Advice to artists: learn from the best!

If you're in the mood for something a little different, take a look at Drawing from Memory by Allen Say. Part graphic novel and part biography, Mr. Say tells his story of growing up in Japan and his desire to be a cartoonist, despite objections from his father.  At the age of 12, the author sought out Noro Shinpei, a famous Japanese cartoonist, with hopes of working for him and learning the art of cartooning.  Through a combination of drawings and sketches from the past and the present, the reader learns how Shinpei became Mr. Say's sensei, or teacher.  The format of the book takes getting used to, with the styles of drawings and the page lay-outs varying quite a bit, but the story is intriguing and gives good insight into the hard work required to excel as an artist.

The show is a go!

I was a bit confused at the beginning of Zebrafish, written and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds - I think I tend to read graphic novels too quickly and not think about the pictures long enough.  So I started over and slowed down, and it was much better.  (That's a not-subtle hint for those who are new to graphic novels!) Vita is an aspiring musician and decides to form a rock band; however, she's less than thrilled with those who show up to audition: Plinko and Jay play air guitar, Tanya is an environmentalist, and Walt is an artist.  None except Vita have any true musical ability, but the group comes up with a cool idea for making a music video.  When Tanya misses a bunch of their meetings, Vita starts to get a little upset...until she learns that Tanya is going to the hospital to be treated for leukemia.  Now the band has a mission: raise money to buy equipment for leukemia research. Not only is that a neat story line, but some of the proceeds from the sale of the book go to Children's Hospital Boston.  Inspiring!

A wonderful smile...FINALLY

I didn't know until I was finished that Smile by Raina Telgemeier is based on something that really happened to the author. Poor Raina had an accident as a 12-year-old that caused her to lose her two front teeth. She goes through years of surgery, braces, false teeth, and pain on her way to a beautiful smile. Doesn't quite sound like the basis of a graphic novel, does it? But it works! The story is told with humor, even as Raina is going through typical middle school situations of crushes, betrayal of frenemies, and changing family dynamics. The characters are simply drawn, but the emotions are definitely there, and you'll cheer for Raina as she finds a new group of friends. A great story that shows readers no matter how tough your situation, it will eventually get better....just maybe not in the way you think.

Fun for your inner geek

Okay, this was just plain fun! The Secret Science Alliance and the Copycat Crook by Eleanor Davis is what good graphic novels are all about - illustrations that depict ideas way better than words could. Julian Calendar is "outwardly: a nerd. But inwardly...an ultra nerd." He doesn't think he'll ever fit in at his new school, until he learns that bad girl Greta Hughes and sports jock Ben Garza are secret scientists, too. (I keep going back and looking at the drawing of their hideout - amazing, amazing details.) They form the Secret Science Alliance, but then Evil Dr. Stringer rips off their invention notebook. He plans to use some of the kids' ideas to steal something valuable from the local museum....can they stop him in time? With crazy inventions from the Kablovsky copter to the Stinkometer and lots of action, I bet you'll enjoy this one (and even get a painless dose of science on the side).

Not your typical ghostly adventure

Enjoy graphic novels? Even if you're new to the format, I'd recommend Ghostopolis by Doug TenNapel - it's getting great reviews! Frank Gallows works for the Supernatural Immigration Task Force, and it's his job to round up stray ghosts and zap them back to the afterlife. But he messes up, and Garth Hale, a boy with an incurable disease, gets sent, too. After Garth is befriended by a skelton horse (nicknamed "Skinny") and meets Cecil (his grandpa's ghost), they all set out to save Ghostopolis from its evil ruler. At the same time, Frank and his ex-girlfriend, who's now a ghost, blast into the afterlife to try to save Garth. Lots of craziness, adventure, and humor make it fun; the characters' growth make it worthwhile. Take the time to savor the illustrations...the details make them awesome.

Brain cramp

Okay, I kept thinking, "Um....what?" as I read Brain Camp, a graphic novel by Susan Kim and Laurence Klavan.  Definitely different.  Underachievers Lucas and Jenna are sent to Camp Fielding, which claims to "prepare any child for the SATs and beyond."  It doesn't take long for them to discover a lot of weird stuff is going on, such as campers disappearing, counselors coming into the cabins at night with hypodermic needles, and kids acting like zombies.  Lucas and Jenna, besides starting to fall for each other, find out the truth (it involves a giant alien bird!), but can they get help before they get transformed themselves?  While the illustrations are appropriate for older middle schoolers, some are not for the squeamish. The pace of the story felt jumpy and rushed to me, but I know an eighth-grader who read this and really liked it.  If you're into graphic novels, check it out.