I am still a big fan of graphic novels and often devour them too quickly. There is a wide range of ages and genre within today’s post, some are comedic while others are slightly darker. All have their place on bookshelves!
Groosham Grange by Anthony Horowitz, adapted by Maxe L’Hermenier, illustrated by Clément Lefèvre, published by Walker Books
I am plannng to rectify the fact that I haven’t read Groosham Grange before. The graphic novel is a brilliant adaptation of the full novel, bringing comedy and horror together perfectly. David gets sent to Groosham Grange as he has issues with authority. Meeting Jill and Jeffrey, the three plan to stick together. David notices things about the school and worries about his safety but it isn’t until Jill explains things that David realises the choice he has. Darkly comedic, this GN will certainly appeal to a lot of readers and hopefully they will then find the original to enjoy as well.
The Girl who Sang by Estelle Nadel and Bethany Strout, Illustrated by Sammy Savos, published by Hachette
This is a harrowing look at the life of a Jewish family in WWII. Enia Feld, the youngest daughter of a Jewish family, retells her story in this GN. At times, graphic for violence, it shares the honesty, fear and struggle for survival that she and her family went through. There are few happy moments within the core story as she deals with the trauma of losing much of her family during the Nazi occupation of Poland. Opportunities are offered to Enia and two of her brothers but life never seems easy or fair. This book must have been difficult to write as atrocities are shared and shown. Heart wrenching and hard to understand, this is an important story to share. Its honesty is its asset.
Cross my Heart and Never Lie by Nora Dåsnes, Translated by Matt Bagguley, Published by Farshore
Heading into Year 7, Tuva has a list of goals to achieve. Many are typical teen goals of being cool, writing a diary and falling in love. What Tuva doesn’t account for are the friendship issues she finds herself stuck in the middle of and feeling torn between two best friends. When she said she wanted to fall in love, she wasn’t expecting it to be with new girl Mariam. Trials and tribulations of teenage life are aptly shared in this book. Ideal for pre-teens and teens, it shows life as a nearly teen in secondary school and may help some students understand themselves better. Colourful and joyful, this is a lovely story.
The Adventures of Invisible Boy by Doogie Horner, published by Scholastic
Stanley is starting a new school but just wants to be left alone. When he attends the science fair, an accident renders him invisible and he thinks it’s the greatest thing ever. He takes advantage of being invisible but also tries to befriend the boy who created the solution. Gene was also made invisible by the incident but seems to be using his power for evil rather than good. Battles of boyhood brilliance mixed with hilarious events and outcomes will make this an ideal read for KS2!
Peng and Spanners by Steve Webb, Published by Faber
Librarians are often looking for the next book to tempt readers with and this GN may just be the next big series to entice fans of Bunny vs Monkey. There are brilliant gadgets, a mean caretaker called Cinderella and a massive robot to defeat. When the pizza parlour disappears, it is down to Peng, a funny Penguin and Spanners, a creative cat, to save the day and the school. Colourful, funny and filled with humour for both children and their adults to enjoy. This will be a huge hit with 7-9 year olds!
Pablo and Splash by Sheena Dempsey, Published by Bloomsbury
Penguins seem to be the characters of the day today. Pablo and Splash are on an adventure away from their normal lives. Pablo wants to stay home and plan his days but Splash needs more and so they head into the world. What they find is much more than they bargained for! They find themselves travelling through time back to the age of dinosaurs. What could possibly go wrong? Funny, exuberant and a new series for GN fans to fall for.
I am a primary school teacher, turned librarian. Now I have the title Reading Advocate for ASSET Education Trust, based in Suffolk.
I read constantly and have more books than bookshelves, but I wouldn't have it any other way.
I celebrate reading every day at work and at home with my two children, aged 11 and 9.
I sit on the National Executive Committee for the Federation of Children’s Book Groups and run an OU/UKLA Teachers as Readers group!
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2 Comments
Perfect timing, I was in need of new inspo for my daughter thank you.
My Shelves Are Full 
Perfect timing, I was in need of new inspo for my daughter thank you.
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