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

Hicks, Betty. The Worm Whisperer.

Hicks, Betty.  The Worm Whisperer.  Macmillan/ Roaring Brook Press      2013  185p $16.99 ISBN 978-1-59643-490-5  elem  Realistic Fiction VG-BNe     

Ellis loves animals.  He fancies himself an animal whisperer.  The ducks come to him, and when he finds a wooly worm caterpillar, it seems to respond to him.  Ellis decides to enter his worm in the Annual Wooly Worm Race in town, where contestants race wooly worm caterpillars up a string.  The $1,000 prize money would allow his father to have much needed back surgery that the family can’t afford.  Along the way Ellis learns that he can be the class clown, and he basks in the attention. Several humorous mishaps occur, but with the help of friends and family there is a happy conclusion.

Ellis, his friends and his family members are well drawn, even if they are a bit stereotypical.  There is growth and learning on the part of Ellis, the protagonist.  This is a gentle, satisfying story that may attract boys.

Wooly worms                                                       --Joan Theal

Hicks, Deron R. Secrets of Shakespeare’s Grave.

Hicks, Deron R.   Secrets of Shakespeare’s Grave.     Houghton Mifflin  273p $16.99  978-0-547-84034-5      2012  ms    E-BN            Mystery/Detective

Colophon Letterford has to solve a family mystery that started back around 1616.  There is an old family legend of a missing treasure hidden somewhere in the family mansion, and Colophon must find it to save her father’s control of the company and the company from bankruptcy.       Colophon is a precocious 12-year-old who loves school and reading in the large library in the Letterford mansion.  As a typical 12-year-old, she listens at doors and hears things that she shouldn’t.

She realizes that her father’s control of the company is being threatened by his brother if the company’s revenue does not take a turn-around after some mysterious accidents.  Colophon talks her brother Case into helping her solve the mysteries, and her uncle Julian comes on the scene and helps her make sense of the various clues.

Readers will love the antics and suspense as Colophon and her brother undertake some hilarious adventures as they progress in solving the mystery.  Laughter will erupt when readers discover Colophon’s father having someone make his shoes smell like a skunk just as he is going to meet with an author.  And the suspense when Colophon and her uncle are almost caught in a crypt will keep readers enthralled.

Hidden Treasure–Fiction, Mystery                      --Linda McNeil

Hicks, Faith Erin. Friends with Boys.

Hicks, Faith Erin.  Friends with Boys.    Macmillan/ First Second  $15.99  978-1-59643-556-8    ms/jr            VG-BN       Graphic Novel    

All the children in the family were home schooled by their mom until they were able to go to the local high school.  Now it is Maggie’s turn. However, it is going to be more difficult for her because shortly after Maggie began high school their mother left home for parts unknown.  Now Maggie is feeling not only the loss of her mom, but also some fear in facing a new school and having to make new friends.  At home she was feeling lonely even though she was surrounded by three older boys. Her house was next to a grave yard, and more often than not, everybody used it as a short cut to get anywhere.  Somehow her loneliness brought out a lady ghost who became her companion, day in and day out.

Then she makes a new friend, a girl who always walks around with her brother.  They begin to hang out together, but Maggie’s older brother is worried about the friendship with the girl’s brother.  However, things are never what they seem, and an incident that could bring disaster to quite a few families proves to be the answer to many unanswered questions.

This is a good story with a good ending.

Loneliness-Fiction, Friendship-Fiction, Home Schooling-Fiction               --Magna Diaz 

Hicks, Aubrey. Student Rights.

Hicks, Aubrey.  Student Rights.  Marshall Cavendish/Benchmark, 2011.    80p. $22.95

ISBN 978-0-7614-4969-5  ms/hs VG-BN      

     The right to express ourselves is the first provision in the constitutional amendments of the United States. The First-Amendment rights of school students are clearly presented in this interesting book, which begins with a historical overview of freedom of speech (or the lack thereof) and censorship through landmark cases.  Sidebars throughout the book present related topics, such as "The Socratic Method," and "Proposition 8". Blurbs entitled “Did you know?” can also be found throughout the book, and they address everything from the US Supreme Court to cyber-bullying. Bright, full-color illustrations highlight the text and are placed appropriately throughout. Each chapter concludes with “What do you know” questions, which provide excellent points for class or group discussion. The book concludes with a timeline, glossary, references for further information (both print and web), and an index.

     The series is Debating the Issues. If other titles in the series are as informative and interesting as this book, they should be a definite consideration for addition to any middle-school, high-school, or public library collection. 

Subject: Freedom of speech -- United States    

Lynn Fisher