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jecoats's reviews
54 reviews
The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang
5.0
I saw this title on our Book Club list for the graphic novel week and decided to check it out from the library. I enjoyed it so much, I purchased my own copy for my classroom library. It has won the Prix du Festival d'Angoulême for Prix jeunesse (2019) and the Premio de los Libreros de Madrid for Comic/Novela grafica (2019), and has been nominated for the Harvey Awards for Best Children or Young Adult Book (2018), the Rhode Island Teen Book Award (2020), the Vermont Golden Dome Book Award (2020), the Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Graphic Novels & Comics (2018), and the Rebecca Caudill Young Readers' Book Award Nominee (2020).
Jen Wang’s delightful graphic novel follows the intertwined stories of dressmaker Frances and crown prince Sebastian. One fateful day Frances’s dressmaking skills are recognized and she is commissioned to make clothing for the mysterious Lady Crystallia. After a series of humorous incidents, it is revealed that Lady Crystallia is actually prince Sebastian. As Sebastian explains, he has always felt comfortable with being a male, but also enjoys wandering into the world as a female. As Frances continues to design new, boundary-pushing styles for Sebastian/Lady Crystallia, the two begin to grow closer and closer. However, as Frances’s abilities gain the notice of other famous fashion designers, Sebastian forbids her to leave him, causing a falling out between the two. As Frances follows her dream of becoming a world renowned designer, Sebastian’s secrets are revealed to his kingdom and he leaves his station to become a monk. But at a fashion show, Frances and Sebastian reunite. Will Sebastian be able to repair the damage he caused to their relationship? Will Frances be able to help her friend and pull off the fashion show of her dreams?
I don’t think a graphic novel has ever touched my heart the way The Prince and the Dressmaker did. It is a book full of genuine emotions - from the humorous antics of Lady Crystallia and Frances, to the heartfelt sorrow felt when Sebastian and Frances part ways. It is a beautifully told story as well. Sebastian/Lady Crystallia is a fully realized, dynamic character. Frances is also a perfectly rounded character, and the two make such a wonderful pair in the story. The depth of the characters make them feel like very real people, even when situations seem a little over the top or melodramatic.
Wang’s artwork is some of the best I have ever seen in a graphic novel. The color palette is soft, yet rich. The style of the characters is also soft, and I love the exaggerated and cherub-like features of the main characters. There is an animated, cartoon quality about the artwork, but I thought that it made the story even more charming and delightful. In a way, the animated style makes everything feel like it’s physically moving on the page, making this an easy title to get lost in while reading.
The trans and gender nonconforming aspects of the story are handled quite well. There is the almost cliche moment when Sebastian’s family finds out about his crossdressing, and Sebastian is meant to feel some sort of shame even though we know he has nothing to be ashamed of. However, this is resolved quickly, and Lady Crystallia is fully accepted by her family. However, it is Frances’s reaction to the reveal that Lady Crystallia and Sebastian are the same that is truly wonderful. Frances never questions Sebastian’s choices, or her feelings toward him. She just accepts Sebastian for who he is, and the two build an immediate and (almost) unbreakable bond. (SPOILERS!) At the end of the story, it is implied that Frances and Sebastian/Lady Crystallia have developed a romantic relationship. What makes this work so well is that the graphic novel questions or details anyones sexual preferences. Instead, we realize that sexual preference is not the point. They are simply attracted to each other, and that is good enough. Wang’s commitment to the ideas of gender fluidity and nonconformity are treated with a level of respect and beauty that brought tears to my eyes.
I think The Prince and the Dressmaker could be used from 5th grade to 12th grade. It would be a great way to get young students interested in reading, and it could be used to create a sense of welcoming and empathy in the classroom. I also think the graphic novel would be best used in a unit on acceptance and/or social justice as it does such a great job of normalizing gender fluidity and nonconformity. I definitely think this book acts as a mirror for our LGBTQ+ students as it is a celebration of living one’s “truth” and not being ashamed of our heart’s desires. I also think it acts as a window and sliding glass door, allowing students unfamiliar with the LGBTQ+ community a chance to experience the story alongside wonderful and memorable characters. The story really does invite the reader into Sebastian's world, and asks only that we reserve judgment while we experience this amazing story.
This is easily the best book I have read for this class (so far). It is an absolute masterpiece that I highly recommend!
Jen Wang’s delightful graphic novel follows the intertwined stories of dressmaker Frances and crown prince Sebastian. One fateful day Frances’s dressmaking skills are recognized and she is commissioned to make clothing for the mysterious Lady Crystallia. After a series of humorous incidents, it is revealed that Lady Crystallia is actually prince Sebastian. As Sebastian explains, he has always felt comfortable with being a male, but also enjoys wandering into the world as a female. As Frances continues to design new, boundary-pushing styles for Sebastian/Lady Crystallia, the two begin to grow closer and closer. However, as Frances’s abilities gain the notice of other famous fashion designers, Sebastian forbids her to leave him, causing a falling out between the two. As Frances follows her dream of becoming a world renowned designer, Sebastian’s secrets are revealed to his kingdom and he leaves his station to become a monk. But at a fashion show, Frances and Sebastian reunite. Will Sebastian be able to repair the damage he caused to their relationship? Will Frances be able to help her friend and pull off the fashion show of her dreams?
I don’t think a graphic novel has ever touched my heart the way The Prince and the Dressmaker did. It is a book full of genuine emotions - from the humorous antics of Lady Crystallia and Frances, to the heartfelt sorrow felt when Sebastian and Frances part ways. It is a beautifully told story as well. Sebastian/Lady Crystallia is a fully realized, dynamic character. Frances is also a perfectly rounded character, and the two make such a wonderful pair in the story. The depth of the characters make them feel like very real people, even when situations seem a little over the top or melodramatic.
Wang’s artwork is some of the best I have ever seen in a graphic novel. The color palette is soft, yet rich. The style of the characters is also soft, and I love the exaggerated and cherub-like features of the main characters. There is an animated, cartoon quality about the artwork, but I thought that it made the story even more charming and delightful. In a way, the animated style makes everything feel like it’s physically moving on the page, making this an easy title to get lost in while reading.
The trans and gender nonconforming aspects of the story are handled quite well. There is the almost cliche moment when Sebastian’s family finds out about his crossdressing, and Sebastian is meant to feel some sort of shame even though we know he has nothing to be ashamed of. However, this is resolved quickly, and Lady Crystallia is fully accepted by her family. However, it is Frances’s reaction to the reveal that Lady Crystallia and Sebastian are the same that is truly wonderful. Frances never questions Sebastian’s choices, or her feelings toward him. She just accepts Sebastian for who he is, and the two build an immediate and (almost) unbreakable bond. (SPOILERS!) At the end of the story, it is implied that Frances and Sebastian/Lady Crystallia have developed a romantic relationship. What makes this work so well is that the graphic novel questions or details anyones sexual preferences. Instead, we realize that sexual preference is not the point. They are simply attracted to each other, and that is good enough. Wang’s commitment to the ideas of gender fluidity and nonconformity are treated with a level of respect and beauty that brought tears to my eyes.
I think The Prince and the Dressmaker could be used from 5th grade to 12th grade. It would be a great way to get young students interested in reading, and it could be used to create a sense of welcoming and empathy in the classroom. I also think the graphic novel would be best used in a unit on acceptance and/or social justice as it does such a great job of normalizing gender fluidity and nonconformity. I definitely think this book acts as a mirror for our LGBTQ+ students as it is a celebration of living one’s “truth” and not being ashamed of our heart’s desires. I also think it acts as a window and sliding glass door, allowing students unfamiliar with the LGBTQ+ community a chance to experience the story alongside wonderful and memorable characters. The story really does invite the reader into Sebastian's world, and asks only that we reserve judgment while we experience this amazing story.
This is easily the best book I have read for this class (so far). It is an absolute masterpiece that I highly recommend!
Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut by Gordon C. James, Derrick Barnes
5.0
Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut was recommended to me by Dr. Sophie Deneger, my professor from RLW-541 here at NLU. Crown has been nominated for the Newbery Medal (2018), Caldecott Medal (2018), Texas Bluebonnet Award (2020), Coretta Scott King Book Award for Author Honor (2018), Monarch Award (2020), NCTE Charlotte Huck Award (2018) and has won the Ezra Jack Keats Book Award for Writer (2018) and Kirkus Prize for Young Readers' Literature (2018). I watched a reading of this on youtube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W45L6rStKnI).
Author Derrick Barnes’s and illustrator Gordon C. James’s Crown is probably my favorite contemporary picturebook. It’s a masterclass of both authentic storytelling and art design. The story is simple in construction, following a young boy as he goes to the barbershop to get a fresh, new haircut, but it is rich in cultural significance. Crown is an all out celebration of black hair, specifically young black men’s hair. The book also clearly reveres barber shop culture, emphasizing its importance in young black men’s lives. And the illustrations! Oh, they are teeming with life and joy and movement and beauty. James’s use of color, lighting, and semi-photorealistic characters make each page feel alive! I don’t think I have read a picturebook yet that had illustrations that were as aesthetically and emotionally fulfilling as Crown.
While this picturebook does have a few moments of imaginative fantasy (such as the main character imagining himself shining amongst the stars), it is grounded in reality, depicting a young man’s experience at the barber shop. As mentioned above, this feels like a genuine portrayal of barbershop culture (even more so than some of the Hollywood films that have come out regarding the same topic). The almost photorealism of the illustrations helps further ground the story, drawing the reader in and making them feel like they’re right beside the main character.
I think this picturebook could be used in almost any class for students 3rd grade and up. I think even older readers would get a lot of use out of this picturebook as it could be used as a fun way to introduce a unit on poetry. The book is, in my opinion, a mirror first and foremost. It is a genuine reflection of a specific kind of culture and a celebration of BIPOC hair. It helps that the main character is not given a name and, which helps our students imagine themselves in his shoes. I also think the story could act as both window and sliding glass door as it lets anyone who reads it peek into the world of barber shop culture while simultaneously experiencing the joy and pride that come along with getting a fresh cut.
I cannot recommend this title enough. Even if you don’t think you’ll ever use it in your own practice, I would suggest watching the video I linked above.This is a wonderful piece of literature.
Author Derrick Barnes’s and illustrator Gordon C. James’s Crown is probably my favorite contemporary picturebook. It’s a masterclass of both authentic storytelling and art design. The story is simple in construction, following a young boy as he goes to the barbershop to get a fresh, new haircut, but it is rich in cultural significance. Crown is an all out celebration of black hair, specifically young black men’s hair. The book also clearly reveres barber shop culture, emphasizing its importance in young black men’s lives. And the illustrations! Oh, they are teeming with life and joy and movement and beauty. James’s use of color, lighting, and semi-photorealistic characters make each page feel alive! I don’t think I have read a picturebook yet that had illustrations that were as aesthetically and emotionally fulfilling as Crown.
While this picturebook does have a few moments of imaginative fantasy (such as the main character imagining himself shining amongst the stars), it is grounded in reality, depicting a young man’s experience at the barber shop. As mentioned above, this feels like a genuine portrayal of barbershop culture (even more so than some of the Hollywood films that have come out regarding the same topic). The almost photorealism of the illustrations helps further ground the story, drawing the reader in and making them feel like they’re right beside the main character.
I think this picturebook could be used in almost any class for students 3rd grade and up. I think even older readers would get a lot of use out of this picturebook as it could be used as a fun way to introduce a unit on poetry. The book is, in my opinion, a mirror first and foremost. It is a genuine reflection of a specific kind of culture and a celebration of BIPOC hair. It helps that the main character is not given a name and, which helps our students imagine themselves in his shoes. I also think the story could act as both window and sliding glass door as it lets anyone who reads it peek into the world of barber shop culture while simultaneously experiencing the joy and pride that come along with getting a fresh cut.
I cannot recommend this title enough. Even if you don’t think you’ll ever use it in your own practice, I would suggest watching the video I linked above.This is a wonderful piece of literature.
The Crossover by Kwame Alexander
5.0
The Crossover is a book written in verse, recommended to me by a colleague at Mather High School. I read a physical copy of the book, which has won the Newbery Medal (2015), Massachusetts Children's Book Award (2020), Evergreen Teen Book Award (2017), Coretta Scott King Book Award for Author Honor (2015), Charlie May Simon Children's Book Award (2017), North Carolina Young Adult Book Award for Middle School (2016), NCTE Charlotte Huck Honor Book (2015), and the Rebecca Caudill Young Readers' Book Award (2017).
The Crossover is about middle school basketball star Josh “Filthy McNasty” Bell leading his team to a championship, dealing with his twin brother’s new girlfriend, and managing his parents' expectations of him. Josh’s father, a former professional basketball star, has health problems, which Josh also has to contend with. The novel opens with some visually and rhythmically dynamic poetry, which is employed to depict how good Josh really is at basketball. We see Josh and his brother, JB, work on the court to win their team several victories. Mixed in between all this, JB develops a relationship with a new girl at school. As the novel progresses, Josh becomes bitter and jealous over JB’s new relationship, which ends up with him nearly breaking his brother’s nose. Josh is removed from the team, and he tries desperately to repair the damage he caused to his relationship with his brother. Soon after, Josh and his dad are playing a one-on-one game at a nearby rec center, when Josh’s dad collapses after suffering a heart attack. The rest of the novel is an emotional rollercoaster of triumph and tragedy as Josh returns to the court to try and help the team win the championship game. I won’t spoil anymore as this novel is best experienced, and to say anymore would be doing the story a disservice.
Along with Rez Dogs, this may be the first novel in verse I have ever read. I have certainly read epics like Paradise Lost, and long form narrative poetry like Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, but The Crossover (and Rez Dogs) is nothing like those poems. Even told in verse, the story presented is direct and straightforward. Author Kwame Alexander does a masterful job weaving different poetic variations and styles into the book, sometimes using meter and rhyme and sometimes using free verse. Each style conveys meaning in and of itself, amplifying the emotions felt on each page. However, readers unfamiliar with these aspects of poetry will still get much out of the book. The language flows naturally, and each character has their own distinct speech patterns and unique vocabulary. The novel is superb in this way - each voice on the page is immediately recognizable to the reader. There was never a moment I was unsure about who was speaking.
The story itself is beautiful, and may be one of the most emotionally powerful things I have read in quite some time. It’s cliche to say this, I know, but the novel truly does grip you from the first lines and does not let go until the very end (and arguably beyond, as I’m sure the raw power of the novel will stick with readers well after they finish the story).
This novel would be incredibly effective at getting reticent or struggling readers into poetry. The Crossover proves that not all poetry has to be dense, or a “mystery” to unpack, and instead can mimic our speech and draw us in through the pure beauty of the words on the page. (It reminds me of a freshman student of mine who once commented that poetry was “just words, but they mean so much more.”) I think this book could be used from 5th to 12th grade. Although the book might seem daunting at 237 pages, it is a fast read, and the poems could easily be read in class by students. This book is certainly a mirror, providing a cast of all black characters (there are a few characters whose racial backgrounds are never given - but they are minor characters who don’t have any major impact on the story) that our BIPOC students might identify with. Culturally, there is nothing too particularly specific about Josh and his family - with some minor changes they could easily be from any culture, race, or ethnic background. However, Alexander’s narrative feels real and authentic, so much so that I had to double check to make sure it wasn’t based on a true story.
The Crossover is about middle school basketball star Josh “Filthy McNasty” Bell leading his team to a championship, dealing with his twin brother’s new girlfriend, and managing his parents' expectations of him. Josh’s father, a former professional basketball star, has health problems, which Josh also has to contend with. The novel opens with some visually and rhythmically dynamic poetry, which is employed to depict how good Josh really is at basketball. We see Josh and his brother, JB, work on the court to win their team several victories. Mixed in between all this, JB develops a relationship with a new girl at school. As the novel progresses, Josh becomes bitter and jealous over JB’s new relationship, which ends up with him nearly breaking his brother’s nose. Josh is removed from the team, and he tries desperately to repair the damage he caused to his relationship with his brother. Soon after, Josh and his dad are playing a one-on-one game at a nearby rec center, when Josh’s dad collapses after suffering a heart attack. The rest of the novel is an emotional rollercoaster of triumph and tragedy as Josh returns to the court to try and help the team win the championship game. I won’t spoil anymore as this novel is best experienced, and to say anymore would be doing the story a disservice.
Along with Rez Dogs, this may be the first novel in verse I have ever read. I have certainly read epics like Paradise Lost, and long form narrative poetry like Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, but The Crossover (and Rez Dogs) is nothing like those poems. Even told in verse, the story presented is direct and straightforward. Author Kwame Alexander does a masterful job weaving different poetic variations and styles into the book, sometimes using meter and rhyme and sometimes using free verse. Each style conveys meaning in and of itself, amplifying the emotions felt on each page. However, readers unfamiliar with these aspects of poetry will still get much out of the book. The language flows naturally, and each character has their own distinct speech patterns and unique vocabulary. The novel is superb in this way - each voice on the page is immediately recognizable to the reader. There was never a moment I was unsure about who was speaking.
The story itself is beautiful, and may be one of the most emotionally powerful things I have read in quite some time. It’s cliche to say this, I know, but the novel truly does grip you from the first lines and does not let go until the very end (and arguably beyond, as I’m sure the raw power of the novel will stick with readers well after they finish the story).
This novel would be incredibly effective at getting reticent or struggling readers into poetry. The Crossover proves that not all poetry has to be dense, or a “mystery” to unpack, and instead can mimic our speech and draw us in through the pure beauty of the words on the page. (It reminds me of a freshman student of mine who once commented that poetry was “just words, but they mean so much more.”) I think this book could be used from 5th to 12th grade. Although the book might seem daunting at 237 pages, it is a fast read, and the poems could easily be read in class by students. This book is certainly a mirror, providing a cast of all black characters (there are a few characters whose racial backgrounds are never given - but they are minor characters who don’t have any major impact on the story) that our BIPOC students might identify with. Culturally, there is nothing too particularly specific about Josh and his family - with some minor changes they could easily be from any culture, race, or ethnic background. However, Alexander’s narrative feels real and authentic, so much so that I had to double check to make sure it wasn’t based on a true story.
Finding Langston by Lesa Cline-Ransome
5.0
I saw this book sitting on the shelf of one of my co-teachers bookshelves at Mather High School. The name “Langston” caught my eye as I had recently taught the poetry of Langston Hughes to my freshmen students during my student teaching. The book has won the Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction (2019) and was nominated for the Coretta Scott King Book Award (2019).
In the book, young Langston is a middle school boy living in Chicago in the late 1940s. He and his father have recently moved north from Alabama after the tragic passing of Langston’s mother. Langston feels out of place and lonely in the city, finding little solace in the mostly wordless dinners he shares with his father. One day, while trying to avoid a trio of boys that bully him, Langston discovers the George Cleveland Hall Library, and is drawn to a book of poetry by Langston Hughes. He discovers a connection of sorts to his home and his mother through the words he reads. However, he keeps his discovery of the library and his affinity for poetry a secret from his father. After Langston’s grandmother dies and his father returns to Alabama to take care of her affairs, Langston discovers more black poets and visits the library more frequently, losing himself in their stories. As the book ends, Langston has not only found himself; he has also found a place to call home in the cold, unfamiliar surroundings of Chicago.
Finding Langston is short, coming in at just 104 pages. However, Lesa Cline-Ransome’s writing is tidy and concise, packed full of information and a lot of raw emotion. The story is told from Langston’s point of view, and we learn much about him, watching him grow from a timid child to a young man who finds his voice in the poetry of black poets. The title has two meanings - Langston finding the poetry of Langston Hughes and Langston finding himself throughout the narrative.
The story is set against the backdrop of a Chicago that is in its industrial prime. Everything feels devoid of life and vibrancy, save for the library and the books Langston finds. Although the setting feels distant, I think author Lesa Cline-Ransome does this intentionally to demonstrate how practical yet impersonal major metropolitan areas were in this era. Chicago doesn’t feel like an epicenter of culture - it feels like a machine constantly grinding away. Seen this way, the book certainly meets the requirement from Children’s Books in Children’s Hands that historical fiction should “bring the setting to life” without “[overwhelming] the story” (p. 275).
I personally thought this book was an incredibly authentic portrayal of life in the 1940s. From the stoic father, to the self-hating bullies, and even the shy but poetic minded protagonist, each character behaves in ways that are believable for the time period (p. 275). The dialogue is strong, and each character has a unique voice without sounding like a caricature.
Finding Langston could act like a mirror - to a point. I only say this because I’m not sure how easy it would be for students to see themselves reflected in a character whose circumstances feel archaic to their own. That said, I think it is important that BIPOC students have access to stories that contain characters that resemble them and that reflect the authentic lived experiences of those characters, even if those experiences are from 80 years in the past. Books like Finding Langston can be used to demonstrate similarities between young people of the past and the youth today, and help our current students realize they are not alone in their experiences. A book like Finding Langston could certainly be used to establish a sense of empathy and belonging in any classroom.
In the book, young Langston is a middle school boy living in Chicago in the late 1940s. He and his father have recently moved north from Alabama after the tragic passing of Langston’s mother. Langston feels out of place and lonely in the city, finding little solace in the mostly wordless dinners he shares with his father. One day, while trying to avoid a trio of boys that bully him, Langston discovers the George Cleveland Hall Library, and is drawn to a book of poetry by Langston Hughes. He discovers a connection of sorts to his home and his mother through the words he reads. However, he keeps his discovery of the library and his affinity for poetry a secret from his father. After Langston’s grandmother dies and his father returns to Alabama to take care of her affairs, Langston discovers more black poets and visits the library more frequently, losing himself in their stories. As the book ends, Langston has not only found himself; he has also found a place to call home in the cold, unfamiliar surroundings of Chicago.
Finding Langston is short, coming in at just 104 pages. However, Lesa Cline-Ransome’s writing is tidy and concise, packed full of information and a lot of raw emotion. The story is told from Langston’s point of view, and we learn much about him, watching him grow from a timid child to a young man who finds his voice in the poetry of black poets. The title has two meanings - Langston finding the poetry of Langston Hughes and Langston finding himself throughout the narrative.
The story is set against the backdrop of a Chicago that is in its industrial prime. Everything feels devoid of life and vibrancy, save for the library and the books Langston finds. Although the setting feels distant, I think author Lesa Cline-Ransome does this intentionally to demonstrate how practical yet impersonal major metropolitan areas were in this era. Chicago doesn’t feel like an epicenter of culture - it feels like a machine constantly grinding away. Seen this way, the book certainly meets the requirement from Children’s Books in Children’s Hands that historical fiction should “bring the setting to life” without “[overwhelming] the story” (p. 275).
I personally thought this book was an incredibly authentic portrayal of life in the 1940s. From the stoic father, to the self-hating bullies, and even the shy but poetic minded protagonist, each character behaves in ways that are believable for the time period (p. 275). The dialogue is strong, and each character has a unique voice without sounding like a caricature.
Finding Langston could act like a mirror - to a point. I only say this because I’m not sure how easy it would be for students to see themselves reflected in a character whose circumstances feel archaic to their own. That said, I think it is important that BIPOC students have access to stories that contain characters that resemble them and that reflect the authentic lived experiences of those characters, even if those experiences are from 80 years in the past. Books like Finding Langston can be used to demonstrate similarities between young people of the past and the youth today, and help our current students realize they are not alone in their experiences. A book like Finding Langston could certainly be used to establish a sense of empathy and belonging in any classroom.
New Kid by Jerry Craft
5.0
I heard about this graphic novel a year or two ago because it had been challenged by someone (parents, school board - I really don’t recall) who wanted to ban it, and I have been curious about it ever since. I finally decided to check out a physical copy from my library to read for this class. New Kid is the winner of the Newbery Medal (2020), Coretta Scott King Book Award for Author (2020), NAIBA Book of the Year for Middle Grade (2019), Kirkus Prize for Young Readers' Literature (2019), and the NCTE Charlotte Huck Honor Book (2020).
New Kid focuses on Jordan, a young middle school student starting his first year as a new student at a private school. While Jordan really wants to attend an art school, his parents are insistent that he attend Riverdale Academy Day School (RAD) so he can receive a quality education, which they believe will give him many opportunities in the future. At RAD, Jordan meets a few students he bonds with, such as his guide Liam, who seems embarrassed that he comes from a wealthy family, and Alexandra, a student who uses a sock puppet to deflect from a burn scar on her hand. He also meets Drew, a student who, much like Jordan, feels singled out for being one of few black students in the school. Jordan and Drew become fast friends, spending their time hanging out and playing XBOX games online together. There are other students and teachers interwoven throughout the story, but the focus is on Jordan navigating a new school, his parents' expectations, and his own desires of becoming an artist.
New Kid is one of the best graphic novels I have ever read. It has a lot of charm and heart, which comes from very likable and well-rounded characters. The graphic novel also has quite a bit of humor (for instance, every new chapter begins with a riff or a comical reimagining of a famous movie title), and I found it difficult to not chuckle along with the characters. Some of the periphery characters are static (such as Mr. Roche, who tries so hard to be PC that he almost comes off as inappropriate and problematic), but I think they act as foils to the more well-rounded characters to enable them to demonstrate a full range of emotions. For instance, one white teacher keeps calling Drew by another black student's name, which comes to a head when he erupts in anger at constantly being misnamed. The static characters do play a role in the story, but they also give the main characters someone to interact with that enables writer Jerry Craft a chance to show how complex his characters are.
Craft’s illustrations are part of the fun of the story, and I loved his clean linework and simple color palette. There is a lot of subtle detail in each image that enhances the illustrations without being distracting. Each character has a unique style and design, which is aided by the fact that each character wears the same outfits throughout the story (I think this is a reference to superhero comics and the unchanging nature of hero costumes). Even when the graphic novel is pointing out the biases of a teacher that can’t distinguish between their students, we the reader would never confuse any of the characters for one another.
As far as realistic fiction, I think New Kid does an excellent job of accurately portraying what it feels like to be a new person in an unfamiliar setting, as well as what it’s like to navigate an environment that seems inherently biased against people of color. In my opinion, Craft has provided us with an authentic and straightforward glimpse into the life of a middle school student who is trying to fit in at a new school while simultaneously trying to maintain what makes them a unique individual. To be fair, there are some moments of “fantasy” - but these are all in Jordans imagination and depicted through the drawings Jordan sketches in his notebook.
This book would be wonderful for students 6th grade and up. I think students of any race or culture would be able to identify with Jordan as he navigates being both a new student in a new school and a black student in a predominantly white environment. New Kid could work as a mirror, window, and a sliding glass door as it not only provides young BIPOC readers with characters and authentic experiences that reflect them and their experiences, but it also invites other readers in to experience these events with Jordan. I believe this book would be a great way to build a sense of community and empathy in any classroom.
New Kid focuses on Jordan, a young middle school student starting his first year as a new student at a private school. While Jordan really wants to attend an art school, his parents are insistent that he attend Riverdale Academy Day School (RAD) so he can receive a quality education, which they believe will give him many opportunities in the future. At RAD, Jordan meets a few students he bonds with, such as his guide Liam, who seems embarrassed that he comes from a wealthy family, and Alexandra, a student who uses a sock puppet to deflect from a burn scar on her hand. He also meets Drew, a student who, much like Jordan, feels singled out for being one of few black students in the school. Jordan and Drew become fast friends, spending their time hanging out and playing XBOX games online together. There are other students and teachers interwoven throughout the story, but the focus is on Jordan navigating a new school, his parents' expectations, and his own desires of becoming an artist.
New Kid is one of the best graphic novels I have ever read. It has a lot of charm and heart, which comes from very likable and well-rounded characters. The graphic novel also has quite a bit of humor (for instance, every new chapter begins with a riff or a comical reimagining of a famous movie title), and I found it difficult to not chuckle along with the characters. Some of the periphery characters are static (such as Mr. Roche, who tries so hard to be PC that he almost comes off as inappropriate and problematic), but I think they act as foils to the more well-rounded characters to enable them to demonstrate a full range of emotions. For instance, one white teacher keeps calling Drew by another black student's name, which comes to a head when he erupts in anger at constantly being misnamed. The static characters do play a role in the story, but they also give the main characters someone to interact with that enables writer Jerry Craft a chance to show how complex his characters are.
Craft’s illustrations are part of the fun of the story, and I loved his clean linework and simple color palette. There is a lot of subtle detail in each image that enhances the illustrations without being distracting. Each character has a unique style and design, which is aided by the fact that each character wears the same outfits throughout the story (I think this is a reference to superhero comics and the unchanging nature of hero costumes). Even when the graphic novel is pointing out the biases of a teacher that can’t distinguish between their students, we the reader would never confuse any of the characters for one another.
As far as realistic fiction, I think New Kid does an excellent job of accurately portraying what it feels like to be a new person in an unfamiliar setting, as well as what it’s like to navigate an environment that seems inherently biased against people of color. In my opinion, Craft has provided us with an authentic and straightforward glimpse into the life of a middle school student who is trying to fit in at a new school while simultaneously trying to maintain what makes them a unique individual. To be fair, there are some moments of “fantasy” - but these are all in Jordans imagination and depicted through the drawings Jordan sketches in his notebook.
This book would be wonderful for students 6th grade and up. I think students of any race or culture would be able to identify with Jordan as he navigates being both a new student in a new school and a black student in a predominantly white environment. New Kid could work as a mirror, window, and a sliding glass door as it not only provides young BIPOC readers with characters and authentic experiences that reflect them and their experiences, but it also invites other readers in to experience these events with Jordan. I believe this book would be a great way to build a sense of community and empathy in any classroom.
Yummy: The Last Days of a Southside Shorty by G. Neri
5.0
This graphic novel was loaned to me by a colleague of mine at Mather High School. The book has won the Coretta Scott King Book Award for Author Honor (2011) and was nominated for the Rhode Island Teen Book Award (2012) and the James Cook Book Award (2011).
In Chicago in 1994, 11-year-old Robert "Yummy" Sandifer attempts to prove himself to the Black Disciples - a notorious, violent Chicago gang - by executing a rival gang member. Instead, Yummy ends up murdering 14-year-old Shavon Dean, an innocent bystander, right outside her home. Immediately after Shavon's death, the police begin a manhunt for Yummy. As all this is happening, young Roger - our fictitious narrator - begins following the stories about Yummy closely, trying to figure out what went wrong in Yummy's life and why he ended up on a path of crime and violence.
This graphic novel is based in part on the real-life tragedy of Shavon Dean and Robert “Yummy” Sandifer that took place during the summer of 1994 in Chicago. While the circumstances surrounding, and the aftermath of, the shooting are true, the narrator - Roger - and his family have been made up as a way to guide the reader through the story. Author G. Neri also invents aspects of Yummy, such as his thoughts, feelings, and whereabouts as the entire city is on the lookout for him. Although part of the story is based on actual events, I felt that fictional parts made it a better candidate for historical fiction than historical nonfiction.
This book really hits all the points for historical fiction as outlined by Children’s Books in Children’s Hands. It is well written, the setting is brought to life in several ways (mostly visual), the characters and conflicts are authentic and plausible, and the themes of the story (the need for transformative and social justice; understanding that people are an accumulation of thoughts and actions and shouldn’t be stereotyped into any one category; grappling with compassion for those who commit heinous acts) are relevant for readers today. This is a hard hitting, eye opening story that dives into the unsavory realities of what some urban youth experience and asks “how did we get here?”.
The art style of Randy DuBurke adds to the gritty reality of the narrative. DuBurke uses only black and white illustrations to bring the story to life, giving the whole graphic novel a noir mystery feeling. But the stark black and white illustrations also underscore the seriousness of the subject matter. If color was added to the pages, I think the overall style would lack the visual impact it has. I also think the lack of color makes Chicago feel like an uncaring beast looming in the background - always poised to swallow up its weakest and most unwanted citizens.
Based on the grim nature of the subject matter, and the thematically heavy lifting the book asks of the reader, I think this graphic novel may be best suited for readers 6th or 7th grade and up. This is a haunting story - one that had me grappling with my own sense of morality after I finished reading. I think Yummy can also act as a mirror and a window. Our students may not have first (or even second) hand knowledge of gangland violence, but they likely know what it’s like to feel prejudged, or what it’s like to feel like they’re the target of authority figures. As a window, I think the book does a good job of displaying the unfortunate reality that some young students do get caught up in gang culture, and that they are often the victims themselves. I think the book has a lot to teach those unfamiliar with gangs and gang violence about the way our own culture enables the kind of exploitation that could lead someone like Yummy to a life of criminal activity.
In Chicago in 1994, 11-year-old Robert "Yummy" Sandifer attempts to prove himself to the Black Disciples - a notorious, violent Chicago gang - by executing a rival gang member. Instead, Yummy ends up murdering 14-year-old Shavon Dean, an innocent bystander, right outside her home. Immediately after Shavon's death, the police begin a manhunt for Yummy. As all this is happening, young Roger - our fictitious narrator - begins following the stories about Yummy closely, trying to figure out what went wrong in Yummy's life and why he ended up on a path of crime and violence.
This graphic novel is based in part on the real-life tragedy of Shavon Dean and Robert “Yummy” Sandifer that took place during the summer of 1994 in Chicago. While the circumstances surrounding, and the aftermath of, the shooting are true, the narrator - Roger - and his family have been made up as a way to guide the reader through the story. Author G. Neri also invents aspects of Yummy, such as his thoughts, feelings, and whereabouts as the entire city is on the lookout for him. Although part of the story is based on actual events, I felt that fictional parts made it a better candidate for historical fiction than historical nonfiction.
This book really hits all the points for historical fiction as outlined by Children’s Books in Children’s Hands. It is well written, the setting is brought to life in several ways (mostly visual), the characters and conflicts are authentic and plausible, and the themes of the story (the need for transformative and social justice; understanding that people are an accumulation of thoughts and actions and shouldn’t be stereotyped into any one category; grappling with compassion for those who commit heinous acts) are relevant for readers today. This is a hard hitting, eye opening story that dives into the unsavory realities of what some urban youth experience and asks “how did we get here?”.
The art style of Randy DuBurke adds to the gritty reality of the narrative. DuBurke uses only black and white illustrations to bring the story to life, giving the whole graphic novel a noir mystery feeling. But the stark black and white illustrations also underscore the seriousness of the subject matter. If color was added to the pages, I think the overall style would lack the visual impact it has. I also think the lack of color makes Chicago feel like an uncaring beast looming in the background - always poised to swallow up its weakest and most unwanted citizens.
Based on the grim nature of the subject matter, and the thematically heavy lifting the book asks of the reader, I think this graphic novel may be best suited for readers 6th or 7th grade and up. This is a haunting story - one that had me grappling with my own sense of morality after I finished reading. I think Yummy can also act as a mirror and a window. Our students may not have first (or even second) hand knowledge of gangland violence, but they likely know what it’s like to feel prejudged, or what it’s like to feel like they’re the target of authority figures. As a window, I think the book does a good job of displaying the unfortunate reality that some young students do get caught up in gang culture, and that they are often the victims themselves. I think the book has a lot to teach those unfamiliar with gangs and gang violence about the way our own culture enables the kind of exploitation that could lead someone like Yummy to a life of criminal activity.
Kindred: A Graphic Novel Adaptation by Octavia E. Butler
5.0
This graphic novel was recommended to me by a colleague. This adaptation has won the
Bram Stoker Award for Best Graphic Novel (2017) and the Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards for Best Adaptation from Another Medium (2018). I read the physical copy my colleague loaned me from her classroom library.
The graphic novel follows Dana, a woman living in 1976, as she is transported back through time to 1815. There she meets Rufus, a child she saves from drowning. As suddenly as she was transported back in time, she returns to her own time. As events unfold, we learn that whenever Rufus’s life is in danger, she is summoned to the past to help. Dana learns that Rufus might be an ancestor of hers, and vows to keep him safe to ensure the safety of her lineage. However, Rufus is a white boy living on a plantation, while Dana is an independent and educated black woman. Ensuring Rufus’s survival may cost Dana her freedom, autonomy, and her own morality. Dana’s story is a painful journey of survival and self-discovery.
I have read the original novel by Octavia Butler, and while I find the novel to be a tremendous achievement of historical science fiction, this adaptation is absolutely breathtaking. I don’t even know where to start with the praise this title deserves. The narrative follows the story tightly, with nothing being cut or added for the sake of the graphic novel format. To be sure, some scenes are trimmed down or depicted with a sense of urgency and brevity, but every scene from the book remains intact in some form. We are treated to a bit more of Dana's inner thoughts through the use of text bubbles, which I think adds to the emotional range of the character. The artwork is gorgeous, depicting the characters in a slightly exaggerated, abstract manner. This helps underscore the almost impossible and surreal nature of the narrative, while adding to the beauty and horror of the text’s themes.
This adaptation is probably best suited for older readers - maybe 8th to 12th grade - due to its graphic depictions of violence and rape. I think this graphic novel would be a wonderful way to teach certain scenes in the book, as it could help scaffold some of the novel’s denser sections, improving student comprehension. As I mentioned with the Beowulf adaptation, I think this graphic novel would also be useful to introduce reticent or emerging readers to longer, more difficult pieces of literature.
Bram Stoker Award for Best Graphic Novel (2017) and the Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards for Best Adaptation from Another Medium (2018). I read the physical copy my colleague loaned me from her classroom library.
The graphic novel follows Dana, a woman living in 1976, as she is transported back through time to 1815. There she meets Rufus, a child she saves from drowning. As suddenly as she was transported back in time, she returns to her own time. As events unfold, we learn that whenever Rufus’s life is in danger, she is summoned to the past to help. Dana learns that Rufus might be an ancestor of hers, and vows to keep him safe to ensure the safety of her lineage. However, Rufus is a white boy living on a plantation, while Dana is an independent and educated black woman. Ensuring Rufus’s survival may cost Dana her freedom, autonomy, and her own morality. Dana’s story is a painful journey of survival and self-discovery.
I have read the original novel by Octavia Butler, and while I find the novel to be a tremendous achievement of historical science fiction, this adaptation is absolutely breathtaking. I don’t even know where to start with the praise this title deserves. The narrative follows the story tightly, with nothing being cut or added for the sake of the graphic novel format. To be sure, some scenes are trimmed down or depicted with a sense of urgency and brevity, but every scene from the book remains intact in some form. We are treated to a bit more of Dana's inner thoughts through the use of text bubbles, which I think adds to the emotional range of the character. The artwork is gorgeous, depicting the characters in a slightly exaggerated, abstract manner. This helps underscore the almost impossible and surreal nature of the narrative, while adding to the beauty and horror of the text’s themes.
This adaptation is probably best suited for older readers - maybe 8th to 12th grade - due to its graphic depictions of violence and rape. I think this graphic novel would be a wonderful way to teach certain scenes in the book, as it could help scaffold some of the novel’s denser sections, improving student comprehension. As I mentioned with the Beowulf adaptation, I think this graphic novel would also be useful to introduce reticent or emerging readers to longer, more difficult pieces of literature.