Category Archives: Graphic Novel or Adaptation

Review: Keeper of the Lost Cities: The Graphic Novel Part 1 by Shannon Messenger, Celina Frenn, and Gabriella Chianello

Book Review and Content, Fantasy, Graphic Novel or Adaptation, Middle Grade 8-12, , , , ,
Keeper of the Lost Cities The Graphic Novel Volume 1 by Shannon Messenger

Keeper of the Lost Cities: The Graphic Novel Part 1
Shannon Messenger
Adapted by Celina Frenn
Illustrated by Gabriella Chianello
Aladdin Books
Published November 7, 2023

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About Keeper of the Lost Cities: The Graphic Novel Part 1

The first book in the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling Keeper of the Lost Cities series is being reimagined as a graphic novel with the first half of the epic novel adapted to this new format with beautiful artwork!

Twelve-year-old Sophie Foster has never quite fit into her life. She’s skipped multiple grades and doesn’t really connect with the older kids at school, but she’s not comfortable with her family, either. The reason? Sophie’s a Telepath, someone who can read minds. No one knows her secret—at least, that’s what she thinks…

But the day Sophie meets Fitz, a mysterious (and adorable) boy, she learns she’s not alone. He’s a Telepath, too, and it turns out the reason she has never felt at home is that, well…she isn’t. Fitz opens Sophie’s eyes to a shocking truth, and she is forced to leave behind her family for a new life in a place that is vastly different from what she has ever known.

This stunning graphic novel retelling of the first half of the thrilling first novel comes to life with all the adventure and epic worldbuilding the Keeper of the Lost Cities series is known for.

My Review

This is my first foray into the Keeper of the Lost Cities series, which is maybe a weird place to begin. On the other hand, I had no preconceived ideas about the story going into the book and also no familiarity with the original. I had no trouble following the story and making sense of what was happening, so I don’t think readers would need to have read the prose novels in order to follow this adaptation.

Some elements of the story felt a little bit dated, which only makes sense. After all, the original book came out in 2012. It definitely has that portal fantasy feel of some of the other big books that came out around that time, and yet, I think the themes are super relatable anyway: friendship, feeling alone in a new place, learning you have abilities or history you never knew about.

I liked the relationships between Sophie and the other characters. As I read, I kept trying to figure out who was on her side and who was secretly working against her. I definitely have some theories, but I have no idea if I’m right or not at this point.

The only thing that I kept getting stuck on is the fact that the illustrations of Sophie make her look so much older than twelve. I kept thinking she was fifteen or sixteen from the images of her in the panels and then remembering that wasn’t right. So that threw me off a little bit. The illustrations are beautiful, though, and definitely anchor the story in the fantasy setting.

I think readers looking for an engaging portal fantasy will enjoy this series opener. I think fans of THE STONEKEEPER by Kazu Kibuishi will enjoy it.

Content Notes for Keeper of the Lost Cities: The Graphic Novel Part 1

Recommended for Ages 8 to 12.

Representation
Major characters are white.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
Maybe some attraction between Sophie and a boy character. Just some blushing here and there.

Spiritual Content
A hidden world contains people with magic powers.

Violent Content
Magic can cause some pretty serious destruction when not properly used. A man tries to kidnap Sophie.

Drug Content
None.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use, but which help support this blog. I received a free copy of KEEPER OF THE LOST CITIES: THE GRAPHIC NOVEL PART 1 in exchange for my honest review.

Review: Heartstopper: Volume 5 by Alice Oseman

Book Review and Content, Contemporary, Graphic Novel or Adaptation, Romance, Young Adult/Teen 12-18, , , , ,

Heartstopper: Volume 5
Alice Oseman
Hodder Children’s Books
Published December 19, 2023

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About Heartstopper: Volume 5

Boy meets boy. Boys become friends. Boys fall in love. The bestselling LGBTQ+ graphic novel about life, love, and everything that happens in between: this is the fifth volume of the much-loved HEARTSTOPPER series.

Nick and Charlie are very much in love. They’ve finally said those three little words, and Charlie has almost persuaded his mum to let him sleep over at Nick’s house … But with Nick going off to university next year, is everything about to change?

By Alice Oseman, winner of the YA Book Prize, Heartstopper encompasses all the small moments of Nick and Charlie’s lives that together make up something larger, which speaks to all of us.

Contains discussions around mental health and eating disorders, and sexual references.

My Review

I’ve been a fan of this series since the irresistible first book, which introduced readers to a shy and bullied Charlie and the sweet rugby player, Nick. Through the first four volumes, we’ve seen the two boys make decisions about their identities, decide when and how to go public with their relationship, and navigate preconceived ideas and prejudices of friends and family members. They’ve spent time together at school, home, and abroad on a class trip. We’ve gotten to know their friends and seen romance and friendships blossom among others in their group, too.

One of the cool things about the books in this series is that the story truly celebrates love and identity while speaking openly about issues like disordered eating, homophobia, and bullying. HEARTSTOPPER: VOLUME 4 explores Charlie’s disordered eating, and it’s referenced in VOLUME 5, but not as deeply explored here. One scene shows Charlie speaking with his therapist. Another couple of scenes show him feeling anxiety about his body. The story doesn’t center around this issue in this book, though.

At this point, Charlie and Nick have been together for a while, and things have been getting a bit intense between them physically. Both boys start to wonder if they’re ready to have sex. They talk to their friends, who offer a variety of suggestions and input. One tells them that having sex isn’t a big deal. Another friend says they haven’t yet because they want their first experience to be with someone special. They briefly discuss using condoms and the risk of STIs.

One thing that didn’t resonate with me so much was when Charlie basically demands to spend the night at Nick’s house, saying he has a right to since he’s sixteen. I can totally see a teenager saying that, so I suppose it’s realistic in that sense, but I thought it was kind of a weird argument.

Conclusion

Because the book is building up to whether Charlie and Nick will journey into this next stage in their relationship, there are a LOT of panels that show them snuggling and kissing and wanting to kiss. I think in terms of plot points and in the exploration of the side stories of the other characters, VOLUME 5 is a lot less dense than the other books in the series. I missed some of the other characters’ stories, and I think the book could have condensed some of the scenes between Nick and Charlie. They’re adorable, as always, but I’d have liked to see more of an exploration of conflict or character development in this one.

Still, I am glad to visit Charlie and Nick’s world again. I’d thought that this book would be the final book in the series, but a note on the final page says that HEARTSTOPPER will conclude with book six.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 14 up.

Representation
Charlie is gay. Nick is bisexual. They have friends of other queer identities.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
Extreme profanity used very infrequently.

Romance/Sexual Content
Kissing between two boys. References to sex and sexual touching. (Not shown in panels.)

Spiritual Content
None.

Violent Content
References to Charlie’s past disordered eating.

Drug Content
Charlie and other teens drink alcohol at a party.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use, but which help support this blog.

Review: The Stonekeeper’s Curse by Kazu Kibuishi

Book Review and Content, Fantasy, Graphic Novel or Adaptation, Middle Grade 8-12, , , , , , ,

The Stonekeeper’s Curse (The Amulet #2)
Kazu Kibuishi
Graphix
Published September 1, 2009

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About The Stonekeeper’s Curse

A MYSTERIOUS WORLD FULL OF NEW ALLIES… AND OLD ENEMIES!

Emily and Navin’s mother is still in a coma from the arachnopod’s poison, and there’s only one place to find help: Kanalis, the bustling, beautiful city of waterfalls. But when Em, her brother, and Miskit and the rest of the robotic crew aboard the walking house reach the city, they quickly realize that seeking help is looking for trouble…dangerous trouble.

My Review

I feel like this series is really growing on me. I liked the first book, but I think this one was a smoother read. The first book had a lot to set up and introduce, but this one picks up right where the first one left off and immediately throttles forward.

I’m starting to feel like I’m getting to know the characters better, too, which is fun. I like both Em and Navin, and I’m really interested to see where each of their storylines take them. This seems like a series that would be the most enjoyable if you read them all in order, but I think there are enough clues to what happened in the first book that you could probably enjoy this one individually.

Will I continue with this series? Yes, I think so. I can get the books from my library pretty easily, and I am enjoying reading them. My nephews have already read this one, so I’m really just reading them for my own enjoyment at this point, and to broaden my experience with graphic novels.

I think these are great books for fantasy readers and anyone looking for a compelling fantasy story.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 8 to 12.

Representation
I think Emily and Navin are white.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
None.

Spiritual Content
Emily battles the amulet for control of its power. As she uses it more, the stone’s power grows and so does its desire to take over and control her.

Violent Content
Situations of peril. Cartoonish battle scenes.

Drug Content
None.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use, but which help support this blog.

Review: Bunnicula: The Graphic Novel by James Howe, Andrew Donkin, and Stephen Gilpin

Book Review and Content, Graphic Novel or Adaptation, Middle Grade 8-12, , , , , , ,

Bunnicula: The Graphic Novel
James How and Andrew Donkin
Illustrated by Stephen Gilpin
Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Published August 30, 2022

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About Bunnicula: The Graphic Novel

Celebrate over forty years of the modern classic BUNNICULA with this graphic novelization!

Beware the hare!

Harold the dog and Chester the cat must find out the truth about the newest pet in the Monroe household—a suspicious-looking bunny with unusual habits…and fangs! Could this innocent-seeming rabbit actually be a vampire?

My Review

I remember my teacher reading the Bunnicula series to us in elementary school. At the time, Chester was my favorite. I’m not sure if that was true of the first book or if it’s because of what happened later. I didn’t feel as connected to Chester’s character in this version of the story.

The fun antics, tension, and humor were all well-represented in the graphic novel version of the book, though. I enjoyed getting to see some of the scenes play out visually. There are definitely moments where the panels perfectly capture the absurdity or fun of the story.

A few of my daughter’s cousins are really into graphic novels, so when I saw that there was going to be a graphic novel version of Bunnicula, I knew I wanted to check it out with them in mind. I bought a paperback copy of the book and will see if it interests them to read. I enjoyed reading it myself. It was really fun to be back in a story centered around pets and peppered with silliness.

All in all, I’m happy that I read this one, and I look forward to sharing it with my nephew and niece.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 8 to 12.

Representation
Main characters are a dog, cat, and bunny owned by a white family with two sons.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
None.

Spiritual Content
Chester the cat is convinced that the family’s new pet bunny is a vampire. He reads about vampires and tries some vampire repellant tricks from famous stories, such as garlic. The family finds vegetables that have been completely drained of their juices and have gone completely white.

Violent Content
None.

Drug Content
None.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use, but which help support this blog.

Review: Out There by Seaerra Miller

Blogger's Favorites, Book Review and Content, Graphic Novel or Adaptation, Middle Grade 8-12, , , , , , , ,

Out There
Seaerra Miller
Little, Brown Ink
Published June 27, 2023

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About Out There

A touching, out-of-this-world graphic novel about a daughter, her father, and the aliens that may or may not be speaking to him.

Julia didn’t always believe in aliens.

It was her father who convinced her otherwise. You see—Julia’s dad believes he was abducted by aliens. And ever since then, he’s been obsessed with the extraterrestrial beings living out there.

So when a festival commemorating the 75th anniversary of the infamous UFO crash in New Mexico rolls around, Julia turns down a dream vacation to Hawaii with her best friend, Sara, to join her dad for a weekend trip to Roswell, where he expects the aliens to make contact.

But amid the alien-themed goofiness of the festival, Julia finds she isn’t sure whether her father really did get abducted. His memories of alien interference are starting to sound increasingly shaky, and with them, her faith in him. Will this weekend bring the two closer together or only drive them apart? 

A heartfelt story of family, loyalty, and the lengths we go to support those we love.

My Review

I feel like I read this whole book on the edge of my seat. Julia is so invested in what her dad believes– that aliens abducted him and are planning to meet him again with an important message. I really worried about what would happen if she decided he was mistaken or lying. It would be so painful for her.

One of the things that really impressed me with the story is the way everything feels layered and left to the reader to interpret. As Julia explores the UFO convention and sees some of the attractions and meets other attendees, she rarely voices a judgmental opinion. Sometimes, she seems to have doubts or concerns, but she often remains optimistic and loyal to her dad.

The brightly colored, straightforward illustrations also communicate emotion and action really well. Some scenes have a playful sense to them, and others echo the loneliness or isolation the characters feel in those moments.

All in all, I liked this story a lot. I really appreciate the sensitivity with which the story is told and the way it ends, leaving space for readers to draw their own conclusions.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 8 to 12.

Representation
Major characters are white.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
None.

Spiritual Content
None.

Violent Content
A woman briefly describes an alien abductor taking a sample of skin from her arm.

Drug Content
None.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use but which help support this blog. I received a free copy of OUT THERE in exchange for my honest review.

Review: Serafina and the Black Cloak: The Graphic Novel by Robert Beatty adapted by Michael Moreci and art by Braeden Sherrell

Book Review and Content, Fantasy, Graphic Novel or Adaptation, Middle Grade 8-12, , , , , , , ,

Serafina and the Black Cloak: The Graphic Novel
Robert Beatty
Adapted by Michael Moreci
Art by Braeden Sherrell
Disney Hyperion
Published April 4, 2023

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About Serafina and the Black Cloak: The Graphic Novel

Robert Beatty’s best-selling gothic fantasy about an unforgettable heroine is now a mesmerizing graphic novel with rich, atmospheric illustrations.

“The story drips with suspense, wrapping readers into the narrative just as easily as the man in the black cloak binds his young victims.” — School Library Journal

“ Never go into the deep parts of the forest, for there are many dangers there, and they will ensnare your soul.”

Serafina has never had a reason to disobey her pa and venture beyond the grounds of Biltmore Estate. There’s plenty to explore in her grand home, although she must take care to never be seen. None of the rich folk upstairs know that Serafina exists; she and her pa, the estate’s maintenance man, have secretly lived in the basement for as long as Serafina can remember.

But when children at the estate start disappearing, only Serafina knows who the culprit terrifying man in a black cloak who stalks Biltmore’s corridors at night. Following her own harrowing escape, Serafina risks everything by joining forces with Braeden Vanderbilt, the young nephew of Biltmore’s owners. Braeden and Serafina must uncover the Man in the Black Cloak’s true identity…before all of the children vanish one by one.

Readers who enjoy history and mystery and like their thrills and chills in visual form will delight in this graphic novel adaptation of a bestseller.

My Review

SERAFINA AND THE BLACK CLOAK has been on my reading list for a long time, but I had never read it before. When I saw the release of the story as a graphic novel, I realized it was the perfect way to immerse myself in the book.

My favorite part of the story is actually Serafina’s relationship with her pa. He protects her, but also gives her some autonomy (he gives her a job as Chief Rat Catcher for the estate). The panels show how much they love each other and the closeness of their family bond.

I also liked the relationship between Serafina and the boy she befriends. I like the way they work together and look out for each other.

While I’ve never been to the Biltmore, I spent a lot of summers in the nearby areas, so I found it really easy to think of the story as set in those kinds of woods. It was cool reading a story set in that part of the country.

Overall, I’m glad I read this one. I thought the illustrations brought a lot of heart to the scenes and really showed the connections between the characters. I’m not sure if there are plans to release the whole Serafina series as graphic novels, but I’d definitely continue reading them if so. I think readers who enjoyed TIDESONG or WINGBEARER will enjoy this one.

Content Notes

Recommended for Ages 8 to 12.

Representation
Human characters appear white and mostly upper class. Serafina learns she may not be fully human.

Profanity/Crude Language Content
None.

Romance/Sexual Content
None.

Spiritual Content
A man appears to absorb children into his black cloak.

Violent Content
Serafina witnesses a girl being kidnapped by a man in a black cloak. A mountain lion attacks Serafina, protecting her cubs. Serafina battles human and magical enemies.

Drug Content
None.

Note: This post contains affiliate links, which do not cost you anything to use, but which help support this blog. I received a free copy of SERAFINA AND THE BLACK CLOAK: THE GRAPHIC NOVEL in exchange for my honest review.