Title: Prime Baby
Author: Gene Luen Yang
Illustrator: Gene Luen Yang (Colored by Derek Kirk Kim)
Publisher: First Second (:01)
Copyright: 2010
Price: $7.99
ISBN: 978-1-59643-612-1
-----------
Summary and Quick Thoughts: Thaddeus K. Fong is not happy with the fact he has a baby sister. In fact, he tells his parents exactly how he feels, landing him in the corner, but he’ll show his parents. One day, he plans to rule the world, so the prime numbers he’s learning about in class? Useless. That is until he learns prime numbers might be a way to communicate with aliens. His sister has been talking oddly with her “ga-gas.” Soon, he discovers that his sister could be an alien and suddenly, she’s throwing up slug alien space ships. What can he do?
---------
Will Teens Like It? This is a title more enjoyed by adults.
--------
Things to be aware of: Nothing.
----------
Further Thoughts: It is clear that Thaddeus can see connections in things that other people do not. It is also clear that he has some issues he needs to work through before anyone will believe him.
I’m not sure what it is about this title, but it rubs me the wrong way. While a co-worker was laughing out loud, I could only read this, think “Heh, the aliens are kinda cute” and not laugh. I like Yang’s art work and I enjoy his stories, but I’m not exactly impressed by this title and like his other works, fear it will have a short lived shelf life. The issue of the story, for the most part, is the need for Thaddeus to accept he is no longer an only child, but this is not a child’s story. Thaddeus, at 8 can use YouTube, purchase an island, and create a ray gun. Then, there are the peaceful aliens who just want to make the world a better place.
Overall, I like the art style (Yang’s style usually doesn’t bother me), but find the story neither appealing nor memorable. Adults will probably find this a more enjoyable read, especially since it ran in the NY Times Magazine. I’d pass on this for children’s collections for Thaddeus’s higher level thinking and I’d pass on this one for teens for sure. Adults seem to be the audience for this one.
------
Bonus: ALA Great Graphic Novel 2011
Source: Library copy.
Showing posts with label ALA-GGN-2011. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ALA-GGN-2011. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
How I Made It To Eighteen: A Mostly True Story
Title: How I Made It to Eighteen: A Mostly True Story
Author: Tracy White
Illustrator: Tracy White
Publisher: Roaring Book Press
Copyright: 2010
Price: $16.00
ISBN: 978-1-59643-454-7
-----------
Summary and Quick Thoughts: No one saw it coming. Not even the four friends that Stacy has made over the years. The four friends who offer insight into Stacy’s choice are happy she’s made the decision and hope that maybe she can heal. Stacy Black is on the verge of a nervous breakdown. She’s depressed, she’s making bad decisions, and she’s self-destructing from eating disorders to smashing a window, which prompts her to seek help. This is Stacy’s story of sorting through her mind in the mental hospital.
---------
Intended Audience: Teens
--------
Things to be aware of: eating disorders
----------
Further Thoughts: First, I am completely aware that this title is a cathartic journey for the author. Tracy White is obviously writing herself in Stacy Black (the names are too similar) and in her own experiences, but I have to admit I was hoping for more from this story as it had been somewhat hyped up (it crossed my radar a few times).
As far as books on depression and the story of someone working through depression go, this is a weak choice. Stacy’s story somewhat meanders and she just can’t bring herself to break down. Her depression and need to heal was not real to me (and as a sufferer of depression, myself, I just couldn’t understand Stacy’s problems). I didn’t feel Stacy was at the end of her rope just yet when she checked in. The flow of the story attempts to mimic an episode of “Interventions” (or the like) where friends comment on the person in question and there are snippets of Doctor Reports to add background. The Doctor Reports certainly helped a reader understand the story, but the four friends offering input could have been stronger. Only two of the four friends actually made an appearance in the story. What I wanted was to see a reconnection with the other two or something. It was very unsatisfying.
The art is also not my style. It is simplistic and I suspect the author is a stronger artist than this work let’s on. Throughout the story I was reminded by the ALA 2009 Great Graphic Novel choice Tyranny which had more complex art to represent the depression and eating disorder. You could feel that character’s pain. I couldn’t feel Stacy’s so much.
All in all, public libraries that all ready have Tyranny will find this an additional purchase. In terms of bibliotherapy, this is a weaker title than Tyranny, which packs a stronger punch. I recognize that this is the type of book that might fall into the hands of someone who needs it; on the other hand, there are other, stronger, graphic novels that cover the same territory. School libraries would be a better audience for this title.
------
Bonus: ALA Great Graphic Novel 2011
------
Source: Library copy.
Author: Tracy White
Illustrator: Tracy White
Publisher: Roaring Book Press
Copyright: 2010
Price: $16.00
ISBN: 978-1-59643-454-7
-----------
Summary and Quick Thoughts: No one saw it coming. Not even the four friends that Stacy has made over the years. The four friends who offer insight into Stacy’s choice are happy she’s made the decision and hope that maybe she can heal. Stacy Black is on the verge of a nervous breakdown. She’s depressed, she’s making bad decisions, and she’s self-destructing from eating disorders to smashing a window, which prompts her to seek help. This is Stacy’s story of sorting through her mind in the mental hospital.
---------
Intended Audience: Teens
--------
Things to be aware of: eating disorders
----------
Further Thoughts: First, I am completely aware that this title is a cathartic journey for the author. Tracy White is obviously writing herself in Stacy Black (the names are too similar) and in her own experiences, but I have to admit I was hoping for more from this story as it had been somewhat hyped up (it crossed my radar a few times).
As far as books on depression and the story of someone working through depression go, this is a weak choice. Stacy’s story somewhat meanders and she just can’t bring herself to break down. Her depression and need to heal was not real to me (and as a sufferer of depression, myself, I just couldn’t understand Stacy’s problems). I didn’t feel Stacy was at the end of her rope just yet when she checked in. The flow of the story attempts to mimic an episode of “Interventions” (or the like) where friends comment on the person in question and there are snippets of Doctor Reports to add background. The Doctor Reports certainly helped a reader understand the story, but the four friends offering input could have been stronger. Only two of the four friends actually made an appearance in the story. What I wanted was to see a reconnection with the other two or something. It was very unsatisfying.
The art is also not my style. It is simplistic and I suspect the author is a stronger artist than this work let’s on. Throughout the story I was reminded by the ALA 2009 Great Graphic Novel choice Tyranny which had more complex art to represent the depression and eating disorder. You could feel that character’s pain. I couldn’t feel Stacy’s so much.
All in all, public libraries that all ready have Tyranny will find this an additional purchase. In terms of bibliotherapy, this is a weaker title than Tyranny, which packs a stronger punch. I recognize that this is the type of book that might fall into the hands of someone who needs it; on the other hand, there are other, stronger, graphic novels that cover the same territory. School libraries would be a better audience for this title.
------
Bonus: ALA Great Graphic Novel 2011
------
Source: Library copy.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Mercury by Hope Larson
Title: Mercury
Author: Hope Larson
Illustrator: Hope Larson
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Copyright: 2010
Price: $19.99
ISBN: 978-1-4169-3585-8
-----------
Summary: In late 1800s Nova Scotia, Josey Fraser’s family has a visitor by the name of Asa Curry. He has found gold on the land and wishes to join forces with Mr. Fraser in order to mine the gold, to which Mr. Fraser agrees and they begin. Fast forward to present day where the Frasers’ house has burned down and Tara Fraser is trying to convince her mother to stay at the family farm. When Tara is allowed to pick a piece of jewelry belonging to her mother as a “going back to school surprise,” she unknowingly chooses a piece that connects her to her Josey, the family farm, and missing gold. Together, with her new friends, Tara goes back to find the gold that was once lost.
----------
Thoughts: The concept and telling of Mercury is different as it switches between past and present, but I really felt it switched a little too quickly with, for example, two pages dedicated to the present and then 5 or more to the past. While I loved the historical story involving Josey, I think the plot of Tara falls a little flat compared to the love, intrigue and danger linked to her family ancestor. I wanted to know as much information about Tara as I knew about Josey, yet I can’t tell what it was I wanted to know (just that I wanted more there). I also felt that the ending wasn’t really resolved for Tara while it was for Josey (what about Tara and her mom?). If you want a safe graphic novel, this is a good choice and Nova Scotia is certainly a different locale, otherwise, I fail to see what makes this such a great read.
---------
Will Teens Like It? Honestly can’t tell, but leaning toward “probably not” as it feels kind of weak.
--------
Things to be aware of: “The Sight” – the sense of the future is a character trait for both of our characters…sort of.
------
Bonus: This was a Junior Library Guild selection.
Hope Larson is also an Eisner Award Winner.
ALA Great Graphic Novel 2011
----
Source: Library.
Author: Hope Larson
Illustrator: Hope Larson
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Copyright: 2010
Price: $19.99
ISBN: 978-1-4169-3585-8
-----------
Summary: In late 1800s Nova Scotia, Josey Fraser’s family has a visitor by the name of Asa Curry. He has found gold on the land and wishes to join forces with Mr. Fraser in order to mine the gold, to which Mr. Fraser agrees and they begin. Fast forward to present day where the Frasers’ house has burned down and Tara Fraser is trying to convince her mother to stay at the family farm. When Tara is allowed to pick a piece of jewelry belonging to her mother as a “going back to school surprise,” she unknowingly chooses a piece that connects her to her Josey, the family farm, and missing gold. Together, with her new friends, Tara goes back to find the gold that was once lost.
----------
Thoughts: The concept and telling of Mercury is different as it switches between past and present, but I really felt it switched a little too quickly with, for example, two pages dedicated to the present and then 5 or more to the past. While I loved the historical story involving Josey, I think the plot of Tara falls a little flat compared to the love, intrigue and danger linked to her family ancestor. I wanted to know as much information about Tara as I knew about Josey, yet I can’t tell what it was I wanted to know (just that I wanted more there). I also felt that the ending wasn’t really resolved for Tara while it was for Josey (what about Tara and her mom?). If you want a safe graphic novel, this is a good choice and Nova Scotia is certainly a different locale, otherwise, I fail to see what makes this such a great read.
---------
Will Teens Like It? Honestly can’t tell, but leaning toward “probably not” as it feels kind of weak.
--------
Things to be aware of: “The Sight” – the sense of the future is a character trait for both of our characters…sort of.
------
Bonus: This was a Junior Library Guild selection.
Hope Larson is also an Eisner Award Winner.
ALA Great Graphic Novel 2011
----
Source: Library.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Zeus: King of the Gods - Olympians - Vol. 1
Title: Zeus: King of the Gods (Olympians Vol. 1)
Author: George O’Connor
Illustrator: George O’Connor
Publisher: First Second (:01)
Copyright: 2010
Price: $16.99
ISBN: 978-1-59643-625-1
-----------
Summary and Quick Thoughts: Zeus, the youngest child of Kronos, escaped being eaten alive by his father and has grown into a man bent on righting the wrongs done to Mother Earth. With the help of some friends and his siblings, Zeus embarks on a mighty war against his father and the other titans to help shape the world that the Greeks knew.
---------
Will Teens Like It? Depends on the teen.
--------
Things to be aware of: Nothing.
----------
Further Thoughts: When I first saw this title, I thought that it would be dull, uninteresting, and have a short shelf life. Surprisingly, I enjoyed reading this title and find it seems to have a slight popularity. The tone of the story is that of typical myths mixed a little with a storyteller, for example, the storyteller hints at future stories to be told, but “that is for another day.” The pacing of the text is well timed to give the right suspense when needed to its soft mellow tone as the story builds up.
O’Connor’s art style is similar to that of the superhero comics and maybe even a little of the historic comics’ style. O’Connor says in his afterward that he grew up reading those comics, so his artwork pays tribute to the style seen in the past, but adds a modern flair that strikes the right balance for the story of Zeus.
An added bonus to this particular book is the extra stuff in the back of the book. Movie style posters give quick facts on particular characters as they strike an action pose. There are notes explaining Greek names and future stories. Lastly, the book rounds out with mediocre discussion questions and recommended reads.
Overall, I found this to be a refreshing read in the “adaptation” department. The author/illustrator struck the right balance between showing and telling as well as modern art and classic, that I was not bored with the book. In fact, I was determined to finish the book once I started it. I’d highly recommend this for a school library looking to round out their graphic novel collection with interesting, yet appealing graphic novels.
------
Bonus: ALA Great Graphic Novel 2011
------
Source: Library copy.
Author: George O’Connor
Illustrator: George O’Connor
Publisher: First Second (:01)
Copyright: 2010
Price: $16.99
ISBN: 978-1-59643-625-1
-----------
Summary and Quick Thoughts: Zeus, the youngest child of Kronos, escaped being eaten alive by his father and has grown into a man bent on righting the wrongs done to Mother Earth. With the help of some friends and his siblings, Zeus embarks on a mighty war against his father and the other titans to help shape the world that the Greeks knew.
---------
Will Teens Like It? Depends on the teen.
--------
Things to be aware of: Nothing.
----------
Further Thoughts: When I first saw this title, I thought that it would be dull, uninteresting, and have a short shelf life. Surprisingly, I enjoyed reading this title and find it seems to have a slight popularity. The tone of the story is that of typical myths mixed a little with a storyteller, for example, the storyteller hints at future stories to be told, but “that is for another day.” The pacing of the text is well timed to give the right suspense when needed to its soft mellow tone as the story builds up.
O’Connor’s art style is similar to that of the superhero comics and maybe even a little of the historic comics’ style. O’Connor says in his afterward that he grew up reading those comics, so his artwork pays tribute to the style seen in the past, but adds a modern flair that strikes the right balance for the story of Zeus.
An added bonus to this particular book is the extra stuff in the back of the book. Movie style posters give quick facts on particular characters as they strike an action pose. There are notes explaining Greek names and future stories. Lastly, the book rounds out with mediocre discussion questions and recommended reads.
Overall, I found this to be a refreshing read in the “adaptation” department. The author/illustrator struck the right balance between showing and telling as well as modern art and classic, that I was not bored with the book. In fact, I was determined to finish the book once I started it. I’d highly recommend this for a school library looking to round out their graphic novel collection with interesting, yet appealing graphic novels.
------
Bonus: ALA Great Graphic Novel 2011
------
Source: Library copy.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Library Wars Vol. 1
Title: Library Wars vol. 1
Author: (Concept: Kiro Arikawa)
Illustrator: (Manga: Kiiro Yumi)
Publisher: Viz, Inc (Shojo Beat)
Copyright: 2010
Price: $9.99
ISBN: 978-1-4215-3488-6
-----------
Summary and Quick Thoughts: Iku Kasahara’s life was changed one day when, finally, a fairy tale story was published and she could purchase it. Yet this is not society as we know it today. On this fateful day, the bookstore she was in was raided and the book confiscated as it was deemed “unsuitable.” The Library Defense Force stepped in that day and took the books from the Government and one particular agent returned a dented copy of the fairy tale book to Iku Kasahara.
A few later, Iku Kasahara is training to join the Library Defense Force, but it seems that she has many, many hurdles to jump from annoyed group-mates to the tough Instructor Dojo who seems to have picked her, unknowingly, as his protégé. The first volume spends a lot of time setting up the story.
---------
Will Teens Like It? Library loving teens will get a huge kick out of this.
--------
Things to be aware of: None
----------
Further Thoughts: This is a story of modern day librarianship meeting Farenheit 451. In this not too distant future, some books are considered inappropriate for society by the Government and the librarians have a covert military force that helps defend the right to read. Libraries are neutral zones, where books cannot be challenged, but that doesn’t mean library users will not challenge this.
Does this sound familiar yet? Mind you, librarians don’t have a secret military force that can help in the war over books, but it is an interesting take. For a book about libraries, it seems to have the library aspect spot on down to the decimal system (although, I trust the Japanese system isn’t quite as similar as Dewey) and how busy a public library is (illustrated with the librarians in the basement running to find books).
A lot of the story in this first volume is setting up for future volumes. To me, it is clear the romantic interest lies in Dojo and Kasahara, and that Dojo is her inspiration, and he knows it. While I know this, I’m more interested in reading about the war over the books and how libraries will continue to fit into this. While I know many librarians do not read graphic novels, this is one that the librarian should pick up just to read the first page detailing “The Library Freedom Act.” It sounds very similar to one we have today…
------
Bonus: ALA Great Graphic Novel 2011
Source: Library Copy.
Author: (Concept: Kiro Arikawa)
Illustrator: (Manga: Kiiro Yumi)
Publisher: Viz, Inc (Shojo Beat)
Copyright: 2010
Price: $9.99
ISBN: 978-1-4215-3488-6
-----------
Summary and Quick Thoughts: Iku Kasahara’s life was changed one day when, finally, a fairy tale story was published and she could purchase it. Yet this is not society as we know it today. On this fateful day, the bookstore she was in was raided and the book confiscated as it was deemed “unsuitable.” The Library Defense Force stepped in that day and took the books from the Government and one particular agent returned a dented copy of the fairy tale book to Iku Kasahara.
A few later, Iku Kasahara is training to join the Library Defense Force, but it seems that she has many, many hurdles to jump from annoyed group-mates to the tough Instructor Dojo who seems to have picked her, unknowingly, as his protégé. The first volume spends a lot of time setting up the story.
---------
Will Teens Like It? Library loving teens will get a huge kick out of this.
--------
Things to be aware of: None
----------
Further Thoughts: This is a story of modern day librarianship meeting Farenheit 451. In this not too distant future, some books are considered inappropriate for society by the Government and the librarians have a covert military force that helps defend the right to read. Libraries are neutral zones, where books cannot be challenged, but that doesn’t mean library users will not challenge this.
Does this sound familiar yet? Mind you, librarians don’t have a secret military force that can help in the war over books, but it is an interesting take. For a book about libraries, it seems to have the library aspect spot on down to the decimal system (although, I trust the Japanese system isn’t quite as similar as Dewey) and how busy a public library is (illustrated with the librarians in the basement running to find books).
A lot of the story in this first volume is setting up for future volumes. To me, it is clear the romantic interest lies in Dojo and Kasahara, and that Dojo is her inspiration, and he knows it. While I know this, I’m more interested in reading about the war over the books and how libraries will continue to fit into this. While I know many librarians do not read graphic novels, this is one that the librarian should pick up just to read the first page detailing “The Library Freedom Act.” It sounds very similar to one we have today…
------
Bonus: ALA Great Graphic Novel 2011
Source: Library Copy.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Brain Camp by Susan Kim & Laurence Klavan; Illustrated by Faith Erin Hicks
Title: Brain Camp
Author: Susan Kim and Laurence Klavan
Illustrator: Faith Erin Hicks
Publisher: First Second (:01)
Copyright: 2010
Price: $16.99
ISBN: 978-1-59643-366-3
-----------
Summary and Quick Thoughts: First a commercial:
Do you have a child who is “underachieving”? Or maybe your child is a “juvenile delinquent”? If you do, you may want to send your child to the exclusive “Camp Fielding: A Summer of Learning and Fun!” Here, your child will not only mature, he or she will shine and make you proud. Act quickly though as this is an invite-only camp. If your child is chosen, Mr. Oswald will visit you, and please be prepared to make your decision then.
Lucas and Jenna are seen as outsiders, underachievers, and failures in their parents’ eyes. Lucas’s mother suspects he’ll just end up in jail like his father. Jenna hasn’t seemed to mature, study, or prepare for an early entry into Yale. When the mysterious Mr. Oswald visits these families on the same night, Lucas and Jenna learn that their lives are about to change.
Once at Camp Fielding, Lucas and Jenna spy each other. They immediately dislike each other, but quickly learn to be allies at this bizarre camp. Something fowl (pun intended) is afoot at Camp Fielding. Lucas and Jenna are replacements for the two campers (who the reader met at the beginning) that left due to “family emergencies.” But, that is not what throws them off. First it is the camp activities, given without instruction. Then, there is the horrible, mushy food. After that, their friends quickly turn into smart zombies. What is even stranger to Lucas and Jenna is what happens at night when students are in a deep slumber and the camp counselors sneak in. Not to mention, the building Lucas and Jenna discover on a trip to sneak out for “real” food. Jenna and Lucas must solve the mystery of Camp Fielding, before it is too late for them.
---------
Will Teens Like It? It’s most definitely a good teen title. Some teens may find this a good read because of previous camp experiences or the feelings of disappointed parents.
--------
Things to be aware of: Nothing really.
----------
Further Thoughts: Lucas and Jenna are both run-of-the-mill fourteen year olds. Lucas is getting into trouble and his mother just doesn’t know what to do any more (although, they live in a poor situation it seems). Jenna is a dreamer, which saddens her PHD parents who want her to be going to Yale already, like their friends’ children. So when Lucas and Jenna are thrown together, it is a surprise, I suspect, to the two characters that they are the only ones who can figure out the mystery. This just adds to how well rounded they are and where they need to grow. Of course, I don’t see how Jenna needs to fill the particular role her parents have given her, but at the same time, the rigors of education and hobbies (as illustrated early in the book) show that she should be living up to it (somehow this sounds familiar…).
The camp is much more than education. For these two teens it is also when they begin puberty as well as learning. To me, this makes the title a perfect fit to teens. The mystery story will appeal to mystery readers and the “Brain Camp” title with creepy smiling faces will appeal to the zombie crowd (seriously, it is just a different kind of zombie).
In a good graphic novel, the story is shown rather than told through the voices. In Brain Camp, the story is told in just the right amount of text and shown with the perfect panels and art. For a mystery, readers can easily pick up the clues that will fit in later and the astute reader will instantly see how everything builds up.
My only qualm is how quickly Jenna gets tricked later in the book. On one hand, I thought how sad, but on the other, at fourteen and lost as to what to do as adults won’t listen to her, I could easily see how she was tricked. This made me realize that, yes, she is only fourteen. It’s a perfect way for the writers to show it.
Overall, a fun title I couldn’t put down until I was finished. It was definitely worth the little bit of hype that I’ve seen for it.
------
Bonus: ALA 2011 Great Graphic Novel
Source: Library.
Author: Susan Kim and Laurence Klavan
Illustrator: Faith Erin Hicks
Publisher: First Second (:01)
Copyright: 2010
Price: $16.99
ISBN: 978-1-59643-366-3
-----------
Summary and Quick Thoughts: First a commercial:
Do you have a child who is “underachieving”? Or maybe your child is a “juvenile delinquent”? If you do, you may want to send your child to the exclusive “Camp Fielding: A Summer of Learning and Fun!” Here, your child will not only mature, he or she will shine and make you proud. Act quickly though as this is an invite-only camp. If your child is chosen, Mr. Oswald will visit you, and please be prepared to make your decision then.
Lucas and Jenna are seen as outsiders, underachievers, and failures in their parents’ eyes. Lucas’s mother suspects he’ll just end up in jail like his father. Jenna hasn’t seemed to mature, study, or prepare for an early entry into Yale. When the mysterious Mr. Oswald visits these families on the same night, Lucas and Jenna learn that their lives are about to change.
Once at Camp Fielding, Lucas and Jenna spy each other. They immediately dislike each other, but quickly learn to be allies at this bizarre camp. Something fowl (pun intended) is afoot at Camp Fielding. Lucas and Jenna are replacements for the two campers (who the reader met at the beginning) that left due to “family emergencies.” But, that is not what throws them off. First it is the camp activities, given without instruction. Then, there is the horrible, mushy food. After that, their friends quickly turn into smart zombies. What is even stranger to Lucas and Jenna is what happens at night when students are in a deep slumber and the camp counselors sneak in. Not to mention, the building Lucas and Jenna discover on a trip to sneak out for “real” food. Jenna and Lucas must solve the mystery of Camp Fielding, before it is too late for them.
---------
Will Teens Like It? It’s most definitely a good teen title. Some teens may find this a good read because of previous camp experiences or the feelings of disappointed parents.
--------
Things to be aware of: Nothing really.
----------
Further Thoughts: Lucas and Jenna are both run-of-the-mill fourteen year olds. Lucas is getting into trouble and his mother just doesn’t know what to do any more (although, they live in a poor situation it seems). Jenna is a dreamer, which saddens her PHD parents who want her to be going to Yale already, like their friends’ children. So when Lucas and Jenna are thrown together, it is a surprise, I suspect, to the two characters that they are the only ones who can figure out the mystery. This just adds to how well rounded they are and where they need to grow. Of course, I don’t see how Jenna needs to fill the particular role her parents have given her, but at the same time, the rigors of education and hobbies (as illustrated early in the book) show that she should be living up to it (somehow this sounds familiar…).
The camp is much more than education. For these two teens it is also when they begin puberty as well as learning. To me, this makes the title a perfect fit to teens. The mystery story will appeal to mystery readers and the “Brain Camp” title with creepy smiling faces will appeal to the zombie crowd (seriously, it is just a different kind of zombie).
In a good graphic novel, the story is shown rather than told through the voices. In Brain Camp, the story is told in just the right amount of text and shown with the perfect panels and art. For a mystery, readers can easily pick up the clues that will fit in later and the astute reader will instantly see how everything builds up.
My only qualm is how quickly Jenna gets tricked later in the book. On one hand, I thought how sad, but on the other, at fourteen and lost as to what to do as adults won’t listen to her, I could easily see how she was tricked. This made me realize that, yes, she is only fourteen. It’s a perfect way for the writers to show it.
Overall, a fun title I couldn’t put down until I was finished. It was definitely worth the little bit of hype that I’ve seen for it.
------
Bonus: ALA 2011 Great Graphic Novel
Source: Library.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Challenges: Wrap-up 2010 and 2011 Challenges
In 2010, I participated (sort of, I guess?) in 3 reading challenges. First, I would like to say that I enjoy the challenges (and there are a zillion out there on any reading thing you want to do). On the one hand, I'll read or listen to the books anyway, on the other hand, it forces me to try and focus on something new, such as hunting down the next fun audio book to listen to.
So, how did I do? I'm going to go from worst to best.
First, we have the Terry Pratchett Challenge. I made a valiant effort on this one, which The Philosopher Musician is happy about, but my mood for Pratchett just never aligned with us in the car on the trips to family/grad school visits. We started three audio books but I just wasn't in the mood or we talked instead (whoops?). My attempts included Good Omens, A Hat Full of Sky (I'm up to 3 attempts and I finally purchased a copy after finding it in Goodwill), and Nation1 (The Philosopher Musician determined it would be better physically read than to listen to ["No offense to Stephen Briggs and all" - The Philosopher Musician])
Goal: 3 books
Total: 0
1 Nation, I HAD listened to in 2009, and still think it should have gotten the Printz award over the actual 2009 winner, which was a "no one really had heard of this book." He's done a lot for reading (and now for Alzheimer's), why can't he get SOME ALA award?
Next up, we have the Graphic Novel Challenge. Even though I read graphic novels, I decided to challenge myself to a feat I've been hoping to accomplish: read my way through an ALA Great Graphic Novel list. The focus on this one was to read through at least 10 of the ALA Great Graphic Novel List of 2010. I thought I had but...
Goal: 10 books
Total: 8 books
Last and best is my favorite and probably most successful challenge: The Audio Book Challenge. Audio books are really fun. I honestly have to say that I enjoy the change of pace by letting a narrator guide me through a story (and a GOOD narrator to boot; if they annoy me, I'll look for another book). Out of all of the audio books (which I'll list for you below since the former website does not have a finished list), The Hunger Games trilogy was my favorite. I would yell out while I was listening to it. I was glued to the story, and I wanted errands to run just so I could work through another disc. I was excited to be part of the Mockingjay hype. I generally miss out on the excitement of counting down to these books, but there I was trying to determined which "Team" I was. Since finishing the books, I have recommended listening to the series often, and two of the people I recommended it to (both librarians) said that I was right, and it is fascinating to hear.
Goal: 6 audio books
Total: 8 audio books (woo!)
The list:
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If you've read this far, kudos. I know that is a lot of text (or at least it looks like it on my small computer).
Now for this year's Challenges (aka goals)! For 2011, so far I'm doing two challenges:
The 2011 Audio Book Challenge
Goal: Fascinated at 6 Audio books again.
Aiming for: Addicted at 12 Audio books.
The 2011 Graphic Novel Challenge
Goal: Expert Level 10+
Limiters: 11 GNs from the 2011 ALA Great Graphic Novels List (which comes out NEXT WEEK! I hope my suggestions made the cut!)
Aiming for: as many as I can read from this list.
So, how did I do? I'm going to go from worst to best.
First, we have the Terry Pratchett Challenge. I made a valiant effort on this one, which The Philosopher Musician is happy about, but my mood for Pratchett just never aligned with us in the car on the trips to family/grad school visits. We started three audio books but I just wasn't in the mood or we talked instead (whoops?). My attempts included Good Omens, A Hat Full of Sky (I'm up to 3 attempts and I finally purchased a copy after finding it in Goodwill), and Nation1 (The Philosopher Musician determined it would be better physically read than to listen to ["No offense to Stephen Briggs and all" - The Philosopher Musician])
Goal: 3 books
Total: 0
1 Nation, I HAD listened to in 2009, and still think it should have gotten the Printz award over the actual 2009 winner, which was a "no one really had heard of this book." He's done a lot for reading (and now for Alzheimer's), why can't he get SOME ALA award?
Next up, we have the Graphic Novel Challenge. Even though I read graphic novels, I decided to challenge myself to a feat I've been hoping to accomplish: read my way through an ALA Great Graphic Novel list. The focus on this one was to read through at least 10 of the ALA Great Graphic Novel List of 2010. I thought I had but...
Goal: 10 books
Total: 8 books
Last and best is my favorite and probably most successful challenge: The Audio Book Challenge. Audio books are really fun. I honestly have to say that I enjoy the change of pace by letting a narrator guide me through a story (and a GOOD narrator to boot; if they annoy me, I'll look for another book). Out of all of the audio books (which I'll list for you below since the former website does not have a finished list), The Hunger Games trilogy was my favorite. I would yell out while I was listening to it. I was glued to the story, and I wanted errands to run just so I could work through another disc. I was excited to be part of the Mockingjay hype. I generally miss out on the excitement of counting down to these books, but there I was trying to determined which "Team" I was. Since finishing the books, I have recommended listening to the series often, and two of the people I recommended it to (both librarians) said that I was right, and it is fascinating to hear.
Goal: 6 audio books
Total: 8 audio books (woo!)
The list:
- 1.) Going Bovine by Libba Bray (completed March 9, 2010)
- 2.) The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart (completed April 2010)
- 3.) The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (completed June 2010)
- 4.) Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins (completed July 2010)
- 5.) Eternal by Cynthia Leitich Smith (completed August 2010)
- 6.) Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins (completed September 2010)
- 7.) City of Bones by Cassandra Clare (completed later September 2010)
- 8.) City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare (completed October 2010)
--------------------------------------
If you've read this far, kudos. I know that is a lot of text (or at least it looks like it on my small computer).
Now for this year's Challenges (aka goals)! For 2011, so far I'm doing two challenges:
The 2011 Audio Book Challenge
Goal: Fascinated at 6 Audio books again.
Aiming for: Addicted at 12 Audio books.
The 2011 Graphic Novel Challenge
Goal: Expert Level 10+
Limiters: 11 GNs from the 2011 ALA Great Graphic Novels List (which comes out NEXT WEEK! I hope my suggestions made the cut!)
Aiming for: as many as I can read from this list.
Friday, August 27, 2010
ALA Great Graphic Novel Nominations for 2011 (1)
I wrote this way back when the list was first published and am only now getting around to posting this. Yay for Grad School distraction! I have since read some of the titles, which I will post reviews of soon.
Somewhere on my Twitter feed, I saw this Tweet that the Nomination for the Great Graphic Novels of 2011 is available. While this is excited news, can I be honest with you? As a librarian and an avid graphic novel reader, even though I'm not as in touch as I have been, about 80% of these titles are no where to be found on my blog rolls nor what I have seen circulating in the library. I mean, where's Gaiman's Whatever Happened To the Caped Crusader? (Ok, a little research shows this should have been on the 2010 list. I nearly CRIED over the brilliance of it). Where's Chi's Sweet Home which looks like it is going to be everyone's favorite all-ages GN (DAWWWWWWWWWW! Expect a review!). I find it uneasy that I don't recognize even half of the nominations.
I honestly feel like I shouldn't complain. I'm not on the committee (yet, but intend to after grad school), but honestly, I'm not that excited about this list. I mean, 2010 had many titles I recognized, wanted to read, and were, I thought, good picks, but this list? I recognize more titles as I look at it, but then I notice all the "book-to-graphic-novel" suggestions, which are seriously hit and miss. I just read a Marvel adaptation that almost killed the book for me (except there are great movie adaptions-expect a review) and one title on this list, when I post the review, isn't pretty as well. And speaking of book-to-GN adaptations, where is the infamous (I didn't/couldn't finish it) Twilight GN? Didn't the book make it to one of the other lists? Or Maximum Ride?
Maybe as a GN reader, I have different expectations of the Great Graphic Novel list, but I think there should be more to the list than book adaptations, or just what looks like it'll work. Yes, plot is important, but we also like pure fluff and sometimes the really zany.
Somewhere on my Twitter feed, I saw this Tweet that the Nomination for the Great Graphic Novels of 2011 is available. While this is excited news, can I be honest with you? As a librarian and an avid graphic novel reader, even though I'm not as in touch as I have been, about 80% of these titles are no where to be found on my blog rolls nor what I have seen circulating in the library. I mean, where's Gaiman's Whatever Happened To the Caped Crusader? (Ok, a little research shows this should have been on the 2010 list. I nearly CRIED over the brilliance of it). Where's Chi's Sweet Home which looks like it is going to be everyone's favorite all-ages GN (DAWWWWWWWWWW! Expect a review!). I find it uneasy that I don't recognize even half of the nominations.
I honestly feel like I shouldn't complain. I'm not on the committee (yet, but intend to after grad school), but honestly, I'm not that excited about this list. I mean, 2010 had many titles I recognized, wanted to read, and were, I thought, good picks, but this list? I recognize more titles as I look at it, but then I notice all the "book-to-graphic-novel" suggestions, which are seriously hit and miss. I just read a Marvel adaptation that almost killed the book for me (except there are great movie adaptions-expect a review) and one title on this list, when I post the review, isn't pretty as well. And speaking of book-to-GN adaptations, where is the infamous (I didn't/couldn't finish it) Twilight GN? Didn't the book make it to one of the other lists? Or Maximum Ride?
Maybe as a GN reader, I have different expectations of the Great Graphic Novel list, but I think there should be more to the list than book adaptations, or just what looks like it'll work. Yes, plot is important, but we also like pure fluff and sometimes the really zany.
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