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.

Book Review: Two Heads: A Graphic Exploration of How Our Brains Work with Other Brains by Uta Frith; Chris Frith; Alex Frith

Two Heads: A Graphic Exploration of How Our Brains Work with Other Brains was written by Uta Frith, Chris Frith, and Alex Frith, and illustrated by Daniel Locke. Professors and husband-and-wife team Uta and Chris Frith have pioneered major studies of brain disorders throughout their nearly fifty-year career. Here, in Two Heads, their distinguished careers serve as a prism through which they share the compelling story of the birth of neuroscience and their paradigm-shifting discoveries across areas as wide-ranging as autism and schizophrenia research, and new frontiers of social cognition including diversity, prejudice, confidence, collaboration, and empathy. Working with their son Alex Frith and artist Daniel Locke, the professors examine the way that neuroscientific research is now focused on the fact we are a social species, whose brains have evolved to work cooperatively. They delve into a wide range of complex concepts and explain them with humor and clarity. You’ll discover what happens when people gather in groups, and how people behave when they’re in pairs—either pitted against each other or working together. Is it better to surround yourself with people who are similar to yourself, or different? And, are two heads really better than one?

Two Heads offers readers a solid understanding of the brain, and all it wonders and misfires. I like that opposing viewpoints are mentioned, and that the fact that these two experts openly admit that they disagree on some topics. I like how the text makes it clear what experts think they know, that there are various schools of thought, and just how much we still have to learn. It is when scientists or experts proclaim that we have all the answers that they loose credibility with me. I thought the illustrations were charming, and I liked the labels, humor, and hidden details which made each page more engaging and interactive. I think it was written in a very accessible style, with humor and explanations that really work. I found the personal touches and side comments made the book more entertaining and broke up some of the more intense teaching moments to help readers process. I think it is honestly approachable to any reader interested in the subject matter. As expected of a book from scholars and professionals, the footnotes and endpages were on point and well done. I think this would be a great addition to libraries, particularly graphic medicine collection (I will be recommending it for my own workplace just for that reason).  

Book Review: Extinctions: Twilight of the Species by Jean-Baptiste De Panafieu, Alexandre Franc

Extinctions: Twilight of the Species is a nonfiction graphic novel written by Jean-Baptiste De Panafieu, with art by Alexandre Franc. Two journalists travel to an island in the Arctic Circle where scientists are searching for fossils of extinct animals. Like all journalists, they have a lot of questions: how is it possible for an entire species to completely disappear? Word has it that we’re in the midst of a sixth mass extinction, but what exactly does that mean? How did the first five happen? What is the scientific definition of an extinction? Alexandre Franc adeptly illustrates the narrative by Jean-Baptiste de Panafieu, a specialist in natural sciences and doctor of biological oceanology. Panafieu, who has already authored a number of popular science books, gives a clear explanation of what mass extinctions are, cleverly comparing past extinctions with the one we are witnessing now. The two authors present us with a clear, intelligent, and lighthearted perspective on a fascinating phenomenon.

Extinctions: Twilight of the Species is a very well organized and informative read. There is a great deal of information here, and there are times that it can be overwhelming and others that might trigger a bunch of side research sending you down internet rabbit holes. I thought the artwork, maps, and text were all well balanced and worked together nicely to tell the whole story and the importance it holds. This is not a light read, and can fell very science heavy to those that are not expecting it. Because of that, and the less than cheery subject matter, it is not a quick or light read. However, it was the information and factual aspects of the book I liked the most. The part that I was less than happy about was the fictional aspects, which I assume were included to make this a more engaging and personal read. I was not a fan of the main character from the onset, and the inclusion of a romantic subplot just did not work for me. I loved the science and facts, and I could see that a great deal of research and work went into creating this, but I felt like the personalities of the fictional aspect did more harm than good here. 

Extinctions: Twilight of the Species is a good resource to see the realities of climate change and extinctions in more detail and to better understand the topics. 

Early Book Review: Incubators: A Graphic History by Paige V. Polinsky, Josep Rural

Incubators: A Graphic History, written by Paige V. Polinsky and illustrated by Josep Rural, is currently scheduled for release on January 1 2022. When babies are born early, they often have trouble surviving. But special containers called incubators help babies grow by keeping them warm and protected. At first, people in the medical world were skeptical about incubators. But some trailblazing doctors believed in the technology—and put it on display across Europe and the United States. "Incubator exhibits" showed the public how incubators saved lives. The controversial displays led people to accept this medical innovation. Meet the doctors who invented the incubator, and follow the incubator's fascinating rise with this graphic history.

 

Incubators is a well written and illustrated history of incubators. I have know several families that have benefited from the science of preemie care and incubators, so it was good to get an overview of the different doctors and scientists that have  worked so hard to develop and innovate incubators in order to save the lives of premature infants and other ill or recovering infants that have needed the extra help. The book felt short to me, mainly because I know there must have been so much involved in the initial builds for prototypes and  getting everything right. Some of the trail and error is covered in the book, but I felt like this was a well done overview of important people and moments in the history of incubators. I think the book offers readers a great start on the topic, and explains everything very well. The illustrations are extremely well done, with a good page lay out to balance the text. I really liked that the author included source notes, suggestions for further reading, a glossary, and an index. Sadly these are things often overlooked. 

 

Incubators is a well written and drawn history of incubators. It is accessible and engaging for a wide ranging audience. 

Book Review: Better Angels: A Kate Warne Adventure by Jeff Jensen, George Schall

Better Angels: A Kate Warne Adventure, written by Jeff Jensen and illustrated by George Schall, is a graphic novel inspired by the true story of Kate Warne, America’s first female detective and her signature achievement--cracking a plot by Confederate radicals to kill Abraham Lincoln. America is at a crossroads. Secession is spreading. And the nation’s newly elected president is the target of a conspiracy to assassinate him and trigger a Civil War. The safety of Lincoln and his family—and the future of the American experiment—hinges on the success of a new kind of lawman, known by a word still novel in the culture of the time: detective. But there was only one who would prove to be up to the task—an individual whose extraordinary cleverness and resourcefulness would alter the course of history from deep within the shadows of domestic spycraft. Her name was Kate Warne. This is the story of America’s first female detective, a trailblazing working woman trying to make a living and do some good in a tumultuous, sexist age, and whose mysterious life and tall tale exploits are truly the stuff of legend.

Better Angels: A Kate Warne Adventure is a historical graphic novel that shares a bit of history many might not know. The truth of female detectives and what women went through in that time is something people do not always know, or think about if they know. I found the story of Kate and her found family to be fascinating, and while I know much of it was likely embellished or altered for a good story, the important truths are in there as well. I thought the artwork was extremely well done, capturing the period and emotions of the story with great effect. My biggest issue with the story is that I wanted more about Kate and her group after the adventure with the Lincolns, but before the scenes that framed the story here. I need more about what happened with each of her group, because I found myself just as concerned with the secondary characters as the main players. I think this will be a hot with many readers, and might start some into researching more about the female agents of Pinkerton. 

Better Angels: A Kate Warne Adventure is an engaging graphic novel. 

Early Book Review: Burt the Beetle Doesn't Bite! by Ashley Spires

Burt the Beetle Doesn't Bite! by Ashley Spires is a nonfiction graphic novel for young readers currently scheduled for release on June 1 2021. 

Meet Burt, a ten-lined june beetle. He's sure he belongs in the category of bugs with superpower-like abilities. No, he can't carry 50 times his weight, like ants. No, he's not able to spray paralyzing venom, like some termites. No, he can't release a bad smell to repel predators, like stink bugs. What june beetles are known for is chasing porch lights and flailing their legs in the air --- does that count? Maybe Burt will just have to accept the truth. June beetles don't have any special abilities. But when some other bugs find themselves in perilous trouble that even their superpowers can't get them out of, Burt suddenly realizes there is one thing that he can do to save his friends --- and it's something that only a june beetle can do!

Burt the Beetle Doesn't Bite! is another winner from Spires. Burt is a beetle that wants to be a special as all the other creatures around him- but his positive attitude and good hugs are not nearly as cool as what everyone else can do, right? I loved he facts about june beetles and all the other critters Burt runs into. I also liked the personality of poor Burt, as he tries to look on the bright side even as he starts to doubt himself. I think many readers, or all ages, will recognize the spiral of doubt and worry that Burt feels. I think we have all been there at some point. And the understanding that some of the more goofy aspects of Burt's are what enables him to come to the rescue and keep himself safe. I really enjoyed the balance between science facts and the silly vibe that keeps the reader turning pages. The illustrations are equally interesting and engaging. It would do well both as a fun read and a starting point in lower grade classrooms talking about insects, nature, and character traits. I think young readers that like nonfiction about nature, humor, and graphic novels and picturebooks will greatly appreciate this book. 

Book Review: Invisible Differences: A Story of Asperger's, Adulting, and Living a Life in Full Color by Julie Dachez

 

Invisible Differences: A Story of Asperger's, Adulting, and Living a Life in Full Color is a graphic novel by Julie Dachez that has been translated for the very first time in English. Mademoiselle Caroline did the adaptation, illustrations, and color, and the story was inspire by and done in collaboration with Fabienne Vaslet. The translation was done by Edward Gauvin.

Marguerite feels awkward, struggling every day to stay productive at work and keep up appearances with friends. She's sensitive, irritable at times. She makes her environment a fluffy, comforting cocoon, alienating her boyfriend. The everyday noise and stimuli assaults her senses, the constant chatter of her coworkers working her last nerve. Then, when one big fight with her boyfriend finds her frustrated and dejected, Marguerite finally investigates the root of her discomfort: after a journey of tough conversations with her loved ones, doctors, and the internet, she discovers that she has Aspergers. Her life is profoundly changed – for the better.

Invisible Differences: A Story of Asperger's, Adulting, and Living a Life in Full Color is a wonderful book that can help people understand what dealing with Asperger's can feel like, both before and after diagnosis. It can also help readers that have Asperger's see that they are far from alone. I could empathize with Marguerite right from the first page, and my connection only grew through the entire read.I could understand her frustration and disappointment when those around her dismissed her needs or concerns, even after she made the effort to meet them halfway or try to explain. I was angry on her behalf through a good part of this book. I think the artwork does a very good job of capturing the details and emotion in each panel. I especially liked the use of red in the noise and problematic aspects of the world. I thought the addition of facts about Autism in general, and Asperger's specifically, in the endpages of the book. Offering further details to readers is always a good thing to me. I think this is a book that young adults and older will be able to get a great deal out of, whether they are on the autism spectrum or not, it is for anyone interested in learning more about how others think and feel. 

Early Book Review: Black Heroes of the Wild West: Featuring Stagecoach Mary, Bass Reeves, and Bob Lemmons by James Otis Smith

Black Heroes of the Wild West: Featuring Stagecoach Mary, Bass Reeves, and Bob Lemmons by James Otis Smith is a nonfiction graphic novel currently scheduled for release on September 15 2020. This book celebrates the extraordinary true tales of three black heroes who took control of their destinies and stood up for their communities in the Old West. Born into slavery in Tennessee, Mary Fields became famous as “Stagecoach Mary,” a cigar-chomping, card playing coach driver who never missed a delivery. Bass Reeves, the first black Deputy US Marshal west of the Mississippi, was one of the wiliest lawmen in the territories, bringing thousands of outlaws to justice with his smarts. Bob Lemmons lived to be 99 years old and was so good with horses that the wild mustangs on the plains of Texas took him for one of their own.

Black Heroes of the Wild West is a great start, or continuation, of learning the diverse history of he United States. Much of the history that includes people of color has been ignored or twisted, leaving us with an incomplete and sometimes very incorrect vision of what our past really looked like. I had read bits and pieces of the history included in this book before, but I found the information and artwork to be very well done and engaging for readers of all ages. It was inspiring to read about the odds these three people faced, and how they persevered and exceeded the expectations of those around them, particularly those that judged them based on race, gender, or both. I also liked the time line and further information about the history of cowboys and how people from a variety of heritages and cultures made a huge difference, and have been left out of much of the history we get taught in school and the most readily available texts. 

Black Heroes of the Wild West is a graphic novel that I highly recommend for public, school, and classroom libraries. It is very well done, and offers a look at real history that often gets ignored. I will be looking for more books like this for myself and my children. 

Early Book Review: Science Comics: Bats: Learning to Fly by Falynn Christine Koch

Bats: Learning to Fly by Falynn Christine Koch is the latest in the Science Comics series and is scheduled for release on February 28 2017. This series of graphic novels offer entertaining views of their subjects combining a storyline with interesting and important facts with illustrations. In Bats, we follow a little brown bat whose wing is injured by humans on a nature hike. He is taken to a bat rehabilitation center where he meets many different species of bats. They teach him how they fly, what they eat, and where they like to live.

Bats: Learning to Fly combines interesting information with a story and comic illustrations. The balance between the story and the included facts is well balanced. There are significant chunks of information included in the comic story, as out injured little brown bat learns about the other bats in the rehabilitation center. The inserted information pages go into more detail and infuses infographics, images, and relevant facts that can lead readers to a greater understanding of bats, and their importance to the ecosystem. I always liked bats, and this book has only increased my respect and care for these creatures. I think many middle grade and older readers will enjoy this read, and gain a new respect for a creature that is too often feared or looked down on. 

Bats: Learning to Fly does a wonderful job of combine facts with a compelling story. I think readers that are interesting in science, animals, or graphic novels would get a lot out of this read. The series as a whole is worth reading and exploring by interested parties.