LIS 721 Reading Response 6 - Graphic Novels

Brian, R. (2020). Consent (for kids!): Boundaries, respect, and being in charge of you. Little, Brown and Company, a Division of Hachette Book Group.
    Consent (for kids!): Boundaries, Respect, and Being in Charge of You is a children's book written by Rachel Brian. Presented as a graphic novel, rather than a chapter book, it is designed to teach young children about the concept of consent in an accessible and engaging way. The text and illustrations work well together and are easy to follow. The book is intended to help children

understand the importance of setting personal boundaries, respecting others' boundaries, and making choices about their own bodies. It uses simple, age-appropriate language and illustrations to help kids understand these concepts. The illustrations are effective and well executed. The plot, or lessons, are easy to understand. I read this book with my 8-year-old daughter and she understood the importance of each lesson. This book is part of a series called For Kids! This series is focused on helping children understand and navigate complex social and emotional concepts in a simple and engaging way. The other titles include The Worry (less) Book and Be Smart About Screen Time book. Recommended for children ages 6-12.

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Kibuishi, K. (2013). Amulet. Graphix, an Imprint of Scholastic.

    Amulet Book 1: The Stonekeeper is the first graphic novel in the Amulet series, written and illustrated by Kazu Kibuishi. The story follows Emily, who, along with her younger brother Navin and their mother, moves into their great-grandfather’s house after the death of their father. While exploring the house, they discover a mysterious amulet that belongs to their great-grandfather. However, the amulet is more than just a piece of jewelry—it is a powerful and magical artifact. They are plunged into a strange world to battle creatures and make lifelong friends.

Kibuishi’s artwork in Amulet is one of the series' most notable features. The illustrations are full of movement and beautifully created, with rich colors and detailed settings that draw readers into the fantastical world. The text and illustrations work well together and are easy to follow. I was lucky enough to be able to read the 9-book series with my now 10-year-old daughter. Each book builds on the story and plot of the one before. Even with all the characters, plot twists, and action, the story and plot are easy to understand and follow. Recommended for ages 10 and up.
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Ortega, C. A. (2022). Frizzy. First Second Books.
    Frizzy is a graphic novel by Claribel A. Ortega. It is a heartfelt and empowering story about a young girl named Marlene who is navigating the complexities of self-acceptance, identity, and family. This story revolves around a 12-year-old Dominican-American who is learning to embrace her natural hair. However, as an American-born, white adult, I connected with Marlene and her struggle. One’s hair is so important and in many cases, tied to one's culture and religion. Wanting to be true to yourself but also meeting society's expectations of yourself is a struggle.

The illustrations by Rose Bousamra feature bright, colorful pictures that complement the expressions, emotions, and growth of Marlene in a way that feels relatable and accessible to young readers. The illustrations are also packed with detail that reflects Marlene’s cultural background, from the clothing to the setting, making it an engaging and immersive experience. I read this book with my 10-year-old, and after reading, she told me she had read it before but loved it so much that she wanted to read it again with me. The text and illustrations work well together, making the plot understandable to the target audience. Frizzy is not part of a series, but I would be interested in reading more about the life and times of Marlene and her family. Recommended for ages 8 to 14.

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Paulsen, B. (2021). Garlic and the vampire. HarperCollins.

    Garlic & the Vampire by Bree Paulsen is a charming and beautifully illustrated middle-grade graphic novel that blends fantasy, humor, and heartwarming themes of self-confidence and friendship. The story follows Garlic, an anxious garlic bulb who lives in a peaceful village of vegetable folk, all nurtured by a kind witch, Agnes. Garlic is comfortable in her routine of gardening and working alongside her best friend, Carrot. However, when rumors spread that a vampire has moved into the abandoned castle nearby, she’s filled with self-doubt and fear. Garlic must embark on a mission to slay the vampire. The illustrations in Paulsen are absolutely

delightful! The art style is soft, warm, and cozy, with a hand-drawn, storybook-like quality that perfectly complements the gentle tone of the story. They are effective and well executed. I, again, read this with my 10-year-old daughter, and she has since told me it is her favorite book because she has anxiety and connects with Garlic. Garlic & the Vampire is not part of a series, but I would be interested in reading more about the adventures of Garlic and her vegetable friends. Recommended for ages 8 to 14.

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Sturm, J., Arnold, A., & Frederick-Frost, A. (2010). Adventures in cartooning. First Second.

    Adventures in Cartooning by James Sturm, Andrew Arnold, and Alexis Frederick-Frost is a fun and interactive graphic novel that doubles as a beginner’s guide to cartooning. It's perfect for kids (and adults) who want to learn how to create their own comics while enjoying an engaging adventure story. The story follows a brave knight, a magical elf, and a cowardly horse on an epic quest to save a kidnapped princess from a dragon. But there's a twist—the book itself teaches the reader about cartooning techniques along the way!

As the adventure unfolds, the magical elf explains the fundamentals of storytelling, paneling, speech bubbles, sound effects, and character design. The illustrations are bold and easy to follow, making it approachable for beginners. They are effective and well executed. I, again, read this with my 10-year-old daughter and This book is part of a series that includes other fun installments like Adventures in Cartooning: Characters in Action! and Adventures in Cartooning: How to Turn Your Doodles Into Comics!