Graphic Novels I had the pleasure of interviewing Mark Siegel and also hearing him again at NCTE in late 2006. He is currently the Editorial Director at First Second, the graphic novel imprint of Roaring Brook Press. My first real interest in graphic novels came about when I received a copy of To Dance: A Ballerina’s Graphic Novel (2006 Simon & Schuster). Other than comic books that I had read as a kid, I really was not much interested in the graphic novel craze, but this book was different. It had a compelling story and the accompanying illustrations were a perfect match. I asked Mark about its genesis and he remarked that it was a collaboration between he and his wife, Siena Cherson Siegel, who is a ballerina. Over the course of our discussion, I learned how much comics have evolved since the early 1900s into what we see today. Mark recounted the three great schools—those of the superheroes here in the US which probably brings to mind characters like Superman; the Belgian School which includes characters such as Tintin and Astrix which hearken back to the 30s; and the Japanese school which has roots back several centuries but it is the 1940s when manga came into a broader view and has grown to encompass characters such as Astro Boy. For many years these three schools of drawing and graphic creativity were independent and isolated. For the French and Belgian scene the level of writing and artistry grew and gained in credibility on the literary scene. This is not what happened in America. The Japanese school grew into the Asian school and it had its own credibility in manga which was available for every age and interest. The readers ranged from young children to senior citizens and some of the works are quite literary. Returning to the American scene, the growth of comics as a valid medium was stunted by greed and sticking to something that worked—superheroes. There was also an issue of censorship. A Comic Code was established based on the fear that comics were damaging to the development of children. Therefore, comic books should not show disrespect for authority figures, no violence, sex, or romance. Can you imagine the same criteria being applied to novels and especially in today’s market? Readers eventually outgrew the superheros and characters like Archie. But whenever someone tries to put limitations or fetters around art and artists, there will be some rebellion or subversives, and Robert Crum was certainly one. According to Wikipedia. “Crumb was a founder of the underground comix movement and is regarded as its most prominent figure. Though one of the most celebrated of comic book artists, Crumb's entire career has unfolded outside the mainstream comic book publishing industry. One of his most recognized works is the Keep on Truckin' drawing, which became a widely distributed fixture of pop culture in the 1970s. Others are the characters Fritz the Cat (movie Fritz the Cat) and Mr. Natural.” The real breakthrough came when Maus by Art Spiegelman won the PulitzerPrize Special Award in 1992. Once again according to Wikipedia “Maus: A Survivor's Tale is a memoir by Art Spiegelman, presented as a graphic novel. It recounts the struggle of Spiegelman's father to survive the Holocaust as a Polish Jew and draws largely on his father's recollections of his experiences. The book also follows the author's troubled relationship with his father and the way the war reverberate through generations of a family.” The last five or six years have been incredible creative as the three schools described above appear to be merging and cross pollinating. According to Mark, there is still a lot of “crap” but now if you know how to choose, you can find the masterpieces. He notes that graphic novels/comics have become rooted in main stream literature as an artistic and literary form. The books can have as much depth as any other. It not a genre but a format inside of which genre can exist. He is also quite confident that graphic novels are truly poised to break out in the States. He compared it to a perfect storm—or really three storms converging—the creative force and the significant improvement in the quality of American talent which he believes is on a par with the best anywhere; the readers—young readers have had so much exposure to visual information through the Internet and therefore they demand quality; the publishers who are now aware of this format and are jumping on the bandwagon. The industry is growing by double digits and bookstores and libraries are seeing sales and circulation rising. I myself have noticed the interest in the trade shows and conferences such as Book Expo and ALA where that section has grown significantly in the number of vendors and size of the exhibits. Mark has spent years in the publishing industry including a stint as the Art Director at Simon & Schuster. He also created the illustrations for a picture book, Long Night Moon, with Cynthia Rylant and a graphic picture book entitle Seadogs with Lisa Wheeler. The latter won a Texas Blue Bonnet Award. But what he was really looking for was editorial freedom and an opportunity to publish high quality graphic novels. First Second offers that opportunity. He will be working to produce titles within each genre and to help raise the next generation of graphic novel readers. He has lined up an impressive array of authors including Jane Yolen and Adam Rapp. He is looking for the gems. Speaking of gems, I return to the book that he and his wife created–To Dance. Mark told me that he really was not that warm to ballet. His wife Siena took him to shows, and he also learned the basic vocabulary and what to look and listen for during a performance. That was the first step. Then he needed to find the human story and that came through a deeper understanding of ballet and seeing them in context of how they were created. For example, understanding how Balanchine created different ballets for his leading ladies, several of whom he married, but one dancer eluded him--Suzanne Farrell. Seeing the old footage of Don Quixote with Balanchine as the old man and Farrell as Dulcinea—the girl who forever eludes him hooked Mark on the human side of the story. Life at First Second is exciting, with new publications and travel around the world seeking out the best artists and stories. Mark also spends time at schools and conferences and of course has his own personal projects to pursue. Another collaboration with Siena? Certainly it is a possibility. To learn more about his publishing plans visit http://www.firstsecondbooks.typepad.com/mainblog/ Mark closed our interview by remarking that in some ways librarians and teachers already know that graphic novels can be a useful tool for teaching. There are lesson plans on the web site. I look forward to more outstanding books like To Dance and the future of works that will be published by First Second. Contributor: Marilyn Courtot Reviews A.L.I.E.E.E.N., Archives of Lost Issues and Early Editions of Extraterrestrial Novelties Lewis Trondheim    Working out of France, Lewis Trondheim is one of the hot talents in European comics. His Archives of Lost Issues and Earthly Editions of Extraterrestrial Novelties proves his originality and adeptness in both wordless plotting and illustration. Purportedly based on an alien book left at a Catskills campsite, Trondheim creates a dark vision of a bright, flower-filled, extraterrestrial world. Happy, hopeful little blobs bound through the seven interrelated stories. Speaking in caption-balloons filled with hieroglyphic-like words, these gentle protagonists seek only peace and friendship. Alas, they are repeatedly squelched. The images are filled with odd, disconcerting violence: a doctor who destroys; cities overcome by mudslides of excrement; blood pouring from the mouths of illogically battered creatures. As beautifully fantastical as the premise and the execution of this book is, the final message is one of despair. This is definitely not for youngsters. 2006 (orig. 2004), First Second/Roaring Brook Press, $12.95. Ages 12 up. Reviewer: Kathleen Karr (Children's Literature). ISBN: 978-159643-095-2 ISBN: 1-59643-095-8 American Born Chinese Gene Yang Coloring by Lark Pien    American Born Chinese is a graphic novel that tells the story of two protagonists. The Monkey King is a figure from Chinese folklore. Angry at not being admitted to a Heavenly Dinner Party because he isn’t wearing shoes, the Monkey King masters the twelve disciplines of Kung Fu and sets about proving that he is a god to his fellow deities. He does this by beating up anyone who calls him a monkey. Danny, an Asian boy drawn with white features, wants to be like the rest of the kids in his high school. Unfortunately, the arrival of his cousin from China, Chin-Kee, dashes his hopes. Chin-Kee is every cliché about Chinese people (pronounce his name phonetically) rolled into one fun-filled package. Chin-Kee is so full of fun that a laugh track follows him around, but Danny, who has transferred out of two high schools already because of Chin-Kee’s past antics, isn’t laughing. There is also a third storyline featuring Jin Wang (Danny in junior high) and his best friend, Wei-Chen Sun. This is one of the best graphic novels I’ve read this year. It reminds me of Derek Kirk Kim’s excellent Same Difference & Other Stories, which is also worth purchasing. The three storylines are interrelated, and all have the same theme: accept who you are. Be warned that the character of Chin-Kee will arouse strong feelings: some may find him offensive while others may think he’s funny. American Born Chinese contains racial stereotypes, comic book violence, and one urinating monkey (from the back). It is highly recommended for all graphic novel collections. Category: Graphic Novels. KLIATT Codes: SA*--Exceptional book, recommended for senior high school students, advanced students, and adults. 2006, First Second, 235p. illus., $16.95. Ages 15 to adult. Reviewer: George Galuschak (KLIATT Review, November 2006 (Vol. 40, No. 6)). Best Books: Best Books for Young Adults, 2007 ; YALSA; United States Best Books of the Year, 2006 ; School Library Journal; United States Books for Youth, 2006 ; Booklist Editor's Choice; United States Choices, 2007 ; Cooperative Children’s Book Center; United States Great Graphic Novels for Teens, 2007 ; YALSA; United States School Library Journal Book Review Stars, September 2006 ; Cahners; United States Top 10 Graphic Novels for Youth, 2007 ; Booklist; United States Top 10 Great Graphic Novels for Teens, 2007 ; YALSA; United States Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults, 2007 ; YALSA; United States Top Ten Great Graphic Novels for Teens, 2007 ; YALSA; United States Awards, Honors, Prizes: Cybils Winner 2006 Graphic Novels Ages 13 and Up United States Michael L . Printz Award Winner 2007 United States National Book Awards Finalist 2006 Young People's Literature United States ISBN: 978-1-59643-152-2 ISBN: 1-59643-152-0 Déogratias, A Tale of Rwanda Stassen    In the introduction to his graphic novel, Stassen outlines the brief history of Rwanda, and in greater detail, the several years leading up to the 1994 civil war/genocide between the Tutsis and the Hutus. This helps prepare the reader for a very difficult story, told in flashbacks and brief escapes from reality into the imagination of the main character. Deogratias is a Hutu boy living in the aftermath of the genocide in which he took part. Traumatized by the violence he has committed after gradual conditioning by higher powers, he moves in and out of the present time. In the pre-war flashbacks, Deogratias is a happy boy, socializing and flirting with Tutsi girls, questioning the distinctions between the tribes, even blaming whites for such a meaningless classification. He is tidily dressed, and the colors of the landscape are bright and cheerful. In the present, Deogratias’s wild eyes and animal-like behavior, his tattered clothing and huddled body that seems to morph into the brindled coat of a dog, all suggest the degradation and dehumanization of the experience on his body ands soul. Stassen makes the interesting choice to focus on Deogratias, a member of the oppressing tribe, to underscore the fact that in the case of Rwanda, everyone suffers from the inhumanity of ethnic cleansing. CCBC Category: Fiction for Young Adults. 2006, First Second, 79 pages, $16.95. Age 14 and older. Reviewer: CCBC (Cooperative Children’s Book Center Choices, 2007). ISBN: 978-1-59643-103-4 ISBN: 1-59643-103-2 The Fate of the Artist: An Autobiographical Novel, with Typographical Anomalies, in which the Author Does not Appear as Himself Eddie Campbell    Campbell's latest book follows an investigation into the disappearance of . . . Eddie Campbell. Interweaving segments reveal glimpses of his life, relationships, and philosophy in a variety of formats. In prose, an unnamed detective conducts conversations with Campbell's family members. Newspaper-style comic strips present a series of interactions between a husband and wife. More familiar comic book-style passages tell stories of art history, including figures such as Mozart and Leni Riefenstahl, as well as passages from Campbell's life as portrayed by an actor. Daughter Hayley appears in fummeti (photos with text) and in her own comic strip. Each piece is like a breadcrumb leading the reader to a mysterious end. With a large body of fictional and semi-autobiographical work to his credit, this book is Campbell's most artistically ambitious work to date. Readers who have followed his Alec series will find continuity here. In this thoughtful and funny meditation on art and its affect on the artist-or vice versa-he nimbly switches stylistic gears from detective noir to humor, often featuring his perpetually swearing daughter. Graphically the book embraces ink, paint, and photograph, sometimes all on the same page. Weaving through all these elements is a warm and well-grounded sense of humanity. In this work of art about art, assemble the pieces of the puzzle to see the beleaguered and beautiful life of the artist. Furthermore librarians will appreciate where the body is finally found, the location itself a commentary on the state of the graphic novel. VOYA CODES: 4Q 2P S A/YA G (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses; For the YA with a special interest in the subject; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12; Adult-marketed book recommended for Young Adults; Graphic Novel Format). 2006, First Second/Roaring Brook, 96p., $15.95. Ages 15 to Adult. Reviewer: Lisa Martincik (VOYA, June 2006 (Vol. 29, No. 2)). ISBN: 978-1-59643-133-1 ISBN: 1-59643-133-4 Garage Band Gipi    What is it like to play in a rock band? To create your own songs and CDs and dream of hitting stardom? Gipi explores this theme with sensitive illustrations and depictions in Garage Band. One day Giuliano’s father loans the four friends a garage so they can practice as a band. The friends create music while their natural qualities emerge. Gipi carefully weaves the composition of five songs as the underlying structure of this graphic novel in which young adult readers meet ambitious Stefano, obsessed Alberto, and Alex, who collects Nazi posters and paraphernalia. When the young men try to replace a broken amplifier, they end up in unexpected trouble. With elegant watercolors, Gipi brings the story of four friends who dream of being rock stars to the page of a graphic novel which young adults will enjoy. In Garage Band, the form and content blend wonderfully together into an exciting and compelling narrative. 2007, First Second Books/Roaring Brook Press, Ages 12 to 16, $16.95. Reviewer: Suzanna E. Henshon, Ph.D. ISBN: 1-59643-206-3 Journey into Mohawk County H.M. van den Bogaert Artwork by George O'Connor and color by Hilary Sycamore    This is an adaptation of the journal of Herman Meyndertsz van den Bogaert, a Dutch barber-surgeon. In December 1634, he and two companions journeyed into upstate New York. Their mission: forge new trade agreements with the Indian tribes in the area. In the 1630s beaver hats were all the rage in Europe, so beaver pelts were of vital importance to the small settlement of New Amsterdam. The Dutchmen traveled from village to village dining on such delicacies as beaver meat, beans lathered with bear grease and cooked pumpkin. They watched a village play war games, saw how Indian healing worked (the doctors thrust sticks down their throats and vomited on the patient), and attempted to buy a tame bear. Since they journeyed in the heart of winter, there was a lot of snow. Journey into Mohawk Country is a good choice for graphic novel collections with an educational emphasis. Bogaert’s journal provides a wealth of interesting historical details, but in itself is rather dry reading. It is left to O’Connor to fill in the details, which he does by creating visual gags, giving his protagonists personalities they probably didn’t possess and making up stories that didn’t happen--for instance, Willem Tomassen (one of the Dutchmen) gets a girlfriend. Journey into Mohawk Country contains mild comic book violence and is recommended for junior high and high school graphic novel collections. Category: Graphic Novels. KLIATT Codes: JSA--Recommended for junior and senior high school students, advanced students, and adults. 2006, First Second, 144p. illus., $17.95. Ages 12 to adult. Reviewer: George Galuschak (KLIATT Review, November 2006 (Vol. 40, No. 6)). ISBN: 978-1-59643-106-5 ISBN: 1-59643-106-7 Kampung Boy Lat    This graphic novel is an interesting account of a young Malaysian boy growing up in his kampung (village) and surrounding rubber tree plantation with his family. Simplistic, humorous b&w drawings add a special touch to the boy's story as the reader sees his birth to his circumcision ceremony at 10 years old, as well as his many adventures and spots of trouble. He begins to understand the importance of a good education when he passes a big exam and is enrolled in a boarding school far away from his small village and family. Even though he is changing, he hopes that his tiny kampung will remain the same forever. For high school students, this book takes an interesting look at different cultures and how people live and what they are thinking or feeling about leaving home for the first time. A slightly younger audience will enjoy the silly adventures the boy has and tough decisions he has to make to stay with his friends or work for his future. Recommended. 2006, First Second Books (Roaring Brook Press), 144pp., $16.95 pbk.. Ages 12 to 18. Reviewer: Maureen Mooney (Library Media Connection, January 2007) Best Books: Best Books for Young Adults, 2007 ; YALSA; United States Blue Ribbon, 2007 ; The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books; United States Books for Youth, 2006 ; Booklist Editor's Choice; United States Great Graphic Novels for Teens, 2007 ; YALSA; United States Outstanding International Books, 2007 ; USBBY/CBC; United States School Library Journal Book Review Stars, November 2006 ; Cahners; United States Top 10 Graphic Novels for Youth, 2007 ; Booklist; United States ISBN: 978-1-59643-121-8 ISBN: 1-59643-121-0 Little Vampire Goes to School Joann Sfar Colors by Walter Translated by Mark and Alexis Siegel    Told in comic-book format, this story tells of Little Vampire's sudden wish to go to school. Alas, when he arrives, he finds that no other children are there at night. The other ghosts and monsters are obliging, though, and go to school with him. Little Vampire breaks one rule--he writes in one of the notebooks left on his desk. Once day breaks and the real pupils enter the class, Michael Duffin is amazed to see that his algebra homework has been done for him. Eventually, Little Vampire and Michael begin corresponding and finally meet. Michael is initially petrified by the ghosts and monsters, but he and his new friend end up having a rollicking time taking a mud-bath and having tea and shortbread. Some of the dialogue is fairly heavy--Michael tells the Flying Dutchman that he doesn't much believe in God since his parents died and left him an orphan. An aura of loneliness surrounds both Little Vampire and Michael, so the reader is delighted that they find each other. The comic book panels are full of details and the format is easy to follow. 2003 (orig. 1999), Simon & Schuster, $12.95. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: Dr. Judy Rowen (Children's Literature). Best Books: Children's Catalog, Nineteenth Edition, 2006 ; H.W. Wilson; United States Children's Choices, 2004 ; International Reading Association; United States ISBN: 0-689-85717-9 ISBN: 978-0-689-85717-1 Little Vampire Does Kung Fu! Joann Sfar Ccolors by Walter Translated by Mark and Alexis Siegel    The little vampire of Little Vampire Goes to School returns in this comic strip format to help his friend Michael deal with a school bully. Off they go for help at night to an unusual kung fu master, Rabbi Solomon. He sends Michael to fetch his kung fu book from the top of a "Khmer-style temple" guarded by a Siamese dragon. Surmounting all obstacles, including putting the bully back together again after their monster friends have eaten him, Michael has an unusual end to his adventure when he returns to his real life. The action takes place inside irregularly shaped areas with considerable text squeezed into speech balloons, sometimes in a fine cursive style. The colored drawings are properly ghoulish, the characters weird, and the action non-stop, with some word-play fun included. The influence of Japanese anime is clear. 2003(orig. 2000), Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, $12.95. Ages 9 to 16. Reviewer: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz (Children's Literature). ISBN: 0-689-85769-1 ISBN: 978-0-689-85769-0 Missouri Boy Leland Myrick    Leland Myrick was born on the day his grandmother died. As a child, he did the things boys do--flying paper airplanes, draping fireworks on the branches of the Firecracker Tree, skinny-dipping with his friends at the local pond. There are more adult memories, also--recalling his older brother’s trial and conviction for bank robbery, hanging by his hands off a five-story parking garage to impress a girl, and working at a hospital as an X-ray technician. Missouri Boy is a fine choice for teens who like poetry. This graphic novel/memoir doesn’t contain a great deal of action or any real plot, but there are many quiet, powerful moments that more mature readers will appreciate. The stories are chock-full of vibrant imagery and rather resemble prose poems. Myrick’s full-color art is realistic; he is excellent at drawing faces and facial expressions. Missouri Boy contains some imagery that may be unsuitable for younger readers--a hospital patient bleeding from his nose and mouth, and Myrick’s friends urinating on him (you can’t see any genitals). Recommended for collections geared towards older readers, especially those who like poetry. Category: Graphic Novels. KLIATT Codes: S--Recommended for senior high school students. 2006, First Second, 110p. illus., $16.95. Ages 15 to 18. Reviewer: George Galuschak (KLIATT Review, January 2007 (Vol. 41, No. 1)). ISBN: 1-59643-110-5 ISBN: 978-1-59643-110-2 The Professor's Daughter Joann Sfar Illustrated by Emmanuel Guibert Translated by Alexis Siegel    In Victorian London, Lillian is the daughter of a brilliant archaeologist, and she is falling in love with the mummy of Imhotep IV. Their quietly blooming love is awkward: He has no internal organs, and she is the very image of his long-dead wife. As a mysterious gentleman pirate, an unlucky policeman, and the queen herself interfere, the lovers find just what their feelings are made of. This translation of a widely acclaimed French comic fires on nearly all cylinders. The concept is absurd, but there are moments of touching sweetness, both between Imhotep and Lillian and between Imhotep and the ghosts of his children. The book easily slips between farce (the policeman's accidental murder) and melodrama (the lovers' on-again, off-again courtship) thanks to its muted colors and charming characters. Those characters, with their dainty Victorian manners and surprising moments of subterfuge, follow clear and sympathetic motivations, even when the results are morbid. The story's only difficulty is that many of the transitions are too abrupt in the context of the otherwise meditative narrative. For example, in the space of fewer than twelve panels, Lillian's father discovers the dead policeman, Imhotep kidnaps Lillian, the lovers find an escape boat, and the men who work the vessel betray them. But this problem is slight, and teen readers might even find the suddenly hectic passages a nice break from the hesitant romance and dreamy melancholy of the main plot. VOYA CODES: 4Q 3P J S G (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses; Will appeal with pushing; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12; Graphic Novel Format). 2007, First Second Books/Roaring Brook, 80p., $16.95 Trade pb. Ages 12 to 18. Reviewer: Joe Sutliff Sanders (VOYA, April 2007 (Vol. 30, No. 1)). ISBN: 978-1-59643-130-0 ISBN: 1-59643-130-X Sardine in Outer Space Emmanuel Guibert and Joann Sfar Colorist Walter Pezzali Letterer François Batet Translated by Sasha Watson    Better known for their more adult offerings, the notable French comic artists Guibert and Sfar here collaborate on a little tongue-in-cheek, outer space comedy for kids. Sardine, her cousin Louie, and their space pirate uncle Captain Yellow Shoulder, are off on a series of adventures in the pursuit and hopeful defeat of the executive dictator of the universe, the evil Supermuscleman--not to mention his alien accomplice, Doc Kroc. Having theoretically blown up the villains, the kids are rewarded with a new virtual reality game. This becomes one of the more amusing episodes as Sardine and Louie play “No-Child-Left-Behind-School II.” The horrors of old world New York City and its school system filled with “Bully-ems” and genuine teachers become scarier than outer space’s worst terrors. Guibert is always willing to allow his clever, meandering plots to stop cold for a little sight gag. Sfar’s evocation of his characters steal heavily from comic and literary archetypes: Supermuscleman is a dumbed down Superman on steroids; Uncle Yellow Shoulder is straight out of Treasure Island; Sardine is costumed like a junior Witch Hazel. Between these two creative minds--with thanks for importing their work to these shores--American comic books may never be the same. 2006 (Orig. 2000), First Second Books, $12.95. Ages 8 up. Reviewer: Kathleen Karr (Children's Literature). Best Books: Children's Catalog, Nineteenth Edition, 2006 ; H.W. Wilson; United States Kirkus Book Review Stars, April 15, 2006 ; United States ISBN: 978-1-59643-126-3 ISBN: 1-59643-126-1 Seadogs: An Epic Ocean Operetta Composed by Lisa Wheeler Staged by Mark Siegel    It looks like a graphic novel, but it is really the story of a nautical operetta, complete with a cast of dogs and full of arias by Growlbert and Sullibone. Bracketed by a dog family attending the 1880s theater with their pretty girl puppy, the performance unfolds in frames, full-page illustrations, and sometimes double-page spreads with a glimpse of the audience or orchestra (also all dogs). As Old Sea Dog sets sail with his companions Brave Beagle (a female) and Dear Dachshund, we're treated to a rousing pirate story complete with a storm at sea, a magical island, and the notorious Captain Jacques Fifi, Terrier of the Sea, with his scruffy horde. When the captain's treasure turns out to be loot from his shopping expeditions, his crew mutinies, but not before our heroes have effected a nifty escape and sailed for home, where Sea Dog discovers that the sweet stowaway pup they've acquired is his real treasure. The performance ends with a curtain call and the family's ride home in a horse-drawn cab, the pretty little daughter envisioning herself as one of the crew. It is a true theatrical adventure, complete with Gilbertian arias (which enterprising kids could set to music) and witty puns, enhanced by the deep digital color applied to Siegel's pen and ink cartoons. Not for the youngest readers, but a delight for all others, who might enjoy a DVD of "The Pirates of Penzance" or even the film, "Topsy Turvy," before setting sail. 2004, Atheneum, $16.95. Ages 9 up. Reviewer: Barbara L. Talcroft (Children's Literature). Best Books: Best Children's Books of the Year, 2004 ; Bank Street College of Education; United States Choices, 2005 ; Cooperative Children’s Book Center; United States Great Middle School Reads, 2004 ; ALSC American Library Association; United States Kirkus Book Review Stars, January 1, 2004 ; United States Awards, Honors, Prizes: Texas Bluebonnet Award Winner 2006 Grades 3-6 United States State and Provincial Reading Lists: Texas Bluebonnet Award, 2005-2006 ; Nominee; Grades 3-6; Texas Texas Reading Club, 2005 ; Texas ISBN: 0-689-85689-X ISBN: 978-0-689-85689-1 The Snodgrass Conspiracy Grady Klein    Life is good in the little community on the Island until Mr. Stoop stumbles onto the place and starts putting up posters about the slave auction in a nearby port. Everyone wants to have a word with the newcomer, whether to work with him or to drug him and ship him back to the mainland. Little Miss Birdy, daughter of Governor Snodgrass, follows Mr. Stoop back to the mainland and "buys" Louis John. He talks her into freeing him, and the two sneak out of town. Meanwhile Governor Snodgrass is plotting with Rex Carter, a mad inventor who has created a machine that will be better than any slave. When the machine gets into the wrong hands, wacky hijinks ensue, building up to a climax that has more punch than a drunken weasel. At first glance, this novel appears to be a cartoony rendition of America in the nineteenth century, but it quickly proves to be chock full of insight into the controversies of the past. The messages are hidden in plain sight as Klein uses his pictures to tell the real story behind all the words of the characters. A zany cast of slaves, ex-slaves, capitalists, opportunists, inventors, and just plain regular folk lead the way through this colorful and delightful tale. It would be a fantastic addition to public and most school libraries. VOYA CODES: 5Q 3P J S A/YA G (Hard to imagine it being any better written; Will appeal with pushing; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12; Adult-marketed book recommended for Young Adults; Graphic Novel Format). 2006, First Second/Roaring Brook, 119p., $14.95 Trade pb. Ages 12 to Adult. Reviewer: Leslie McCombs (VOYA, June 2006 (Vol. 29, No. 2)). ISBN: 978-1-59643-172-0 ISBN: 1-59643-172-5 ISBN: 978-1-59643-097-6 ISBN: 1-59643-097-4 To Dance: A Ballerina's Graphic Novel Siena Cherson Siegel Illustrated by Mark Siegel    Big, empty spaces always made me dance. A long hallway or a parking lot just begged for dance . . . like it wanted to be filled . . . and I wanted to put dance in it." This book is the story of every little girl who ever longed to put on a pair of pointe shoes. From the time Siena was six and her mother casually mentioned the possibility of dance, ballet slowly began to be the most important thing in her life. To realize her dance dreams, her family moved from Puerto Rico to New York City, where Siena was accepted as a student in the School of American Ballet, New York City Ballet's training ground. She studied there until she was eighteen, and a serious ankle injury helped her decide to head to college instead of to a career as a professional ballerina. A beautifully written memoir, this book is also a stunningly well-illustrated graphic novel. The soft yet detailed pictures perfectly complement the carefully chosen words. The story is real, with both the good and bad points of a life dedicated to ballet clearly illuminated. Although the publisher is marketing it as a title for ages eight to twelve, it is much more an all-ages book. Younger middle school students will enjoy the glimpse into a specific time in the life of both a dancer and of the New York City Ballet, and older balletomanes will appreciate the opportunity to reminisce with Siegel. It is a highly recommended purchase for all libraries. VOYA CODES: 5Q 3P M J S G (Hard to imagine it being any better written; Will appeal with pushing; Middle School, defined as grades 6 to 8; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12; Graphic Novel Format). 2006, Richard Jackson Books/Atheneum/S & S, 64p., $17.95 and $9.99 Trade pb. Ages 11 to 18. Reviewer: Snow Wildsmith (VOYA, April 2007 (Vol. 30, No. 1)). Best Books: Best Books of the Year, 2006 ; Publishers Weekly; United States Best Books of the Year, 2006 ; School Library Journal; United States Booklist Book Review Stars , Sep. 1, 2006 ; United States Children's Books 2006: 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing, 2006 ; New York Public Library; United States Children's Catalog, Nineteenth Edition, 2006 ; H.W. Wilson; United States Great Graphic Novels for Teens, 2007 ; YALSA; United States Kirkus Book Review Stars, September 1, 2006 ; United States Notable Children's Book, 2007 ; ALSC American Library Association; United States Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, October 2, 2006 ; Cahners; United States School Library Journal Book Review Stars, November 2006 ; Cahners; United States Top 10 Art Books for Youth, 2006 ; American Library Association-Booklist; United States Top 10 Women's History Books for Youth , 2007 ; Booklist; United States Awards, Honors, Prizes: Cybils Finalist 2006 Graphic Novels Ages 12 and Under United States Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award Honor Book 2007 United States ISBN: 978-0-689-86747-7 ISBN: 978-1-4169-2687-0 ISBN: 0-689-86747-6 ISBN: 1-4169-2687-9 Vampire Loves Joann Sfar Color by Audré Jardel Translation by Alexis Siegel    French comics creator Sfar, best known in America for the “Little Vampire” children's graphic novels, gives us another tale featuring the Grand Vampire Ferdinand. When Ferdinand breaks up with his cheating girlfriend, he starts looking for love in all the wrong places. Chance encounters, near misses, and pickup lines combine to detail one failure after another with women both alive and undead. As Ferdinand tries to navigate his way through a variety of relationships, readers encounter the mixture of strange creatures that inhabit Sfar's universe. Readers of Sfar's other works will see many familiar faces among this motley crew of characters, from the traditional ghosts to the distinctive tree-folk. The viewpoint and humor of the four independent but interconnected stories will certainly resonate with older teens who will have experienced the same trials and tribulations in their own searches for love. Even with its wisdom and wit, the dialogue, which may have been affected by its translation from French, is slightly flat. The small and extremely detailed graphics filled with alternating bold and dark colors, however, are vivid and alive. Edgy and creepy but at the same time universal and normal, Vampire Loves is a unique study in contrasts that will be a pleasurable discovery for graphic novel enthusiasts. VOYA CODES: 4Q 4P J S G (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses; Broad general YA appeal; Junior High, defined as grades 7 to 9; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12; Graphic Novel Format). 2006, First Second/Roaring Brook, 187p., $16.95 Trade pb. Ages 12 to 18. Reviewer: Rachel L. Wadham (VOYA, June 2006 (Vol. 29, No. 2)). ISBN: 978-1-59643-093-8 ISBN: 1-59643-093-1 To stay up to date on new books by these authors, consider subscribing to The Children's Literature Comprehensive Database. For your free trial, click here. Added May 29, 2007