Peer Book Review - Chunky by Yehudi Mercado

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Chunky

by Yehudi Mercado
Reviewer says: 9th grade and up
Librarian says: 6th grade and up

Hudi is a child that needs to lose weight, according to his doctors. His parents want him to lose weight so they want him to sign up for multiple sports. The first sport he joined was baseball and he ended up getting injured. Then he signed up for soccer, which also didn't go well. He also did swimming, tennis, and football, but none of it went well. He wanted to pursue his dream, which is comedy.

I liked that Hudi was very resilient. Even though one sport didn't work out for him he was willing to try another one. I also love that he is very passionate about what he really wants to do. 
Reviewed by: Amanda S., 12th grader at UHS
Interested in reading this book?
Stop by Teen Space to pick up a copy. You can check first by calling us at 516-489-2220 x218 or looking in the online catalog.

Book Theme Graphic - Graphic Novels

 

Throwback Book Review

 Throwback Book Review

Miss. Amanda still thinks you should read this!

📖Recommend for Grades 6 and up📖

Awkward
by Svetlana Chmakova

            On the first day at a new school, Penelope pushes away school nerd Jamie who was just trying to help her. Now every time she sees him things are a little awkward as she still hasn’t apologized despite wanting to. When the school Art Club, which Penelope is a part of, and the Science Club, which Jamie is in, find themselves in a war things get even more awkward.

            Anybody who has ever done anything stupid that they want to, but too embarrassed to, apologize for will find themselves relating to Penelope. She is a very realistic character dealing with social anxiety.

Library Catalog - E-book - Downloadable Audio

Book Theme Graphics - Graphic Novels

 

SPECIAL Book Theme Graphic - YALSA 2021 Great Graphic Novels for Teens Top Ten

 Check out the official Top Ten List here!

Book Review - Class Act

   📖Recommend for Grades 6 and up📖

Class Act

by Jerry Craft

Drew is in the minority at his prestigious school, both racially and economically. It doesn't help his good friend Liam is one of those privileged kids and realizing it causes Drew to start to feel weird around him. The boy's mutual friend Jordan hopes to keep the friends together, but he just isn't sure how. Can Drew learn to accept his friends and himself?

If you loved New Kid, you need to read Class Act. If you haven't read New Kid, read that then Class Act. This book isn't a sequel per se. Still, it is a companion novel, and readers will better appreciate the story having read the first book. The story is superb, and the illustrations are beautiful. Readers are likely to either empathize or sympathize with Drew and his story. This book does tackle race and racial injustice but does so in a way suitable for the age group.

Library Catalog - E-book - Downloadable Audio

Book Theme Graphic - Great Graphic Novels

E-books - Graphic Novel Adaptation

• The Crossover: The Graphic Novel by Kwame Alexander and Dawud Anyabwile (Tween Friendly)
• Speak: The Graphic Novel by Laurie Halse Anderson and Emily Carroll
• A Wrinkle in Time The Graphic Novel by Madeleine L'engle and Hope Larson (Tween Friendly)
• Monster: The Graphic Novel by Walter Dean Myers and Dawud Anyabwile
• Also available on Hoopla
• The Lightning Thief: The Graphic Novel by Rick Riordan and Robert Venditti (Tween Friendly)
• Also available on Hoopla

E-books - Graphic Novels for Tweens

• New Kid by Jerry Craft
• Also Available on Hoopla
• Making Friends by Kristen Gudsnuk
• Real Friends by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham
• The Stonekeeper by Kazu Kibuishi
• Smile by Raina Telgemeier

E-books - Graphic Novels for Teens

• Bloom by Kevin Panetta and Savanna Ganucheau
• Hey, Kiddo by Jarrett J. Krosoczka
• On a Sunbeam by Tillie Walden
• Spill Zone Book 1 by Scott Westerfeld and Alex Puvilland
• American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang

Book Theme Graphic - YALSA 2020 Great Graphic Novels for Teens

Book Review - Drama

📖Recommend for Grades 6 and up📖

Drama

by Raina Telgemeier

Callie may not sing well enough to be in her school’s musical, but that doesn’t stop her from being a part of the production by doing stage crew. As the cast and crew get ready for Moon over Mississippi, the drama unfolds both on and off stage. Even Callie is involved with romantic excitement involving a long-time crush, and twin brothers who are new to the school.

Fun and entertaining this story will keep you guessing what will happen until the very end. The author has filled the book with so many likable characters, with Callie at the heart of the story. There are some awkward moments throughout the story, but it makes the story feel more realistic. Delightful illustrations help tell the excellent story. Fans of Raina Telgemeier’s other works, who won’t be turned away by the LGBT+ characters, should be sure to read this book.

Library Catalog - E-book - Downloadable Audio

Book Review - New Kid

📖Recommend for Grades 6 and up📖

New Kid

by Jerry Craft

            Jordan Banks is disappointed that his parents won’t let him attend art school but a prestigious academic school instead. It’s hard enough being a new kid and being a mixed-race kid from Washington Heights, in a predominately white school, doesn’t seem to help matters. As he spends more time in school, Jordan finds himself torn between two worlds and struggles with fitting into both.

            Jordan may be the new kid in school, but anybody who feels or ever felt out of place can find themselves relating to him. The cast of characters in this book is a great mix, and readers are likely to have a favorite. Each chapter title is a fun pun that just adds to the feel of the book. While everyone should give this graphic novel a try, those entering middle school or starting school as the new kid should especially read this.

Library Catalog - E-book - Downloadable Audio

Book Review - Bloom

📖Recommend for Grades 9 and up📖

Bloom

by Kevin Panetta

            Ari does not want to be a baker like his parents. He wants to move to the city and be a musician. Despite this, the summer after senior year finds him working in his family’s bakery. In order to make his leaving easier for his parents, Ari decides to help hire a new worker who can take over his tasks when he leaves. Enter Hector, new in town, and a talented baker himself. As Hector and Ari spend time in the kitchen together, the pair get to know each other and something may be blooming as they grow closer.

            With simple but beautiful illustrations this is a sweet graphic novel. Ari and Hector’s relationship is an adorable one that takes place slowly over the course of the summer. Although a little slow-paced, especially in the beginning, this book is definitely worth a read. 

Library Catalog - E-book - Downloadable Audio

Peer Book Review - The Prince and the Dressmaker

📖Recommend for Grades 6 and up📖

The Prince and the Dressmaker

by Jen Wang
Reviewed by 8th Grader Kimberly R.

Prince Sebastian has been hiding a secret from everyone except Francis. His parents have been looking for a bride for him while he puts on dresses, pretending to be a girl to sweep through Paris.

The Prince and the Dressmaker was an amazing book because the book was trying to teach that whatever gender you are, you are still able to wear anything you want. 

Library Catalog - E-book - Downloadable Audio

Read Ms. Amanda' review here

Peer Book Review - Wolf Children

📖Recommend for Grades 7 and up📖

Wolf Children

by Hosoda, Mamoru

Reviewed by 8th Grader Carlos U.

When a young Hana falls in love with someone she sees in her college, the last thing she would have known is he’s part wolf. Soon they become a family but not seen after the father of Hana’s children soon perishes. Soon, Hana will have to overcome the life as a single mom of wolf children.

This book put me on an extremely emotional roller coaster. I loved how Hana did her best for her kids and I just fell in love with the story. It was a great graphic novel.  

Library Catalog - E-book - Downloadable Audio

Book Review - Lucky Penny

📖Recommend for Grades 9 and up📖

Lucky Penny

by Ananth Hirsh

            When it comes to luck, the only kind Penny Brighton has is bad luck. Already having to vacate her apartment, Penny loses her job on moving day to boot. Her luck looks up a little when her friend Helen finds her a new place to live and a new job at her family’s laundromat. The new pad is Helen’s not empty storage unit and Penny’s new boss is Helen’s 12-year-old brother. Even when things start to look up again when Penny finds a love interest, things are likely to go south for this rather unlucky girl.

            Originally a webcomic, fans of Penny are likely to be happy about this print story. I, on the other hand, found the story a little bizarre at times (especially the end) and not just because I couldn’t get past a 12-year-old boss. This story does have some fun parts if you give it a try. If you are looking to get into graphic novels, I don’t recommend starting here though. 

Library Catalog - E-book - Downloadable Audio

Book Review - Speak: The Graphic Novel

📖Recommend for Grades 9 and up📖

Speak: The Graphic Novel

by Laurie Halse Anderson

            Everybody knows Melinda is the one who called the cops at the party over the summer, but only Melinda knows why. She didn’t want what happened between her and Andy to happen, and her attempt to call the cops on him has landed her as the school pariah. Melinda is without any friends, unless you count the clueless new girl, and only has her art as an outlet. Despite her falling grades, the images in her art, and the choice of refraining from talking nobody seems to know Melinda is actually crying out for help. Will Melinda find her voice and the courage to speak about what happened to her?

            Originally published in 1999 this is a fantastic updated version in graphic novel format. The black and white illustrations help tell Melinda’s story in a new and refreshing way. While not graphic in content, this story does deal with the topic of sexual violence and those who are uncomfortable with that for whatever reason should avoid it. For those who can handle the subject matter, it is not a story to be missed.

Library Catalog - E-book - Downloadable Audio

Book Review - Hey, Kiddo

📖Recommend for Grades 9 and up📖

Hey, Kiddo

by Jarret Krosoczka

Author and illustrator Jarret Krosoczka (Lunch Lady series) shares the story of his unconventional childhood in graphic novel format. Krosoczka was raised by a single mother until her heroin addiction caused his grandparents to take him in. Despite his mother coming and going from his life, not knowing who his father was, and his strict grandparents who were well past their child-rearing days, Krosoczka was still supported by an extended family and friends.

Krosoczka’s story is an intriguing one filled with wonderful illustrations. This story is raw and portrays some material that readers may be sensitive to. Readers don’t need to be familiar with his fictional work to appreciate his memoir. 

Library Catalog - E-book - Downloadable Audio

Book Review - 3 for 1 - Awkward, Brave and Crush

📖Recommend for Grades 6 and up📖

Berrybrook Middle School
series by Svetlana Chmakova

            Each book follows a different student of Berrybrook Middleschool who readers will see in the other books. Books do not have to be read in order and can be read as stand-alone novels. All three graphic novels contain fun and beautiful illustrations that really do help make the story.

Awkward

            On the first day at a new school, Penelope pushes away school nerd Jamie who was just trying to help her. Now every time she sees him things are a little awkward as she still hasn’t apologized despite wanting to. When the school Art Club, which Penelope is a part of, and the Science Club, which Jamie is in, find themselves in a war things get even more awkward.

            Anybody who has ever done anything stupid that they want to, but too embarrassed to, apologize for will find themselves relating to Penelope. She is a very realistic character dealing with social anxiety.

Library Catalog - E-book - Downloadable Audio

Brave

            In his daydreams, Jenson is an amazing hero. In real life he is the target of bullying, including by those he thinks are his friends. When his trouble in math class leads to him having to work with a tutor and the school newspaper wanting to interview him for a story, Jenson’s outlook on life begins to change.

            An intriguing look at what it is to be bullied. Jenson is unaware of ways he is bullied and some of the readers may find themselves not seeing ways in which he was either.

Library Catalog - E-book - Downloadable Audio

Crush

            It seems that everyone in Berrybrook Middleschool is pairing off, or at least has somebody that they want to pair off with. Jorge doesn’t understand it until he meets a girl who he develops his own crush on. If only he could form a proper sentence around her and she didn’t already have a boyfriend.

            A sweet story about first crushes and the romances that take place in middle school. Jorge is a likable character whom readers first meet in Brave, and his fans will enjoy his own story.

Library Catalog - E-book - Downloadable Audio