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When a book has a black background it is now nominated, thanks! <3

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InvestiGators: Braver and Boulder (InvestiGators, 5) 

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InvestiGators: Braver and Boulder (InvestiGators, 5) 

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by John Patrick Green
978-1250220066

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https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58845991-little-monarchs?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=bcEahVQb2d&rank=1

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Little Monarchs book. Read 79 reviews from the world's largest community for readers. This graphic novel adventure tells the story of 10-year-old Elvie a...

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ISBN: 9781616207892

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I'm excited to look at this final art, since the early version was not complete. This is a fabulous story about what it is to grieve the loss of a could-have-been, the loss of a friendship, and what it is to worry deeply about someone's struggle with mental illness. It's also a queer romantic story of Jade, a girl going to art camp, as she learns to find her voice -- HER voice -- through her art. ...more

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I'm excited to look at this final art, since the early version was not complete. This is a fabulous story about what it is to grieve the loss of a could-have-been, the loss of a friendship, and what it is to worry deeply about someone's struggle with mental illness.

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ISBN: 9781534324213

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Supper Club book. Read 11 reviews from the world's largest community for readers. Nora, Lili, and Iris are seniors at Seaside High. Their differing sched...

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** I received an ARC of this book from the publisher, because I am a librarian and librarians are awesome**

Autistic pre-teen with a secret identity as an online pop-star? Sign me up!

Mia has an autism diagnosis and is regularly the target of school bullying. But she's also the face and voice of pop-star alter-ego Elle-Q alongside her musically gifted friend Charlie (they/them). Will Charlie convince her to perform in a local talent show? Will bullies Laura and Jess reform? And who is the online s...more

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I received an ARC of this book from the publisher, because I am a librarian and librarians are awesome** Autistic pre-teen with a secret identity as an online pop-star? Sign me up! Mia has an autism diagnosis and is regularly the target of school bullying.

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9780063032842

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9781250784995

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9781250758330

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9780063084087

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9781506724508

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A new YA fantasy graphic novel following the epic adventures of Adora, a brave young woman of color who lives in a fantastical world with underground pirates, ghosts, and a mysterious force called "The Distance." The Distance threatens to destroy it all, and only Adora can stop it!
From Marc Bernardin-the award-winning television writer/producer on Star Trek: Picard, Critical Role: The Legend of Vox Machina, Masters of the Universe: Revelations, Castle Rock, and Mata Hari's Ariela Kristantina.

Includes an introduction by Damon Lindelof ( Lost, The Leftovers, HBO's The Watchmen)!

"Marc Bernardin's gorgeous, powerful Adora and the Distance was his way of connecting with a child on the Autism spectrum." - Vanity Fair
"A letter from a parent to a child with love so overflowing that it's visible on every page." - Kelly Sue DeConnick ( Captain Marvel, Aquaman)

"Gorgeously rendered and tenderly told, ADORA AND THE DISTANCE is the story of an extraordinary child-and the extraordinary people who love her. You cannot help but be moved." -G. Willow Wilson (Co-creator, Ms. Marvel)

"Adora and the Distance begins as a fantasy, all fun and brilliance, like a Game of Thrones for teenage girls, and then transmutes into something deeper and more moving, a reflection of an interior life that solves all the riddles it has propounded in a way that is both satisfying and heartbreaking. I'm so glad it exists." - Neil Gaiman ( The Sandman, Coraline, American Gods)

"Bernardin and Kristantina have pulled off a true magic trick. Adora and the Distance lures you in with dazzling fantasy yet its true magic lies its passionate, heartfelt exploration of deeper truths about connection, understanding and forgiveness through love. One of the most daring and heartfelt books I've read this year." - Scott Snyder ( Batman, Nocterra)

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A new YA fantasy graphic novel following the epic adventures of Adora, a brave young woman of color who lives in a fantastical world with underground pirates, ghosts, and a mysterious force called "The Distance."

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9780063056763

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BookPage | Discover your next great book!

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Book review of Swim Team by Johnnie Christmas

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This energetic, heartfelt graphic novel captures the joys and challenges of a sport that should be-but hasn't always been-freely enjoyed by everyone.

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9781250772824

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Ride On book. Read 111 reviews from the world's largest community for readers. An original graphic novel inspired by a childhood love of horses and Star ...

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Killer Underwear Invasion: How to Spot Fake News, Disinformation & Conspiracy Theories

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Killer Underwear Invasion: How to Spot Fake News, Disinformation & Conspiracy Theories

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9781797214917

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In this age of ubiquitous information saturation, it can be tough to recognize disinformation, for kids and adults alike. In Killer Underwear Invasion!, kids will be reeled in by the goofy title and hilarious cover images, but will find solid information on how to discern what's true in what they see and read online. Simple, funny examples show how disinformation is spread (I especially loved an image showing exponential tiny phone clicks multiplying into infinity), why people do it, and how to ...more

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In this age of ubiquitous information saturation, it can be tough to recognize disinformation, for kids and adults alike. In Killer Underwear Invasion!, kids will be reeled in by the goofy title and hilarious cover images, but will find solid information on how to discern what's true in what they see and read online.

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Kat Fajardo 9781338535594

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Review: http://www.ceceliabedelia.com/2021/09/marshmallow-jordan.html
ISBN: 9781250300614
NOTE: Goodreads says October 5, 2021, but Amazon confirms the publish date was October 26, 2021 (pushed back due to supply chain issues)

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Now that I'm a teacher, it's much harder to keep track of all of the awesome books releasing each week. I don't have the attention span (or time) I used to have to track what's going on in the book world! Luckily, the folks at Macmillan and First Second do a great job of getting the word out about their books to bloggers, librarians, and educators. And when I heard about Alina Chau's middle grade graphic novel Marshmallow & Jordan, I perked right up. A mysterious white elephant, a story set in Indonesia, playing sports with a disability, and water polo (which I played myself!) all rolled into one story??! Sign me up. And the result, you'll be glad to hear, is enchanting.

Jordan's days as star player for her school's basketball team ended when an accident left her paralyzed from the waist down. Now, she's still the team captain, but her competition days seem to be behind her...until an encounter with a mysterious elephant, who she names Marshmallow, helps Jordan discover a brand new sport.

Will water polo be the way for Jordan to continue her athletic dreams--or will it just come between Jordan and her best friends on the basketball team? And with the big tournament right around the corner, what secret is Marshmallow hiding?

Jordan, a former basketball star growing up in Indonesia, is still on her school's team even after an accident left her paraplegic. However, Jordan misses playing in games - she's not allowed to compete in a wheelchair, even though she can still make amazing shots. Enter Marshmallow, a mysterious white baby elephant who needs Jordan's help and friendship. With Marshmallow's help, Jordan learns how to play water polo, joins the water polo team, and works for her chance to compete again. Two mysteries remain: who, or what, is Marshmallow? And will Jordan's new team get to compete next year at nationals?

Oh my goodness, this is SUCH a cute book! It's solidly middle grade, with adorable art, bittersweet moments of loss and could-have-been futures balanced by a solid here-and-now main character, and a fantastic setting and cultural milieu. Jordan's family, including her parents and her nenek (grandmother) are a welcome change from many YA and middle grade books - they're alive! and present in Jordan's life. Their banter and support are refreshing to read, and help the reader understand how Jordan has become who she is. Jordan also has an amazing friend group through her basketball team, and throughout the book she gets to know girls on the water polo team as well. Overall, Chau's storytelling is fairly simple, but the setting, amazing network behind Jordan, the mystery and cuteness (kawaii!) of Marshmallow, and the gorgeous artwork raise the book a level above.

If there is a weakness in this book, it is that there's not quite enough of it - but isn't that always the way? I was having such a good time with Jordan and her crew that I wanted to keep reading. Marshmallow's fantastical origins could have been explored a little more? But really, what you get as a reader is a sweet, good-hearted story with just a bit of angst to carry you through. And it is a wonderful read for those reasons!

Let's talk a bit about the art. When I first saw it I thought refined watercolors, vibrant colors, attention to cultural setting and details (especially food and flowers!), and an elephant that is too cute to be real - and I was right on that point! Chau's art was sketched and cleaned up in Photoshop, watercolors painted by hand, and then composites were detailed in Photoshop, according to the back matter. Chau captures movement well, including illustrating plays in both basketball and water polo, which is tough! Her background in the film and game industries no doubt helped develop that skill, and she brings it and the storytelling to the page with grace.

In all, Marshmallow & Jordan is a heartwarming, thoroughly middle school tale of overcoming obstacles, making (and keeping!) friends, and familial love. The dash of fantasy at the end just adds to the delightful whole.

Recommended for: fans of Shannon Hale's Real Friends, Victoria Jamieson'sRoller Girl, and Raina Telgemeier's books, anyone interested in sports depicted in graphic novels, and readers ages 8+ looking for wholesome, pure-hearted heroines and reads!

Marshmallow & Jordan will be available from First Second on October 26, 2021.

Fine print: I received an advanced e-ARC for review consideration from the publisher. I did not receive any compensation for this post.

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Now that I'm a teacher, it's much harder to keep track of all of the awesome books releasing each week. I don't have the attention span (or time) I used to have to track what's going on in the book world!

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Review: http://www.ceceliabedelia.com/2022/01/manu.html
ISBN: 9781338264197

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There are days when you need an impeccably illustrated magic school story to escape reality.* During the first week of January, when we in the DC area had a surfeit of snow days, I picked up and very much enjoyed , Kelly Fernández's middle grade fantasy graphic novel. Manu is a magic school story with a twist. The twist? It's set at an all-girls religious school with a mix of nuns, saints, and brujería, drawing on the author's Dominican heritage, culture, and folklore. Oh, and it features a delightful, trouble-magnet heroine.

Manu is always getting into trouble. The headmistress at school believes Manu has the potential to help people with her magic, but Manu would rather have fun than fit in. The other students claim she's secretly a demon and that she was raised by wolves. Manu doesn't care what people say about her... until an argument with her best friend Josefina ends with Manu getting cursed so she can't control her magic.

Manu is determined to break the curse and prove she's the best witchling at school. But great power comes at a cost, and it may be a price Manu isn't able to pay!

Manu - short for Manuela - always seems to attract trouble. Her magic is too strong, she's using it for the wrong reasons (according to Mother Dolores, the headmistress), and she doesn't really care about being kind and obedient, like her friend Josefina and the rest of the girls. Her idea of a good time is contravening the school's rules, exploring the area around school, and practicing magic. When something "goes wrong" with her magic, Manu finds herself more of an outcast than usual, and, as one does, creates a small cataclysm. In Manu, author-illustrator Fernández integrates themes of identity, true friendship, and expectations vs. reality in a heartwarming and hilarious whole.

Manu is, more than anything else, a lot of FUN. It has magic and magic-gone-wrong, supernatural beasts with their own agendas, true friendship, and a mysterious origin story that takes the whole of the book to unravel. Readers in the target age group will love the trouble Manu gets into (and only sometimes gets out of!) and recognize the chaos and in-groups/outcast feeling of the school. It also will appeal for its setting and world-building. Fernández's combination of brujería (witchcraft) with religious education is authentic to Dominican culture and will be familiar to those from many other Caribbean and Latin American backgrounds as well. Meanwhile, that mixture will likely seem unique and interesting to those with no previous exposure to it and draw them further into the story to find out what happens in the end.

Let's go back to that true friendship bit I mentioned earlier. While Manu grew up at the school, her friend Josefina only started attending once she manifested her powers. Despite vastly different backgrounds, these two have a fast friendship: it has survived ups, downs, and Manu-created disasters. I think you could read their friendship as queer, but there is nothing overt - only a kiss on the cheek on the final pages. I'll be interested to see if Fernández continues Manu's adventures in a series and develops this hint any further.

Now onto the art! Fernández uses rounded black lines to delineate her characters and create the background and setting, combined with pastel brights (note: not a real art term) that are evocative of how bright sunlight can wash out vivid colors. Something like 98% of the book is illustrated in small sequential panels (3-6 per page), with the very occasional full-page image. The effect? A fun story told at almost breakneck pace: Manu keeps having (mis)adventures, and the next crisis is just around the corner/page.

In all, Manu is a delightful middle grade fantasy about figuring out who you are and how you fit in the world, complete with magic-gone-wild and exploding mangoes (read the book to find out more!).

Recommended for: fans of fantastical graphic novels for the middle grade set - anyone who liked Molly Knox Ostertag's The Witch Boy series is sure to love Manu, and those interested in diversifying their graphic novel collection with characters of color and Caribbean settings.

*Reality = Teaching at a real high school during the pandemic, no magic included.

Fine print: I received an ARC of this title for review consideration from the publisher. I did not receive any compensation for this post.

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There are days when you need an impeccably illustrated magic school story to escape reality.* During the first week of January, when we in the DC area had a surfeit of snow days, I picked up and very much enjoyed , Kelly Fernández's middle grade fantasy graphic novel.

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Review: http://www.ceceliabedelia.com/2022/06/chefs-kiss.html
ISBN: 9781620109045

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My Review: http://www.ceceliabedelia.com/2022/08/crumbs.html
ISBN: 9780358467793

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VICTORY. STAND!: RAISING MY FIST FOR JUSTICE

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VICTORY. STAND!: RAISING MY FIST FOR JUSTICE

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Review: http://www.ceceliabedelia.com/2022/09/victory-stand-raising-my-fist-for.html
ISBN: 9781324003908

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I'm always on the lookout for graphic novels and books that will appeal to my students (9 th and 11 th graders). Often that means finding and reading nonfiction, sports books, science books - things that aren't necessarily in my own reading wheelhouse but would spark the interest of a kid who has given up on reading for pleasure. The upcoming young adult graphic novelVictory. Stand!: Raising My Fist for Justice by Tommie Smith, Derrick Barnes, and Dawud Anyabwile is just such a book. I'm so glad I took a moment to read it after Norton sent me a copy - I can tell that it will not only resonate with my students, but it is a fantastic text, and it meant a lot to me.

On October 16, 1968, during the medal ceremony at the Mexico City Olympics, Tommie Smith, the gold medal winner in the 200-meter sprint, and John Carlos, the bronze medal winner, stood on the podium in black socks and raised their black-gloved fists to protest racial injustice inflicted upon African Americans. Both men were forced to leave the Olympics, received death threats, and faced ostracism and continuing economic hardships.
In his first-ever memoir for young readers, Tommie Smith looks back on his childhood growing up in rural Texas through to his stellar athletic career, culminating in his historic victory and Olympic podium protest. Cowritten with Newbery Honor and Coretta Scott King Author Honor recipient Derrick Barnes and illustrated with bold and muscular artwork from Emmy Award-winning illustrator Dawud Anyabwile, Victory. Stand! paints a stirring portrait of an iconic moment in Olympic history that still resonates today.

Tommie Smith is famous for a stand he took after accepting the gold medal for running and winning the 200 meters (and breaking the World Record) at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. That photo, of Smith's and bronze medalist John Carlos' fists raised in the sky on the Olympic podium, is an iconic protest image. But who is (and was) the man behind that gold medal? In Victory. Stand! Tommie Smith tells his life story for young adults: how he grew up as a sharecropper's son in rural Texas, moved out to California with his family, focused on his education, gained cultural consciousness, how his sporting life proceeded, and eventually, how he ended up in that fateful race and made a stand for justice.

I've read Smith's story before, and I remember being horrified at how his moment in the spotlight prompted almost 50 years of racist backlash - death threats, economic hardship (he was fired immediately and then had a hard time finding a job for years), and awful vitriol directed not just towards him, but towards every member of his family. Only in the last couple of decades has there been some softening into acceptance, appreciation, and acknowledgement of Smith's legacy. The end of this book does not shy away from those hard truths - in concise terms, Smith details what a life of uncompromising morals and purpose may result in. He also makes a connection to others in the current spotlight or not-so-distant past who have stood up for what they believe is right, and faced the consequences.

As a graphic novel memoir, Victory. Stand! is tight, focused narrative told in linear format interspersed with flashbacks. The "present" is the race for Olympic gold, and the flashbacks are to Smith's early childhood in Texas. There is a constant feeling of moving forward with purpose, and Smith's connection to places and family share the focus for much of the story. It's a gripping tale, and one with excellent: pacing, mix of dialogue and narration, and artwork. The full package, if you will.

Speaking of artwork, Dawud Anyabwile's black and white linework and art is exceptional. Each panel is considered, framed for effect, and contains gradations of black and white that make the scene pop. In the action moments, there's a palpable sense of movement and focus, and the use of shadow and lighting that merge with the text to tell a story. A variety of the panel sizes keep the reader's eye moving. While there is quite a bit of text on the page, it the book never feels text-heavy - it is just right: balanced, moving, and electric.

In all, Victory. Stand! is a standout graphic memoir. I can't wait to put it in kids' hands. I think Tommie's message will resonate with not only those who remember the Olympic moment, but also folks learning about it now, and those with eyes and hearts open to the world today.

Recommended for: readers ages 10 and up, fans of American history, graphic novels, and sports, and anyone interested in learning how to use their unique talents to be a better person in the world.

Victory. Stand! will be released by Norton Young Readers (W. W. Norton & Company) on September 27, 2022.

Fine print: I received an advanced copy from the publisher for review and course adoption consideration. I did not receive any compensation for this post.

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victory. stand!: raising my fist for justice

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I'm always on the lookout for graphic novels and books that will appeal to my students (9 th and 11 th graders). Often that means finding and reading nonfiction, sports books, science books - things that aren't necessarily in my own reading wheelhouse but would spark the interest of a kid who has given up on reading for pleasure.

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This is Christina Soontornvat’s semi-autobiographical novel about cheerleading, friendship… and a nuanced portrait of what it’s really like to be brown in a very tiny little red town. I cannot say enough about her reflections in the back matter on that subject, and how many hours of therapy they’re probably going to save countless children. Bonus points for the tutorial on how to make chopsticks!

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The Tryout: A Graphic Novel [Soontornvat, Christina, Cacao, Joanna] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. The Tryout: A Graphic Novel

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TRUTH OR DARE...
BY P.J. Night
Illustrations by Ornofrio Orlando
review by Thompson McLeod
https://booksbypamelathompson.blogspot.com/2022/09/graphic-novel-pick-creepover-truth-or.html

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by James Howe and Andrew Donkin
Illustrated by Stephen Gilpin
ISBN: 9781534421615

Blog review by Thompson McLeod
https://booksbypamelathompson.blogspot.com/2022/09/graphic-pick-bunnicula-graphic-novel.html

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by Jason Shiga
9781419757792

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Angela De Vito
9781368028356

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Shannon and Dean Hale
9781779501226

# data[].attributes.body
Harmony Becker
9781250235572

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Piece by Piece: The Story of Nisrin's Hijab / EMG

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Piece by Piece: The Story of Nisrin's Hijab / EMG

# data[].attributes.body
Priya Huq
9781419740169

# data[].attributes.body
Wendy Xu
9780062955791

# data[].attributes.body
Huda Fahmy
9780593324318

# data[].attributes.body
Deanna Kent
9781250265401

# data[].attributes.body
Jessi Zabarsky
9780593125434

# data[].attributes.body
Blue Delliquanti
9780593124147

# data[].attributes.body
Sarah Winifred Searle
9781250297235

# data[].attributes.body
Danny Lore
9781506714547

# data[].attributes.body
Mason Dickerson
9780593173459)

# data[].attributes.body
Alicia Keys & Andrew Weiner
9780063029569

# data[].attributes.headline
The Woman in the Woods and Other North American Stories / EMG

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The Woman in the Woods and Other North American Stories / EMG

# data[].attributes.body
Kate Ashwin
9781945820977

# data[].attributes.body
Roseanne A. Brown
9781338648065

# data[].attributes.body
Jadzia Axelrod
9781401298531

# data[].attributes.body
Jake Wyatt
9781626724143

# data[].attributes.body
Rey Terciero
9780062941480

# data[].attributes.body
Tillie Walden
9781534321281

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"I don't know, something in me changed after I got bit. I ignored it for a while but it keeps growing. This idea that I...I was going to live. And not just day by day like I had been. I could live for months...years...that I might be an adult someday, like my mom was. I don't know why but it scared me so much. So much that it felt like I couldn't breathe."

Clementine meets a young boy while on the road and decides to tag along on the boy's journey up a Vermont mountain for contrived reasons, whic...more

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"I don't know, something in me changed after I got bit. I ignored it for a while but it keeps growing. This idea that I...I was going to live. And not just day by day like I had been. I could live for months...years...that I might be an adult someday, like my mom was.

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Varian Johnson
9781779501257

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by

Lucie Bryon

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·  259 ratings  ·  43 reviews

Start your review of Thieves

An adorable sapphic romance about two teens who steal! Such a sweet and funny story with complex, flawed characters that you can't help but love, along with gorgeous, emotive artwork. An adorable sapphic romance about two teens who steal! Such a sweet and funny story with complex, flawed characters that you can't help but love, along with gorgeous, emotive artwork. ...more

J’ai adoré ! Le dessin si expressif et doux, les couleurs parfaites, et une histoire qui emporte et fait ressentir plein d’émotions, aaaah, vague de tendresse. Vraiment superbe.

Coup de coeur !
Tout est parfait dans ce graphique 💜
Le dessin, le scénario, la composition dès planches, les couleurs, les trames ! Bref j’ai juste adoré !
Lucie Bryon a un talent de dingue pour rendre ses personnages très expressifs et j’ai énormément ri en lisant Voleuse, en plus d’être très touché par cette belle histoire d’amour.
Bref, un must-read !

J'ai ADORÉ !! C'est super beau, visuellement ça m'a rappelé Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me, mais c'est une histoire moins dramatique, sur une relation lesbienne saine et adorable. J'ai été émue par l'entraide et la compréhension entre les personnages, les moments doux, les moments d'émotion... un vrai 5/5 💗
Avertissement de contenu : souvenirs de harcèlement scolaire, consommation d'alcool
J'ai ADORÉ !! C'est super beau, visuellement ça m'a rappelé Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me, mais c'est une histoire moins dramatique, sur une relation lesbienne saine et adorable. J'ai été émue par l'entraide et la compréhension entre les personnages, les moments doux, les moments d'émotion... un vrai 5/5 💗
Avertissement de contenu : souvenirs de harcèlement scolaire, consommation d'alcool
...more

THIS IS SO CUTE AND SOFT, I LOVE IT LET'S GO LESBEANS LET'S GO THIS IS SO CUTE AND SOFT, I LOVE IT LET'S GO LESBEANS LET'S GO ...more

IT WAS SO CUTE AAAAAAAAH I WANT TO REREAD IT NOW

C'était adorable, mais aussi suffisamment intéressant et profond pour pas tomber dans le côté niaiseux d'un amour de lycée. Et qu'est-ce que ça fait du bien d'avoir un personnage bisexuel qui ne se justifie pas de l'être ! C'était adorable, mais aussi suffisamment intéressant et profond pour pas tomber dans le côté niaiseux d'un amour de lycée. Et qu'est-ce que ça fait du bien d'avoir un personnage bisexuel qui ne se justifie pas de l'être ! ...more

Les graphismes sont très doux, j’ai beaucoup aimé! Pas un coup de cœur mais vraiment une chouette lecture 💞

Ohlala c'est trop mimi. J'ai fondu pour cette petite romance lesbienne toute mignonne, les couleurs et les dessins super doux. Le visage très expressif de l'héroïne m'a aussi bien fait rigoler. C'est une chouette lecture feel-good, qui arrive quand même à aborder la kleptomanie et le harcèlement sans les dramatiser. Mention spéciale à la meilleure amie d'Ella, qui sous ses airs toujours en colère, se montre très soutenante et de bon conseil pour ses proches. Ohlala c'est trop mimi. J'ai fondu pour cette petite romance lesbienne toute mignonne, les couleurs et les dessins super doux. Le visage très expressif de l'héroïne m'a aussi bien fait rigoler. C'est une chouette lecture feel-good, qui arrive quand même à aborder la kleptomanie et le harcèlement sans les dramatiser. Mention spéciale à la meilleure amie d'Ella, qui sous ses airs toujours en colère, se montre très soutenante et de bon conseil pour ses proches. ...more

4.5 ~ j'ai passé un super moment avec cette BD !!
C'était fluffy, mignon, super drôle et visuellement joli a regarder !
Le genre de petite histoire que je relirais volontiers pour me remonter le moral. 4.5 ~ j'ai passé un super moment avec cette BD !!
C'était fluffy, mignon, super drôle et visuellement joli a regarder !
Le genre de petite histoire que je relirais volontiers pour me remonter le moral. ...more

5/5 ⭐️
Une petite pépite de cette rentrée de janvier. À ne surtout pas rater ! 💛

Coup de cœur !
J'ai adorée les dessins, expressifs et les couleurs choisies. L'histoire est drôle, touchante, on s'attache à Madeleine et Ella, comme les personnages secondaires.
Coup de cœur !
J'ai adorée les dessins, expressifs et les couleurs choisies. L'histoire est drôle, touchante, on s'attache à Madeleine et Ella, comme les personnages secondaires.
...more

it's very sweet it's very sweet ...more

Dès que j’ai posé les yeux sur ces dessins, je n’ai pas pu résister. Pour les qualifier, je dirais une inspiration manga avec des personnages expressifs et attachants – surtout Ella aves ses oreilles en chou et ses mimiques. Un jeu de couleur pastel très limité qui sert surtout à souligner des ambiances, un côté vintage avec des trames de points — bref c’est trop mignon.
L’histoire se déroule entre lycéennes qui découvrent les sorties et les amours. Rien de renversant, mais c’est agréable à lire
Dès que j’ai posé les yeux sur ces dessins, je n’ai pas pu résister. Pour les qualifier, je dirais une inspiration manga avec des personnages expressifs et attachants – surtout Ella aves ses oreilles en chou et ses mimiques. Un jeu de couleur pastel très limité qui sert surtout à souligner des ambiances, un côté vintage avec des trames de points — bref c’est trop mignon.
L’histoire se déroule entre lycéennes qui découvrent les sorties et les amours. Rien de renversant, mais c’est agréable à lire et plutôt bien mené. Une expérience de lecture que je ne regrette absolument pas.

Également publié sur mon blog.
...more

voleuse, c'est la première bd que j'ai acheté et je l'ai tellement appréciée que ça n'est probablement pas la dernière!! j'ai découvert lucie sur les réseaux il y a quelques semaines et j'ai tout de suite su que voleuse me plairait...
entre le style de lucie et ces personnages...
les couleurs sont si belles et j'ai particulièrement la métaphore de la vague qu'on retrouve à plusieurs endroits!
au niveau du plot, j'ai vu plusieurs commentaires qui disaient que ça n'était pas exceptionnel mais je ne p voleuse, c'est la première bd que j'ai acheté et je l'ai tellement appréciée que ça n'est probablement pas la dernière!! j'ai découvert lucie sur les réseaux il y a quelques semaines et j'ai tout de suite su que voleuse me plairait...
entre le style de lucie et ces personnages...
les couleurs sont si belles et j'ai particulièrement la métaphore de la vague qu'on retrouve à plusieurs endroits!
au niveau du plot, j'ai vu plusieurs commentaires qui disaient que ça n'était pas exceptionnel mais je ne pense pas que ça soit une mauvaise chose! c'est une petite histoire, mais pas dans le sens péjoratif du terme! ça fait beaucoup de bien de lire une relation wlw sans trop de larmes et de tragique (il y en a juste assez ici!!) qui fasse sourire. ella et madeleine sont beaucoup trop douces et leur relation aussi!
je suis vraiment heureuse d'avoir lu cette bd et encore plus de la posséder ! elle est vraiment magnifique et je souris dès que mes yeux se posent dessus <3 ...more

Une histoire mignonne et réaliste, et qui ne tourne pas autour du coming out ! Yes !
Si j'étais pas sûre sûre d'aimer le dessin au début, j'ai de suite aimé le caractère complètement extravagant de l'héroïne. C'est une belle histoire, amusante et touchante. Une histoire mignonne et réaliste, et qui ne tourne pas autour du coming out ! Yes !
Si j'étais pas sûre sûre d'aimer le dessin au début, j'ai de suite aimé le caractère complètement extravagant de l'héroïne. C'est une belle histoire, amusante et touchante. ...more

Les dessins m'ont intriguée au début mais j'ai adoré l'histoire de ce roman graphique. Le passage à la vie d'adulte et les moments de cette première relation et étaient très émouvants. Les dessins m'ont intriguée au début mais j'ai adoré l'histoire de ce roman graphique. Le passage à la vie d'adulte et les moments de cette première relation et étaient très émouvants. ...more

Coup de cœur pour cette BD Jeunesse hyper cool et touchante !!
Les dessins sont super chouette, très modernes. Et les thématiques abordées sont vraiment sympa ! ❤️

Très bonne représentation et très original. Ça mérite largement son succès.

Doux, acidulé, fun...
Une histoire d'amour toute douce. Une histoire d'ado comme les autres, écrite avec tendresse, justesse et espièglerie. Et puis le dessin! Rond fluide rêveur... Un vrai plaisir à lire et à caresser des yeux!
Doux, acidulé, fun...
Une histoire d'amour toute douce. Une histoire d'ado comme les autres, écrite avec tendresse, justesse et espièglerie. Et puis le dessin! Rond fluide rêveur... Un vrai plaisir à lire et à caresser des yeux!
...more

O quadrinho escolar de romance entre duas meninas francesas que eu precisava! O desenho é muito fofo e a atmosfera do quadrinho é gostosa e divertida. O romance evolui suavemente, tem conflitos e tem aventuras. Acompanhei os desenhos desse quadrinho durante todo o processo de criação, e fiquei tocada de enfim ler essa história. Tem muitos traços dos mangás shoujo, com as diferenças culturais da vida adolescente francesa (festas, álcool, cigarro, muitos beijos). Me apaixonei pelas meninas!

Trop trop trop bien !! Cette histoire est touchante, drôle, surprenante, originale, belle et j'en passe !
Les illustrations sont magnifiques et j'ai adoré la petite touche de la noyade pour représenter l'anxiété/le fait d'être (littéralement) submergé par ses émotions. Voleuse n'est même pas encore sortie en librairies que j'attends déjà le prochain titre de Lucie Bryon avec impatience ! Trop trop trop bien !! Cette histoire est touchante, drôle, surprenante, originale, belle et j'en passe !
Les illustrations sont magnifiques et j'ai adoré la petite touche de la noyade pour représenter l'anxiété/le fait d'être (littéralement) submergé par ses émotions. Voleuse n'est même pas encore sortie en librairies que j'attends déjà le prochain titre de Lucie Bryon avec impatience ! ...more

une bd envoûtante, si bien dessinée, écrite, colorée, dans laquelle on se sent confortable, écoutée, entourée 🥰 un thème surprenant mais très intéressant ! et une histoire d’amour et d’amitié toute douce, toute légère, si facile, si juste 🫶🏻.

C'était beaucoup trop cool et doux et drôle. J'ai toujours toujours adoré les dessins de Lucie Bryon, depuis les tout débuts de son blog, je trouve que ça dégouline de personnalité et d'émotions !! J'adore ses références graphiques et les œuvres qui semblent l'inspirer du coup j'attendais impatiemment de lire une fiction d'elle (même si j'adore son travail autobio aussi!)
Pas déçu.e pour un sous, ici tout a fonctionné pour moi: depuis les tenues des perso, jusque dans l'écriture des dialogues, l C'était beaucoup trop cool et doux et drôle. J'ai toujours toujours adoré les dessins de Lucie Bryon, depuis les tout débuts de son blog, je trouve que ça dégouline de personnalité et d'émotions !! J'adore ses références graphiques et les œuvres qui semblent l'inspirer du coup j'attendais impatiemment de lire une fiction d'elle (même si j'adore son travail autobio aussi!)
Pas déçu.e pour un sous, ici tout a fonctionné pour moi: depuis les tenues des perso, jusque dans l'écriture des dialogues, les expressions faciales, les couleurs, en passant par le scénario principal bien sûr. Bref, vraiment une super pépite, j'aurais adoré avoir un bouquin pareil dans les mains à quinze piges, ça m'aurait changé la vie! ...more

J'ai vraiment apprécié ce moment de lecture avec ce roman graphique.
Les dessins sont doux, les personnages agréables et attachants.
L'histoire en elle-même est bien.
Je conseille fortement cette lecture. J'ai vraiment apprécié ce moment de lecture avec ce roman graphique.
Les dessins sont doux, les personnages agréables et attachants.
L'histoire en elle-même est bien.
Je conseille fortement cette lecture. ...more

Oh mais, ce livre 💛
Tout y est si doux, je veux tout relire, c'était trop bien Oh mais, ce livre 💛
Tout y est si doux, je veux tout relire, c'était trop bien ...more

J'ai adoréééé omg. C'était ultra mims!!! les dessins sont magnifiques, les personnages super attachant vrm gros coup de coeur J'ai adoréééé omg. C'était ultra mims!!! les dessins sont magnifiques, les personnages super attachant vrm gros coup de coeur ...more

Mon coup de cœur de l'année 💕 Mon coup de cœur de l'année 💕 ...more

Lucie Bryon is an cartoonist and illustrator. She studied graphic design in Orléans, France and comics at the ESA St Luc Brussels, Belgium.
She now lives in France and works for children’s publishing, video game companies and various publications as an illustrator and comic artist.
Her work has been published by ShortBox, Milan, BDkids, Kaboom Studios, Cicada Magazine, and France Inter.
She regularly Lucie Bryon is an cartoonist and illustrator. She studied graphic design in Orléans, France and comics at the ESA St Luc Brussels, Belgium.
She now lives in France and works for children’s publishing, video game companies and various publications as an illustrator and comic artist.
Her work has been published by ShortBox, Milan, BDkids, Kaboom Studios, Cicada Magazine, and France Inter.
She regularly publishes short comics online and self publishes books. ...more

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·  289 ratings  ·  101 reviews

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Mar 12, 2022 Geoff rated it it was amazing

Started out as a zany middle school hijinks comic and quickly evolved into a nice lesson on friendship, passion, empathy, and the value of hard work. I really enjoyed the little world that Armstong created and the way she gave even the minor characters personalities, motivations, and little unique details. The two main characters both have nice arcs, the acceptance of non-standard gender presentation and identification is well done, and the ending is quite satisfying. And I loved the art!
**Thank
Started out as a zany middle school hijinks comic and quickly evolved into a nice lesson on friendship, passion, empathy, and the value of hard work. I really enjoyed the little world that Armstong created and the way she gave even the minor characters personalities, motivations, and little unique details. The two main characters both have nice arcs, the acceptance of non-standard gender presentation and identification is well done, and the ending is quite satisfying. And I loved the art!
**Thanks to the artist, publisher, and NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
...more

Apr 07, 2022 Jaclyn Hillis marked it as read-comix

Were you in band or can you play an instrument? I definitely can’t read music or carry a tune. I tried out for band but didn’t make the cut. Reading this graphic novel really made me feel like I missed out on an amazing experience.
Scout was a very relatable character for me- who hasn’t done the ‘fake it til I make it’ thing? She is quick to learn that faking it will only get her so far, and I loved her character growth.

Each character is introduced with their pronouns and character traits. I abs
Were you in band or can you play an instrument? I definitely can’t read music or carry a tune. I tried out for band but didn’t make the cut. Reading this graphic novel really made me feel like I missed out on an amazing experience.
Scout was a very relatable character for me- who hasn’t done the ‘fake it til I make it’ thing? She is quick to learn that faking it will only get her so far, and I loved her character growth.

Each character is introduced with their pronouns and character traits. I absolutely loved Lou and their online friendship with Scout. Merrin was great too when you got to know her. Each of these characters really embraced their creativity.

I absolutely adored this story and art, and it was overall a great experience. I highly recommend!!
...more

Jun 25, 2022 Dana rated it it was amazing

Super cute graphic novel about a girl joining band just to go on the end of year trip to a convention where her favorite author will be making an appearance. I loved that Scout gave it her all in the end and chose band and her friends over her favorite author. And the little at the end made it all worth it!
Overall, a great pick for a story about friendship, responsibilities, and the power of anime music~

Spoiler Alert: Scout is in fact a band kid.
A really cute story about how fun and fulfilling band can be and the friendships made through it, as well as the meaning of friendship and the importance of practicing skills you wish to excel in. I liked the story of the cosplay/art interest and getting to the festival, I only wish there was more of a resolution with her other group of friends about them constantly degrading her interests.
Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC of this title.

May 21, 2022 Madison rated it really liked it

This was a super cute read that'll appeal to fans of art and school stories, as well as kids who are in that stage of "no romance ever in anything." It's a sweet ode to fandom and the importance of practice/working hard in art. This was a super cute read that'll appeal to fans of art and school stories, as well as kids who are in that stage of "no romance ever in anything." It's a sweet ode to fandom and the importance of practice/working hard in art. ...more

Mar 30, 2022 Mehsi rated it it was amazing

I received this book from the publisher/TBR and Beyond Tours in exchange of an honest review.
This was a fun book about a girl named Scout who got it in her head to go to band so she would be able to attend a festival. At first she is horrible at music and you just want to shake Scout a bit to just do the practice but then things go better and better and friendship is found and I just loved seeing Scout grow. Get better. Scout was so relatable. Haha. I just loved that girl. And I also liked Scout
I received this book from the publisher/TBR and Beyond Tours in exchange of an honest review.
This was a fun book about a girl named Scout who got it in her head to go to band so she would be able to attend a festival. At first she is horrible at music and you just want to shake Scout a bit to just do the practice but then things go better and better and friendship is found and I just loved seeing Scout grow. Get better. Scout was so relatable. Haha. I just loved that girl. And I also liked Scout’s friends Merrin and Lou! I loved for each friend (and also Scout) we got a small introduction with pronouns and what they were good at. That was fun! There were a few things I was less a fan of but that had to do mostly with how done the graphic novel was. Sometimes text bubbles were empty (thus no clue what they were talking about), some pages had full colour, others had nothing or just a dot here and there, some were just sketches. It was a tad confusing. So I will definitely be buying the book to add to my collection and see the finished product. I would give this book drum roll: Star rating, 5 stars

Read my blog for 15 reactions I had for this book: https://twirlingbookprincess.com/2022...
...more

Jun 23, 2022 Audrey rated it it was amazing

AUDREY'S ONE-SENTENCE BOOK REVIEWS
THIS BOOK WAS WRITTEN FOR ME (BRASS PLAYER WHO IS A LITTLE TOO INTO MAGICAL GIRL ANIME)
AUDREY'S ONE-SENTENCE BOOK REVIEWS
THIS BOOK WAS WRITTEN FOR ME (BRASS PLAYER WHO IS A LITTLE TOO INTO MAGICAL GIRL ANIME)
...more

My Rating: 4 Stars
This is bringing back memories of playing the drums in 4th-grade band...

I don't generally read middle-grade graphic novels but I really enjoyed this one! It's such a cute and relatable story- Cute because of the art style and relatable because of her fangirling!

Characters:

I really liked both of the main characters, and the side characters were nice too, especially Mr.Varma! Seriously, though, he was such a nice band teacher and teacher in general, and I really appreciated his e
My Rating: 4 Stars
This is bringing back memories of playing the drums in 4th-grade band...

I don't generally read middle-grade graphic novels but I really enjoyed this one! It's such a cute and relatable story- Cute because of the art style and relatable because of her fangirling!

Characters:

I really liked both of the main characters, and the side characters were nice too, especially Mr.Varma! Seriously, though, he was such a nice band teacher and teacher in general, and I really appreciated his enthusiasm and encouragement.
Merrin
She seems mean on the outside but is really nice when once you get to know her, so as the book progressed I liked her more and more. She's very enthusiastic and passionate about the trombone and is actually encouraging at times though she can also be a tough tutor.
Scott:
Merrin said "I believe it's admirable to strive for things that are important to you." and Scout did that which I really liked about her. She thought band would be terrible and had no trombone skills whatsoever but went for it anyway to get the chance to meet her favorite author.

I probably gave a whole star just for Scout and how inspiring she was, to be honest. Yes, she missed out on a lot of band practices at the start and yes she lied about her trombone skills but, also, she changed by the end and started to really become a band kid.

And also Merrin! I have to say it again, she was such a great character and watching their friendship grow as the book went on was definitely one of my favorite parts of this book.

I would have liked a more clear resolution with her friends who didn't accept her so that it would finish all the plot points it started, and I would have liked the whole novel to be in color instead of just parts of it, but overall, this was a really fun graphic novel that I'd recommend!

You can find me post for the blog tour here
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Characters
The characters in this novel were absolutely fantastic, and I loved them. These characters and their love for the band, and music took me back to my high school days of being in choirs. Fandom also played another role in the characters’ lives specifically, a book and video game fandom, and I loved their passion so much. As a lover of books and video games, I loved seeing two things I love as plot points in the book. Band kids and students involved in the arts tend to stick together an
Characters
The characters in this novel were absolutely fantastic, and I loved them. These characters and their love for the band, and music took me back to my high school days of being in choirs. Fandom also played another role in the characters’ lives specifically, a book and video game fandom, and I loved their passion so much. As a lover of books and video games, I loved seeing two things I love as plot points in the book. Band kids and students involved in the arts tend to stick together and find their group of friends when they join a creative extracurricular. They showed this in the novel when Scout joined the band and found new friends there. Also, the way Scout and Merrin had a rocky start and then became friends, was so sweet. Character profiles with stats were a fun and creative addition to the story and their personalities.

Plot

The plot in this novel is one that was very fun to follow. Scout joins the band to meet her favorite author at a fest the band performs at, and I loved following the journey in the story. Through her time in the band, Scout goes on a journey of self-discovery and growth, which was fun to go along for the ride on. Although Scout started off joining the band for the wrong reasons, she made friends with common interests, and this was exactly what she needed. Another part of the story was about Scout and her online friend Lou, and their friendship was so sweet. As someone who has several online friends as well, I loved reading their scenes.

Writing

The writing of this novel was fantastic. Jade Armstrong uses tone in a fun and unique way, keeping the reader interested in how the scene will go. Most of Scout is Not A Band Kid is filled with a light and fun tone, which I loved because most of the time, that was Scout’s personality. There are so heavier scenes in the novel, and these had a heavier tone. These scenes also had more honest conversations, which I enjoyed.

Art

The art in this novel was fantastic, and I loved the art style so much. Scout is Not A Band Kid is a modern story, and the art style feels modern. Sometimes when you read Graphic Novels, the art can take away from the story, and this is not the case here. The art works in tandem with the writing to help tell the story.

Enjoyment/ recommend for

I recommend this novel to those that want a cute Middle-Grade Contemporary Graphic Novel. Scout Is Not A Band Kid is a love letter to the creative kids, and I loved that so much. I’m going to keep recommending this to both kids and adults for years to come.
...more

This was such a relatable middle grade graphic novel. Working in a Middle School, I found Scout's struggle to fit in with her friends while hiding who she really is to be such an honest view of this age. The relationship building between Scout and Merrin was a joy to read. The art style Scout is Not A Band Kid will absolutely resonate with the teens who pick this up. So many kids will see themselves in these pages! I can't wait to recommend this one for our school library!
[Read an ARC through Ne
This was such a relatable middle grade graphic novel. Working in a Middle School, I found Scout's struggle to fit in with her friends while hiding who she really is to be such an honest view of this age. The relationship building between Scout and Merrin was a joy to read. The art style Scout is Not A Band Kid will absolutely resonate with the teens who pick this up. So many kids will see themselves in these pages! I can't wait to recommend this one for our school library!
[Read an ARC through NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.]
...more

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
I think this is a case of regional differences. Perhaps other schools are different, but I couldn't believe a student would be allowed into band with no prior knowledge of an instrument in 8th grade. My students who want to read books about band want to hear about players who are really interested in music, so I will pass on this one. There aren't a lot of good middle grade band books out there, but there are some students (like my younger daughter) who take this
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
I think this is a case of regional differences. Perhaps other schools are different, but I couldn't believe a student would be allowed into band with no prior knowledge of an instrument in 8th grade. My students who want to read books about band want to hear about players who are really interested in music, so I will pass on this one. There aren't a lot of good middle grade band books out there, but there are some students (like my younger daughter) who take this class VERY seriously and wouldn't be all that amused by someone who joined band just to get to an event to meet an author. This might be more popular in a library where students are really interested in Comic Con type events. Certainly an interesting graphic novel, and might go over well with fans of Telgemeier's Drama. There are not too many graphic novels about the performing arts for middle grade readers.
...more

OMGoodness! I adored Scout is Not a Band Kid! This Middle Grade Graphic Novel is packed full of lessons on working hard, succeeding when you put your mind to it, and building friendships in the unlikeliest places.
I can’t get over how incredibly joyously queer this book is without being so on the nose with it. We have Enby kids (which makes so much sense, seeing as how the author is also Non-Binary) and they weren’t treated differently for it. I had a HUGE smile while reading 90% of this book and
OMGoodness! I adored Scout is Not a Band Kid! This Middle Grade Graphic Novel is packed full of lessons on working hard, succeeding when you put your mind to it, and building friendships in the unlikeliest places.
I can’t get over how incredibly joyously queer this book is without being so on the nose with it. We have Enby kids (which makes so much sense, seeing as how the author is also Non-Binary) and they weren’t treated differently for it. I had a HUGE smile while reading 90% of this book and loved every second of it!

Scout definitely is helping to reinforce the nerdiness of the average band member and no one is sad about it. She’s a cosplayer who loves a video game that’s based on a best-selling novel series about a magical girl! Oh!!! Scout and her friend Lou are also writing a comic together. I love all of it!
...more

There’s so much this graphic novel discusses – djfsodfof. First of, it was superamazing and superinteresting, especially they dynamic that existed between Scout and her friends. Of course, I understand the friend dynamism existing because of the book being Middle Grade, but it made me feel so many things.
Scout and Merrin were such relatable characters and their interests in things was infectious. Scout didn’t pay much attention to how amazing her artistic skills were and Merrin didn’t realize sh
There’s so much this graphic novel discusses – djfsodfof. First of, it was superamazing and superinteresting, especially they dynamic that existed between Scout and her friends. Of course, I understand the friend dynamism existing because of the book being Middle Grade, but it made me feel so many things.
Scout and Merrin were such relatable characters and their interests in things was infectious. Scout didn’t pay much attention to how amazing her artistic skills were and Merrin didn’t realize she wasn’t being too much. I loved how they complimented each other and worked on their fears and other stuff.

The way Jade had included character card with pronouns, strengths and weaknesses for all the characters was truly awesome to see. Also, how eventually Scout figured out the deal with her friends. Hope to see more work from the author! ❤

I was provided with an arc of the book in exchange for an honest review
...more

May 20, 2022 Karen rated it it was amazing

In this clever graphic novel, Scout is obsessed with meeting her favorite author. She dreams of attending Almontefest to meet the author but can’t afford the trip. When Scout learns that the school band will be performing at the festival, she convinces the band director to let her join band. Things go poorly when Scout realizes that it’s hard to fake playing the trombone. Scout begins to take band more seriously after being paired with Merrin and as their friendship grows they learn that they bo In this clever graphic novel, Scout is obsessed with meeting her favorite author. She dreams of attending Almontefest to meet the author but can’t afford the trip. When Scout learns that the school band will be performing at the festival, she convinces the band director to let her join band. Things go poorly when Scout realizes that it’s hard to fake playing the trombone. Scout begins to take band more seriously after being paired with Merrin and as their friendship grows they learn that they both love the same author and make plans to attend an author meet-and-greet at the festival. But when their performance schedule changes, will they ditch the band or forego meeting the author? ...more

Scout is in Middle Grade and she absolutely wants to meet her favorite author. Easy, right? Well not for Scout. In order to meet her idol, she has to join the band. Otherwise she will never be able to go to the location of the event. However this isn’t at all as easy as it sounded in her head.
Having played an instrument in the past, I know how hard it is to learn how to read music notes. It looks easy but it definitely isn’t. It was fun to read exactly that passage in the graphic novel. Scout tr
Scout is in Middle Grade and she absolutely wants to meet her favorite author. Easy, right? Well not for Scout. In order to meet her idol, she has to join the band. Otherwise she will never be able to go to the location of the event. However this isn’t at all as easy as it sounded in her head.
Having played an instrument in the past, I know how hard it is to learn how to read music notes. It looks easy but it definitely isn’t. It was fun to read exactly that passage in the graphic novel. Scout trying to learn how to play the Trombone and I just had to laugh at some parts.

I found it so important to read about how Scout had to take some serious decisions about friendships, school and the true meaning about life. I’m certain that this graphic novel isn’t only for the children out here but also for older readers like myself.

I loved the writing style of the author and it will certainly not be my last read by them. Scout is not a band kid is one of my favorite reads and I hope it will be yours as well.
...more

Apr 28, 2022 Jenna rated it really liked it

Super cute and totally not what I expected. Friendship, nerdiness, changing relationships, learning new skills and life paths, and becoming a reliable person/friend/bandmate! With humor and art and music, which I also can't read, despite doing drums for a year in middle school...
This could've easily been a series! Will keep an eye out for more by this artist.
Super cute and totally not what I expected. Friendship, nerdiness, changing relationships, learning new skills and life paths, and becoming a reliable person/friend/bandmate! With humor and art and music, which I also can't read, despite doing drums for a year in middle school...
This could've easily been a series! Will keep an eye out for more by this artist.
...more

Super charming. Female trombonist representation for the win!

Apr 24, 2022 AK rated it really liked it

I love that they play trombone.

This was a great book. I love how friendship change is a main theme of this book. Accepting those changes, and being your true self.

Scout is determined to do whatever it takes to meet her favorite graphic novelist, even if it means joining the school band to play the trombone -- an instrument she can't actually play. Scout is determined to do whatever it takes to meet her favorite graphic novelist, even if it means joining the school band to play the trombone -- an instrument she can't actually play. ...more

Great first book! I look forward to your long career.

I love the character development!

Nov 15, 2021 Bexa rated it liked it

Scout is Not a Band Kid while being entertaining, doesn't feel like it has much of anything happening with it. Scout really likes this one comic creator/designer who is old and probably going to die soon, so she decides to fake playing trombone because she knows the band will be going to the conference that this creator will be at. Only problem is that Scout does not know how to play trombone. Through lots of miscommunication, lies, and false friendship, Scout is able to make her dream come true Scout is Not a Band Kid while being entertaining, doesn't feel like it has much of anything happening with it. Scout really likes this one comic creator/designer who is old and probably going to die soon, so she decides to fake playing trombone because she knows the band will be going to the conference that this creator will be at. Only problem is that Scout does not know how to play trombone. Through lots of miscommunication, lies, and false friendship, Scout is able to make her dream come true, except it's not her original dream. Since this was an ARC, there were missing dialogue and unfinished artwork, which isn't a problem, I'm just wondering what I missed. I just didn't like any of the characters; Scout lies to all of her friends about everything, Merrin is so stressed because she wants to get into a prestigious school and so treats those around her as less than, Lennox and Kim are just terrible people who put those around them down constantly and can only like the newest thing, Chris Vic and PB are nice enough but they encourage Scout's skipping band and not caring about the class, and Lou is alright as they encourage Scout but we don't get enough of them due to them living in another province. It was entertaining, but the friendship in the end wasn't worth the story. I'm sure that middle schoolers will enjoy it, especially if they're band geeks.
Copy provided by NetGalley and publisher.
...more

Apr 08, 2022 Dai Guerra rated it really liked it

Thoughts and Themes: I love reading graphic novels as I find they are a great way to immerse yourself in whatever you are reading. I really liked how this book mixed academics, band, and fandom together to create the story. I liked how we get to see the expectations that Scout’s old friends have of her and how they expect her to like new things now that they have “grown” up. While Scout hasn’t let go of her favorite things, she does keep her interests away from her friend group and only lets her Thoughts and Themes: I love reading graphic novels as I find they are a great way to immerse yourself in whatever you are reading. I really liked how this book mixed academics, band, and fandom together to create the story. I liked how we get to see the expectations that Scout’s old friends have of her and how they expect her to like new things now that they have “grown” up. While Scout hasn’t let go of her favorite things, she does keep her interests away from her friend group and only lets her true self out while amongst her online friend, Lou.
Characters: This story introduces you to several characters as they interact with our main character, Scout. I really love the way each of them is introduced to the reader as it feels like you are playing a video game. I also like how we get not only their stats but name and pronouns for each character as well. I found that there was a lot of diversity among the characters that are included in this story.

I loved the friendship that develops between Scout and Merrin throughout this whole book. I liked how their friendship first was forced because they both played the same instrument within the band but then it became a choice. I loved how Scout is the first real friend that Merrin has and isn’t deterred by her personality, and how Scout is able to be herself around Merrin, unlike her other friends.

Writing/Art Style: I really enjoy the art style of this book and would love to see the whole thing printed in color. I love how you can tell which character is whom and there is no point in time in which I was confused about the character’s identities. I also really loved the variety in the clothes that all of the characters wear depending on their setting.
...more

15 Reactions to Scout is Not a Band Kid
Oh, the colour schemes of this book are so beautiful. All the pastels and wait, oh why is there black and white panels. I love it! 😍
“Did you know she [author Scout wants to visit] was born before computers? How is that even possible” what even, my sweet summer child. Kids are so funny 😂
What schools have silversmithing as a club?! Why did my school not have that?
So the school band club is going to the festival Scout wants to go to, how convenient, is she act
15 Reactions to Scout is Not a Band Kid
Oh, the colour schemes of this book are so beautiful. All the pastels and wait, oh why is there black and white panels. I love it! 😍
“Did you know she [author Scout wants to visit] was born before computers? How is that even possible” what even, my sweet summer child. Kids are so funny 😂
What schools have silversmithing as a club?! Why did my school not have that?
So the school band club is going to the festival Scout wants to go to, how convenient, is she actually going to join? Can she play an instrument?
Ohhh, no she can’t… Hahahaha
Merrin is an absolute treasure!
Bless Scout for thinking she can fake it till she makes it but I don’t think you can do that with an instrument 👀
Each character has a top trumps style abilities card when introduced. They’re being marked on strength, charisma and wisdom, that’s so cool!
Is this a love story? Because Scout looks like she is in awe and in love with Merrin playing. Merrin even has flowers and sparkles in the shot, so beautiful, so elegant.
Scout playing is just “BWOP”, I totally did not laugh out loud for that WOW 😂
I feel so bad for Merrin, it sucks to be so serious about something you love and other people make a mockery out of it, I hope we see Scout change her ways!
I love how this is basically Scout finding her real friends who love her for the things that she loves!
Like yes, let’s celebrate fandom and art and music and nerdy stuff, enjoy all your interests because they’re important!
Oh, this has the cutest art style ever, I need more of it ASAP 😍
Definitely need more graphic novels from Jade Armstrong!
...more

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eBook ARC of this title.
Scout *needs* to attend a festival so she can meet her favorite author, but the only way she can get there is by joining the school band so she can go on the school trip to a band competition at the same festival. Scout decides to pick up the trombone, despite having zero experience with instruments or reading music (something she neglects to mention to the band teacher). Scout clashes with the other trombone player, Merrin,
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eBook ARC of this title.
Scout *needs* to attend a festival so she can meet her favorite author, but the only way she can get there is by joining the school band so she can go on the school trip to a band competition at the same festival. Scout decides to pick up the trombone, despite having zero experience with instruments or reading music (something she neglects to mention to the band teacher). Scout clashes with the other trombone player, Merrin, who doesn’t think Scout takes it seriously and is majorly irked that someone who doesn’t know how to play (and seemingly isn’t all that interested in learning) is allowed to join the band.

I’ll totally admit it - I sided with Merrin on this and found her to be a much more sympathetic and interesting character than Scout. Merrin works really hard on her music. Scout lies about her trombone ability, skips practice for two weeks, plays random notes, refuses to try, and just kind of acts like a jerk at times in the beginning. Full disclosure: I was a middle grade band kid who worked really hard at being a top seated clarinet so I definitely vibed with Merrin’s character more.

I definitely think middle schoolers will enjoy this book in general. It’s a good story of coming into your own, compromise, and forging friendships (while also ending friendships that are toxic, which is something a lot of middle school kids have to think about). I give it 3.5 stars.
...more

Mar 07, 2022 Jennifer rated it really liked it

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eBook ARC of this title.
Scout *needs* to attend a festival so she can meet her favorite author, but the only way she can get there is by joining the school band so she can go on the school trip to a band competition at the same festival. Scout decides to pick up the trombone, despite having zero experience with instruments or reading music (something she neglects to mention to the band teacher). Scout clashes with the other trombone player, Merrin,
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eBook ARC of this title.
Scout *needs* to attend a festival so she can meet her favorite author, but the only way she can get there is by joining the school band so she can go on the school trip to a band competition at the same festival. Scout decides to pick up the trombone, despite having zero experience with instruments or reading music (something she neglects to mention to the band teacher). Scout clashes with the other trombone player, Merrin, who doesn’t think Scout takes it seriously and is majorly irked that someone who doesn’t know how to play (and seemingly isn’t all that interested in learning) is allowed to join the band.

I’ll totally admit it - I sided with Merrin on this and found her to be a much more sympathetic and interesting character than Scout. Merrin works really hard on her music. Scout lies about her trombone ability, skips practice for two weeks, plays random notes, refuses to try, and just kind of acts like a jerk at times in the beginning. Full disclosure: I was a middle grade band kid who worked really hard at being a top seated clarinet so I definitely vibed with Merrin’s character more.

I definitely think middle schoolers will enjoy this book in general. It’s a good story of coming into your own, compromise, and forging friendships (while also ending friendships that are toxic, which is something a lot of middle school kids have to think about). I give it 3.5 stars.
...more

May 24, 2022 kt rated it really liked it

Representation included: nonbinary author and multiple characters that use they/them pronouns, a side character who is a girl with a crush on a girl
The hardback is gorgeous, I love the teal and it’s cool that there are two different covers. This was such a fun and cute read! It was especially cool as a former middle school trombone player just as the author and main character are. The trombone depiction was incredibly accurate, it brought me back. Except my section was 2 girls including me and a
Representation included: nonbinary author and multiple characters that use they/them pronouns, a side character who is a girl with a crush on a girl
The hardback is gorgeous, I love the teal and it’s cool that there are two different covers. This was such a fun and cute read! It was especially cool as a former middle school trombone player just as the author and main character are. The trombone depiction was incredibly accurate, it brought me back. Except my section was 2 girls including me and about 7 boys. The art is stunning. Some of the friendship dialogue was inconsistent with weird mini fights but the characters are in middle school, I don’t expect anything more.

Rambles:

- “Holy Moly Catholic School”
- How did she have a non approved solo during her first concert
- The color palette and all the scenery shots are stunning
- Scout and Merrin enemies to lovers ??? (kidding they’re just friends)
- “You just memorized the slide parterns instead of really learning to read, eh?” That’s real!!!!
- “Well, I LOVED how you started the chapter with the two of them loathing each other…”
- Pickle spears and fries? I need this truck
- Internet friend rep
- They’re so best friend shaped
- The panel of Merrin in a suit and Scout in a dress is so cute I’m <33
- The character art and references in the back is precious. Love all the character designs.
- The mini comics are SO accurate to middle school band and trombone especially
...more

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·  450 ratings  ·  88 reviews

Start your review of Mamo, Vol. 1

rep: sapphic mc, Filipino sapphic mc, Filipino characters
tw: mention of past child abuse
okay but reading a graphic novel by batcii feels like coming home somehow

Jan 01, 2022 Shannon rated it really liked it

Cute story with very pretty art that's quite Ghibli-esque.
Individual issue reviews: #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5

Total review score: 3.9
Cute story with very pretty art that's quite Ghibli-esque.
Individual issue reviews: #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5

Total review score: 3.9
...more

Apr 29, 2022 Mia rated it it was amazing

I loved it!!
Witches, curses and fey, not to mention the totally fantastic illustrations

Jun 30, 2022 Becca Maree rated it it was amazing

Sas Milledge's Mamo has it all — witches, folklore, fae, LGBTQ+ romance. Paired with stunning artwork that's reminiscent of Ghibli and a major narrative focus on place and belonging, this delightfully bewitching read is perfect for summer daydreaming and trips back home.
"The old witch, how did she die?"
"Alone. A bitter old thing. Your witch was trying to escape that fate, we think. We do wonder why she came back. Perhaps we all fly home, one day. No matter how cold it is, how dark."
Sas Milledge's Mamo has it all — witches, folklore, fae, LGBTQ+ romance. Paired with stunning artwork that's reminiscent of Ghibli and a major narrative focus on place and belonging, this delightfully bewitching read is perfect for summer daydreaming and trips back home.
"The old witch, how did she die?"
"Alone. A bitter old thing. Your witch was trying to escape that fate, we think. We do wonder why she came back. Perhaps we all fly home, one day. No matter how cold it is, how dark."
...more

Jan 06, 2022 Vianne rated it really liked it

VERY CUTE AND DELIGHTFUL WITH LOVELY ART AND ALSO GAY AHHH

Rep: Filipino sapphic mc, sapphic mc

Ughh, I am going to have to spend the next whole week getting off all this sap. It's like I just read a Nick Sparks' book. At least the boring exposition washes off quickly. Ughh, I am going to have to spend the next whole week getting off all this sap. It's like I just read a Nick Sparks' book. At least the boring exposition washes off quickly. ...more

Jun 01, 2022 Madison rated it it was amazing

Lovely sweet book with a really great magic system that relies on connection, community, and sharing resources. The back copy calling this a book about friendship is hilarious, though...just saying.

Apr 30, 2022 Travis rated it it was amazing

Not your usual story about witches, fae, and magic, with relatable characters to fall in love with. It was the artwork that initially drew me in, very Ghibli-esk. Read this in one sitting, can't wait for their journey to continue! Not your usual story about witches, fae, and magic, with relatable characters to fall in love with. It was the artwork that initially drew me in, very Ghibli-esk. Read this in one sitting, can't wait for their journey to continue! ...more

This coming-of-age witch story felt pretty cut and pasted to me. The characters are all likeable. None of the drama is high stakes. There is a touch of romance, and a touch of adventure, but not a whole lot of either. And much of the book is explaining how magic and witchcraft work in this universe.
It's cute. The art is stylized in a way that doesn't appeal to me, but it definitely sets the tone for the book. It looks like a sort of Gibli-esque magic coming-of-age-story but with cheeks constantl
This coming-of-age witch story felt pretty cut and pasted to me. The characters are all likeable. None of the drama is high stakes. There is a touch of romance, and a touch of adventure, but not a whole lot of either. And much of the book is explaining how magic and witchcraft work in this universe.
It's cute. The art is stylized in a way that doesn't appeal to me, but it definitely sets the tone for the book. It looks like a sort of Gibli-esque magic coming-of-age-story but with cheeks constantly in flush for some reason.

If you're looking for a book for someone between pre-teen and thirty who really enjoys ya books, then you should totally buy this for them. Sas Milledge is a solid writer and their art is very good, even if it's not for me (not all art should be for everyone). It's also an lgbtq+ story but not so prominently that your local fascist parents are going to care enough to try and boycott it. It's a sweet book concerned more about the trials of figuring out who you are in adolescence than making political statements. It's just a solid coming of age story with two characters who happen to be queer. That's awesome. I wish the story had grabbed me a bit more so I had more reason to recommend it.

I'm not sure I would pick up a volume two of this story but I will definitely keep an eye out for more books by Sas Milledge. I look forward to reading what they do next.
...more

Dec 24, 2021 Brandon rated it it was amazing

Coming of age stories about witches are a dime a dozen, with so many incredible books available it's difficult for a series to push to the head of the pack and differentiate itself from the others. But Mamo blows other books away right from the start and emerges as one of my favourite titles of 2021.
Mamo is the local witch of Haresden and once she dies her granddaughter Orla returns to Haresden to find the place a mess. Fae are running wild, nature is reclaiming the town, and people are being to
Coming of age stories about witches are a dime a dozen, with so many incredible books available it's difficult for a series to push to the head of the pack and differentiate itself from the others. But Mamo blows other books away right from the start and emerges as one of my favourite titles of 2021.
Mamo is the local witch of Haresden and once she dies her granddaughter Orla returns to Haresden to find the place a mess. Fae are running wild, nature is reclaiming the town, and people are being tormented by curses and magical forces. She trams up with local girl Jo to track down the roots of all this chaos and make the town right again.

Orla is a reluctant protagonist, a witch who left Haresden years ago because of an abusive relationship with Mamo and wants to leave the town behind forever. But she's still tied to the town, her magic and feelings come from these ties. Jo, on the other hand, loves Haresden and wants it to be perfect and safe forever. She knows everyone, she wants them all to be safe, and she is willing to go to great lengths to protect them.

I love how both characters are defined by their family. Orla with her ties to Mamo, Jo with her mom and dad and siblings. And Mamo is about what good you can find in these familial relations, as well as in what ways they might hold you back. Orla and Jo begin to rely upon each other instead of their families and find new strength in who they choose to know and support rather than the family relationships they are born into.

Sas Milledge's art is beautiful. The best thing about Mamo is watching the scenes unfold. There are some great panel transitions, and many quiet sequences showing off the setting and building a mood. The character acting is great and shows a wide range of emotions, from the more open Jo who smiles with her whole face to the lonesome Orla who tries to keep everything bottled in.

Mamo is a great little coming of age fantasy series and a must-read for anyone who likes pretty books about witches and screwed up families.
...more

May 20, 2022 Tom rated it liked it

Standard disclaimer: I'm not the target audience for this book. I liked the essential pull of the main characters, and how their pasts inform their presents and futures. The artwork was original and pleasing to view.
3.5 Stars (rounded to 3)
Standard disclaimer: I'm not the target audience for this book. I liked the essential pull of the main characters, and how their pasts inform their presents and futures. The artwork was original and pleasing to view.
3.5 Stars (rounded to 3)
...more

Apr 18, 2022 Banner!! rated it it was amazing

This whole novel is so beautiful, from the art to the story. One of the best things I have ever read and I hope everyone reads it too

May 15, 2022 AJ Hawkes rated it it was amazing

gorgeous artwork and a lovely story!! reminded me of a studio ghibli film and gave me the same warm feeling. absolutely adored this from start to finish!!

Jun 19, 2022 Rebecca rated it really liked it

(4.5) I really loved the art style and the story was great!

I picked up this book for the beautiful cover and stayed for the Studio Ghibli vibes and heartwarming sorry. A story of self discovery, friendship, and learning to process and let go.

May 04, 2022 Phoenix rated it it was amazing

Omg, this was lovely. Like Norroway, the characters feel so rounded and believable. And the world-building is smart. Smart and simple.
This reminded me of faerie fiction I used to read in high school. But way better.

And the art is absolutely stunning. Just check it out. It’s a very heartwarming and sincere read. I kind of wish it gets adapted into an animated series.

May 12, 2022 Brooke rated it it was amazing

How is this not more popular!!!
The plot and witch stuff was a little confusing to me but I probably just need to do a re-read and pay more attention. I was just so distracted by the beautiful artwork and fun character dynamics the whole time!! This was one of the loveliest things I’ve ever read. I loved it all so much and I hope there will be more!

Feb 02, 2022 Анелия rated it it was amazing

#1 I... this is so beautiful! And I'm so loving it!
#2 This is just getting better!
#3 No words, I'm so hooked and so amazed by this!
#4 Oh wow... loving the darker tone of this one!
#5 C'MOOOOOOON you can't melt my heart like that!!!!! I LOVED this so much! It's so cute and sweet but also deep and even a little creepy... amazing... just amazing! #1 I... this is so beautiful! And I'm so loving it!
#2 This is just getting better!
#3 No words, I'm so hooked and so amazed by this!
#4 Oh wow... loving the darker tone of this one!
#5 C'MOOOOOOON you can't melt my heart like that!!!!! I LOVED this so much! It's so cute and sweet but also deep and even a little creepy... amazing... just amazing! ...more

Apr 18, 2022 Natalie rated it really liked it

I've read quite a few graphic novels in the past couple of years that I'd describe as 'coming of age' with the addition of witches and supernatural elements. However, Mamo is a bit more of a standout comic with its originality and charm (plus fabulous art style) that left me wishing there was more. The only complaint I have is that I wish the magic system was a bit more explored, not that it was done badly, I'm just someone that feels as if they have to fully understand everything and its limits I've read quite a few graphic novels in the past couple of years that I'd describe as 'coming of age' with the addition of witches and supernatural elements. However, Mamo is a bit more of a standout comic with its originality and charm (plus fabulous art style) that left me wishing there was more. The only complaint I have is that I wish the magic system was a bit more explored, not that it was done badly, I'm just someone that feels as if they have to fully understand everything and its limits. Which I don't think is necessary, especially in this short of a story, I'm just a bit of a pain in the ass in that regard. :)
Pick this one up! Even if you're not there for the story, the art is worth appreciating on its own.
*I read it on Hoopla through my library for free so if that's an option for you I'd recommend utilizing it.
...more

May 19, 2022 Rowen H. rated it it was amazing

I've been follow Sas' art for so long, holding a complete volume of her first original comic feels simultaneously very surreal and very right. The world-building is delightful, the characters are lovable, the art is swoon-worthy. I'm completely in love. I've been follow Sas' art for so long, holding a complete volume of her first original comic feels simultaneously very surreal and very right. The world-building is delightful, the characters are lovable, the art is swoon-worthy. I'm completely in love. ...more

Jun 28, 2022 Alicia rated it really liked it

The slow pace of this engaging and empathetic witch story is exactly why it's getting so much buzz. Plus I'm a little in love with the representation that's Australian- putting together the pieces that Milledge is Melbourne-born and that in the story Jo's family eats tuyo and kippers and Jo's dad's nickname for her is goanna which is a lizard from the area. (And speaking of goanna, can we make Jo's familiar in the next installment a goanna?) I'm pleased to know that this is a series that will li The slow pace of this engaging and empathetic witch story is exactly why it's getting so much buzz. Plus I'm a little in love with the representation that's Australian- putting together the pieces that Milledge is Melbourne-born and that in the story Jo's family eats tuyo and kippers and Jo's dad's nickname for her is goanna which is a lizard from the area. (And speaking of goanna, can we make Jo's familiar in the next installment a goanna?) I'm pleased to know that this is a series that will likely continue based on the Goodreads information!
So the story of this beautiful island setting in which the islanders make their lives as fisherman and along the coast. They're also accepting of the witchcraft in the area and Mamo was one that wanted all the power for herself, until she died and had her bones scattered everywhere to continue her after-death reign. It's when Jo enlists the help of Orla, the hedgewitch, and Jo realizes that Orla's grandmother is Mamo. But Orla is more than capable as her own witch to get things done and to help the village because she knew how her grandmother was-- she even tried to leave-- but ultimately ended up coming back. Jo needed someone to help her mother, and Orla does that. Then it's the sheep and the mussels and everything in between that enriches the story.

The panel transitions are phenomenally done and the story is paced to slowly unravel that feels a bit whimsical like Anne of Green Gables, but with witches. I will certainly be following this series.
...more

Jun 03, 2022 oaktreereads rated it it was amazing

really really good art and characters. i’ve also been reading darkest night by molly knox ostertag and having another comic to read about magic and queerness and family obligation was just so good. i also was only able to find confirmation of this on a sketchy tumblr archive website, but i read this when it was just a few pages of a webcomic called mimion with totally different character design! i always had it bookmarked and i’m so glad it became physical.
my only criticisms were that the magic really really good art and characters. i’ve also been reading darkest night by molly knox ostertag and having another comic to read about magic and queerness and family obligation was just so good. i also was only able to find confirmation of this on a sketchy tumblr archive website, but i read this when it was just a few pages of a webcomic called mimion with totally different character design! i always had it bookmarked and i’m so glad it became physical.
my only criticisms were that the magic system seemed to change with different explanations and didn’t 100% make sense to me, but I read it all today before and after getting my wisdom teeth out. so maybe that’s a me problem. orla is also very bitter and from flashbacks we can totally see why but i sorta wish we got to that understanding sooner so she wasn’t just kind of being condescending about it and the townspeople having witches stigma because like yeah dude your grandma was abusive and hoarded all the magic from people, they’re gonna have some concerns and not know things. uhm that being said though orla is really cute and it’s uh very relevant seeing angsty restless gays who are dying to leave home. sorta wish there was more about jo too though, but i loved the inclusion of her family and these like found family esque elements that just showed you how she is the person she is. and the fact that there’s magic in friendship bracelets is amazing. ...more

Jun 09, 2022 Alisha rated it really liked it

Trigger Warnings: Mention of past child abuse
Mamo was the local witch of Haresden. After she passes, her granddaughter, Orla, returns to find the town in a mess. She really doesn’t want to get involved, but a local girl, Jo, convinces her. Together, they track down the roots of all the chaos to make team

The art for this novel is beautiful - it’s one of the reasons I picked it up (But also any stories about young witches will almost always grab my attention), it reminded me so much of Studio Ghib
Trigger Warnings: Mention of past child abuse
Mamo was the local witch of Haresden. After she passes, her granddaughter, Orla, returns to find the town in a mess. She really doesn’t want to get involved, but a local girl, Jo, convinces her. Together, they track down the roots of all the chaos to make team

The art for this novel is beautiful - it’s one of the reasons I picked it up (But also any stories about young witches will almost always grab my attention), it reminded me so much of Studio Ghibli. Not only did the cover catch my attention right away, but it kept my attention all the way through the novel.

The only reason I didn’t give them 5 stars is because I kind of wish we got to see more of the community through Jo’s eyes and see why she deeply loves it so much. She mentioned it and there were some things here and there, but we saw mostly Orla’s upbringing and why she didn’t like the town because of the memories of growing up.

This is a stand alone volume (I believe), but I wouldn’t mind seeing more of these characters and their future. There is so much Jo has to learn and much more Jo has to teach. I could see this being a series, but it stands wonderfully on its own as well.

Overall, a great read with beautiful, adorable artwork. I’ve already recommended it to two others before I even finished writing my review.
...more

Apr 17, 2022 Leah Cameron rated it it was amazing

Wow what a brilliant piece of comic work! This story is perfect for me in every way.
The story is touching and heartfelt, very well crafted and had a good flow. It was a perfect kind of story for a 5 issue run that is self contained but could definitely lead to a few spin offs. I enjoyed the sort of soft magic with some common sense rules.

The art must be highlighted because oh wow! I was blown away by how gorgeous it was right from the start! The characters are well designed and Orla dresses basi
Wow what a brilliant piece of comic work! This story is perfect for me in every way.
The story is touching and heartfelt, very well crafted and had a good flow. It was a perfect kind of story for a 5 issue run that is self contained but could definitely lead to a few spin offs. I enjoyed the sort of soft magic with some common sense rules.

The art must be highlighted because oh wow! I was blown away by how gorgeous it was right from the start! The characters are well designed and Orla dresses basically exactly like I do (a lot of yellow and black) plus I really enjoy how Milledge draws blush onto everyone's cheeks. The scenery and landscapes are breathtaking- especially the opening pages trees flowing in the wind. The panels were well structured and everything made sense while still looking very pretty. The Rs in the font used were a bit distracting and I was intrigued by the blunt tipped speech balloons but overall I think it worked.

I'm so glad this kind of story has been published, I would adore more mainstream comic stories like this.
...more

Jun 08, 2022 Julian rated it it was amazing

4.5 stars. I love Sas Milledge's art and I was super excited to see this come out in a collected form! The story is fantastical but grounded in a very poignant reality of complicated feelings about the place you grew up. My one qualm is that I wish we'd met more characters or gotten a better sense of the community. Milledge's landscapes are lush and beautifully rendered but mostly devoid of people, and naturally there's a lot of time devoted to the wonderful relationship between Jo and Orla. Unf 4.5 stars. I love Sas Milledge's art and I was super excited to see this come out in a collected form! The story is fantastical but grounded in a very poignant reality of complicated feelings about the place you grew up. My one qualm is that I wish we'd met more characters or gotten a better sense of the community. Milledge's landscapes are lush and beautifully rendered but mostly devoid of people, and naturally there's a lot of time devoted to the wonderful relationship between Jo and Orla. Unfortunately this meant I didn't get as much of a sense of why Jo loves this community. The book is overall really stunning though! Highly recommend for fans of hedge witchery - if you like Witch Hat Atelier, you'll enjoy this. ...more

Jun 30, 2022 Karina rated it really liked it

― Rating: 4 Stars ★★★★ (maybe 4.5?!)
I've found my new favorite cozy fantasy book and its MAMO , wow did I love this! From the coastal sea side town, quiet magic of Haresden, to the charming & fascinating magic system based on boundaries, connections and nature itself, the magic system is quiet as is the story but so very cozy and immersive. Jo and Orla, okay I loved them and their "friendship" was so refreshing because it took a lot of page time for them to find their dynamic, but also the plot ― Rating: 4 Stars ★★★★ (maybe 4.5?!)
I've found my new favorite cozy fantasy book and its MAMO , wow did I love this! From the coastal sea side town, quiet magic of Haresden, to the charming & fascinating magic system based on boundaries, connections and nature itself, the magic system is quiet as is the story but so very cozy and immersive. Jo and Orla, okay I loved them and their "friendship" was so refreshing because it took a lot of page time for them to find their dynamic, but also the plot is given more focus which was nice.
- Still deciding on a rating bc of the rating/development of that last chapter, it did feel a bit rushed & it felt like there was much more left of the town, magic, Mamo, and the world itself that leaves you wondering. full review rtc!
...more

Mamo is about a girl, Jo Manalo, who seeks out a witch, Orla, in order to help her mother and her beloved town. The story follows them as they grow closer and try to heal the town. The story has a lot of fantasy elements like witches, curses, and trolls that make it interesting to read. Although this book moves fast, you can still feel the characters grow and develop, and it sets up the story for the next books in the series. I don’t read a lot of graphic novels, but I feel like the author did a Mamo is about a girl, Jo Manalo, who seeks out a witch, Orla, in order to help her mother and her beloved town. The story follows them as they grow closer and try to heal the town. The story has a lot of fantasy elements like witches, curses, and trolls that make it interesting to read. Although this book moves fast, you can still feel the characters grow and develop, and it sets up the story for the next books in the series. I don’t read a lot of graphic novels, but I feel like the author did a good job of conveying the story with the help of the intricate illustrations.
--Teen Volunteer, 8th grade
...more

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Readers with adventurous frontal lobes will be happy in July—this month’s batch of new books features some particularly bold ideas and...

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Mamo, Vol. 1 book. Read 88 reviews from the world's largest community for readers. Family matters aren't just hocus-pocus for this young witch!Cartoonist...

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Both the story and art deserve all 5 stars. This is a fantastic start to a new middle grade graphic novel series. I can't wait to find out what happens in the next book. This is a very intriguing story that touches on themes of found family, courage, bravery, friendship, faith...there were so many well executed elements and details in this thrilling fantasy. I loved every minute of it. Also, the artwork is beautiful and colorful; it compliments the story perfectly. Highly recommend!

For fans of/s...more

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Both the story and art deserve all 5 stars. This is a fantastic start to a new middle grade graphic novel series. I can't wait to find out what happens in the next book. This is a very intriguing story that touches on themes of found family, courage, bravery, friendship, faith...there were so many well executed elements and details in this thrilling fantasy.

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by James Fraioli
978534420977

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Hawaii Sea Turtle Rescue

Fabien Cousteau Expeditions

by James O. Fraioli

Illustrated by Joe St Pierre

Margaret K. McElderry Books

Simon & Schuster's Children;s Publishing Division

2022

112 pages

ISBN: 9781534420977

Hawaii Sea Turtle Rescue is a fictional work based on actual expedition.

Sea turtles are endangered. Sharks kill many of them and mankind hunted them to near extinction for the turtle's shell, but the biggest threat to sea turtles is the existence of ghost nets,ngled in one, they cannot surface for air. The grandson of Jacques Cousteau, Fabian Cousteau continues his grandfather's legacy to study, record and save marine life.

Junior Expeditioners Bianca and Baylor join a sea turtle rescue team to locate a giant ghost net and make sure no other sea turtles or other animals are caught in it. Colorful illustrations bring this story to life in an easy graphic novel and reluctant readers will be caught up in the story. The graphic novel format helps struggling readers and will keep them turning pages.

An enjoyable story with facts about the ocean, coral reefs, man's danger to the oceans, and ways we can all help save our ecosystem. The oceans are "...our planet's life-support system," which is a fact every human needs to know and respect. Endangering the oceans is endangering ourselves.

Highly recommended for non-fiction readers, graphic novel fans and especially future marine biologists and everyone who chooses to save our planet. Grades 4-8.

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Turtle Rescue Pick: Hawaii Sea Turtle Rescue

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Hawaii Sea Turtle Rescue Fabien Cousteau Expeditions by James O. Fraioli Illustrated by Joe St Pierre Margaret K. McElderry Books Simon ...

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by  Michael Regina
9780593117361

@MostlyMcLeod review:

Graphic Pick: The Sleepover (booksbypamelathompson.blogspot.com)

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by Mike Lowery
9781338726336

@MostlyMcLeod

Review here:
https://booksbypamelathompson.blogspot.com/2022/05/graphic-kid-pick-bug-scouts-out-in-wild.html

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by Renee Kurilla
9781419750205

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