forestofglory

I thought I wasn't going to do another media round up post this year, but I've been reading a lot of graphic novels and they go quickly so I have plenty of things to talk about. It started because a friend posted a picture of couple of graphic novels they bought for presents for kid. So I checked both of those out of the library. And then I started feeling a bit anxious about how many books I've read this year, so putting holds on lots of middle grade graphic novels seemed like a good idea. I think that I shouldn't care about how many books I read this year, but I do care at least some of the time. But also it's been nice to have something a bit easier to focus on to read.

Across a Field of Starlight by Blue Delliquanti —This a YA science fiction graphic novel about two teens who meet by chance and become friends. One is fighting a rebellion against an empire, and the other lives in a space commune that’s hiding from the empire and the rebels. They are both non-binary! This was very much my kind of story thematically, about kindness and the importance of small actions. I also like that most of the characters are at least one of trans, brown or fat.

Salt Magic words by Hope Larson pictures by Rebecca Mock—This was a middle grade fantasy graphic novel set in 1918 Oklahoma about a girl who sets out to rescue her family from a curse. The magic was very eerie, but felt more like something out of a european fairy tale without reference to Indigenous American magical traditions. The art was good with very expressive faces. I also found the ending confusing. So over all mixed feelings about this one.

Sorceress by K.L. Noone—This short fantasy romance was disappointing. Lilly, a new mom, is living in a rundown cottage doing small magics, when the King's bastard old brother comes to ask her to save the King. This story felt too slight to hold the emotional weight the author was trying to convey. Feelings (not just romantic ones) kept popping out of nowhere. I was also disappointed that the baby is unrealistically chill, and never seems to be an obstacle. I wasn't thrilled with the default unexamined monarchy either. There were some good moments and cute banter, but it didn't make up for the flawy

Mapmakers and the Lost Magic by Cameron Chittock, drawn by Amanda Castillo— I really enjoyed this middle grade fantasy novella. Alidade wants to leave her town but the sinister Night Coats control the town and won't let anyone leave. One day while running from the night Coats she discovers a magical secret. I really like the focus on living in harmony with nature and on forming community. The art is good too, the characters are adorable, but it also does a good job of conveying the majesty of the natural world.

The Awakening Storm written by Jaimal Yogis, drawn by Vivian Truong —This middle grade graphic was not what I wanted it to be. What I wanted was a story about kids exploring a magical city with dragons. But what I got was kids stumbling into a conspiracy, with dragons. I guess this is what I get for looking at the cover and only glancing at the summary before asking the library for it. I did like the kid friendship group dynamics but this was a bit too grim for me.(content note parental death)

Séance Tea Party by Reimena Yee— This charming graphic novel about Lora a 12 year old girl who is not ready to grow up and her ghost best friend Alexa. I really liked the story about Lora not wanting to lose the magic of childhood. And the art is really fun and cute. Part of this story is about Alexa mourning that she died at 14 and never got to live a full life and I found that bit sad and difficult.

I still have a few more graphic novels out form the library, so expect more next time I do a media round up.