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3.54 AVERAGE
3.54 AVERAGE
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
RE-READ x2 JAN 2021:
I went back and re-read the original graphic novel titled “The War At Ellesmere” alongside the newly re-published version.
There are some serious improvements from the first publication, and a few word and frame changes, but mostly the frames were just traced in Faith Erin Hicks new art style. Also the new graphic novel is published all in colour. Overall I would rate The War At Ellesmere 3 stars and One Year at Ellesmere 3.5 stars for my re-read. Counting it as three times read total as I read them again side-by-side. It was very interesting to see how much FEH has improved their work.
FIRST READ 2020:
I was so excited to have this new graphic novel by Faith Erin Hicks in my hands! I’ve loved all her graphic novels before, and knew this would be no exception.
This graphic novel was very character-driven and succeeded in doing just that. While not a lot happened during this graphic novel, I really enjoyed my time with it because of the attention spent on all the characters. Juniper (Jun) receives a scholarship to Ellsmere and is super sarcastic, smart, and you definitely root for her the whole time. Cassie, Jun’s roommate was pure and sweet, I loved her character development and artistic nature. The antagonists were your typical privileged mean girls, perfect “villains” to the story; Emily and her side-kicks.
The twist / reveal was a tad underwhelming, however I did like the magical element. I felt it could have lasted a bit longer though, or had some sort of lasting effect. If you know what the magical element is - you know it’s something that I adore in fantasy!
The artwork and colouring was stunning, and painted Ellsmere perfectly. I also loved how we got to see Faith Erin Hicks’ inking process at the end of the graphic novel. She shows us the steps of creating the first page of this graphic novel - I loved it!
Definitely recommend this graphic novel if you love stories based around boarding schools, typical new-girl & mean girls tropes. If you are new to graphic novels, I think this (or any of Faith Erin Hicks’ other works) are a great start in the genre.
Thanks so much to the publisher Macmillan Aus for the review copy! All thoughts & opinions are my own.
I went back and re-read the original graphic novel titled “The War At Ellesmere” alongside the newly re-published version.
There are some serious improvements from the first publication, and a few word and frame changes, but mostly the frames were just traced in Faith Erin Hicks new art style. Also the new graphic novel is published all in colour. Overall I would rate The War At Ellesmere 3 stars and One Year at Ellesmere 3.5 stars for my re-read. Counting it as three times read total as I read them again side-by-side. It was very interesting to see how much FEH has improved their work.
FIRST READ 2020:
I was so excited to have this new graphic novel by Faith Erin Hicks in my hands! I’ve loved all her graphic novels before, and knew this would be no exception.
This graphic novel was very character-driven and succeeded in doing just that. While not a lot happened during this graphic novel, I really enjoyed my time with it because of the attention spent on all the characters. Juniper (Jun) receives a scholarship to Ellsmere and is super sarcastic, smart, and you definitely root for her the whole time. Cassie, Jun’s roommate was pure and sweet, I loved her character development and artistic nature. The antagonists were your typical privileged mean girls, perfect “villains” to the story; Emily and her side-kicks.
The twist / reveal was a tad underwhelming, however I did like the magical element. I felt it could have lasted a bit longer though, or had some sort of lasting effect. If you know what the magical element is - you know it’s something that I adore in fantasy!
The artwork and colouring was stunning, and painted Ellsmere perfectly. I also loved how we got to see Faith Erin Hicks’ inking process at the end of the graphic novel. She shows us the steps of creating the first page of this graphic novel - I loved it!
Definitely recommend this graphic novel if you love stories based around boarding schools, typical new-girl & mean girls tropes. If you are new to graphic novels, I think this (or any of Faith Erin Hicks’ other works) are a great start in the genre.
Thanks so much to the publisher Macmillan Aus for the review copy! All thoughts & opinions are my own.
The bully is 100 % in the story. Emily is a naughty girl, and also her friends. But Cassie is a sweet girl, and she helps juniper relive the truth before she is going to be expelled from school. The friendship between juniper can give cassie excellent.
2.5* Me hubiera gustado bastante más si el elemento fantástico hubiera tenido más sentido e importancia
Really liked the protagonist and loved the art. I wish that the ending had been different. I felt like the story which I'd classify as 90% YA realistic fiction suddenly veered off into fantasy...
i love the character designs and scenery, and i love the inclusion of the author's artistic process / "how it's made" section at the end :)
Short and sweet. Cute middle grade graphic novel with awesome art and some gossip girl vibes. Are there more?!
I love everything by Faith Erin Hicks. There's such a sweetness to her books, and also a really delightful humor. My kids love her illustrations. Every once in a while, it really just hits the spot and feels to read a book where the stakes aren't so high. This one really is about a supportive friendship, and I want students and kids to see that as well as all of the hardship in the world. Very enjoyable.
Not sure why the story needed a ghost unicorn but otherwise it was a fun story about outwitting your bully.
Grades 7 and up.
Grades 7 and up.
