Wires and Nerve by Marissa Meyer

Wires and Nerve by Marissa Meyer
Published by Feiwel & Friends in January 2017

"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." - From Goodreads

Will you like it?
 If you loved the Lunar Chronicles series, then you will love this book!  I loved seeing the graphic representation of all of my favorite characters.  Some of them looked how I pictured, and some of them were completely different from how I pictured them.  Either way, this is a must-read for Lunar Chronicles fans, and I can't wait until the second volume is released.

Disclosure: I borrowed a copy of this book from my local library.

Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea by Ben Clanton

Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea by Ben Clanton
Published by Tundra Books in October 2016

"Narwhal is a happy-go-lucky narwhal. Jelly is a no-nonsense jellyfish. The two might not have a lot in common, but they do they love waffles, parties and adventures. Join Narwhal and Jelly as they discover the whole wide ocean together.
A wonderfully silly early graphic novel series featuring three stories. In the first, Jelly learns that Narwhal is a really good friend. Then Narwhal and Jelly form their own pod of awesomeness with their ocean friends. And finally, Narwhal and Jelly read the best book ever -- even though it doesn't have any words...or pictures!" -- From Goodreads

Will you like it?
I loved this cute book of short stories featuring Narwhal and Jelly.  I love the emphasis on friendship. It was a very fun read!  This would be very easy to use to introduce kids to easy books or to get them started on graphic novels.

Disclosure: I borrowed a copy of this book from my local library.

The Platypus Police Squad by Jarrett Krosoczka

Platypus Police Squad by Jarrett Krosoczka

#1 The Frog Who Croaked 

#2 The Ostrich Conspiracy

Published by Walden Pond Press

I thought these books were adorable.  I love Jarrett Krosoczka (Lunch Lady!!) and was excited to read this first middle-grade books.  I thought the books were well done, and I think kids of all ages will be excited to read them.  I listened to the audiobooks narrated by Johnny Heller, and I think I'm hooked.  He sounded like a real old school detective.  

Disclosure: I downloaded the audiobooks through my library's digital media catalog.

El Deafo by Cece Bell

El Deafo by Cece Bell
Published by Amulet Books on September 2, 2014
Newbery Honor 2015

Summary: "Starting at a new school is scary, even more so with a giant hearing aid strapped to your chest! At her old school, everyone in Cece's class was deaf. Here she is different. She is sure the kids are staring at the Phonic Ear, the powerful aid that will help her hear her teacher. Too bad it also seems certain to repel potential friends.

Then Cece makes a startling discovery. With the Phonic Ear she can hear her teacher not just in the classroom, but anywhere her teacher is in school--in the hallway...in the teacher's lounge...in the bathroom! This is power. Maybe even superpower! Cece is on her way to becoming El Deafo, Listener for All. But the funny thing about being a superhero is that it's just another way of feeling different... and lonely. Can Cece channel her powers into finding the thing she wants most, a true friend?"  --From Goodreads

After a bout of meningitis leaves her deaf at age four, Cece must learn to navigate the world with a hearing aid.  I really liked how the author used language geared toward the elementary school audience, but didn't talk down to them either.  This novel was funny and heartwarming, and I will recommend it to anyone. 

Disclosure: I borrowed a copy from my library.

This One Summer by Jillian Tamaki

This One Summer by Jillian Tamaki 
Illustrated by Mariko Tamaki
Published by First Second on May 6, 2014
Caldecott Honor 2015
Printz Honor 2015

Summary: "Every summer, Rose goes with her mom and dad to a lake house in Awago Beach. It's their getaway, their refuge. Rosie's friend Windy is always there, too, like the little sister she never had. But this summer is different. Rose's mom and dad won't stop fighting, and when Rose and Windy seek a distraction from the drama, they find themselves with a whole new set of problems. It's a summer of secrets and sorrow and growing up, and it's a good thing Rose and Windy have each other."  -- From Goodreads

I picked this book up after I learned it had won a Caldecott Honor and a Printz Honor.  It's pretty extraordinary for a book to be able to be an Honor for both medals, so I knew I had to move this book to the top of my reading list.

The pictures are gorgeous.  The water scenes are layers and layers of purple with bubbles of white.  The water scenes alone could win many awards.  I felt something was lacking when it came to the writing of the story.  There were many things that felt unresolved to me.  I wanted Rose to find out more stuff about her mom and the boy from the convenience store.

Overall, definitely pick this book up for the illustrations.  They are stupendous.

Disclosure: I borrowed a copy from my library.