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inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
The sheer amount of diversity in shakti is astounding. It resonates in your heart when you finish it and the ending is just so warm and sweet.
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It’s perfect. 👌🏽
Magic, mythology, and family; three of my favorite things to read about. I enjoyed Shakti’s growth, as well as the immersion into another culture and this specific type of witchcraft.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I received a copy of this title for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This was an interesting and fun graphic novel. I've been going back and forth on my rating for a while. I've been thinking between a 3.5 and 4, but because it's a middle grade graphic novel, I think I'm going to go with a 4.
Shakti is a middle grade graphic novel that follows Shakti and her Amma and Mom as they moved into a new house in a new town. Although they've moved a lot in the past, they're hoping that this move to Massachusetts will be their final move before Shakti's baby brother is born. On her first day at the new school, Shakti encounters a trio of mean girls who seem to magically have the school under their spell. With the help of her new friend Xi, Shakti realizes that they need magic to assist them in releasing the students and teachers from the power of HEK. Woven with Hindu mythology, this is a fast-paced, feminist graphic novel with beautiful art.
What Worked: I really loved the incorporation of Hindu mythology and feminist themes. Sindu uses them to address the power and destruction that comes with feelings like anger. There is a point at which Shakti realizes that anger is a healthy emotion just like other feelings; however, holding on to it can be a means of destruction for all involved. This is clearly evoked in the introduction of Durga Ma and Kali Ma. The artwork in this one was absolutely beautiful. I was originally drawn to the story because of the cover; however, I can definitely state that the artwork inside is just as gorgeous. The text and the artwork work together to create such a fun and exciting story. I also love the emphasis on family. Shakti has support from both her moms and I found that to be particularly important to Shakti's narrative.
What Didn't Work: My biggest criticism of this one is that I wasn't a huge fan of how the antagonists were handled. Unfortunately, there isn't much that I can reveal due to spoilers; however, readers do learn why HEK is so mean and it's unfortunate in the context of them being children. I wish that they were provided with a better resolution.
Overall, this was a good middle grade graphic novel. I'm looking forward to checking out more from this author in the future.
Shakti is a middle grade graphic novel that follows Shakti and her Amma and Mom as they moved into a new house in a new town. Although they've moved a lot in the past, they're hoping that this move to Massachusetts will be their final move before Shakti's baby brother is born. On her first day at the new school, Shakti encounters a trio of mean girls who seem to magically have the school under their spell. With the help of her new friend Xi, Shakti realizes that they need magic to assist them in releasing the students and teachers from the power of HEK. Woven with Hindu mythology, this is a fast-paced, feminist graphic novel with beautiful art.
What Worked: I really loved the incorporation of Hindu mythology and feminist themes. Sindu uses them to address the power and destruction that comes with feelings like anger. There is a point at which Shakti realizes that anger is a healthy emotion just like other feelings; however, holding on to it can be a means of destruction for all involved. This is clearly evoked in the introduction of Durga Ma and Kali Ma. The artwork in this one was absolutely beautiful. I was originally drawn to the story because of the cover; however, I can definitely state that the artwork inside is just as gorgeous. The text and the artwork work together to create such a fun and exciting story. I also love the emphasis on family. Shakti has support from both her moms and I found that to be particularly important to Shakti's narrative.
What Didn't Work: My biggest criticism of this one is that I wasn't a huge fan of how the antagonists were handled. Unfortunately, there isn't much that I can reveal due to spoilers; however, readers do learn why HEK is so mean and it's unfortunate in the context of them being children. I wish that they were provided with a better resolution.
Overall, this was a good middle grade graphic novel. I'm looking forward to checking out more from this author in the future.