One Year at Ellsmere – Faith Erin Hicks

One Year at Ellsmere by Faith Erin Hicks

My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Received: Raincoast Books
Published: July 14th, 2020
Publisher: First Second
Recommended Age: 8+
Genres & Themes: Middle School, Graphic Novel, Friendship, Bullying, Boarding School

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REVIEW:

I don’t understand. I don’t understand why some authors decide to include one fantasy element in an otherwise completely contemporary story. I understand magical realism. I think it can be very beautiful, surprising and, well, magical. But this was no magical realism story.

The Daughters of Ys – M.T. Anderson & Jo Rioux

The Daughters of Ys by M.T. Anderson & Jo Rioux

My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Received: Raincoast Books
Published: August 11th, 2020
Publisher: First Second
Recommended Age: 13+
Genres & Themes: Young Adult, Graphic Novel, Fantasy, Dark, Magic, Retelling, Siblings

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REVIEW:

This was a much darker tale than I anticipated, both in atmosphere and content. It is not a story I recommend if you are looking for something to uplift your spirits but it is one I dare push you towards if you want to read something different, something that will shock you and maybe even repulse you while simultaneously intriguing you.

Mighty Jack and the Goblin King – Ben Hatke

Mighty Jack and the Goblin King by Ben Hatke

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Received: Raincoast Books
Publication Date: September 5th, 2017
Publisher: First Second Books
Point of View: Alternative, Boy-Girl
Recommended Age: 10+
Pacing: Super fast
Genres &  Themes: Graphic Novel, Middle Grade, Fantasy, Courage, Family

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BLURB:

Ben Hatke, the #1 New York Times–bestselling author of Zita the Spacegirl, concludes his latest middle-grade fantasy-adventure graphic novel series, Mighty Jack, with the energetic finale to his retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk.

Real Friends – Shannon Hale

Real Friends by Shannon Hale

My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Received: Publisher
Publication Date: May 2nd, 2017
Publisher: First Second Books
Point of View: 1st Person & Feminine
Recommended Age: 8+
Pacing: Fast
Genres & Themes: Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, Friendship, Middle School

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BLURB:

Shannon and Adrienne have been best friends ever since they were little. But one day, Adrienne starts hanging out with Jen, the most popular girl in class and the leader of a circle of friends called The Group. Everyone in The Group wants to be Jen’s #1, and some girls would do anything to stay on top . . . even if it means bullying others.

Now every day is like a roller coaster for Shannon. Will she and Adrienne stay friends? Can she stand up for herself? And is she in The Group—or out?