CHANTLER, Scott. The Captive Prince: Three Thieves. Bk. 3. Kids Can. 2012. ISBN 9781554537761. JLG Level: GM : Graphic Novels Middle (Grades 5-8)

Dessa’s experiences on the farm and on the circus have given her the skills she needs to rescue a captured prince, who quickly falls in love with her. A group of kidnappers with an agenda of their own, combined with Dessa and her companions’ secrets, offers a gripping tale of action and adventure. The third entry in this captivating series will keep readers salivating until its conclusion in the next book.

COLFER, Eoin. The Supernaturalist: The Graphic Novel. illus. by Giovanni Rigano. Disney/Hyperion. 2012. ISBN 9780786848799. JLG Level: GM : Graphic Novels Middle (Grades 5-8)

Based on the novel of the same name, Colfer teamed up with Andrew Donkin to adapt it for the graphic novel format. With art by Giovanni Rigano and color by Paolo Lamanna, Cosmo’s story is brought to life. After a childhood of being the object of horrible experiments, an accident allows Cosmo to escape a no-sponsor orphanage. He joins ranks with the Supernaturalists who have been saving the world from the attacks by parasites. Nothing, however, is quite what it seems.

Just as riveting as the original, The Supernaturalist is one life-saving mission after another―right up to the surprising conclusion.

GOWNLEY, Jimmy. Her Permanent Record. Vol. 8. (Amelia Rules! Series). S &S. 2012. ISBN 9781416986157. JLG Level: GM : Graphic Novels Middle (Grades 5-8)

Middle school comes with a multitude of problems and emotions, even for a superheroine. Amelia feels pressure from the cheerleading squad and the younger kids who want to be her protégés. And, of course, boys. When her Aunt Tanner disappears. Amelia and Rhonda decide to save the adult who has so often taken care of them.

Gownley has another hit with this title in the series. Not only will readers laugh, but they may need a tissue too.

HALE, Nathan. Hale’s Hazardous Tales: Big Bad Ironclad! Bk. 2. Amulet. 2012. ISBN 9781419703959. JLG Level: GM : Graphic Novels Middle (Grades 5-8)

In the second volume of Hale’s Hazardous Tales, American patriot Nathan Hale stalls his hanging by telling one more history tale. Our hero settles in to tell the tale of the Monitor and the Merrimack. Using humorous interjections, the graphic novel delivers Civil War history with a sense of mystery and action. Back matter includes short biographies of historical figures and notes on the author’s poetic license while writing the story. History delivered with wit and action makes this a wonderful package to use in any classroom.

HATKE, Ben. Legends of Zita the Spacegirl. First Second. 2012. ISBN 9781596438064. JLG Level: GE : Graphic Novels Elementary (Grades 2-6)

With fame comes responsibility. Zita’s past precedes her and fans flock for her autograph―and her help. Her quick decision to trade places with a robot look-alike leaves her stranded on a planet with no way back. Unexpected tickets to a circus introduce readers to a character who will mean more to Zita than entertainment. Zita’s journey to save Pizzicato leads her to face the Star Hearts and put on her hero suit once more. A journey all in itself, readers will cheer once again for this easily-liked team of galactic stars.

For ideas about how to use these books and links to supportive sites, check out the Junior Library Guild blog, Shelf Life.

Junior Library Guild is a collection development service that helps school and public libraries acquire the best new children’s and young adult books. Season after season, year after year, Junior Library Guild book selections go on to win awards, collect starred or favorable reviews, and earn industry honors. Visit us at www.JuniorLibraryGuild.com.

SPONSORED BY: ABDO Publishing and School Library Journal
EVENT DATE AND TIME: Tuesday, December 4, 2012, 3:00 – 4:00 PM ET/12:00 – 1:00 PM PT

Archive is now available!

Learn about ABDO’s new “Comic Book Curriculum” and “Star Wars Literacy” programs for your library’s support of ELL, Special Education, and Classrooms, as well as for library events, creative writing and arts projects, and more!

This webcast will feature a report on the 10-school pilot program ABDO led with elementary students and staff in a California district, using their Marvel Age comic books and graphic novels, eBooks, and teachers guides in a weeks-long “comic con” with the kids creating their own superheroes and stories based on the books.

As part of the pilot program, staff from the SELLASP (Supporting English Language Learners in After School Programs) initiative from the California Department of Education, and the National City Public Library in San Diego helped create free video training and materials designed to help educators provide the program for a range of students, from ELL through on-level English-fluent readers.

Following the report will be information on how to transfer the techniques to support creative writing and learning for your classroom teachers, book clubs, special education programs, Title I initiatives, and all the other student populations that the research shows are aided by comic books & graphic novels. Guests include ELL leaders, 501st Legion Star Wars characters, & more.

Also included will be research from ABDO’s “Comic Books & Literacy” compilation, Common Core and graphic novels information, a look at the amount of vocabulary that’s in Marvel and Star Wars books, and related information.

Tune in and put on your superhero and superheroine masks and capes for this webcast – you’ll be ready to defeat reluctant readers, provide super-strength support to your schools, and promote the greatest superpower of them all – reading.

Panelists:

Helen Gonzales – Lead Coordinator, Region 9 Technical Assistance Center

Helen Gonzales is currently the Lead Coordinator for the Region 9 Technical Assistance Center, After School division providing technical assistance for over 600 after school programs at the San Diego County Office of Education. Ms. Gonzales is also statewide Project Lead for the Supporting English Language Learners through After School Programs (SELLASP) Project funded by the California Department of Education¹s After School Division.

In her career an educator for over 30 years Ms. Gonzales¹ experiences include serving students and families in both rural and urban school settings. As an Elementary and Middle School Principal, Vice Principal, Counselor, Teacher, Grant and College Outreach Coordinator she has served on numerous educational boards and committees including English Language Task Force, Puente Mentor Project, Association of California School Administrator, California Association of Latino Superintendents, San Diego County RTI (2) Task Force, Latino Advisory Board and the California After School Network¹s Rural and English Learner committees. The success and educational achievement of English Language Learners in both the regular day and afterschool continues to be her focus with Principals and district administrators throughout the state.

Tamarie Tigh - Writer and Trainer, ABDO Publishing

Tamarie Tigh began working in the Literacy Department of the National City Public Library in California in 1994. Specializing in interactive, multisensory teaching techniques. Tamarie created and/or coordinated several programs, including Adult Literacy for adults needing to improve their English language skills; Families for Literacy for preschool children with their caregivers; KidSounds and Building Blocks, phonics programs for elementary students and preschool children; and Family Study Teams, a literacy program conducted during the after school hours at the local elementary schools.  In 2003, when the National School District contracted the National City Public Library to provide the out of school time programs for their ten elementary schools, Ms. Tigh created

WINGS: Winners Growing Strong, which provides academic and recreational enrichment for K-6 students before school, after school, and during the summer. Tamarie has written curriculum and training materials for all of the programs that she has administrated. Ms. Tigh graduated from the University of Phoenix with her Bachelors¹ of Science in Business Management and Business Administration. She raised and homeschooled five children and has worked tirelessly in church – for which she has also written curriculum!

Moderator:
Dan Verdick – Vice President of Marketing & Communications, ABDO Publishing

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Laverne Mann, branch manager at the Piscataway Public Library, piqued some interest during her panel presentation on Foolproof Graphic Novel Collection Development when she announced an upcoming beta test for a new digital comic product ComicsPlus; Library Edition, by iversemedia. ComicsPlus will offer ebook versions of graphic novels and comics to libraries via subscription.

Two other NJ-based librarians, Emily Weisenstein of Boonton Holmes Public Library and Joseph Gasparro of Montville Public Library, discussed the use of superheroes in promoting library programming. Weisenstein warned the audience that the use of trademarked characters, which includes most superheroes, is not permitted for the promotion of library programs. So teens in her library created their own. They include Dr. Holmes, a superhero librarian, who will debut at the end of October. But NYCC attendees were treated to a preview as Weisenstein transformed herself into Holmes for a mini in-character performance.

Bearing tattoos and spiked hair, high school English teacher Justin DeVoe from Newark, NJ, discussed video games in a panel on Games and Learning. He emphasized that by using games he’s fostered an “interactive” classroom. Meanwhile, Malcolm Bauer, a research scientist at the Educational Testing Service (ETS) addressed ETS’s efforts to develop game-based student assessments. With its Assessment Game Challenge, ETS is soliciting input from the public.

The annual NYCC, second in size to the Comic Con International conference in San Diego draws more than 100,000 attendees to the four-day event. They included Betty H. Lee, library associate for young adults at Maryland’s Montgomery County Public Libraries. Lee said she enjoyed the exhibits from familiar names in publishing, such as Abrams, Simon & Schuster, and Hachette Books in addition to smaller publishers such as Kill Shakespeare whose books have appeared on the YALSA Great Graphic Novels for Teens list.

Adhering to the long-established format, Samurai blends scenes of the current English-speaking cast with action footage from the Japanese TV series Super Sentai, presents a slew of creatively attired oddball villains, and incorporates combat action (both hand-to-hand and mega-size) with delightfully cornball élan. Classic good versus evil tropes are underscored by themes stressing the importance of discovering and utilizing one’s unique abilities, helping others, and working together as a team. The show has an average audience of 2 million weekly viewers, and the franchise is gearing up for its next incarnation to coincide with the series’ 20^th anniversary.

Trained and guided by the wise Mentor Ji, the Samurai squad consists of quiet yet fearless leader Jayden, accomplished swimmer and swordsman Kevin, big-sisterly Mia, free-spirited Mike, sweet-natured Emily, and computer-whiz Antonio. Though they seem like ordinary teens, they have learned to master the ancient symbols of power that give them control over the basic elements—fire, water, sky, forest, earth, and light—allowing them to morph into amazing warriors, wield mighty Spin Swords, and pilot giant robot vehicles. The evil Master Xandred, leader of the Nighlok monsters that inhabit the Netherworld, is on the rampage, and the danger only worsens when the sinister Serrator enters the fray. In order to continue to protect humankind from evil, the teens must unlock the mysteries of the past and attain a new level of power as Super Samurais.

Nickelodeon’s dedicated website includes brief character bios, a lengthy selection of video clips, and several online games. Kids (or perhaps their nostalgic parents) can also visit the “Power Rangers” official website to browse through a season-by-season history of the show, print out activity and coloring sheets, and access special 20^th anniversary downloads and information.

Book Tie-ins

Power Rangers fans will be delighted to discover books about the familiar characters on library shelves. The Official Guide (Scholastic, 2012; K-Gr 4) introduces the teen warriors with double-pages spreads that include full-color photos (in and out of costume), a brief bio, and list of characteristics (weapon, element, etc.). A lengthy bad-guys section highlights numerous Nighlok creatures (including the half-human guitar-playing Dayu, the glue-gob-emitting Epoxar, and the gluttonous Skarf) with large-size images and short descriptions. Other segments offer explanations of the Samurai morphing sequence and various battle modes as well as the rangers’ particular weapons, power discs, and Zords (magical animal-spirit robots that fold down to tiny size or transform into gigantic MegaMode vehicles). The volume ends with brief recaps of “Epic Battles.” Written in straightforward language, the book is packed with colorful images, and kids will enjoy taking a closer look at the characters and the details of their world.

Two staple-bound paperbacks illustrated with large-size photos recount specific adventures. When a dangerous Nighlok hits the Blue Ranger (Kevin) with a mind-control ray and orders him to attack his compatriots, it becomes difficult to tell if he’s a Friend or Enemy?, but the other teens come to his aid. The New Ranger (both Scholastic, 2012; PreS-Gr 2) describes the arrival of Antonio, a seemingly ordinary guy who is destined to become the sixth member of their squad (“Go, Gold!”). Filled with battle action, both stories also emphasize teamwork and looking out for one another, and the brief sentences, simple language, and action-packed images make them suitable for sharing aloud or for beginning readers.

Three easy chapter books pair longer narratives with photos from the show that support the text with visual clues. Rangers Unite describes how Jayden, son of another Red Ranger lost long ago in battle, first assembles his team and inspires them to work together to defeat the Nighlok. The crew is ready and Armed for Battle, as they take on the frightening Scorpionic and his powerful Whirlwind Scythe. As Master Xandred and his minions grow stronger, the squad learns how to utilize the Black Box, enabling them to take their combined powers to the next level and defeat their foes with a super Samurai Strike (all Scholastic, 2012; K-Gr 4). The tales’ quick-paced narratives are sprinkled with dialogue and Power Rangers terminology that will strike a chord with viewers. The photos depict the characters in both their civilian personas and in their costumed warrior mode, showcasing an abundance of sword-slashing, spear-swinging, fireball-flinging action.

Graphic Novel Series

Papercutz recently launched the franchise’s first-ever graphic novel series with Power Rangers Super Samurai #1: “Memory Short” (2012; Gr 1-5). This original adventure begins with a section of full-color photos and brief descriptive text introducing the show’s characters and premise. The six teens are enjoying an outdoor rock concert when Master Xandred launches his latest evil plan, sending Oblivitor to make the crowd forget about the Power Rangers in order to destroy their hope and allow misery to flourish. However, the monster mistakenly zaps Jayden, wiping out his memory. While fighting off attack after attack, the team attempts to break the spell by recounting past events and getting the Red Ranger back up to speed before it’s too late.

The crisp dialogue is supported by bright-hued illustrations that clearly delineate the events, with black lines and swirling colors adding excitement and motion. The perspective zooms in to highlight important moments or underscore a character’s emotions, and pulls back to provide a broader view of the battle scenes. Touches of kid-pleasing humor and themes of trust, working together, and taking one’s responsibilities to heart are nestled within the action. The vibrant artwork draws youngsters into the story, aiding their comprehension and encouraging them to translate the text, making this a good choice for emergent or newly confident readers, while older fans will appreciate the book’s sophisticated look. The next installment in the series will be published in October.

Publication Information

LANDERS, Ace. Power Rangers: Super Samurai: Official Guide. Scholastic. 2012. pap. $7.99. ISBN 978-0-545-44747-8.

_____.  Power Rangers: Samurai: Friend or Enemy? ISBN 978-0-545-39005-7.

_____. Power Rangers: Samurai: Armed for Battle. ISBN 978-0-545-39010-1.

_____. Power Rangers: Super Samurai: Samurai Strike. ISBN 978-0-545-40322-1.

EASTON, Marilyn. Power Rangers: Samurai: The New Ranger. ISBN 978-0-545-39008-8.

SANTOS, Ray. Power Rangers: Samurai: Rangers Unite. ISBN 978-0-545-39011-8.

ea vol: Scholastic. 2012. pap. $3.99.

PETRUCHA, Stefan. Power Rangers Super Samurai #1: “Memory Short.” illus. by Paulo Henrique. Papercutz. 2012. Tr $10.99. ISBN 978-1-59707-332-5; pap. $6.99. ISBN 978-1-59707-331-8.

Bottom of the Ninth (Ryan Woodard Art & Animation)

Baseball season may be coming to an end, but a true fan’s enthusiasm for the sport never wanes. Reason enough to consider two new digital products for your iPad: Ryan Woodward’s Bottom of the Ninth and The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. The first is an animated graphic novel, the second, a reference guide. Here’s what our reviewers had to say about these releases.

Many graphic novelists and artists are grappling with how comics can be presented in a digital format. Professional animator Ryan Woodward offers a strong template with his app for iOS devices, Bottom of the Ninth (Ryan Woodward Art and Animation, 2012; $3.99; Gr 9 Up). The story takes place 200 years in the future and features Candy Cunningham, a teenager with a phenomenal pitching arm who wants to play “New Baseball.” While technology has made the game faster, more exciting, and somewhat dangerous, attitudes toward women on and off the field haven’t evolved. This first chapter of the story signals a promising start as the tale has both a retro and futuristic feel to it. More chapters are in the works, but it might be a while before the entire story can be told.

Page layouts resemble those found in comic books, and each page offers some well-integrated, fluid animation. The sepia-toned artwork is stylish and appealing, with baseball memorabilia (ticket stubs, scorecards, etc.) worked into the images. The narration and sound effects also evoke the ballpark and include sports commentary and a cheering crowd. Some panels exhibit a speaker icon that can be tapped for extra audio and a touch to any word balloon will trigger audio dialog (sometimes enhanced). Both the narration and the music soundtrack are of high quality. Drawbacks include slow updates and the need to purchase on a chapter-by-chapter basis. Still, the app is a significant accomplishment artistically and technologically and will likely influence future graphic novelists moving into digital.—(Mark Richardson, Cedar Mill Community Library, Portland, OR)

A poignant foreword by award-winning sport’s journalist Joe Posnanski introduces the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum  (The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum/RareWire, $3.99; Gr 4 Up), a spotlight tour of the best Negro League players who, except for a few, never competed in the Major Leagues. Navigating this app is reminiscent of walking through the museum, located in Kansas City, MO.

The first exhibit is an illustrated timeline beginning in the 1860s and ending in the 1950s, by which time nine Major League MVP awards had been won by former Negro Leaguers. The timeline concisely covers major events in U.S. history, African-American history, Negro League baseball history, and baseball history. Though one excellent video of a clown team playing ‘pepper ball’ (think comedic baseball play in the spirit of the Harlem Globe Trotters) is embedded, the chronology doesn’t  explore the impact of events in any depth or link to text that will aid young viewers in understanding causality. For example, the Jim Crow laws that are mentioned made it difficult, if not impossible at times, for the heavy-traveling barnstorming Negro League teams to find hotel and restaurant accommodations, especially in the South.

The next section provides a selection of Negro League team histories, rosters, and team photos navigated by map, while a third section, titled “Field of Legends,” crisply presents bronzed baseball card images to provide succinct player profiles. The final section, a digital scrapbook, wraps up this brief but broad and clear overview of Negro League Baseball history.—(Nicole Politi, The Ocean County Library, NJ)

Eds. note: After a brief hiatus during the transition to our new website, our app reviews are back. —moving from School Library Journal’s blog roll into a column, and pushing out in our Extra Helping enewsletter. Archived reviews can be found on the SLJ website under “Blogs and Columns.” However, to ensure you receive all of our postings, be sure to add “Touch and Go” to your RSS feed.

Voltron Force

The ultimate blend of high-tech machinery and good old-fashioned teamwork, Voltron—a flying robot formed by the linking together of five lion-styled vehicles and their pilots—is a formidable force for good. Sound familiar?

The animated TV series, Voltron: Defender of the Universe, aired in the mid-1980s, spawning other projects through the years and establishing a cult following (look out, Optimus Prime—a live-action feature film is currently in the works). Set several years after the original, Voltron Force (TVY7), an animated show launched in June 2011 on Nicktoons, pairs the first generation of Voltron pilots (Keith, Allura, Lance, Hunk, and Pidge) with three young cadets—impetuous and mischievous Daniel, tech-savvy Vince, and martial-arts-wielding Larmina.

As they train with and battle beside their heroes, the novices must learn how to utilize the amazing fighting abilities of this metallic giant and master its updated powers (different robotic lions are now able to form the head, creating new possibilities) to protect the universe from evil, most often in the form of the tyrannical King Lotor. Kids can visit the official website for info about the show and its characters, video clips and entire episodes, and a multi-level arcade-style video game.

VIZ Media’s series of graphic novels is sure to get fans of Voltron Force—and other villain-vanquishing robots—reading. Each volume begins with a quick introduction to the show’s premise and characters and relates a stand-alone tale. In Shelter from the Storm, Lotor and his “devious techno-scientist” minion, Maahox, let loose a terrifying tempest with the power to alter minds. Pulled into the vortex during a training mission, the three young pilots suddenly believe that their worst nightmares have become reality; that is, until help arrives and Vince comes up with a plan to squash the storm.

When the cadets and their mentors are tricked into landing on a mysterious planet, the youngsters soon find themselves forced to compete in a Tournament of Lions (both 2012; Gr 3-6) against imposing alien warriors who are determined to take their place as Voltron pilots. The tales combine clever plot twists and electrifying battle scenes to grab and hold readers’ attention. Concise dialogue balloons propel the events forward, while conveying the individual personalities of the characters and adding touches of humor. The artwork is crisply rendered and brightly hued, and cleanly laid-out panels make the storyline easy to follow. Themes of teamwork and finding one’s unique strengths underscore the fast-paced action. A third installment, Twin Trouble, will be released this month, and three more volumes are in the works.

Avatar: The Last Airbender

This award-winning animated series aired on Nickelodeon for three seasons (2005-2008), was adapted into a live-action movie in 2010, and inspired a sequel TV series (The Legend of Korra) that premiered in April. The action is set in a fantastical world that consists of four great nations: the Water Tribes, the Earth Kingdom, the Air Nomads, and the Fire Nation. Each domain is home to certain individuals who possess the ability to “bend”—or use martial arts movements to manipulate—their native element.

Only the Avatar, here reincarnated in the person of the charismatic 12-year-old Aang, is capable of bending all four elements, and is thus charged with maintaining balance among the realms. With the help of his friends, Aang must embrace his destiny and try to stop the Fire Nation from conquering the other kingdoms. Kids can get the scoop at the official Avatar website, which features info about the show and its characters, an episode guide (with plot descriptions, photos, and clips), an array of videos (including several full episodes), and numerous online games.

Aang and his friends still have plenty of devotees, and interest has been reignited by The Legend of Korra’s premiere. Avatar: The Last Airbender: The Promise (Dark Horse, 2012; Gr 4-7) picks up where the show left off and bridges the two animated series. Written by Gene Luen Yang, author of American Born Chinese (First Second, 2006), this three-volume graphic novel begins with a recap of evil Fire Lord Ozai’s defeat and the end of the Hundred Year War. Aang soon discovers that the hard-won harmony is difficult to maintain.

When his longtime friend Zuko, now the Fire Lord, reneges on his promise to force his citizens to vacate colonies established in the Earth Kingdom, things get complicated. Can a compromise be worked out, or are the two nations destined for war? Aang also struggles with a promise of his own…he has made a vow to Zuko to put an end to his life should he become a tyrant like his father, Ozai. As this epic tale unfolds, the two protagonists become increasingly conflicted, looking both inward and outward to determine what is right. Meanwhile, side plots keep the action perking along, as Aang’s romance with waterbender Katara heats up, the ever-spunky Toph tries to teach her unique metalbending skills to three inept recruits, and Aang encounters his very own fan club. The script balances weightier themes with lighthearted moments, and Aang’s irresistible goofiness consistently provides comic relief. The characters are multidimensional and the resolution is logical and satisfying. The artwork uses eye-catching color contrasts to create a fully realized world. The first two volumes are already available and Part 3 will be released in September. A must-have for collections serving Avatar fans.

Publication Information

SMITH, Brian. Voltron Force: Shelter from the Storm. Vol. 1. illus. by Jacob Chabot. ISBN 978-1-4215-4153-2.

_____. Voltron Force: Tournament of Lions. Vol. 2. illus. by Dario Brizuela. ISBN 978-1-4215-4154-9.

ea vol: VIZ Media/Vivkids. 2012. pap. $7.99.

YANG, Gene Luen. Avatar: The Last Airbender: The Promise: Part 1. ISBN 978-1-59582-811-8.

_____. Avatar: The Last Airbender: The Promise: Part 2. ISBN 978-1-59582-875-0.

_____. Avatar: The Last Airbender: The Promise: Part 3. Sept. 2012. ISBN 978-1-59582-941-2.

ea vol: illus. by Gurihiru. Dark Horse. 2012. pap. $10.99.

Currently working on books for the Tokyo publisher Kodansha, SLJ caught up with Wilson, who is a guest speaker at SLJ‘s August 9 online event, SummerTeen: A Celebration of Young Adult Books. If you’ve signed up for SummerTeen, make sure to gather your teens to hear Wilson speak on the “Classic Twists” panel from 2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Registration is still open.

Tell us about the kinds of comics and graphic novels you create?

SMW: I work in three or four genres within the general art form of the comic book or graphic novel. Adaptation of classics and historical work, manga, biography and documentary books are what most of my books have been. I can understand why librarians are more prone to classification, but in my mind I don’t make much distinction between the various types of books I write. The key elements of what leads me to write a specific book are two in all cases: what is interesting for me to create, and what will publishers want/ask me to do? (Unfortunately, those two are not also going in the same direction in this money-dominated system we have at present!)

How does it feel to have such a strong teen fan base?

SMW: Well, my books are not just for the YA audience, but for adults in general. In both types, what we are dealing with are human emotions, social situations and relationships, ideas that engage and motivate people-basically about the human condition. YA books are about the human condition at that particular age.
Of course, one of the basic aims is to increase YA’s interest in reading. We might take it a step further and say what is the point of reading, what advantages does it bring? I’ve been reflecting on [author and media theorist] Neil Postman’s point that reading helps encourage logical thinking, analysis, and a feeling that the world has some pattern, and that our current lives take place within a continuity. He contrasts that to television, which encourages a short-term memory type processing, the visual, the instantaneous, thinking that’s divorced from building patterns of connection. These are perhaps less desirable. So, graphic novels with the mixture of both visuals and text are one good way of bridging between these two ways of thinking.

How valuable are librarians at getting the word out about your work?

SMW: Very important, libraries and librarians are crucial, and getting even more so recently with graphic novels. In fact right now a good example of that is happening. My Wuthering Heights book has been shortlisted in the Stan Lee Excelsior Awards, which is an exciting new
award scheme where readers aged 11-16 choose the winner from eight shortlisted books held in their school library. In the process they, of course, read the eight books, and give some considered opinion on the merits of each—a good way for libraries to encourage reading and analytical thinking. This is organized by the libraries of around 170 schools in the UK.

What’s one of the most moving things you’ve heard about your work?

SMW: I was giving a lecture about my books in a college, and a teacher was there with her 14 year old daughter. She told me that so far she had not let her daughter read comics/graphic novels, as she had thought they would be detrimental to her reading development. But that after
listening to my talk, she had changed her mind and intended to buy my book for herself and her daughter. So, I managed to bring over both an adult reader and a younger reader-success!

Ever worry about your work being censored or challenged?

SMW: Censored no, challenged yes. I don’t think any publishers I’ve worked with so far have said ‘Don’t do that.’ The challenges often come from critics and often rather narrow minded and ill-informed ones at that. I do often get upset when a critic makes some point that seems totally inaccurate to me, and based on not having thought about the book enough or just mouthing off their own prejudices. People tell me I need to be more ‘thick skinned’ about it. But sometimes a point raised can make me reflect on how I write or what I write and lead me to try to do better next time.

What can you tell us about the books you’re working on now?

SMW: I’m working on a 150-page historical manga book with Kodansha, my first Japanese/English bilingual book. It’s exciting to have this bilingual version. Also a documentary-style comic book called ‘Parecomic’, with Seven Stories Press in NY. We’ve almost finished
that one now, a 200-page book with an introduction by Noam Chomsky. I’m also doing some library based use of comics to promote literacy with the ‘Upside Comics’ group in the UK:

Other SLJ SummerTeen Interviews:

Gareth Hinds

Earl Sewell

A.S. King

Johan Harstad

Barry Lyga

AGUIRRE, Jorge. Giants Beware! illus. by Rafael Rosado. 202p. First Second. 2012. pap $14.99. ISBN 978-1-59643-582-7.
Gr 3-6–A blacksmith’s daughter is unsatisfied with her peaceful life within the fortress of Mont Petit Pierre. Rambunctious and loudmouthed, Claudette yearns for action, like killing the giant that lives on the mountain outside of town. With her timid brother, Gaston, and her ladylike friend, Marie, she blusters her way through the fortress gate and into the Forest of Death, beyond which lies the Mad River, and then Giant’s Peak. Can these three kids, armed with a wooden sword, Marie’s intelligence, Gaston’s fortitude, Claudette’s stinky feet, and a pug named Valiant, survive in the wilderness and defeat the giant? Of course they can, but not in the ways they might have expected. The adults in the story are distinguished by exaggerated characteristics, but their actions are driven by realistic, largely generous motives. The story strikes a fine balance between being action-and friendship-driven. The art is similarly well-balanced: Rosado’s ink drawings are strong and lively, with expressive characters and well-drawn landscapes. Digitally applied color is natural, bright, and nonintrusive. Fans of Jimmy Gownley’s “Amelia Rules” (S &S) and Jeff Smith’s “Bone” series (Scholastic) will snap this title up.–Paula Willey , Baltimore County Public Library, Towson, MD

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The following titles are reviewed in the May 1 print issue. Visit our Reviews Center (Beta) for the full reviews.

Elementary and Middle School

BEAUREGARD, Lynda. In Search of the Fog Zombie: A Mystery About Matter. Bk. 1. ISBN 978-0-7613-5689-9; ISBN 978-0-7613-8544-8; ISBN 978-0-7613-8744-2. LC 2011022374.
––––. The Nighttime Cabin Thief: A Mystery About Light. Bk. 2. ISBN 978-0-7613-5692-9; ISBN 978-0-7613-8543-1; ISBN 978-0-7613-8747-3. LC 2011016593.
ea vol: illus. by Der-shing Helmer. 48p. (Summer Camp Science Mysteries). glossary. CIP. Lerner/Graphic Universe. 2012. PLB $29.27; pap. $6.95; ebook $21.95.

DICKENS, Charles. David Copperfield. ISBN 978-0-7641-6304-3; ISBN 978-0-7641-4452-3. LC 2011920871
____. Great Expectations. ISBN 978-0-7641-6305-0; ISBN 978-0-7641-4453-0. LC 2010939397.
ea vol: retold by Jacqueline Morley. illus. by Penko Gelev. 48p. (Graphic Classics Series). map. reprods. index. Barron’s. 2011. PLB $15.99; pap. $8.99.

FARSHTEY, Greg. Mask of the Sensei. Bk. 2. illus. by Paulo Henrique. 64p. (LEGO® Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitsu Series). Papercutz. 2012. Tr $10.99. ISBN 978-1-59707-311-0; pap. $6.99. ISBN 978-59707-310-3.

FOLEY, Ryan. Perseus: Destiny’s Call. illus. by Naresh Kumar. 86p. pap. $11.99. ISBN 978-93-80741-08-6.

WHITEHEAD, Dan. Jason and the Argonauts. illus. by Sankha Banerjee. 98p. pap. $12.99. ISBN 978-81-907515-2-0.
ea vol: (Campfire Mythology Series). Campfire. 2012.

FORD, Christopher. The Wrath of Zozimos. Bk. 2.illus. by author. 224p. (Stickman Odyssey Series). Philomel. May 2012. Tr $12.99. ISBN 978-0-399-25427-7.

JOHNSON, R. Kikuo, retel. The Shark King.illus. by author. 40p. CIP. Toon Bks. 2012. Tr $12.95. ISBN 978-1-935179-16-0. LC 2011026592.

LE GALL, Frank. Freedom! Bk. 1. ISBN 978-0-7613-7884-6; ISBN 978-0-7613-8546-2; ISBN 978-1-4677-0161-7. LC 2011021726.
––––. Rooftop Cat. Bk. 2. ISBN 978-0-7613-7885-3; ISBN 978-0-7613-8547-9; ISBN 978-1-4677-0162-4. LC 2011025646.
ea vol: illus. by Flore Balthazar. 48p. (Miss Annie Series). CIP. Lerner/Graphic Universe. 2012. PLB $29.27; pap. $6.95; ebook $21.95.

LAMBERT, Joseph. Annie Sullivan and the Trials of Helen Keller.illus. by Joseph Lambert. 96p. (The Center for Cartoon Studies Series). Hyperion/Disney. 2012. Tr $17.99. ISBN 978-1-4231-1336-2. LC 2011036324.

PETRUCHA, Stefan. The Hunger Pains. Bk. 4. illus. by Rick Parker. 54p. Papercutz. (Papercutz Slices Series). 2012. Tr $10.99. ISBN 978-1-59707-313-4; pap $6.99. ISBN 978-1-59707-312-7.

SPIEGELMAN, Nadja. Zig and Wikki in the Cow.illus. byTrade Loeffler. 40p. CIP. Toon Bks. 2012. Tr $12.95. ISBN 978-1-935179-15-3. LC 2011026676.

High School

GRANT, Pat. Blue. illus. by author. 96p. Top Shelf Productions. 2012. Tr $14.95. ISBN 978-1-60309-153-4.

RYUMON, Ryou. Bloody Monday. Vol. 1. tr. from Japanese by Mari Morimoto. illus. by Kouji Megumi. 208p. glossary. Kodansha. 2011. pap. $10.99. ISBN 978-1-935429-22-7. LC number unavailable.