Original Post 12/05/2010 Midway Monkey Madness

Midway Monkey Madness by Sarah Hines Stephens
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
**arc from netgalley**

In the recent years graphic novels have really made a come back and I have done lots of research on how using graphic novels can help get those reluctant readers to read (particularly the boys). So I am always on the look out for easy to read graphic novels to use in my Second Grade Classroom. This is not what I would consider a true graphic novel or comic but a cross over which is text with graphic novel/comic elements.



  best for: First and Second Graders that can read pretty fluently. Third Graders and above may think the story too easy.

  Interest group: While the main characters are male (except one of the twins Jayna) I think that girls will like this too.

  What I liked:

•  The story is pretty easy to follow (problem and solution) and the words for the most part are easy to read. 
•  -The story has some good points like working together to solve a problem and to not give up if things don't work out right away. 
•  The text uses big bold words for sounds like in the old Batman cartoons and I think the kids will really like that. -The cast of characters in the front is great for the young readers who need more structure. 
•  I also liked the glossary and the little section of jokes. The illustrations are bright and colorful and the facial expressions on Beppo and Gleek are hilarious! 

  What I didn't like: I think in some places it is too basic. I would have liked a little more description (showing) rather than telling us what happened. Overall I think my students would love this book and I will definitely check out the others in this series.

Original Post 12/05/2010 Chicagoland Detective Agency: The Drained Brains Caper

The Drained Brains Caper by Trina Robbins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
  Interest group: Boys or girls
  target audience: grade 5+, although younger grades should be able to read it
**from Netgalley**

This graphic novel is a take off of the Stepford Wives story but geared for kids but with a twist! The graphics were great and the story was really funny! Megan reminded me of the girl from Beetlejuice but younger. The premise of the story is not new and the characters are not all that new either but they are really funny! Sometimes I didn't understand what was being said and I had to think about it (may be an adult thing) like why the boxes at the top of some pictures that told a book title? Well I figured out it was her point of view in a book title but some kids may not get that. Also I think it was pig latin that was used in one spot that stumped me and it took me a few minutes to figure it out (didn't use pig latin growing up). One thing that may bother some parents/kids is that they mention doing experiments on the students and a dog. This may offend some people because it does show the dog all beat up. It didn't bother me but just wanted to mention it. A great beginning to a new series. I would have definitely bought this for my Third grade class when I taught Third grade. I am debating whether to purchase for my Second Graders though. I will probably see if I can get a copy through the library to see if they like it before I will buy it.

Original post 1/12/2011 Babymouse: Puppy Love

Babymouse: Puppy Love by Jennifer L. Holm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

 I was searching the school library for graphic novels and saw this among the ones left. I have really wanted to get my hands on one of these to see if my students in 2nd grade would like them and whether it would be appropriate content. Well I read it while the students checked out books and the kids gathered around while I read it and laughed out loud several times. So there was definite interest even by the boys. The pictures are cute in white and pink and the words for the most part I think are appropriate for 2nd grade and above. Some of the features like Baby Mouse talking to the narrator and some inferences may be beyond early 2nd graders I think mid year 2nd graders should have no problems. My favorite chuckle was the animals hiding under the bed too funny! I also liked the talking back and forth between the narrator and Baby Mouse which is not a common thing in the graphic novels I have read so far. Pretty unique and a good example of adding voice to writing. Overall I will definitely look into purchasing at least the Puppy Love volume of Babymouse and look into the other volumes as well!