Middle Grade Graphic Novel Roundup

 

Disclosure: I was sent copies of these books in order to provide honest reviews. All opinions are my own. 

Do you have a child in your life who loves graphic novels? Today we are sharing three middle grade graphic novels that range in types from fantasy to a book about siblings and friends on a trip to Japan. Between the three books the ages are 8 to 14. The first book is from The Wingfeather Saga. The Wingfeather Saga is four middle grade novels as well as an animated show. Today's book is the first graphic novel of the series! It is On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness by Andrew Peterson and illustrated by Alessia Trunfio. It is recommended for ages 8 to 12. 

Publisher's Summary:

The first book in the bestselling Wingfeather Series is now adapted as a graphic novel! Once, in a cottage above the cliffs on the Dark Sea of Darkness, there lived three children and their trusty dog, Nugget.

Janner Igiby, his brother, Tink, and their disabled sister, Leeli, are gifted children as all children are, loved well by a noble mother and ex-pirate grandfather. But they will need all their gifts and all that they love to survive the evil pursuit of the venomous Fangs of Dang, who have crossed the dark sea to rule the land with malice. The Igibys hold the secret to the lost legend and jewels of good King Wingfeather of the Shining Isle of Anniera.

Full of characters rich in heart, smarts, and courage, On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness is a tale children of all ages will cherish. This graphic novel adaptation will be a coveted addition to any Wingfeather fan’s collection as well as an on-ramp to the series for new readers.

From Me:

Now I am going to start by saying I did not know anything about the Wingfeather Saga. I read the introduction by Andrew Peterson where he talks about how his original novels had to be changed for each format--the animated show and this graphic novel. He understands the need for the changes and sees them as part of the process. This book introduces the Igiby family. They are living on the edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness and their village is controlled by Fangs. Many of the animals around them have fangs and attack. The Igiby children have some experiences in the story with the Fangs and also overhear some information they are trying to figure out. Before the Fangs were in charge there was a kingdom of Anniera. They hear there are hidden jewels of Anniera and want to see if they can find them. Every time they seem to get in trouble the kids seem to be attacked the mysterious Mr. Peet appears to help save them. Their grandfather however keeps telling him to stay away from the children. The kids cannot understand why since he keeps helping them.

This book is the first installment of the Saga. It is about the Igiby children and their early days. It is fun and interesting. It is full of action and definitely some mystery. It honestly made me want to check out the novel series so I can get all the details and keep reading since the other books haven't been made into graphic novels yet. This book is great for kids who are reluctant to read a novel or who just want a quicker read. It is fun and has fighting, mystery, surprises and more!

Our next book is more of a real-life story. It is actually the fourth book in the Bounce Back Series. The book is Double Trouble: Lost in Japan by Misako Rocks! It is recommended for ages 9 to 13.

Publisher's Summary:

A dream trip to Japan turns into a frantic search across Kyoto when one twin suddenly goes missing, in this kid-friendly manga by creator Misako Rocks!

The friends from Bounce Back are going to Japan!

Twin sisters Angie and Kiara are spending part of their summer break in Japan, visiting their friend Lilico’s family and meeting new friends. Despite Kiara’s worries about the long flight, and not knowing how to speak Japanese, the girls are excited to take such a big trip with Lilico and other friends from their basketball team, and experience Japanese culture―the sights, the food, the fashion, and everything kawaii!

Until . . . one of the twins gets lost in the middle of Kyoto.

Now it’s a race across the city to bring everyone back together. Friendships old and new are put to the test, and the girls discover that teamwork happens off the basketball court, too.

Perfect for readers who love Shannon Hale, Megan Wagner Lloyd, and Victoria Jamieson, and anyone who can’t get enough friendship graphic novels, manga-inspired adventures, and stories full of humor, heart, and Japanese culture.

From Me:

This book is fun because a group of friends get to visit Japan when one girl in their group, Lilico, is returning to Japan to visit family and friends. They are all excited for the trip, but one of the twins, Kiara, is very anxious. In fact, she is mad at her twin sister, Angie, for asking their mother if they can go without talking to her first. She also is afraid to fly. However, in Japan she finds some courage and bravery. Angie however is having trouble fitting in and finding her way and keeps having a bit of an attitude. When Kiara gets lost, she has to figure things out on her own and Angie and their friends are very concerned. 

There are many moments of typical friend issues. Lilico gets mad at her boyfriend after he interacts with some Japanese girls. Angie is being a bit rude and off. Lilico taught all of them some Japanese before they go on the trip, but each friend has his or her own ability with it. They visit many famous places in Japan and there is quite a bit about the culture and food. It is a wonderful book to introduce the Japanese culture. It is also a great book about relationships. This is a fun read, and I know Hazel would have enjoyed it when she was younger. In a classroom setting or book club it would be interesting to discuss the various behaviors of the characters and how it relates to the readers' lives. 

Our final book is a fantasy book about a robot and penguin trying to save the worlds (multiple dimensions). It is Xanar and Mr. Tuxedo by Sean Ryan, artwork by Giulia Giacomino, coloring by Valerio Alloro and letters by Lucas Gattoni. It is recommended for ages 10 to 14. 

Publisher's Summary:

When a villain threatens every universe, only two unlikely best friends—Xanar and Mr. Tuxedo—can stop him with the power of courage, trust, and joy. Universes collide, worlds crumble, and the only hope rests on the unshakable bond between Xanar and Mr. Tuxedo. Friendship is the ultimate weapon when two unlikely allies rise to face a sorcerer determined to erase every reality.

Friendship is a powerful thing. Hailing from two different universes, Xanar and Mr. Tuxedo are brought together because of Roy Higgins, a powerful sorcerer, determined to eradicate his sworn enemy in every single reality. Roy’s singular focus on his foe has made him paranoid, angry, violent and mean. His corrupting influence threatens to destroy every universe in existence. The only two that can put a stop to Roy, through bravery, hope, trust and joy, are new best friends, Xanar and Mr. Tuxedo.

From Me:

In this book the reader is introduced to a robot who can think named Xanar. The inventor built him for a general who wants to use him to attack the enemy. However, Xanar can think for himself and questions why he should attack and not try to talk things through. He also tries to point out how both sides have blame int he issues. Then a crazy man, Roy Higgins, comes in and destroys things because he is looking for someone. Xanar finds a piece of his jewel and all of a sudden is transported into a different dimension/world. He disrupts an animal hero group's mission and asks for help in finding Roy and stopping him from destroying his world. Only one of the animals is willing to go with him, the silent penguin, Mr. Tuxedo. The two transport to another world. They find another piece of the broken jewel, but Roy is not in it anymore, so they have to find Roy. It leads them to a house with a party. Xanar meets one of the guests and they discuss dancing and Xanar wants to learn the dance. He goes inside and interacts with people until a fight breaks out. Xanar realizes that Roy's spirit is attached to the house and is affecting the various people in the house and is causing the problems. Xanar has to find Mr. Tuxedo and keeps trying to figure out what to do next. 

This book is fun and is set up for a continuation. It is action packed and kids will enjoy the different parts to the story and trying to figure things out with Xanar. At times it can be confusing because the reader is learning as Xanar is. It is interesting and the various worlds are very different and a surprise each time. It has thought, morals, fighting, war, and magic. I can see many middle grade boys loving all the action in this book as well as the fantasy part and tech of Xanar.