Classroom Graphic Novel – Episode #8

I still really liked this installment despite accidentally reading the two books out of order. Knowing where Garlic starts (and finishes) the sequel gave me more appreciation for her growth in this initial volume. It’s so cute and wholesome. I will definitely add this one to the classroom shelves.

I finally got around to reading the conclusion of Telgemeier’s graphic memoir trilogy and, like all of other other books that I have read, really enjoyed it. Unlike Shannon Hale’s trilogy of graphic memoirs, Telgemeier tackled different, yet related, themes. Both approaches work. I think these books will make excellent additions to my classroom library.

Going into this one, I was a little wary due to an accidental spoiler that I read in a review prior to starting. Thankfully, although that event did occur, the reviewer mischaracterized it a little. I enjoyed being back in this world and wrapping up Iko’s story. I would hesitate a little before putting this on the shelves due to my students propensity to disregard series order. If they read the books in order, many would definitely enjoy them.

This one was just fine for me. It did not tread new ground. I also struggled a bit to place the time period because the main character listens to both cds and records while also using a smart phone. If she had remarked on the “strangeness” of a CD, it would have made a little more sense. This also did not have an art style and color palette that appealed to me. Since I know those things are subjective, I plan to continue in the series before

I loved this volume. Larson created a spunky, queer Black heroine who puts Nancy Drew to shame. As a reader who as a child/middle schooler loved Nancy Drew and Scooby Do, this was right up my alley. I also really enjoyed the art style in this issue. This one will definitely get added to the classroom shelves along with the sequels as soon as I get my hands on them.

While I may never read E. Lockhart’s much more well known book, We Were Liars, I really enjoyed her take on a superhero origin story. She created a lovable and street smart main character who chose to confront those closest to her who were doing reprehensible things even though it put her and her mom in danger. I will definitely add this one to the classroom shelves.