the cover of the book symbolize?
  • Do you think it is fair that Kevin is called to the principal’s office for the egg and the basketball incident?
  • Why do you think Lily stopped being Kevin’s friend? What happened to make her reconsider?
  • How was the comic Kevin was writing reflective of what was going on in his life?
  • What do you think is the purpose of the fantastical element at the end of the book?

Flagged Spreads: 

Read This If You Love: Graphic novels about school and family dynamics

Recommended For: 

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**Thank you to Union Square for providing a copy for review!**