The Secret of the Ravens by Joanna Cacao

/ paulkopulos / Leave a comment

Genre: Graphic Novel
Pages: 272 pages
Published Date: November 7, 2023
Publisher: Clarion Books
Series: N/A
Rating: 4 out of 5 
Age: 8-12 

The Secret of the Ravens by Joanna Cacao is a captivating middle-grade graphic novel that seamlessly blends mystery, adventure, and fantasy. This enchanting tale follows orphaned twins Elliot and Liza as they embark on a series of perilous quests, guided by enigmatic ravens, in their desperate attempt to escape their grim existence in an abandoned garbage heap.

Elliot and Liza’s story is a testament to resilience and the unbreakable bond of siblings. Their journey, starting in a desolate kingdom where they scavenge for survival, is a heart-wrenching tale. The discovery of the Raven Quests offers a glimmer of hope, promising riches and a chance to alter their fate. However, the path is treacherous, and the true nature of the quests is veiled in ominous secrets.

Cacao’s portrayal of the twins’ determination and courage, especially when Liza is gravely injured during one of their quests, is gripping. Elliot’s desperate mission to save his sister leads him to form unexpected alliances. The narrative is steeped in suspense, and the stakes are palpably high, creating a compelling story that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat until the very end.

The illustrations in The Secret of the Ravens are a standout feature, bringing Cacao’s vibrant world to life. The panels are meticulously crafted, with a keen eye for detail that enhances the storytelling. The characters’ expressions are vividly rendered, capturing their emotions and adding depth to their personalities.

The Secret of the Ravens is a beautifully illustrated and well-crafted graphic novel that will captivate young readers and adults alike. Joanna Cacao’s storytelling, combined with her exquisite artwork, creates an immersive experience that is both thrilling and emotionally resonant. This tale of adventure, loyalty, and the quest for a better life is a must-read for anyone who enjoys fantasy and graphic novels. 

#TheSecretoftheRavens #NetGalley

The Coat by Séverine Vidal; Illustrated by Louis Thomas

/ paulkopulos / Leave a comment

Genre: Picturebook
Pages: 32 pages
Published Date: October 11, 2022
Publisher: Flyaway Books
Series: N/A
Rating: 5 out of 5 
Age: 3-7+ 

“The Coat” by Séverine Vidal, illustrated by Louis Thomas, is a heartwarming children’s book that beautifully captures the emotional journey of a young girl named Elise. The story begins with Elise admiring a red coat that once belonged to her older sister, Mia. Elise has long dreamed of wearing the coat, which symbolizes her growing up. Her anticipation turns to joy when Mia and their mom surprise her with the coat one evening. Elise’s happiness is vividly portrayed as she runs down the hall, singing and thanking her sister.

Elise cherishes the coat and dreams of wearing it everywhere. The next day, despite her initial hesitation to wear it outside for fear of damaging it, she proudly steps out, reassured by her sister. As she walks, her joy and pride are evident, but her mood changes dramatically when she encounters a thin woman and a child sitting on the cold ground, poorly dressed for the weather. This sight deeply affects Elise, and she finds it difficult to sleep that night.

The following day, despite feeling cold in her warm coat, Elise tries to mimic the indifferent behavior of others. However, she cannot ignore the girl she saw the day before. Elise decides to offer a small act of kindness by sharing a candy she had saved, which brings a smile to the girl’s face and warmth to Elise’s heart. The story concludes with Elise missing the school bell but feeling warmed by her kind act, highlighting the power of empathy and compassion.

An important moment in the story is depicted in an image where Elise is absent, and only the homeless girl (wearing Elise’s red coat) and her mother are shown. This absence of Elise suggests a subtle message about the nature of kindness and altruism. By not featuring the protagonist directly in this moment, the focus shifts from individual recognition to the inherent value of assisting people in the community. The absence of Elise in the illustration emphasizes that true kindness does not seek acknowledgment but rather is about the act of helping others.

Louis Thomas’s illustrations are rich and expressive, capturing Elise’s emotions and the story’s settings beautifully. The use of color, particularly the bright red coat against the cold, snowy backgrounds, emphasizes the warmth of Elise’s heart. The detailed illustrations add depth to the narrative, making them an integral part of the storytelling.

“The Coat” teaches valuable lessons about kindness, empathy, and the joy of giving. It is a touching and beautifully illustrated book that resonates with both children and adults, making it a must-read for young readers.

#TheCoat #NetGalley

A Barbed Wire Refrain by August Kowalczyk

/ paulkopulos / Leave a comment

Genre: Autobiography, Holocaust, WWII
Pages: 200 pages
Published Date: January 1, 2001
Publisher: Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum (English Edition)
Series: N/A
Rating: 4.8 out of 5 
Age: 14+ 

A Barbed Wire Refrain is the autobiography of a Polish teen, August Kowalczyk, who, while trying to reach France to join the Polish Army, was arrested in Slovakia and then taken to Auschwitz-Birkenau. While in Birkenau, he survived with the help of local women who risked their lives to give prisoners bread, medicine, and water. One day while out doing slave labor, he and other prisoners planned an escape. He was one of the lucky ones. Again, although the danger was everywhere, he had the help of local men, women, and children to ensure his safety. This is his unforgettable story.

I bought this book after I took a tour of Auschwitz and Auschwitz-Birkenau. I read it while in Poland, and all the stories of the atrocities were still fresh in my mind. After an emotionally draining three weeks (I also visited Sachsenhausen in Germany), it was good to read a story of people who hated the Nazis and went out of their way to ensure some prisoners were fed (although not enough) and had medicine. And it was nice to read about the people on the outside helping someone who escaped, knowing they could have been put in the same place the escaped prisoner was. This book is not an easy read, but it is a must-read.

The one downside, but it doesn’t take away from the story, is that this book is translated from Polish and has some grammar mistakes or is missing letters from words (at least my copy did). I was able to understand even when this did happen.

If you are interested in history, if you like autobiographies, or want to know more so we, as a society, don’t go down this path again, this is a must-read.

Content warning: violence, war, Nazis, sexual abuse, racism

Ghost Roast by Shawneé Gibbs & Shawnelle Gibbs

/ paulkopulos / Leave a comment

Genre: Graphic Novel, Paranormal, Young Adult
Pages: 224 pages
Published Date: January 2, 2024
Publisher: Harper Collins Children’s Books, Versify
Series: N/A
Rating: 4.8 out of 5 
Age: 12+ 

Chelsea Grant, a seventeen-year-old, gets accepted to the popular group in her new prestigious school. But one night, when the group decides to break into a cemetery, Chelsea and her friends get arrested and thrown in jail. Unlike like her new friends (who amazingly don’t toss her aside), her parents decide to ground her for the whole summer. Part of her punishment is to help her father in his paranormal business – to help rid New Orleans of all its ghosts. While out at the Harrington Manor (which used to be Plantation). Chelsea finds out that she can see and even speak to spirits. Does she tell her father, whose grandmother, he believed, was killed by ghosts, or keep it to herself and try not to fall in love with a dashing young spirit who may not be who he says he is?

“Ghost Roast” is a captivating young adult graphic novel that breaks away from traditional ghost stories and love tales. The narrative is cozy and charming, blending unique elements to create an engaging experience. The illustrations are vibrant and lively, adding to the visual delight. I felt the story begins slowly; it becomes more interesting when the ghosts appear. The novel skillfully weaves historical insights, particularly about enslaved individuals in New Orleans, providing a deeper understanding of the past. The story handles sensitive topics like race and slavery gracefully, with a historical context that adds depth. The characters are magnetic and endearing, especially Chelsea and her friends, whose heartwarming camaraderie is a highlight, which is usually left out of books with characters/friends of different class levels. And I enjoyed that. Chelsea’s relationship with the mysterious Oliver adds a layer of paranormal romance.

“Ghost Roast” is an enjoyable read with a unique blend of cozy charm, historical insights, and distinctive characters. It stands out for its creativity and the author’s ability to address complex themes with finesse. This novel promises to deeply resonate with those seeking thought-provoking and heartwarming stories.

The book will be released on January 2, 2024, and I had the privilege of reading an early copy through #NetGalley. #GhostRoast

Content warnings: Death, slavery, war, racism, teasing/bullying

Flamer by Mike Curato

/ paulkopulos / Leave a comment

Genre: Graphic Novel, LGBtQIA+, Young Adult
Pages: 364 pages
Published Date: November 15, 2016
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. BYR Paperbacks
Series: N/A
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 
Age: 16+ (Amazon has for 14+) 

“Flamer” is a powerful and emotional graphic novel written and illustrated by Mike Curato. The story centers around a teenage boy named Aiden Navarro, who is struggling to come to terms with his sexuality and identity in a hostile environment.

The novel, set in 1995, takes place while Aiden is away at boy scout camp. He is enjoying his summer, except for being bullied by other campers. He is also terrified about starting high school after his difficult middle school experience. However, he soon finds that the bullying and harassment he faced in middle school will probably follow him to high school since some of the kids at camp (those who will be in high school with him) are constantly taunting him. One camp mate even goes so far as to physically assault Aiden because of his perceived homosexuality.

As Aiden struggles to navigate this difficult time, he turns to his love of the camp experience. Still, even in a place he loves, Aiden is met with challenges and setbacks, including possibly losing a close friend because of his feelings toward him.

What sets “Flamer” apart from other coming-of-age stories is the raw emotion and honesty with which it portrays Aiden’s struggles. The graphic novel delves deep into Aiden’s pain, fear, and confusion as he grapples with his identity and the hostility of those around him. The black and white illustrations in “Flamer” are stunning, with vivid red/orange/yellow colors to express Aiden’s feelings. Curato also has created expressive characters that bring the story to life.

Overall, “Flamer” is a moving and important graphic novel that offers an unflinching look at the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth. It is a story that will resonate with readers, whether they have experienced similar struggles or want to understand and empathize with those who have. The story is semi-autobiographical. “Flamer” has been challenged nationwide in school districts because families feel it is pornographic.

The reading age (according to Amazon) is between 14-18 years of age. I would feel that the reading age should be between 16-17+ years old.

Trigger Warnings: talk of porn, attempted suicide, self-harm, sex, and masturbation.

Good Behavior by Blake Crouch

/ paulkopulos / Leave a comment

Genre: Fiction, Thriller, Short Story, Mystery
Pages: 288 pages
Published Date: November 15, 2016
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer 
Series: N/A
Rating: 4 out of 5 
Age: 17+ 

DISCLAIMER:  I received an advance copy of Good Behavior from the publisher through NetGalley for the purposes of writing an honest review.

“Good Behavior” by Blake Crouch is a collection of three novellas that revolve around the character of Letty Dobesh, a con artist and thief who is trying to get her life back on track. The book is a fast-paced thriller with a strong character at its center.

The first novella, “The Pain of Others,” finds Letty working as a maid in a hotel where she discovers a wealthy guest who is engaged in a gruesome hobby. Letty must use all her skills to outwit the man and escape with her life. The second novella, “Sunset Key,” takes place on a tropical island where Letty is trying to start over after leaving jail. However, her past catches up with her when she is approached by a dangerous man who offers her a job she cannot refuse. In the final novella, “Grab,” Letty is hired by a man to steal a package from a high-security prison, but the job turns out to be much more dangerous than she anticipated.

Blake Crouch’s writing is crisp and engaging, and he manages to keep the tension high throughout the book. Letty is a compelling character, and the reader can’t help but root for her even though she is a criminal. Her inner struggles and motivations are well-developed, and the reader can understand why she makes the choices she does.

One of the strongest aspects of the book is its focus on the psychological toll that a life of crime takes on Letty. She is haunted by her past and struggles to find a way out of the cycle of violence and deception that has defined her life. Crouch handles this theme with sensitivity and insight, and it adds depth to the book beyond its fast-paced action scenes.

Overall, “Good Behavior” is an entertaining and thought-provoking read. The book’s focus on a complex and flawed character makes it stand out in the crowded field of thrillers. If you enjoy page-turning suspense with a strong character at its center, this book is definitely worth a read.

#GoodBehavior #NetGalley

Oh My Gods! II by Stephanie Cooke and Insha Fitzpatrick

/ paulkopulos / Leave a comment

Genre: Graphic Novel
Pages: 208 pages
Published Date: April 5, 2022
Publisher: Clarion Books
Series: Second in series
Rating: 4 out of 5 
Age: 8 – 12

DISCLAIMER:  I received an advance copy of Oh My Gods! II from the publisher through NetGalley for the purposes of writing an honest review.

In this sequel to the popular Oh My Gods! by Stephanie Cooke, we see that Karen, a demigod and the daughter of Zeus, has moved to Mt. Olympus. She is starting her junior year with her godly friends, and one of her extracurricular classes is the school newspaper, where she decides to investigate an online troll that goes by M1N0T4UR. While trying to figure out who this “person” is, Karen and her friends find a labyrinth beneath the school.

I really enjoyed the original Oh My Gods!, but this one didn’t do it for me. I wanted more about Mt. Olympus and the gods that live there. The story was entertaining, but if you took out what little there was about the gods, Mt. Olympus, and any other mythological stuff thrown in, you would have a middle-grade fun graphic novel. I was expecting more from Greek Mythology in the story. Just don’t go in with the assumption that you will get a lot of Greek Mythology. With that said, I would highly recommend this book.

This is the second book in the series.

#OhMyGods2TheForgottenMaze #NetGalley

Super Gay by Jessi Hersey

/ paulkopulos / Leave a comment

Genre: Early Reader / Graphic Novel
Pages: 21 pages
Published Date: September 22, 2022
Publisher: Onenesslove Publishing LLC
Series: First in series
Rating: 4 out of 5 
Age: 1 – 6

DISCLAIMER:  I received an advance copy of Super Gay from the publisher through NetGalley for the purposes of writing an honest review.

This story is meant to be a simple read for those just learning to read, from ages 1-6, and for children with special needs.

Meet Madison (she/her) or also known as Super Gay. She is here to help young readers understand pronouns. She also wants everyone to know that love does not have to look a certain way. This short, but very colorful book pride themed book is great for readers that are just starting to read or being read to.

Kids in preschool and kindergarten will find this book very useful. They will get a better understanding of what pronouns are and how to use them. Not only does this book teach pronouns, it also presents them and the people they are attached to in an accepting way. If we can teach kids that love is love and it shouldn’t matter who you love, then the world will be a better place.

This is the first book in the series. The second one in the series is currently in the works.

#LGBTQIAchildrensbookSGPronounsPrek #NetGalley

Bitter by Akwaeke Emezi

/ paulkopulos / Leave a comment

Genre: Young Adult / Speculative Fiction
Pages: 272 pages
Published Date: February 15, 2022
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Series: None
Rating: 5 out of 5 
Age: 12 – 17

DISCLAIMER:  I received an advance copy of Bitter from the publisher through NetGalley for the purposes of writing an honest review.

This is a companion to the National Book Award finalist Pet.

Bitter has been in and out of Foster care all her life. That is until she is chosen to attend Eucalyptus, a special school where students of all backgrounds get to study their interests. Bitter’s focus is art. The school is a sort of haven. With what is happening outside the walls of Eucalyptus in the town of Lucille, Bitter is more than happy to stay in the safety of the school. Outside in the city of Lucille, protests and injustices pull Bitter in many different directions. Old friends are trying to get her outside and be a part of what is happening around her. A new love interest pulls her away from what she loves. And then there is her creative passion for her art. What will she decide, and what will it cost her?

Continue reading →

Scout Is Not a Band Kid by Jade Armstrong

/ paulkopulos / Leave a comment

Genre: Graphic Novel / Music / Middle School
Pages: 246 pages
Published Date: April 5, 2022
Publisher: Random House Children’s, Random House Graphic
Series: None
Rating: 4 out of 5 
Age: 8 – 12 

DISCLAIMER:  I received an advance copy of Scout is Not a Band Kid from the publisher through NetGalley for the purposes of writing an honest review.

Scout will do anything to see her favorite author, Pristine Wong, at Almontefest. Pristine Wong is doing an exclusive autograph signing at the event, and Scout wants to meet her before Wong retires or, worse, dies. The problem is that her father thinks the trip would be too far away for someone her age to travel to meet an author. So she needs a plan. That plan is to join the Holy Moly Grades Seven Eight Band since they will be going to the same place for a competition. What could go wrong?

Well, first, Scout knows nothing about playing an instrument, and she can’t even read music. She also has some old friends that don’t seem to support her in her quest to meet her favorite author. How could they, since Scout keeps this part of her life to herself because she knows they will make fun of her.

Continue reading →