Kirkus Star
THE KIRKUS STAR
Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS




Great Graphic Novels for Middle School


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Cover art for LEVEL UP
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 7, 2011
by Gene Luen Yang, illustrated by Thien Pham

"A piquant, multilayered coming-of-age fable for the wired generation. (Graphic novel. 10 & up)"
Amy Chua's Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother describes high-pressure parenting to produce high achievers; Yang explores the other side of the equation. Read full book review >
Cover art for ASTRONAUT ACADEMY
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 1, 2011
by Dave Roman, illustrated by Dave Roman

"Roman's quirks may irritate a few readers, but many children will run to their own scratch pads to draw fierce bunnies, wearing cute hats. (Graphic novel. 10-14)"
This book will make readers want to flip through the author's doodle pad, in case he has ideas that are even wilder. Read full book review >
Cover art for HOW MIRKA GOT HER SWORD
CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 1, 2010

"Undoubtedly one of the cleverest graphic novels of the year; let's hope this isn't the last of Mirka. (Graphic fantasy. 10-14)"
Like all 11-year-old Orthodox Jewish girls, ebullient Mirka must face a six-armed troll to avoid becoming his dinner and obtain a dragon-slaying sword—wait, what? Read full book review >
Cover art for YUMMY
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 1, 2010
by G. Neri, illustrated by Randy DuBurke

"A much-needed look at the terrifying perils of life on the margins that will have all readers pondering the heady question of moral responsibility. (Graphic fiction. 12 & up)"
A haunting, ripped-from-the-headlines account of youth gang violence in Chicago provides the backdrop for a crucial mediation on right and wrong. Read full book review >
Cover art for GHOSTOPOLIS
CHILDREN'S
Released: July 1, 2010
by Doug TenNapel, illustrated by Doug TenNapel

"Creepy details, quick quips and a wry, deadpan (pun absolutely intended) humor are sure to delight. (Graphic fiction. 9-12)"
As an agent for the Supernatural Immigration Task Force, it is Frank Gallows's job to catch ghosts on Earth and send them back to the afterlife. Read full book review >
Cover art for TRICKSTER
CHILDREN'S
Released: June 1, 2010
edited by Matt Dembicki

"Packaged in a chunky, square-shaped volume, this unique collection of Native American folklore invites readers to sample and savor each colorful, wily tale. (editor's notes, contributors' bios) (Graphic folklore. 10 & up)"
Vigorously rendered in striking graphic format, this robust anthology of 21 Native American folktales features a bevy of wily rascals in a veritable smorgasbord of trickster tales. Read full book review >
Cover art for ZEUS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 1, 2010
by George O'Connor, illustrated by George O'Connor

"Holy Cyclopes, here's a keeper. (Graphic mythology. 8-14)"
An energetic graphic series on classical mythology debuts with the origin story of the Big Cheese Olympian, Zeus. Read full book review >
Cover art for MALICE
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2009
by Chris Wooding, illustrated by Dan Chernett

"One sequel announced, so far. (Fantasy. 11-13)"
In this hybrid-format horror/fantasy restless teens in search of adventure pass back and forth between their world and Malice—a tenebrous, ruined city stocked with clockwork monsters and other hazards. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE GOOD NEIGHBORS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Oct. 1, 2008
by Holly Black, illustrated by Ted Naifeh

"Providing enough introductory exposition, this should hook its reader, but still leave enough mystery to leave readers clamoring for the next installment. (Graphic fantasy. 12 & up)"
From two accomplished veterans comes a dark urban fantasy about a girl seeking the truth about her past—and her future. Read full book review >
Cover art for CORALINE
CHILDREN'S
Released: July 1, 2008
by Neil Gaiman, adapted by P. Craig Russell, illustrated by P. Craig Russell

"A stellar reworking of the original text, this is sure to delight established fans and to mesmerize newcomers. (Graphic fiction. 10 & up)"
A deliciously dark graphic adaptation of Gaiman's modern classic is delivered with pitch-perfect accuracy and presented in a striking palette. Read full book review >
Cover art for KAMPUNG BOY
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2006
by Lat, illustrated by Lat

"Intriguing and edifying, Lat's memoir is an endearing look at a foreign adolescence. (Graphic novel. YA)"
In a charming story of a young boy's life, Lat recounts his childhood living in a small village (or kampung) in Malaysia. Read full book review >
Cover art for A.L.I.E.E.E.N.
CHILDREN'S
Released: May 1, 2006
by Lewis Trondheim, illustrated by Lewis Trondheim

"Not for the younger set, but an accomplished offbeat selection worth considering. (Graphic novel. 12-14)"
Designed to look like a weatherworn comic found in the woods, this outrageously imaginative graphic novel touts itself as the "first extraterrestrial comic book on earth." Read full book review >