Flavorwire: Neil Gaiman on the Writers Who Influenced and Inspired Him

Neil Gaiman is a hugely important figure for comic-book fans in their 20s and 30s. For many of us, he represented a shift from the traditional superheroes we had been raised on — the caped crusaders, the men of steel — but Gaiman, and most notably his creation The Sandman, also marked the first time many of us felt like there was someone cool within the ranks of comics geeks...   Continue Article on Flavorwire

View or Place on Hold Neil Gaiman Books in Library Catalog

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Dolley Madison Saves History, by Roger Smalley Illustrated by Anna Maria Cool, Scoot Rosema and Charles Burnett III

This book is part of a non fiction series called The Graphic Library Books in which history is told in a rich comic book style.

In Dolley Madison Saves History, the true story of Dolley Madison’s life is recorded from the time she and her husband, James move from Philadelphia to Washington, DC in the early 1800’s. The story of Dolley’s charming manners and beauty as first lady is told through illustrations and captions. As the war between the United States and the British threatens the city of Washington and the safety of the White House, the book depicts Dolley Madison’s courage and strength.

 In this book, young readers learn about this difficult time in history and the life of Dolley Madison. The graphic novel format of this biography is an accurate account of the First Lady’s life and will appeal to even the most reluctant readers.

Reviewed by a staff member, First Regional Library

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Book Trailer: Babymouse Burns Rubber, by Jennifer and Matthew Holm

Babymouse's big dreams of becoming a race car driver come true when she and her best pal, Wilson, enter the Race of the Century (or at least the school year). But will she and Wilson crash and burn? Or will they cruise to the Winners' Circle? Find out in Burns Rubber—the 12th hilarious, action-packed installment of the beloved Babymouse graphic novel series!

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Stitches, by David Small

David Small’s childhood plays out like a black and white movie with plenty of story and characters you will have to see to believe. His mother, and her family, hinge slightly off to the side with self enforced silences and cruel punishments. His father, rarely home, often not seeing the forest for the trees in his young son’s life. And little David who faces childhood illness after childhood illness until he wakes up from a normal operation to find his throat “laced up like a leather boot” and his own voice taken away.

This is a story of personal adventure in the most literal sense, the adventure of family, personal betrayal and finding your own voice when you feel yours has been lost forever. David may never speak again, but that didn’t prevent him from crafting his own story frame by frame.

Reviewed by a staff member, First Regional Library

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Troublemaker, by Janet and Alex Evanovich

Alexandra ("Barney") Barnaby’s friend, Rosa, is missing from a weekend getaway trip to the Florida Keys. At Rosa's job, Barney finds a voodoo doll. In walks, Sam Hooker, Barney’s romantic interest and he decides to throw the doll away…

 However, it explodes!

 So they decide to go to Rosa’s house and look for clues. When they arrive they find a box with a hand in it… then the chase is on. It leads them to the Everglades in a voodoo ritual. What will happen next? Will Barney and Sam be able to save Rosa much less themselves?

Troublemaker is third in the Alex Barnaby series and was an entertaining read in the classic cliff hanger style.

Reviewed by a staff member, First Regional Library

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A Game of Thrones: The Graphic Novel, by George R R Martin

The Stark family of Winterfell faces the challenges of generations of year long winters.  In this wintery land, there are seven regions.  Each region has its own self proclaimed King, who wants to become the King of all and sit on the Iron Throne.  The Stark family faces plots from their rivals, the Lannisters, along with challenges of the Neverborn demons and the arrival of barbarian hordes.

This is the first volume of George R.R. Martin's epic fantasy saga and combines romance, action, fantasy and mystery.

Reading the thick book this graphic novel was based on, would have intimated me.  By reading this book in this format, it helped me to understand the storyline and I just loved all the graphic pictures. 

Reviewed by a staff member, First Regional Library

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Tom Sawyer, by Tim Mucci

Tom Sawyer, the Graphic Novel

Illustrations come from the imagination of someone else. Words to go with the illustration sometimes must come first. In "Tom Sawyer", credit must go to Tim Mucci as the writer and to Rad Sechrist as the artist of this particular graphic novel. Adapting a novel to graphic form may not give details like the novel, but this one summarized to my enjoyment.

The illustrations begin with one word. TOM! Aunt Polly seems to be upset with Tom, and Tom is always tricking Aunt Polly and running away to get into trouble. On the first pages and throughout I was glad to see Mark Twain’s sense of humor. The colorful graphics are pleasant to view and easily understood. Some interesting details used by the artist were the X for each eye of the dead cat that Huckleberry Finn found, and the heart shape of Tom’s eyes when Becky gave him a kiss. Also, while in hiding, Injun Joe wore a long coat, scarf and sunglasses. Most impressive was the stern look of Aunt Polly’s face. Oh, my goodness!

There is a bit of interesting history about Mark Twain in the back of the book with a few quotes by him and about him. Most of us will agree with Thomas Edison..."An average American loves his family. If he has any love left over for some other person, he generally selects Mark Twain."

Reviewed by a staff member, First Regional Library

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Black is for Beginnings, by Laurie Faria Stolarz

Fifth Book in Blue is for Nightmares series

Black is for Beginnings by Laurie Faria Stolarz is the fifth book in Blue is for Nightmares series. It is also the only book in the series that is a graphic novel. Since most of the story recaps the first four books it doesn’t have to be read as a series.

It is a story about a girl named Stacey who has dreams that give her clues to events that will happen in real life. Her boyfriend, Jacob also has dreams but he has had an accident and doesn’t remember Stacey. They are now both having dreams about the future and aren’t sure what the dreams are telling them.

Once Jacob starts remembering everything he and Stacey have to choose if they want to continue the relationship they had before the accident or go their separate ways.

Reviewed by a staff member, First Regional Library

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Macbeth: the Graphic Novel, by William Shakespeare

A Classic in Graphic Form

This classic play is reintroduced in graphic form. The main character, Hamlet, a good servant of the king, is tempted beyond his limits by ambition. Giving in to his desires only haunts him and ultimately destroys him. War, murder, mysticism and psychological torment combine to create a memorable tale.

The most striking aspect of this version is the modern English used. Each Act and Scene is clearly marked making it ideal for students who may have trouble understanding the English of Shakespeare’s time. This is a great reference tool.

Reviewed by a staff member, First Regional Library

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Guilty Pleasures, by Laurell K. Hamilton (Graphic Novel)

Anita Blake Series

This urban fantasy/horror series has been adapted into graphic novels, beginning with the first book in the series Guilty Pleasures. Volume One features Anita Blake, vampire huntress and animator of the dead. Anita has been called on by the Master Vampire of St. Louis to find out who or what has been killing vampires in the city. Anita does not want to take this job, but the Master makes her an offer Anita cannot refuse without her best friend being killed.

The art work and storyline are easy to follow for someone who has not read the novels, and it may convert new fans for the Anita Blake series. The adaptation for issues 1-5 is Stacie Ritchie and issue 6 is Jess Ruffner-Booth, and the artwork is by Brett Booth.

Reviewed by Dena Sanford, Senatobia Public Library

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The Call of the Wild, adapted by Neil Kleid

Classics in Graphics

If you wanted to break student into classic books a little easier than jumping right into the old world literature, try a classic in graphic novel. I read Jack London’s ‘The Call of the Wild’ that was adapted by Neil Kleid and illustrated by Alex Nino. The story is about a dog named Buck that is sold and abused several times. Buck was forced to be a sled dog, which he was not accustomed to, since he was from a rich home in Santa Clara.

Over the passage of time and many trials of survival, Buck gradually reverted to the ways of his ancestor breed and became a wild hunter. He earned his status through fighting and ruling and just plain being the best. This also earned him the status of being a Legend as well.

One thing I found interesting in reading the story as a graphic novel was the brevity of language. In our ever changing world of communication, this reading was kind of like a cell phone text mail. The wording was brief and to the point, not a lot of explanation or stage setting to it. The illustrations were to tell the rest of the story.

Reviewed by Deborah Kelley, Batesville Public Library

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Fruits Basket, by Natsuki Takaya

Corny Humor and Hijinks

Follow Tohru Honda as she moves in with members of the Sohma family. Tohru’s normal high school life is turned upside down as she learns the secrets of the Sohma family. The Sohma family is under a magical curse. To find out what the Zodiac has to do with the Sohma family curse read Fruits Basket.

If you like Fruits Basket try Natsuki Takaya’s new manga Phantom Dream.

Reviewed by Emily Oliver, Hernando Public Library

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To dance: a memoir, by Siena Cherson Siegel

Dreaming of Ballet

A very enjoyable story. It was a quick read, but inspiring. The story is actually told by the dancer herself and illustrated by her husband.

It is the tale of a young girl who falls in love with ballet at age six when she begins taking ballet lessons in Puerto Rico. Once she is accepted to the American School of Ballet, her family moves to New York to support her dream of becoming a professional dancing career.

Her dancing efforts and her family life take her through rough times, but this is what made the story that much more inspiring. This is a great book for a young reader.

Reviewed by a staff member, First Regional Library

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Maximum Ride: the manga vol.2, by NaRae Lee

James Patterson in Manga

If you enjoyed James Patterson's Maximum Ride series you must check out the manga. NaRae Lee has adapted James Patterson's series into a graphic novel. The illustrations are just like what I imagined.

P.S. There is also a sneak peek at James Patterson's next book "Fang," which is out March 15, 2010.

Reviewed by Emily Oliver, Hernando Public Library

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Smile, by Raina Telgemeier

My Two Front Teeth

This is very different from the comic books I read when I was growing up. I checked this book out and gave it to my ten year old daughter to read. She read the book four times without putting it down. Then she insisted I read it immediately, which I did. This book has so much about it to recommend to girls of all ages. I couldn’t put it down until I was finished it.

The book is about a ten year old girl, Raina, who falls, injures her mouth and has to go to the dentist. She ends up having to get braces, getting a root canal done, having spacers, and finally a crown and a bridge to finish up. This takes several years of dental work. While all this dental work is going on Raina learns a lot about herself, her friends and just life in general.

Raina ages from ten years old to 14 years old in the book. These years can seem traumatic for a girl. How she works out problems and figures out about her relationships with others is entertaining and enlightening. There are lessons to learn from reading this book. Just ask my ten year old, Annie.

Reviewed by Judy Rhodes, M.R. Dye Public Library

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To Dance: A Ballerina’s Graphic Novel, by Siena Cherson Siegel

Born to Dance

Siegel begins her memoir with “Big, empty spaces always made me dance". Dance was in her soul and from the age of six she yearned to be a ballerina. At the age of 11 she auditions and wins a spot in the School of American Ballet and begins to work in earnest. Follow Siena on her life journey as she starts dancing, goes professional, and stops dancing professionally due to an injury.

And although her ballet career ends at the age of eighteen she continues to dance today because “Dancing fills a space in me".

Reviewed by Emily Oliver, Hernando Public Library

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The Shiniest Jewel by Marian Henley

A Child from Russia

The Shiniest Jewel by Marian Henley

The illustrations in Marian Henley’s graphic autobiography about adoption, The Shiniest Jewel, may be simple, but the emotional impact of the story is big. As an unmarried woman in her 40’s, Henley decides to pursue adopting a child from Russia. The trials she goes through are often heart-breaking (and sometimes hilarious), but the book is ultimately very rewarding. Recommended to anyone who has, or is considering, adopting from a foreign country.

Reviewed by David Brown, First Regional Library Headquarters

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