Early Book Review: Frizzy by Claribel A. Ortega, Rose Bousamra

Frizzy is a middle grade graphic novel by Claribel A. Ortega and Rose Bousamra that is currently scheduled for release on October 18 2022.  Marlene loves three things: books, her cool Tía Ruby and hanging out with her best friend Camila. But according to her mother, Paola, the only thing she needs to focus on is school and "growing up." That means straightening her hair every weekend so she could have "presentable", "good hair". But Marlene hates being in the salon and doesn't understand why her curls are not considered pretty by those around her. With a few hiccups, a dash of embarrassment, and the much-needed help of Camila and Tia Ruby—she slowly starts a journey to learn to appreciate and proudly wear her curly hair.

Frizzy is a wonderful graphic novel that had me fighting back tears more than once. While I have never been in Marlene's position regarding something so much a part of me as my hair, I have felt othered and looked down on by those that should have been my safe place. I could understand how she felt when her family made comments about being more lady like and trying harder to fit in. I think just about everyone can think of a time, particularly in our childhood and teen years, when we felt like the world was against us and everything is unfair, and every reader is likely to be able to relate to the story a bit.  I was glad to learn a bit more about how hard it is to take proper care of curly hair, and how it feels to have something that is a part of you have so many connotations and perceptions by just about everyone. I knew about fights about school and work dress codes in regards to hair styles, and I understood on some level about some of the thoughts and feelings surrounding hair, but I was glad to get such a better understanding of it.  I think that the story and art are paired perfectly and tell a highly engaging story. I hope some readers see themselves in this story and have the bravery and support to do what they feel best about in regards to their own self, the willingness to try new things, and the ability to find and have the courage talk to a trusted adult and friend about all the things going on in their heads and hearts. 

Frizzy is a great graphic novel about loving yourself, and being brave enough to make the changes you want. 

Early Book Review: Gender Queer: A Memoir Deluxe Edition by Maia Kobabe

Gender Queer: A Memoir Deluxe Edition by Maia Kobabe is currently scheduled for release on June 21 2022. This special deluxe hardcover edition of Gender Queer features a brand-new cover, exclusive art and sketches, a foreword from ND Stevenson, Lumberjanes writer and creator of She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, and an afterword from Maia Kobabe.

In 2014, Maia Kobabe, who uses e/em/eir pronouns, thought that a comic of reading statistics would be the last autobiographical comic e would ever write. At the time, it was the only thing e felt comfortable with strangers knowing about em. Then e created Gender Queer. Maia’s intensely cathartic autobiography charts eir journey of self-identity, which includes the mortification and confusion of adolescent crushes, grappling with how to come out to family and society, bonding with friends over erotic gay fan fiction, and facing the trauma and fundamental violation of pap smears. Started as a way to explain to eir family what it means to be nonbinary and asexual, Gender Queer is more than a personal story: It is a useful and touching guide on gender identity—what it means and how to think about it—for advocates, friends, and humans everywhere.

Gender Queer is a great read for everyone. I think that readers questioning where they fall in the gender and sexuality spectrum and trying to find the words for how they feel will find comfort and relatability to the worries and fears that Maia has. I think all readers can relate to at least some of those worries, particularly the balance between fitting in or not being a bother with being comfortable with yourself. I think this an important read, not just to show people they are not alone in their thoughts, feelings, and worries but in helping those that might never have felt or acknowledged them what other people might be feeling. The importance of being yourself, even as you are trying to figure out the shape and terms that might best describe it, is important and something everyone needs to embrace. I think this book is a great read for everyone. I think the art does a great job of capture the struggle, and the successes, along the way while showing that  the journey is still underway.

Early Book Review: We Adopted a Baby Chick by Lori Joy Smith

We Adopted a Baby Chick by Lori Joy Smith is based on a true story and currently scheduled for release on June 14 2022. Albert the sheep is the only one unhappy about the new addition to the family. Tina is a tiny, fluffy baby chick — and she gets all the attention. Albert is big and loud, and he can't resist Mom's vegetables. Sprout the dog doesn't have time for Albert anymore. The cats only have eyes for Tina. And though he tries his hardest, Albert's gifts to the family aren't as welcome as Tina's eggs. Then one day, Tina faces a danger and only Albert can save her. Will Albert be able to put his feelings aside and truly welcome Tina into his flock?

We Adopted a Baby Chick is a picturebook that is based on a true story, but also covers a universal truth about facing and adjusting to changes in families and other relationships. I thought the story and illustrations matched nicely, and that readers of all ages will be able to relate to Albert's feelings. Whether is is a new sibling, pet, classmate, or something else everyone has had a time when they felt left out or ignored in favor of something new. I like that Albert had to have his bad feelings, not just ignore them or pretend they were not there, and then figure out how to move forward. We might not all have the chance to save the day, but regardless of age we can all move forward and see how we have grown and changed and embrace what we are good at now, rather then wishing for moments of the past to come again once we have outgrown them. I think the caregivers and story sharers that get to read this book with the younger set can get just as much from this book and its message as the target audience. 

Early Book Review: Messy Roots: A Graphic Memoir of a Wuhanese American by Laura Gao

Messy Roots: A Graphic Memoir of a Wuhanese American by Laura Gao is an autobiographical graphic novel currently scheduled for release on March 8 2022. 

After spending her early years in Wuhan, China, riding water buffalos and devouring stinky tofu, Laura immigrates to Texas, where her hometown is as foreign as Mars—at least until 2020, when COVID-19 makes Wuhan a household name. Laura illustrates her coming-of-age as the girl who simply wants to make the basketball team, escape Chinese school, and figure out why girls make her heart flutter.

Messy Roots is a skillfully drawn and written autobiography. The struggles are unique to the author, as everyone's specific circumstances and takes on life are, but still relatable to a wide range of readers. I did find the time jumping slightly confusing or jarring on occasion, but that is honestly the only complaint I have about this book. I love learning about other peoples experiences and perspectives, and this book let me get a glimpse at moments I have never experienced while also capturing some of the family dynamic issues that I have felt.  She captures her struggles with identity and fitting in with insight and humor, acknowledging her own missteps and misunderstandings and showing how she and her perceptions changed and grew. The honesty and ability not to take herself too seriously made the read especially engaging. I enjoyed her storytelling and was invested in her story, and look forward to seeing her do wonderful things in the future.

Messy Roots is a wonderful read for middle grade and older readers. I think it would be a great discussion starter for families or classrooms.

Book Review: The Secrets of the Heart (School of Love) by BeKa, Maya

The Secrets of the Heart is the first volume in the School of Love graphic novel written by BeKa and illustrated by Maya. Linon and Garance are best friends with very different ideas about love. To get to the bottom of what all this romance stuff is really about, they decide to conduct an investigation into some of the older students at their middle school. Why are certain kids more popular than others? Why do some already have a “bad reputation” by the 8th grade? Why is everyone so obsessed with appearances? Along the way, the pair discover that, for best friends who are supposed to share everything, they’ve both been keeping some pretty big secrets of their own.

The Secrets of the Heart is a cute graphic novel for the middle grade and older set. Garance and Linon are trying to figure out love, not an easy task for adults never mind kids that are still figuring out who they are. In the process they learn more about themselves and each other, and they figure out that things are rarely as simple as they appear. People act a certain way for a variety f reasons like expectations and self protection, and sometimes because they are just afraid to be made fun of or rejected. I liked the way Linon and Garance figure things out together and grow their friendship as they find out more about others. I will be honest that I thought Linon was going to have another secret or feeling to share, but I think the book played out perfectly well without that additional twist. I loved the artwork, and think it capture the emotional tone of the story and the characters perfectly. I can see this story resonating with a wide audience and gaining a number of fans for the series as it continues. 

The Secrets of the Heart is a sweet graphic novel about friends and love. 

Book Review: Erik the Lone Wolf by Sarah Finan

Erik the Lone Wolf is a picturebook written and illustrated by Sarah Finan. Being a wolf means sticking with the pack. Everyone knows that – except for Erik, one little wolf cub who dreams of setting off on his own adventure all by himself!  But will life as a lone wolf be everything he hoped, or will he miss the rough and tumble of the pack?

Erik the Lone Wolf is a picturebook that shows the importance of family and a support system. Erik is tired of following everyone else's rules and just wants to do his own thing. We have all been there, no matter our age. However, he discovers that it is not always the best idea and that he does need the help and support of his pack. The story was cute, as were the illustrations. However, I wanted more. I think that Erik and his pack could have gotten to the ending with a little more learned, like Erik getting a little more independence from his family while still enjoying their closeness. The idea that going it alone is danger and disaster makes for people unwilling to take risks, if the lesson were more about being smart about those risks, and actually learning something from it and finding balance I would appreciate the book more. 

Book Review: St Grizzle's School for Girls, Ghosts and Runaway Grannies by Karen McCombie

St Grizzle's School for Girls, Ghosts and Runaway Grannies by Karen McCombie is a fun children's book, and the second in this series. I did not read the first book, but I think I was able to get up to speed quickly. When local schools are asked to make a film showcasing the surrounding area, Dani and the rest of St Grizzle’s set to work. But Spencer and his mates at the village school are determined to sabotage the work of the smelly Grizzlers. To Dani’s surprise, help comes in the form of Granny Viv who has secretly taken up residence in the school’s tree house with Downboy the dog. Together they come up with the perfect ghostly video but will Granny Viv be able to stay once the competition’s over?

St Grizzle's School for Girls, Ghosts and Runaway Grannies is a fun read that will keep middle grade and younger readers entertained and engaged. I think that most readers will be able to empathize with Dani, her desire to be respected and liked and the mistakes she makes a long the way. I found the setting, characters, and story set up to be interesting and charming, with just enough wackiness to make me smile through good portions of the read. However, there were also enough serious moments of Dani thinking and dealing with the stresses of growing up that I was kept on my toes. I liked the inclusion of the video making, and think that it is something many kids in the target audience are interested in or involved in, but worry that in the long run it might date the series, since technology and tools change so fast. The illustrations that pepper the book add an extra layer of fun, and make the read even more entertaining.  Since this is te second book in a series, and I missed the first, there were moments in which I felt like I was missing important background, but I still greatly enjoyed the read, and rather want to go back and read what I missed so that I can see how the school (and the characters) ended up in the current state. 

St Grizzle's School for Girls, Ghosts and Runaway Grannies is a fun and touching read, but one that those following the series will get more out of than those that not. A coming of age story with wild and wacky characters and some good fun right along childhood angst.

Early Book Review: There, There by Tim Beiser

There, There by Tim Beiser is a picture book currently scheduled for release on June 6 2017. Do you ever feel like everything is terrible? Like nothing is ever right and you just want to hide under your pillow? Well Rabbit does, and he's not shy about sharing it. He whines, he complains, he moans, he grumps... until Bear has had enough and decides it's time for Rabbit to learn to appreciate what he has. Using nothing but the lowly common earthworm as an example, he teaches Rabbit a lesson about taking things for granted. Something the worm knows all about.

There, There is a picturebook intending to ease the complaining and whining that many partake in. I think the message is presented well and the art is nice, but it just never blew me away. I think many people resort to complaining about anything and everything that is not to their liking. I will admit to being guilty on occasion myself. The majority of the book is Rabbit complaining about everything and Bear brushing off the complaints until he shows Rabbit how much worse of Worm has it than him. I found the notion of what felt like putting down Worm or his lifestyle a little unsettling. I think the lesson would have been better served by pointing out the good things about Rabbit and his life rather than looking down on Worm's. When I first read it it irked me, but I find that the more I think about it the more unhappy I am with it.

Early Book Review: The Thing Lou Couldn’t Do by Ashley Spears

The Thing Lou Couldn’t Do by Ashley Spears is a picturebook currently scheduled for release on May 2 2017. Lou and her friends are BRAVE adventurers. They run FASTER than airplanes. They build MIGHTY fortresses. They rescue WILD animals.” But one day, when they're looking for a ship to play pirates in, Lou's friend has an idea: “Up there! The tree can be our ship!” This is something new. Lou has never climbed a tree before, and she's sure she can't do it. So she tries to convince her friends to play a not-up-a-tree game. When that doesn't work, she comes up with reasons for not joining them --- her arm is sore, her cat needs a walk, you shouldn't climb so soon after eating. Finally, she tells herself she doesn't want to climb the tree. But is that true, or is this brave adventurer just too afraid to try?

The Thing Lou Couldn’t Do is another great picture book from Spears. Lou is a grand adventure, but she has a weakness. She as never climbed a tree before. When her friends scurry up the branches she can only think about how new it is, and how high. She struggles to come up with ways to avoid the need to climb, but ultimately has to face her fears or be left out of the fun. I like that Spears allowed Lou time to waffle about what she was going to do, and actually struggle with facing her fears. I also like that in the end Lou did not just climb the tree like a monkey. She has to learn how to climb the tree. It does not happen instantly, she has to work at it and fall. then she got up and tried again, with plans to keep practicing and trying. I think this is as important of a lesson as the being willing to face your fears or lack of knowledge. she has to learn something, and it is not easy. However, Lou keeps trying and even though she could not master the skill in a single day she is willing to keep working at it. Something that too many children (and adults) give up on learning new things too easily.

Book Review: Nick Newton is not a Genius by S.E.M. Ishida

Nick Newton is not a Genius by S.E.M. Ishida is a children's book about a boy from a family of geniuses. Nick is not a genius, he is a merely average boy from the country of Thauma. He may not be brilliant like his mom and dad or a child prodigy like his sister, but he won’t let that stop him from uncovering the mysteries of a clockwork factory or revealing a war hero’s greatest secret. With help from two new friends and his butler named Jude, Nick embarks on an adventure that will change his life forever.

Nick Newton is not a Genius is a good story about Nick Newton, trying to live up to his family name while still using his unique perspective and interest to be happy. I like that his skill set is still outstanding, but not considered on par with his family's based on standard measures. However, his intelligence just takes a different path. Sometimes being different, and thinking differently, is the key to being happy. I was glad to see Nick's journey being one that highlights this idea rather than him suddenly wowing the world by really being who they wanted him to be. I liked that most characters ended up being different than the perceptions others had about them.  I would have liked a little more information on the world the story was taking place in, and its particulars. I feel like we were kind of dropped into a story and missing an introduction, and then we were missing a bit of an ending. While there was a conclusion, there was just way too much unanswered to make me happy. I really wanted more, on both ends of the story. Part of this was because I liked the world and the characters and honestly wanted to know more about them all, and part of it was that I do not feel like I got the whole picture.

Nick Newton is not a Genius held my interest and told a story about finding yourself, and being happy with your own gifts. My only biggest issue with the book is the ending. It was left open ended, with clear paths of continuation. I felt more like I was missing the last chapter than there was a sequel to come.

Book Review: Miles McHale, Tattletale by Christine C. Jones, Elina Ellis

Miles McHale, Tattletale is a picturebook written by Christine C. Jones and illustrated by Elina Ellis.Miles McHale is a tattletale. And everybody knows it. But he's not the only one who needs help, so his teacher decides: it's time to fight the Tattle Battle! But will Miles figure out the right time to tell a grown-up about another person's behavior, or is he doomed to be a tattletale forever?

Miles McHale, Tattletale is a good look at tattling for young children. Miles tattles about everything- but he is not the only one. If you have a child that tattle- at home or in the classroom, you know how quickly this can become an issue. I thought the teacher's attempt to curtail the problem and teach when telling an adult about another's activities is well done. The book shows the struggles even the smartest children can have in drawing the line between being helpful and being a tattle tale, it is a process breaking the habit and learning when to cross that line. In fact, there are some adults out in the world that have not seemed to grasp the concept yet. The teacher's rule, the patience shown, and the lesson learned are very well done and the art work is well matched to the story. i liked the bright and somehow sweet illustrations

Miles McHale, Tattletale is a cute picturebook that could be helpful in school and home environments to help teach this lesson. It would read well in a preschool or kindergarten storytime. 

Book Review: More Than Magic by Kathryn Lasky

More Than Magic by Kathryn Lasky is a middle grade novel that combines a Cinderlla style story with a touch of television and computer coding. Ryder Holmsby is the same age as Rory, the popular TV cartoon character her animator parents created. Ryder and Rory are alike—bold and brave! But Ryder is a bit lonely: Mom passed away a couple of years ago, and Dad is dating a woman with snooty teenage daughters. Ryder doesn’t fit in with them at all.  And then: Shazam! Rory jumps out of the TV into Ryder’s bedroom to tell her that the TV studio behind her parents’ show is trying to turn Rory into a dopey princess, no more adventures. She needs Ryder’s help! The two girls team up with a crew of animated and real-life friends to save the day in both worlds


More Than Magic is an interesting take on the Cinderella tale. Ryder's mother was a force larger than life, full of energy and creativity. When she died Ryder and her father lost some of their spark, and her father has fallen prey to a scheming woman looking for fame and fortune for her family. Part of her plan is to change Rory from a brave adventurer that resembles Ryder to a princess that is older, curvy, and more like one of her daughters. Family crisis and changes combined with the fight against those changes has Ryder and her friends journeying between the real world, the television, and the computers that create and store the television show. A variety of characters and adventures keep things interesting, but while we get a reasonably deep look as some of the characters I really never felt fully connected to any of them. The all felt like part of a show rather than the book in my hands. I am not sure what did not click, but while I loved the idea of the story and where it was going I never felt fully engaged.


More Than Magic is a good adventure for those of us who always enjoyed the rough and tumble part of an adventure more than the princess being rescued from the tower and getting married. Readers with a deep love of TV magic and how animation is done will have an extra interest and understanding of some of the adventure Ryder, Rory, and their friends undertake.