Book Review
Maids
The true crime graphic novel "Maids" concerns a pair of horrific murders in 1930s France. As Lea arrives to join her older sister, Christine, at the Lancelin home where both are employed, the similarity between a detached eyeball and the...
Book Review
So Embarrassing
The self-help guide "So Embarrassing" is designed for teenagers and uses humor to spell out survival tactics for falls, flatulence, and other mortifying moments. Guided by a large cast of cartoon characters, the book devotes its chapters...
Book Review
American Terrorist
"American Terrorist" probes the line between concerned citizen and criminal, addressing real-life political problems including corporate pollution, racial inequality, and access to health care. Owen, a journalist, and Hannah, a teacher,...
Book Review
Swamp Thing
Maggie Stiefvater’s exciting, teen-friendly graphic novel Swamp Thing: Twin Branches includes a new origin story for a familiar comic book character. Alec and his twin brother, Walker, couldn’t be more different: Walker is outgoing...
Book Review
The Photographer of Mauthausen
Moving and suspenseful, "The Photographer of Mauthausen" is a based-in-truth story of survival in a Nazi concentration camp. Francisco, a Spanish photographer, is imprisoned by the Nazis because of his communist beliefs. So are many of...
Book Review
Essence of Japan, A Coloring Journey
Like a travel account that invites outside observation, these coloring sheets include famous sites and personal observations; they are suited to novices and experienced colorists alike. Joyce Yoshihara Will’s coloring book "Essence of...
Book Review
The Rise of Real-Life Superheroes
Peter Nowak analyzes the phenomenon of real people dressing in costumes to fight crime and help others in "The Rise of Real-Life Superheroes". Since 1969, when a junior high school science teacher fought corporate pollution as “The...
Book Review
Frankie and the Gift of Fantasy
In "Frankie and the Gift of Fantasy", a ten-year-old boy finds independence and purpose when he is transported from California to a distant planet. Francesco, who goes by Frankie, is always being nagged to be productive instead of...