Book Review: Friends With Boys by Faith Erin Hicks

Reading Without Walls is a month-long, nationwide program to promote diversity in reading, inspired by National Ambassador for Young People's Literature Gene Luen Yang and his ambassadorial platform. You can find more resources to support Reading Without Walls by clicking the banner!

I am participating in Reading Without Walls by reading more graphic novels! While I have read a few here and there, I don't tend to gravitate toward them as a whole. Be sure to follow #readingwithoutwalls hashtag on social media to see what others are reading.

Series:	Standalone
Genre:	Young Adult, Fantasy, Contemporary
Publication Date:	February 28, 2012
Pages:	220 (paperback)
Published By:	First Second
Website:	Faith Erin Hicks
	Friends With Boys on Goodreads
My review copy:	Received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Where to get:

After years of homeschooling, Maggie is starting high school. It's pretty terrifying.

Maggie's big brothers are there to watch her back, but ever since Mom left it just hasn't been the same.

Besides her brothers, Maggie's never had any real friends before. Lucy and Alistair don't have lots of friends either. But they eat lunch with her at school and bring her along on their small-town adventures.

Missing mothers...distant brothers...high school...new friends... It's a lot to deal with. But there's just one more thing.

MAGGIE IS HAUNTED.

(Goodreads)

Friends with Boys was a cute and quick read - it took me less than an hour from start to finish. Maggie is beginning her first day of high school, a rite of passage for any young person but even larger for her as she has been homeschooled all her life.

Maggie lives with her three older brothers, also homeschooled until the 9th grade, and father - her mother having left (from what I gathered) over the summer. She seeks comfort from her older brothers, but they all just give her encouraging words before letting her figure high school out on her own.

On her way to school, Maggie cuts through a graveyard where a ghost pops up. Maggie has a brief one-sided conversation with the ghost before heading toward school where she eventually befriends Lucy and her older brother Alistair.

I enjoy Faith's artwork in Friends with Boys. Every once in a while we have panels with no dialogue and she tells the story expertly with her illustrations. Even without dialogue, I could understand Maggie's nerves the first day of school and her eventually becoming more comfortable in a public school surrounded by people, verse her first eight years of schooling at home with her mother and older brothers.

My issue with Friends with Boys is its length. I feel like there is so much more that could have been explored: the ghost and why Maggie can see her, Maggie's relationships with her family, Maggie's new relationships with Lucy and Alistair. While good, the narrative is very surface level. Upon finishing, I wanted more. Which I guess at the end of the day, isn't a bad thing.

Book Review: Wires and Nerve, Volume 1 by Marissa Meyer and Douglas Holgate

Series:	Wires and Nerve #1
Genre:	Young Adult, Fantasy, Retelling, Science Fiction
Publication Date:	January 31, 2017
Pages:	240 (Hardcover)
Published By:	Feiwel & Friends
Website:	Marissa Meyer (author) // Douglas Holgate (illustrator)
	Wires and Nerve on Goodreads
My review copy:	Received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Where to get:

In her first graphic novel, bestselling author Marissa Meyer extends the world of the Lunar Chronicles with a brand-new, action-packed story about Iko, the android with a heart of (mechanized) gold. When rogue packs of wolf-hybrid soldiers threaten the tenuous peace alliance between Earth and Luna, Iko takes it upon herself to hunt down the soldiers' leader. She is soon working with a handsome royal guard who forces her to question everything she knows about love, loyalty, and her own humanity. With appearances by Cinder and the rest of the Rampion crew, this is a must-have for fans of the bestselling series.

(Goodreads)

It's not secret that I'm a huge fan of Marissa Meyer's The Lunar Chronicles - and I was lucky enough to meet her when she came to my local library for her Heartless tour. I was even luckier because she came three days after my due date and Teacup Human had yet to make an appearance.

While I haven't gotten around to reading Heartless yet (I know!), I was exceptionally excited to read Wires and Nerve. More of these characters that I love so dearly! More of Iko's sassiness, Scarlet's fierceness, and Thorne's swooniness. Okay, so "swooniness" isn't a word, but you know what I mean.

The story starts with Iko tracking down rogue wolf-hybrid soldiers. Those who have refused to return to Luna as they believe Queen Selene (aka Cinder) is no different than Lavana. That she knows how to cure them, but simply refuses to do so.

Wires and Nerve allow us to look into the post-Levana world. Cinder is dealing with the tension between Earth and Luna still exists, on both ends, while trying to govern as Queen. Thorne and Cress are flying around the world delivering antidotes to letumosis. Winter is Luna's ambassador to Earth, with Jason accompanying her. Wolf and Scarlet are living (adorably) on her farm. We even get to see what Linh Adri is up to.

This was a quick read. I read it in a day, with a three-month-old, and found the story to be engrossing. Douglas's illustrations are beautiful and eye-catching. While I'm sure Marissa had some input in how the characters looked, I loved seeing him bring them to life. I thought the blue undertones would bother me, but they fit the story and the characters.

Even if you're not a fan of graphic novels, Wires and Nerve is a must read for those fans of The Lunar Chronicles and I'm excited to get my hands on Volume 2!

Graphic Novel Review: Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter: Guilty Pleasures, Volume 1 & 2

Series:	Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter Graphic Novels, #1 issues #1-6
Genre:	Paranormal, Vampires, Graphic Novel, Adult
Publication.Date:	July 18, 2007
Pages:	168 (hardcover)
Published By:	Marvel
Website:	Laurell K. Hamilton
	Stacie Ritchie (Text)
	Jessica Ruffner (Text)
	Brett Booth (Illustrator)
	Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter: Guilty Pleasures, Volume 1 on Goodreads
My review copy:	Borrowed from the library

Where to get:

Series:	Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter Graphic Novels #2, issues #7-12
Genre:	Paranormal, Vampires, Graphic Novel, Adult
Publication.Date:	August 6, 2008
Pages:	144 (paperback)
Published By:	Marvel
Website:	Laurell K. Hamilton
	Jessica Ruffner (Text)
	Brett Booth (Illustrator)
	Ron Lim (Illustrator)
	Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter: Guilty Pleasures, Volume 2 on Goodreads
My review copy:	Borrowed from the library

Where to get:

New York Times bestselling author Laurell K. Hamilton brings Anita Blake to the world of graphic novels. Anita Blake lives in a world where vampires, zombies and werewolves have been declared legal citizens of the United States. Anita Blake is an "animator" - a profession that involves raising the dead for mourning relatives. But Anita is also known as a fearsome hunter of criminal vampires, and she's often employed to investigate cases that are far too much for conventional police. But as Anita gains the attention of the vampire masters of her hometown of St. Louis, she also risks revealing an intriguing secret about herself - the source of her unusual strength and power.

(Goodreads)

I read Guilty Pleasures many years ago and absolutely loved it. It's the first true adult series that I read and loved - at least until it became more about the sex scenes than the mystery, but that's another story.

These two volumes stick very closely to the novel and is essentially just these artists interpenetration and visualizations of the novel. The artwork is detailed and eye catching, allowing yourself to really be pulled into the story.

My problem with graphic novels is simply that: my problem. They don't have enough depth for me to really be pulled into the story. While these volumes encompass the main aspects of Guilty Pleasures, I don't get the depth and back story of these characters that I really enjoy and felt was missing. But again, that's my issue with graphic novels as a whole and not necessarily with these two volumes.

If you are a fan of graphic novels and have yet to read Guilty Pleasures, or you're already a fan of the novel and enjoy graphic novels, these volumes are definitely something worth checking out!

  

Blog Tour: Into The Dangerous World by Julie Chibbaro - Character Interview & Giveaway

Genre:	Young Adult, Contemporary
Publication Date:	August 18, 2015
Published By:	Viking Books for Young Readers
Website	Into the Dangerous World on Goodreads
	Julie Chibbaro Website

 Where to get:                                                                     

  Ror was raised a commune; she’s never attended a day of school, and has seen little of the outside world. What she knows best is drawing. To her, it’s like breathing; it’s how she makes sense of the world.

  When her father burns down the commune with himself inside, Ror’s life changes. She, her mother and sister end up in Manhattan, where she runs into trouble—and love—with Trey, the leader of Noise Ink, a graffiti crew.

  On the city’s streets, and in its museums and galleries, Ror finds herself pulled in different directions. Her father wanted her to make classic art. Noise Ink insists she stay within their lines. Her art teacher urges her to go to college. What does she want?
(Goodreads)

Character Interview with Ror:

I think we should start off with something to help us get to know you a little better. Ror, can you describe yourself in five words or less, please?

I am an artist.

So, you’re an artist. How did that happen?

One day, I plucked a piece of charcoal out of the fire and drew a face on the ground with it. This thing coming from my own fingers amazed me. I was hooked.

Can you tell us about Trey, the guy you fall for?

Trey, ah, Trey. You know how you can love a guy as much for the way he sings or smells or paints as much as for the way he looks? Well, Trey is hotter than a summer sun and he can paint better than anyone I know.

If you were an animal, what animal would you be?

Stealthy, like a puma, slinking down dark alleys, climbing to the highest points so I can see far and wide.

If you had to pick a favorite thing about yourself, what would it be?

That’s hard when you don’t like to brag. Maybe it’s the way I deal with problems, putting pencil or marker to paper, rather than self-destructing into drugs or alcohol.

If I were to give you a pet tiger, what would you name him?

Whim. A person would only have a pet tiger on a whim, so that’s what I’d call him.

Who is your favorite artist, and why?

Andy Warhol. Dude broke all the rules of classic art, and went right to commerce, and the way he did it was complete satire. His work is funny as hell, and reaches into all areas. He didn’t limit himself – he made films, wrote books, started bands. I especially like his screen-prints of movie stars like Brando and Elizabeth Taylor.

About the Author

Julie Chibbaro and Jean-Marc Superville Sovak are the husband and wife duo behind Into the Dangerous World (Viking 2015).

Julie Chibbaro was born into a family of artists, and also married one. She grew up in NYC during the explosion of graffiti art. She has written two historical novels, Redemption, which won the American Book Award, and Deadly, which won the National Jewish Book Award. JM Superville Sovak is half-Trini, half-Czech, half-Canadian. His fourth half is spent making art, for which he earned his M.F.A. from Bard College in NY.

They both live in Beacon, NY.

Website | Julie’s site | JM’s site | Julie Chibbaro |
JM Superville Sovak | Twitter | Tumblr

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Cleopatra in Space by Mike Maihack (Interview)

I am thrilled to be a stop on the book tour for Kids Comics Q&A Blog Tour, held in celebration of Children’s Book Week hosted by MacTeen Books (co-sponsored by Children’s Book Council and Every Child a Reader and the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund)! Today, I have an interview for your reading pleasure, but be sure to check out the full tour schedule by clicking the banner above!

Title: Cleopatra in Space: Target Practice
Author: Mike Maihack
Series: Cleopatra in Space #1
Release Date: April 29, 2014
Publisher: GRAPHIX
Genre: Children / Middle Grade, Science Fiction, Graphic Novel
Find it: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound

When a young Cleopatra (yes, THAT Cleopatra) finds a mysterious tablet that zaps her to the far, REALLY far future, she learns of an ancient prophecy that says she is destined to save the galaxy from the tyrannical rule of the evil Xaius Octavian. She enrolls in Yasiro Academy, a high-tech school with classes like algebra, biology, and alien languages (which Cleo could do without), and combat training (which is more Cleo's style). With help from her teacher Khensu, Cleo learns what it takes to be a great leader, while trying to figure out how she's going to get her homework done, make friends, and avoid detention!

Title: Cleopatra in Space: The Thief and the Sword
Author: Mike Maihack
Series: Cleopatra in Space #2
Release Date: April 28, 2015
Publisher: GRAPHIX
Genre: Children / Middle Grade, Science Fiction, Graphic Novel
Find it: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound

Cleopatra's space adventure in the REALLY far future continues!

When a mysterious thief steals the ancient sword Cleo recovered in CLEOPATRA IN SPACE, BOOK ONE: TARGET PRACTICE, Cleo is determined to get it back, but her teachers at Yasiro Academy forbid her from risking her life. Stuck at school, Cleo is having a hard time adjusting to her newfound popularity and responsibility. And when she learns more about the prophecy that names her the savior of the galaxy and the time tablets that could decide her fate, she must go on a dangerous journey to find them before they can fall into the wrong hands.

Interview

Conducted by Jorge Aguirre and Rafael Rosado

Mike, thanks for taking our questions. It's a pleasure to cyber-meet you. 

Rafael lives in Columbus. Jorge was born and raised there and you went to Columbus College of Art and Design. Lots of cartoonists seem to be from Ohio: Jeff Smith, Paul Pope, Billy Ireland, the creators of Superman and on and on). Do you think there's something about that Midwest that encourages or creates cartoonists? And what was your experience at CCAD like?

I dunno. Maybe there’s something in the water. Or maybe it’s the pizza. Yeah that makes sense. Ohio has really great pizza so that must be it. It encourages us to keep working instead of taking the time out to cook dinner. And the cold weather keeps us indoors. Now I live in Florida which contains neither cold weather or good pizza and I can feel my creativity depleting by the hour.

And CCAD was a tough school. A good one, but a tough one. Lots of drawing. Lots of coloring. Lots of studying. Lots of all-nighters. I don’t know if it’s still that way or not. I went at the turn of the century when animation studios stopped animating traditionally and the internet had barely scratched the surface of the artistic community it is now. Now you can learn stuff just by going on tumblr. Kids these days. No idea how great they have it. I gained a lot of color knowledge from CCAD though as well, at least I hope, a very professional work ethic. Also I met my wife there, so that was pretty nice.

Ancient Egypt in space!? Holy cow, what a fantastic idea and great execution on your book, "Cleopatra in Space." Where the heck did the idea come from? It's kind of, as Hollywood would say, a “high-concept idea,” and so speaking of Hollywood any plans to develop it into a cartoon or film?

Cleopatra in Space was originally just a single illustration, a concept I created for an online art group called DrawerGeeks. I enjoy putting all sorts of things in space: Cats, dragons, boots, washing machines, historical celebrities… So after six or so years of working on my previous webcomic, Cow & Buffalo, which was essentially just a couple of bovines arguing with each other, Cleopatra was a means to strengthen my skills as a cartoonist. I wanted to see what I could do with a longer form of storytelling with plenty of action. And humans. And cats. And that’s kinda where it was born. As for it ever being a cartoon or something, I guess we’ll see. I personally think it would make a better animated series than a movie. Right now though I’m just focused on trying to make the graphic novels entertaining.

We understand from your blog, you're working on book 3 of "Cleopatra in Space." Did you have the whole series plotted out when you began? How much of the story are you figuring out as you go?

Yeah the story is pretty much plotted out. There’s plenty of room in my outline to explore things along the way but I know where the characters need to go. I know what happens to them in the end. Essentially what I did when I sat down to chart out Cleopatra in Space as a series was create one giant story. Then I chopped that in thirds. Then I chopped the first third into more thirds and that’s essentially the first three books. I’m kinda obsessed with the number three I guess.

Do you have a plan for what you'll work on after Cleopatra? Another series perhaps?

There are quite a few ideas that have been percolating around in my head. I don’t know if any of them are good—or if I’ll even have interest in them when I’m done with Cleopatra in Space—but hopefully one of them will take hold. What I’d like to do is take the time to write one large, immersive novel—something over 300 pages—maybe a mystery—but I don’t think I’m capable of that yet. Cleopatra is my practice run.

What's on your nightstand?

My iPad, a glass of water, a seven inch high stack of superhero comics, Neil Gaiman’s The Ocean at the End of the Lane, and a cat.

About the Author

A Rita Award Finalist and Crystal Kite Award Finalist, Janet Gurtler's young adult books have been chosen for the JUNIOR LIBRARY GUILD SELECTION and as BEST BOOKS FOR TEENS from the Canadian Children’s Book Center. Janet lives in Okotoks Alberta, Canada with her husband, son, and a chubby black Chihuahua named Bruce.

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