Maurice and His Dictionary

author: Cary Fagan
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.39
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2020/10/28
date added: 2020/10/28
shelves: non-fiction, childrens
review:
'Maurice and His Dictionary' by Cary Fagan with illustrations by Enzo Lord Mariano is a picture book based on a true story full of survival and persistence.

Maurice and his family live in Belgium during World War II. Maurice wants to become a lawyer, but his family is Jewish and on the run. When they move to France, then Jamaica, Maurice still keeps trying to find ways to study.

I like this true story of a family enduring through some pretty hard times. I especially liked the photos and story at the end of the book.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Owlkids Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Swamp Thing: Twin Branches

author: Maggie Stiefvater
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.60
book published: 2020
rating: 4
read at: 2020/10/28
date added: 2020/10/28
shelves: graphic-novels, young-adult
review:
'Swamp Thing: Twin Branches' by Maggie Stiefvater with art by Morgan Beem is a YA graphic novel about the origins of DCs Swamp Thing.

Alec and Walker Holland are twins, but very different. On their last summer before college, they go to visit cousins in the country. Alec brings a school experiment along but Walker is more interested in socializing with the locals. When Alec's experiment seems ruined, it turns up in unexpected ways.

I always sort of refer to these as alternate histories, and it's really interesting to see where new writers take the known characters. In this case, I really liked what was done with Alec and Walker. The art was also pretty unique and I enjoyed it.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from DC Entertainment and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Softies: Stuff That Happens After the World Blows Up

author: Kyle Smeallie
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.20
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2020/10/27
date added: 2020/10/27
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Softies: Stuff That Happens After the World Blows Up' by Kyle Smeallie is a graphic novel about the last person to survive after Earth blows up and the friends she makes.

Kay's planet has blown up and she is miraculously saved by a passing salvage ship. Now she lives on a ship with an alien named Arizona as they have odd adventures. Kay helps to sell junk, and goes to an alien comedy club. Underneath though, Kay is hiding the struggle of losing everyone and everything. It all culminates in an emotional ending.

I liked this story and these characters. It's got some dumb humor and some pretty clever humor, but I liked both kinds. The art is fun and a bit different for character design.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Iron Circus Comics and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Invisible Differences

author: Julie Dachez
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.43
book published: 2016
rating: 5
read at: 2020/10/24
date added: 2020/10/24
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Invisible Differences' by Julie Dachez with art by Mademoiselle Caroline is a graphic novel about a young woman's journey to her Asperger's diagnosis.

We meet Marguerite who has a set routine every day. There are things she likes (her pets, quiet, a routine), and things she doesn't like (noise, sudden plans, crowds). She knows she is different, from not quite getting things people say, to not wanting to socialize with her coworkers. This leads her to stop in to the bookstore she passes every day, and eventually to a new way of life.

I really liked this story. It feels like the author has really infused it with her own journey. The illustrations are fun too. I liked the end section with more information on autism and Asperger's.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Oni Press and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Invisible Differences

author: Julie Dachez
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.43
book published: 2016
rating: 5
read at: 2020/10/24
date added: 2020/10/24
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Invisible Differences' by Julie Dachez with art by Mademoiselle Caroline is a graphic novel about a young woman's journey to her Asperger's diagnosis.

We meet Marguerite who has a set routine every day. There are things she likes (her pets, quiet, a routine), and things she doesn't like (noise, sudden plans, crowds). She knows she is different, from not quite getting things people say, to not wanting to socialize with her coworkers. This leads her to stop in to the bookstore she passes every day, and eventually to a new way of life.

I really liked this story. It feels like the author has really infused it with her own journey. The illustrations are fun too. I liked the end section with more information on autism and Asperger's.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Oni Press and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Heaven's Design Team Vol. 1

author: Hebi-Zou
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.75
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2020/10/23
date added: 2020/10/23
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Heaven's Design Team 1' by Hebi-zou and Tsuta Suzuki with art by Tarako is a manga about the people that design animals.

There is a team in heaven responsible for designing all the weird animals in the world. Design specs are given and the team has to answer questions like 'why can't a unicorn exist?' or 'who wins in a fight between a bird and a snake?' Animal physiology comes in to play and each chapter ends with nice writeups on the featured animals.

Animals can be really weird, so this is a great premise for a series. It's also a sneaky way to learn while reading. The art is fun as are the fun design challenges.

I received a review copy of this manga from Kodansha Comics and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this manga.


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The Last Halloween: Children

author: Abby Howard
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.29
book published: 2016
rating: 4
read at: 2020/10/23
date added: 2020/10/23
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'The Last Halloween: Children' by Abby Howard is a graphic novel about the monster apocalypse and the ragtag group that is supposed to save us all from it.

Little Mona is lonely on Halloween and stuck at home. Then a monster shows up and Mona is now outside her home running for her life. She makes some odd new friends and learns of an imbalance that is causing monsters to kill people. Ill equipped for the job, she is sent out with other ill equipped friends. Do they stand a chance of winning?

I liked this ghoulish and funny graphic novel. The story is fun, the characters are unique and the monsters are pretty scary. I really liked the black and white art and it's detailed line work. This was a lot of fun to read.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Iron Circus in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Steve Jobs

author: Mª Isabel Sánchez Vegara
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.10
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2020/10/18
date added: 2020/10/18
shelves: childrens, non-fiction
review:
'Steve Jobs' by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara with illustrations by Aura Lewis is a biography of the famous tech founder told for young readers.

Steve Jobs was adopted and raised in San Francisco. From an early age, he was intrigued by how things were made. He decided that school wasn't for him, so he dropped out and snuck in to classes that interested him. His friend Woz was building a new computer and together they founded a little company called Apple.

I'm usually more enamored of this series, but I found this one to be kind of bland. The illustrations are fine. Perhaps it's because it's a story I know a bit more.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Frankie and the Creepy Cute Critters

author: Caitlin Rose Boyle
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.11
book published: 2020
rating: 4
read at: 2020/10/18
date added: 2020/10/18
shelves: graphic-novels, childrens
review:
'Frankie and the Creepy Cute Critters' by Caitlin Rose Boyle is about a fairy that is new to school and how she figures out how to fit in.

Frankie Fairy is excited to go to her new school, but she doesn't look like the other kids, so they make fun of her scary looks. She consoles herself by working on her field guide after school. She finds new creatures around her home like garter snakes, possums and bats. Along the way she figures out how to go back to school and start again to make friends using the things she has learned from the critters she meets.

There is a lot to like here, like the really fun illustrations, or the message about being different, or a young students excitement about nature and science. I liked it a lot and I think young readers will too.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Oni Press and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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The Wizerd Vol. 1: And the Potion of Dreams!

author: Michael Sweater
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.59
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2020/10/18
date added: 2020/10/18
shelves: childrens, graphic-novels
review:
'The Wizerd Vol. 1: And the Potion of Dreams!' by Michael Sweater with art by Rachel Dukes is a graphic novel about a reclusive wizerd (that's how it is spelled in this story) who gets dragged into an adventure.

A wizerd is quietly tending a garden when a young fighter comes with a request. The fighter is undersized and wants a potion that will help him get bigger, so they take a trip to the city. Along the way, they rescue an archer who wants to join them against the wizerd's wishes. This is the story of what happens next.

I really liked this charming story of adventure and I especially loved the wizerd who is reluctant to have adventure, but generous in spirit. The illustrations are amazing! I loved all the details (so many details) on the pages and the fun character designs. I think younger readers would really enjoy reading this one.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Oni Press and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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King of the Birds (Arlo & Pips #1)

author: Elise Gravel
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.29
book published: 2020
rating: 4
read at: 2020/10/15
date added: 2020/10/15
shelves: childrens, graphic-novels
review:
'Arlo & Pips #1: King of the Birds' by Elise Gravel is a graphic novel for young readers.

Arlo is a crow who meets a smaller bird named Pips. As they fly around the city, Pips learns all kinds of things about crows, like how smart they are and how they eat just about anything. They also notice how dirty humans are with their litter and help to clean up.

This is a pretty charming story with some fun things to learn along the way. The art is bright and fun.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from HarperCollins Children's Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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The client

author: Zidrou
name: Wayne
average rating: 2.78
book published: 2013
rating: 2
read at: 2020/10/15
date added: 2020/10/15
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'The Client' by Zidrou with art by Manolo Carot is a graphic novel about a kidnapped daughter of a mobster and the man who has done it.

The story takes place in Ecuador in the houses of prostitutes. An ordinary guy falls in love with a prostitute, and in order to get her freedom, he kidnaps the daughter of a mobster. If those weren't enough bad choices, he drives with the mobster to get the daughter. Things can't possibly end well.

The plot is weirdly uninteresting. The main character seems so amazingly stupid with his choices and I never really felt invested in why this story was even happening.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Europe Comics and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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The Night Wanderer: A Graphic Novel

author: Drew Hayden Taylor
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.50
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2013/08/31
date added: 2020/10/13
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
The Night Wanderer tells the story of a vampire who returns home after hundreds of years. His people lived as Native Americans off the land. He is on a self imposed fast during his journey. He takes a room with a broken family.

Tiffany, her father and grandmother are still feeling the effects of Tiffany's mother leaving the family behind for a white man. Tiffany is also having trouble with her boyfriend. She finds a strange friendship with the new boarder, Pierre. A friendship she can't seem to make with her own father.

The story began life as a play by Drew Hayden Taylor, then became a graphic novel. The art by Michael Wyatt is not my favorite. It's a little over digital, so it lacks a bit on shading and warmth, but it serves the story well. The art is black and white, except when Pierre is fighting hunger or anger, then his eyes glow red. It's a better told tale than other contemporary teenage vampire stories. Tiffany and Pierre are both sympathetic in their own ways.


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Dramacon: 15th Anniversary Omnibus Edition

author: Svetlana Chmakova
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.11
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2020/10/12
date added: 2020/10/12
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Dramacon: 15th Anniversary Omnibus Edition' by Svetlana Chmakova collects all three volumes of the Dramacon series in one huge manga edition.

The series takes place over 3 years at an anime convention. In the first volume, Christie is a writer who is new to conventions. Her manga is drawn by her boyfriend who is kind of a jerk. A mysterious stranger who always wears sunglasses. Over the course of three cons, they form a relationship that has it's ups and downs.

I just loved this story and these characters. There is drama and humor and really loveable characters. The art kept drawing me in, and I loved the con setting that felt pretty authentic to me. I gulped down all 600+ pages and loved every minute of it.

I received a review copy of this manga from Tokyopop, Diamond Book Distributors, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this manga.


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Weathering With You, Vol. 1

author: Makoto Shinkai
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.82
book published: 2019
rating: 3
read at: 2020/10/09
date added: 2020/10/09
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Weathering With You, Vol. 1' by Makoto Shinkai with art by Wataru Kubota us a manga about a young man who runs away to Tokyo and the odd characters he meets along the way.

Hodaka runs away for his own reasons to the big city of Tokyo. Along the way, he meets a man who helps him out, but seems suspiciously shady. He is helped out by a young woman named Hina who feeds him. He discovers in Hina a strange gift she has to dry up the rain and make the sun come out. How their relationship develops is the main plot of this volume.

I liked the story, and didn't realize there was a movie. I felt like the story meandered a bit and introduced things that aren't that important to the main plot, at least not so far. I liked the art also. Hina is definitely a more interesting character than Hodaka at this point.

I received a review copy of this manga from Kodansha USA and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this manga.


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Warren the 13th and the Whispering Woods (Warren the 13th, #2)

author: Tania del Rio
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.33
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2020/10/06
date added: 2020/10/06
shelves: childrens
review:
'Warren the 13th and the Whispering Woods' by Tania del Rio and illustrated by Will Staehle is the second book in the series about a young hotel owner.

Warren's hotel is on the move and the guest are happy, until suddenly it falls over sideways new the Malwoods. Warren looks for a solution and gets replaced by an evil double who realizes he could sell the hotel to evil witches. Warren is now running to catch his hotel and making odd friends along the way.

I liked this second volume in this odd series. The characters and predicaments are fun as are the illustrations. I can't wait to find out what happens next.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Quirk Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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The Ten Thousand Doors of January

author: Alix E. Harrow
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.05
book published: 2019
rating: 4
read at: 2020/10/05
date added: 2020/10/05
shelves: sword-and-laser
review:
'The Ten Thousand Doors of January' by Alix E. Harrow is a fantasy novel about doors to strange places.

January Scaller grows up in a sprawling mansion with a dead mother and a father who is always traveling. She is raised by Mr. Locke who seems to care for her, and she has a favorite book called 'The Ten Thousand Doors.' One day things change and the world she though she knew changes, and the book she has carried takes on new meaning.

I loved this story of books and mysterious portals. The characters are written well. The world (or worlds) is one I want to visit again and the prose is simply beautiful

I received a review copy of this ebook from Redhook Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Irena: Book Two: Children of the Ghetto

author: Jean-David Morvan
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.30
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2020/10/04
date added: 2020/10/04
shelves: graphic-novels, non-fiction
review:
'Irena: Book Two: Children of the Ghetto' by Jean-David Morvan with art by Severine Trefouel is the continuation of the story of real life hero Irena Sendlerowa, who rescued children from the Warsaw Ghetto during World War II.

Book one ended with Irena being arrested and this book follows what happened next. Told with a framing story of one of the saved children telling her daughter about her life after being saved from Hitler. Meanwhile Irena faces torture in the camps and is eventually sentenced to death. She is saved by people in her organization and went on to try to reunite the children she saved with their parents.

The events of Irena's life are a bit murky, so the author admits to some creative license to fill in the gaps. I was more of a fan of the first half of this story, but I appreciate getting the whole story, and i like the historical notes that followed. The art is the same as the first book. It is a bit cartoonish, but I think that keeps the horrors of war from overwhelming the reader.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Magnetic Press, Diamond Book Distributors, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Black Heroes of the Wild West

author: James Otis Smith
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.09
book published: 2020
rating: 4
read at: 2020/10/04
date added: 2020/10/04
shelves: childrens, graphic-novels, non-fiction
review:
'Black Heroes of the Wild West' by James Otis Smith is a graphic novel featuring three folks who made their mark in the old West.

First up is Stagecoach Mary who played cards and smoked cigars and made all her deliveries as well as looking out for those people around her. Bass Reeves, goes undercover to capture some criminals before revealing he's a US Marshal. Bob Lemmons was good at catching and taming horses through patience and observation.

History is great and it's nice to see the people in this book remembered. There is more history in the back for those who want to learn a bit more. The art is great and these would be great stories for classroom learning or just for kids who like reading about larger than life people.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Myrick Marketing & Media, LLC and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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