Summer is a great time for kids to delve into a graphic novel.
One of the goals of the summer break should be to keep kids reading. Graphic novels don't feel as serious or academic as a classic novel, making them a little more palatable for kids on vacation. I also have two recommendations that should especially appeal to girls.
Graphic novels feel a little like cheating ... but because of the development of the genre, they have become sophisticated storytelling devices that get kids to pick up a book, and as always, the more reading they do, the better they will become at it, even with graphic novels!
So consider these recommendations like sneaking zucchini into the brownies. They will be getting their vegetables, but be none the wiser! Go on, have another bite!
Title: Zita the Spacegirl
Author: Ben Hatke
Target: Grades 3-6
Series: The second book will be released in September
What this book is about:
When our heroine Zita finds a big red button which looks to have fallen from the sky, she can’t resist pushing it—but really who could? When a portal opens up and her friend is pulled in, Zita must go down that portal to save her companion. She enters a world of varied and strange intergalactic creatures, on a planet which is about to be hit by an asteroid. Can she save her friend and get out before this world is destroyed?
Why I love this book:
This book is fun and the story feels amazingly complex, which really shouldn't surprise me anymore with so many sophisticated graphic novels. I also got a good sense of the personalities of the characters, which was accomplished with strong dialogue and a very talented illustrator.
Who this book is for:
Boys and girls will find the story equally compelling and fun, despite the main character being a girl. It's a good graphic novel for the older elementary school crowd. If your kids like the Amulet series, this book would be a good fit.
Final thoughts:
A fun book filled with weird and wacky characters.
To see my full selection of fun graphic novels, visit my website at www.onegreatbook.com
