Fresh Reads, Honest reviews, Educator-approved
This graphic novel adaptation of Grand Master of Demonic Cultivation offers fast paced mystery, reincarnation, and magic, though it loses some of the depth and character nuance found in the original novel. The reviewer notes that while the art conveys key moments, the story moves quickly and can be hard to follow. Featuring music based magic through instruments like the flute and guqin, it offers unique classroom connections and an engaging blend of fantasy, ghosts, and mystery.
This graphic novel follows Christine, a Mexican American teen spending the summer with family in Mexico. Through vivid art and heartfelt storytelling, the book explores identity, bilingualism, family bonds, and the experience of living between cultures. Christine struggles to understand family traditions and connect across language gaps, while also discovering comfort, belonging, and parts of herself she did not know were missing.
In Evil-ish, Kennedy Tarrell blends humor, fantasy, and heart to tell the story of Hawthorne, a nonbinary teen who dreams of villainy but finds something much greater: belonging. When Hawthorne accidentally becomes the leader of a band of misfits, they discover that evil and good are not as simple as they seem. A fast-paced, funny, and affirming graphic novel that celebrates self-discovery and friendship.
Aaron Blabey’s Cut to the Chase delivers fast-paced humor, bizarre adventures, and plenty of chaos as the Bad Guys navigate yet another dimension. With quick dialogue, expressive illustrations, and over-the-top antics, this installment is full of the slapstick humor kids love.
Cassandra Calin’s The New Girl is a funny, heartfelt graphic novel about friendship, change, and finding yourself in a new place. Lia’s story of moving from Romania to Montreal captures the awkward yet empowering journey of growing up and belonging.