Koch, Falynn. Plagues: The Microscopic Battlefield.

Koch, Falynn. Plagues: The Microscopic Battlefield. Macmillan/First Second  2018  122p $12.99  ISBN 978-1-62672-752-6  elem/ms Nonfiction  VG-BN       

This is a beautifully illustrated and tastefully formatted book in which readers will learn about the various organisms that underlie the complexities of infections, diseases, immunity, and the ability humans must have to contain and treat diseases. This well-written book would make an excellent addition to any elementary or middle-school library.    

Summary: A great introduction to plagues and the worlds of disease and immunities in comic-book form. Readers will enjoy having a well-researched science book in graphic form.   

Disease                                                  --Linda McNeil

Chamberlain, Joris, & Aurelie Neyret. Cici’s Journal.

Chamberlain, Joris, & Aurelie Neyret. Cici’s Journal. Macmillan/First Second  2017  149p.    $17.99  ISBN 978-1-62672-248-4            ms/jr  Graphic Novel        VG-BN         

Cici wants to become a writer. In this graphic novel, Cici describes the steps she goes through to attain this goal with the help of a famous writer who lives in the same town.          

This is a very good graphic novel for middle-school readers. The colors are bright and simply blended in dramatic drawings. The drawings themselves are simple yet effectively portray the content of the story. The format of the book and the visual layout within the pages add variety and insight into Cici’s adventure.                                   

Writing                                                                          --Linda McNeil, Martha Squaresky

Chamberlain, Joris & Aurelie Neyret Cici’s Journal

Chamberlain, Joris & Aurelie Neyret           Cici’s Journal  Macmillan/ First Second      2017   149p   17.99  978-1-62672-248-4            ms/jr            Graphic-non-fiction   VG-BN

Ceci wants to become a writer. In this graphic novel Ceci shows the steps she goes through to attain this goal with the help of a famous writer who lives in the same town.    

    This is a very good graphic novel for middle school readers. The colors are bright and simply blended in dramatic drawings. The drawings themselves are simple yet effectively portray the content of the story. The format of the book and the visual layout within the pages add variety and insight into Ceci’s adventure.                           McNeil, Linda       Writing

Hicks, Faith Erin. The Nameless City.

Hicks, Faith Erin.  The Nameless City.  Macmillan/First Second  2016  unp  $21.99  ISBN 978-1-62672-157-9  ms  Graphic novel  VG-BN

In an ancient mountain pass that allows trade between the sea and the rest of Asia (perhaps a reference to the Shanghai Pass in China) sets a fortress, and in the fortress a city, The Nameless City. The city is governed by its most recent conquerors, the Dao, and its population is divided in many ways because of having been conquered over and over again. This is the story of the developing friendship between two ‘tweens, a boy and a girl, who have common desires and interests, and wind up preventing an event that could lead to war and the eventual destruction of the Nameless City. It is a superbly crafted graphic novel about a time and a people, although neither one is clearly referenced. The friendship and antagonism between Dao and Rat is well written and amusing at times. Their roles as young citizens in the Nameless City develop as the story unfolds, and so do the characters. The artistry of the graphics is beautiful. This is the first book in a series that is sure to be a hit with middle-school students of both sexes.

Summary: In an ancient mountain pass that allows trade between the sea and the rest of Asia (perhaps a reference to the Shanghai Pass in China) sets a fortress, and in the fortress a city, The Nameless City. The city is governed by its most recent conquerors, the Dao, and its population is divided in many ways because of having been conquered over and over again.     

Fantasy-Fiction                                       --Lynn Fisher

Hicks, Faith Erin. The Nameless City. (Book 1)

Hicks, Faith Erin.  The Nameless City. (Book 1)  Macmillan/First Second  2016  232p.  $21.99  ISBN 978-1-62672-157-9      ms/hs  Graphic novel  VG     

Kaidu is a born and bred Dau who comes to the Nameless City in order to train to become a warrior who will defend it against its many enemies.  The numerous enemies that have claimed the city in the past have named it, making it a city of many names.  When Kai sneaks out on his own to the city, he meets a native named Rat. The pair become unlikely friends and they realize that they must stand together and fight for what is right for all the citizens of the city.

This graphic novel is well written and illustrated in a manner that will thrill young readers. Concepts such as friendship, leadership, citizenship, borders, and human rights are all powerful themes demonstrated throughout the novel. The unlikely friendship that develops leads the reader to appreciate the value of diversity. In addition to the great text the novel has wonderful illustrations. Full-color graphics enhance and clarify the text, bringing excitement to the story. The illustrations are detailed and colorful and will excite graphic-novel enthusiasts.

Summary: Kaidu is a born and bred Dau who comes to the Nameless City in order to train to become a warrior who will defend it against its many enemies.  These enemies have all named it, making it a city of many names; however, when Kai meets a native Rat, the pair become unlikely friends who stand together to fight for the city.
     

Warriors-Fiction                                --Virginia McGarvey

Wicks, Maris. Human Body Theater.

Wicks, Maris.  Human Body Theater.  Macmillan/First Second  2015  233p  $19.99  ISBN 978-1-62672-277-4  all ages   Graphic nonfiction  VG-BN

This book explains the skeleton and its related systems in a colorful and easy-to-understand nonfiction graphic book.   It is a well researched and formatted book for young readers explaining the human body in a simple yet comprehensive manner.  It is completed with a bibliography and glossary.  The book and the sturdy clay-based pages are beautifully bound to withstand usage.
The content includes: skeletal, muscular, respiratory, cardiovascular, digestive, excretory, endocrine, reproductive, immune, nervous, and smell, taste, hearing, sight, and touch.  This book is recommended for any elementary or middle-school library, and it has also been recommended for our Books of Note List.  

Summary: This book explains the skeleton and its related systems in a colorful and easy-to-understand nonfiction graphic book.

Human Body                                                        --Linda McNeil