What Rick Riordan did for the Greek gods, Fajardo has done for “Beowulf”: magnificent.
“Beowulf” reimagined.
Starting two generations back from the events of the familiar saga, Fajardo breathes a new life into the tale of Beowulf. In his inventive interpretation, Beowulf and Grendel are twin brothers, resulting from a generations-old blood oath between Beowulf’s grandfather Hrothgar and a delightfully snarky and ferocious blue dragon, an entertaining back story that occupies most of the book. His fate sealed long before his birth, Beowulf—a kind and brave young boy rather than a vicious monster-killer—must learn about his past while confronting his destiny. As the heir to the throne of a land that’s fractured by long-standing feuds and facing dwindling food supplies, Beowulf has many important choices before him, leaving lots of room for subsequent installments. Told in richly imagined comic panels, this offering is visually arresting, with an array of eye-popping colors that positively demand attention from readers. The aftermatter is abundant and well-wrought, offering key terms, historical origins and explanations, a family tree, maps, and lessons on drawing and comic-book making. Fajardo not only makes “Beowulf” accessible for younger readers, he makes it interesting and edifying without any dilution.
What Rick Riordan did for the Greek gods, Fajardo has done for “Beowulf”: magnificent. (character list) (Graphic fantasy. 7-13)Pub Date: Aug. 2, 2016
ISBN: 978-1-4494-7589-5
Page Count: 240
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
Review Posted Online: May 31, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2016
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
An entertaining and heartwarming journey into space.
Kids from around the U.S. join a space mission that tests their physical, mental, and interpersonal abilities.
Tia is a Latine tween working at her older brother Hector’s car shop when she learns about a new NASA initiative. The program, run by renowned Black astronaut (and co-author) Melvin, will send kids into space to intern at a research facility. Uber-responsible Indira, who’s cued Indian American, also tries out, but she’s seated near Tia during the test and is convinced Tia cheated by looking at her paper. Despite her frequent absences and failing grades, Tia is selected, while Indira is made an alternate. At space camp, Tia meets football player Bradley (who reads white), space-obsessed Andromeda (who appears East Asian), and Steven, a Black-presenting boy who has cerebral palsy and is an aspiring research biologist. Melvin’s STEAM Team members pair up for physical conditioning and training for living in space, running laps and using a multi-axis trainer. After Steven is injured and goes home temporarily to recover, Indira becomes Tia’s new partner (fortunately, Steven is later able to return). As the spaceships are prepped for launch, Melvin reinforces the message that “there are no useless skills. There are only skills that aren’t being used to their full potential.” The strong pacing and Acton’s vibrant color palette make this an engaging science-based adventure that also explores friendship, team-building, overcoming personal insecurities, and other emotional themes.
An entertaining and heartwarming journey into space. (Graphic fiction. 8-13)Pub Date: Feb. 4, 2025
ISBN: 9781250782779
Page Count: 240
Publisher: First Second
Review Posted Online: Nov. 9, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 2024
BOOK REVIEW
A busy, evocative slice of school life and the trials of a second-generation immigrant.
A Chinese Canadian daydreamer faces the tough realities of school and family life.
Navigating a recently divorced mom, a moody older sister, and a weird grandmother at home, 10-year-old Kevin seeks refuge in his comics. In addition to eagerly awaiting the next issue of Star Odysseys, Kevin imagines and draws his own deep-space adventures. School life comes with further challenges—his former friend (and maybe crush) Lily hates his guts, and as one of his school’s few Asian kids, he’s subject to a fair amount of casual racism. When Kevin brings a century egg to school, he sets off a disastrous chain of events that culminates in a thrilling transformation. Mostly taking place over the course of a week in 1994, the story feels a little disjointed at times, with Kevin’s fantasy world intercutting his real-life struggles. The cultural specificity and humor shine, however: From Kevin’s refreshing lack of self-consciousness about the century egg and his mom’s backbreaking work at the family’s clothing alterations business to his popo’s love of game shows, the portrayals are authentic and lovingly complex. Most characters who populate Kevin’s Toronto are white, except for his family and his two Asian friends (one is Japanese and white, and the other is Chinese from Hong Kong). The detailed, loosely drawn illustrations emphasize the characters’ emotions and convey a sense of bustling energy.
A busy, evocative slice of school life and the trials of a second-generation immigrant. (Graphic fiction. 8-12)Pub Date: Jan. 30, 2024
ISBN: 9781454945840
Page Count: 240
Publisher: Union Square Kids
Review Posted Online: Oct. 7, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2023
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