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Awarded to Books of Exceptional Merit

BROWSE BOOK REVIEWS



Middle-Grade Graphic Novels

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Cover art for ROBOT DREAMS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Aug. 1, 2007
ROBOT DREAMS
by Sara Varon, illustrated by Sara Varon
"Witty and plaintive by turns, this is thoughtful, provocative pleasure. (Graphic novel. 8-14)"
A wordless graphic novel provides a plangent meditation on the nature of friendship. Read full book review >
Cover art for THE STONEKEEPER
CHILDREN'S
Released: Jan. 1, 2008
THE STONEKEEPER: AMULET, BOOK ONE
by Kazu Kibuishi
"Fans of Jeff Smith's Bone will happily fret with the good guys and hiss at the baddies. (Graphic fantasy. 10-12)"
With many a SZZT! Read full book review >
Cover art for CORALINE
CHILDREN'S
Released: July 1, 2008
Kirkus Star CORALINE
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 GHOSTOPOLIS
CHILDREN'S
Released: July 1, 2010
GHOSTOPOLIS
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 THE UNSINKABLE WALKER BEAN
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2010
Kirkus Star THE UNSINKABLE WALKER BEAN
by Aaron Renier, illustrated by Aaron Renier

Anyone who has said that pirates are an overused motif in youth literature has not yet met Walker Bean. Read full book review >
Cover art for HOW MIRKA GOT HER SWORD
CHILDREN'S
Released: Nov. 1, 2010
Kirkus Star HOW MIRKA GOT HER SWORD
by Barry Deutsch
"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 ZITA THE SPACEGIRL
CHILDREN'S
Released: Feb. 1, 2011
Kirkus Star ZITA THE SPACEGIRL
by Ben Hatke, illustrated by Ben Hatke
"Be prepared to blast off; this debut is truly out of this world. (Graphic science fiction. 9-12)"
A headstrong young girl makes a hasty decision and finds herself in a galaxy far, far away in this graphic-novel shining star. Read full book review >
Cover art for QUEST FOR THE SPARK
CHILDREN'S
Released: Feb. 1, 2012
QUEST FOR THE SPARK: BOOK TWO
by Tom Sniegoski, illustrated by Jeff Smith
"A nimble, expertly paced middle-grade adventure yarn. (Fantasy/adventure. 9 & up)"
The Bone universe proves that it can still expand without spreading thin. Read full book review >
Cover art for DRAMA
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2012
Kirkus Star DRAMA
by Raina Telgemeier, illustrated by Raina Telgemeier
"Brava! (Graphic fiction. 10-14)"
From award winner Telgemeier (Smile, 2010), a pitch-perfect graphic novel portrayal of a middle school musical, adroitly capturing the drama both on and offstage. Read full book review >
Cover art for INTO THE WOODS
CHILDREN'S
Released: Sept. 1, 2012
Kirkus Star INTO THE WOODS
by J. Torres, illustrated by Faith Erin Hicks
"Be prepared for young Sasquatch fans roaring for more. (Graphic fantasy. 6-11)"
Mom said there was magic in the woods…she probably didn't mean anything like this. Read full book review >