A Day of Graphic Novels

I've said for a while that I need to expand my repertoire of graphic novels and I have begun to do just that.  Below are three wonderful books that I read over the weekend.

Stitch Head The Graphic Novel - Guy Bass & Pete Williamson

Stitch Head is a book I have loved since it was published and I have fond memories of Guy Bass visiting school many years ago, along with Stitch Head.  The graphic novel takes the book to another level and perfectly enhances the story with stunning illustrations.  The book is truly a feast for the senses and one that I spent ages pouring over.  It was wonderful to be reunited with Stitch Head in Grotteskew Castle and I know that this book will open up the world of Grubbers Nubbin to a host of new readers.  This is definitely a book that I will return to again and again. 

Stitch Head The Graphic novel publishes on the 1st February.

Pablo and Splash - Sheena Dempsey

Whilst Pablo loves their polar home, Splash longs to escape somewhere warm and decides they need a holiday.  What ensues is an encounter with Professor O'Brain, TimeBender the time-travelling machine and a host of dinosaurs.

This is a delightful book about two unlikely penguins and their funny journey to escape the cold.  As someone who constantly craves the warmth, I could fully empathise with Splash and his need for heat and sunshine!  The glossy pages are full of colour and life and the funny story will appeal to many, but especially those who may find tackling a novel daunting.  

Available now, Pablo And Splash is a book that will be a huge hit in school when I take it in on Monday.

Cross My Heart And Never Lie - Nora Dåsnes (Translated by Matt Bagguley)

As Tuva starts seventh grade, life seems to become more difficult and those around her have fallen into two distinct groups: those who fall in love and those who don't.  And to make matters worse, Tuva's best friends want her to choose which group she will be in, for one is in each group.  Tuva is torn.  Then things change again when Mariam, the new girl arrives in school.

This is a beautiful and inclusive story of growing up, navigating friendships and discovering who you are.  With a modern feel and colourful illustrations, the graphic novel incorporates a diary feel and explores emotions and feelings in a way that will leave you feeling warm and like you've been given a hug.  

Publishing on the 15th February, Cross My Heart And Never Lie is a beautiful coming-of-age book that will warm readers' hearts. 

The Fights That Make Us - Sarah Hagger-Holt

Having recently come out as non-binary, Jesse is struggling in school to feel accepted.  When their history teacher announces that they will be doing a project of their own choosing, Jesse and their friend Simran struggle to know what theme to choose; however, when accompanying their mum to their cousin Lisa's funeral, Jesse stumbles upon a box which includes Lisa's diary, something that may just provide the inspiration they are looking for. The diary takes Jesse back to the 80s where Lisa is falling for her best friend at a time when laws were being passed that restricted LGBTQ+ rights.  What unfolds is a story of two family members, decades apart, and their fight for their rights. 

As well as Jesse's story, The Fights That Make Us tells Lisa's story, one of growing up in the 80s where life was very different than it is today for the LGBTQ+ community.  As a teenager of the 80s, I am probably about the same age as Lisa but I have to admit (I'm embarrassed to say) to being naïve at the time to Section 28 and the implications it had.  Today, it horrifies me to think that a government could put such restrictions in place and make the lives of so many people so difficult.  It's so important for young people to be able to understand the world around them and to be able to be their true selves. 

In this book, I don't think Jesse realises how strong they are.  Their sense of self will be an inspiration to many who read the book.  Unfortunately, what they go through in school is awful, and whilst there are those who are there to support (Simran, Ms Grant, Leo...), there are too many who are ready to ridicule and ignore their rights to be themself.  Despite the forty year time gap, it is clear that those in the LGBTQ+ community still face prejudice and negativity today.  Although much progress has been made, there is clearly still a way to go.

The Fights That Make Us is an incredibly powerful and important read.  It's a story of heart-ache and bigotry, but also of hope and being able to be yourself, but most of all it's a story that reminds us all that everybody has a right to be accepted and loved for who they are.  It's truly shocking what students endured under Section 28 and I felt so proud of Jesse and Simran for not giving up and the impact their exhibition had - I have to admit that I cried.  

This is an unforgettable book and one that is an important read for students in upper KS2 and KS3, as well as adults. Publishing on the 1st February, The Fights That Make Us is a book that needs to be read.  

Most Haunted Theatres - Yvette Fielding

 

Yvette Fielding is probably best known for being a ghost hunter and presenter of Most Haunted (although I'm old enough to remember her as a Blue Peter presenter!).  Most Haunted Theatres chronicles Yvette's visits to nine of Britain's theatres with her Most Haunted crew and the paranormal activity they experienced there.

Each chapter begins with a double-paged spread which acts like an overview, before you get a history of the theatre, information about the ghosts that are reported to reside there and then Yvette's report on her investigation.

I have to say that the book is a captivating and fascinating read, with insights into how the ghosts appear and the things they do.  Along with illustrations from Hannah Shaw, this book will be perfect for those who enjoy a good ghost story or who are interested in paranormal activity.  I have to say that I'm a scaredy-cat so I read it during daylight hours and gobbled it up!  I'm due to go the the Theatre Royal in Drury Lane later this year, and I will definitely be looking at the place in a different light now!

Most Haunted Theatres publishes on the 1st February.

The Case of the Abandoned Boat - Kereen Getten

 

Fayson and the rest of the Di Island Crew are back for their third investigation and this time, it's a two-fold investigation: who sent the email insisting that the crew stop their investigations as they are a nuisance; and who left a boat with two wet life-jackets on board?

It was a joy to be back with the crew and whilst the weather here is cold and miserable, I thoroughly enjoyed the warmth of the island.

Fayson is excited to be back on the island but also rather nervous when she discovers that her mother is also joining her.  She is used to having a level of freedom whilst she's with her uncle and she is worried that her mother will change that, especially as they are sharing a bedroom.  As the book progresses though, I think Fayson begins to see her mother in a different light.

The crew waste no time getting to work, trying to investigate the origins of the email, but things take a different turn when they discover the boat and realise there could be strangers on their island.  With this news, they become more determined than ever to solve the case. 

Di Island Crew Investigates is a deliciously moreish series that combines friendship, cunning and investigative skills in a fast-paced way that makes them brilliant page-turners and perfect for those who enjoy the Famous Five, Anisha Accidental Detective or Agent Ziba Investigates.

The Case Of The Abandoned Boat publishes on the 1st February.

When I Feel Red - Lily Bailey

 

April is in Year 8 and is struggling to fit in: she finds lessons tricky and whilst her classmates are all discussing which boys they want to go out with, she just wants to draw or rescue a stray animal.  Navigating the year is made easier with her friend, Ben, by her side, but as the pressure mounts, how will April react?

I read Lily's first novel, When I Feel Blue in 2022 and was captivated by Ben's story (you can read my review here) so it was a delight to see that Lily had written a book about April who we met in When I Feel Blue.  

April lives with dyspraxia which means that reading and organisation are just two of the things that she finds tricky.  It quickly becomes apparent that the confident young girl we met when she befriended Ben, isn't actually as confident as she may have appeared and that having dyspraxia is something that embarrasses her.  School is difficult and her feelings for different situations were insightful - I was incredibly pleased to see Mr M being so supportive (however, if I ever meet Mrs Williams, she will certainly be getting a piece of my mind!).  In lessons, she feels as though she is wading through treacle and that they may as well be in a foreign language which means that she is frequently in trouble and often in detention.  To add to the pressures she is feeling, she doesn't feel ready to date anybody but she feels the pressure to conform so this is something else she has to navigate.  It really is a difficult time for her.  Where April truly shines is in the way she cares for animals and her drawing skills, both of which come to the fore in the course of the book.  

April really shows us what life is like for those who live with dyspraxia and I know that this will help those who have dyspraxia see themselves, but will also be an important read for others (both children and adults) as a way to help them understand what friends and classmates experience.

It was also wonderful to see Ben again and to see how he is getting on.  I was so pleased to see that their friendship was going strong, but within the course of the book their are bumps that need to be navigated (I'm saying no more!).

As well as being a brilliant insight into dyspraxia (including how it can impact other family members), the book is a reminder that we all grow up at different times.  Whilst some are ready to date boys and gossip about who they fancy, others need more time - and both are perfectly normal.  April is a shining example of the importance of being yourself and not being afraid to march to the beat of your own drum - a truly important message for readers to hear. 

Last Friday, I did an assembly about empathy and reminded the school that reading is one of the best ways to build empathy skills.  When I Feel Red is the perfect book to build anyone's empathy skills and I know it will be a book in demand once it goes onto my trolley.  It is a powerful, heart-warming read and I guarantee that April is a character who will stay with you long after you've finished the last chapter. I know she will provide comfort and joy to many a reader once the book publishes on the 15th February.

 

Secrets of the Snakestone - Piu Dasgupta

Zélie is living in Paris, working as a maid in a grand house near the Opera.  Although she tries to make the best of things, life isn't great for her as the rest of the staff believe she is a witch - life is lonely and the only company she has is Rodolphe, the pigeon who visits the window of her attic room.  When her father's letters stop arriving, she realises that something has happened to him and decides to run away to find him.  However, her plans change when she opens the door to find a boy she's never met before, Jules, standing there with a locket in his hand that he found in the sewers beneath the city.  Zélie recognises it instantly and together, the pair embark upon an adventure across Paris that will see them up against a dangerous scientific society; flee to the circus in the quest for answers and then risk their own lives for the truth.

It's no secret that I adore Paris and have a weakness for books set in the city, so I was instantly drawn to Secrets of The Snakestone when the proof copy arrived for me.  Choosing to wait until I could curl up with it and give it the attention it deserved was tricky but I'm glad that I did, for once I was drawn into the streets and sewers of Paris, I found it difficult to leave.

Set during the 1890s, Secrets Of The Snakestone lets us into the life of Zélie who is clearly not having the easiest of times.  She is alone in a city that isn't her home, she is feeling homesick and is on the receiving end of hurtful comments from those around her.  It soon becomes apparent, however, that Zélie is not your average 1890s girl and has an inner strength that will inspire readers.  I particularly liked the pep-talks she gave to herself as well as the love she has for her father which is evidently what drives her on in her quest.  

Jules has had a very different upbringing and is simply trying to make his way in the world in any way he can.  Working with his father in the sewers, the last thing he is searching for is adventure.  As the author's note reminds us, although the 1890s was know as la Belle Époque in Paris, there were many who weren't privileged enough to experience this side of life and were struggling in poverty.  The book shows the contrasts of Parisian life perfectly and will undoubtedly lead to some interesting discussions. 

Throughout the book, I loved the weaving of legends with science, of gemstones and magic, and the contrast of riches against the darkness of the the streets and sewers of Paris.  Secrets Of The Snakestone is a deliciously enticing, gripping adventure that will snake its way into your mind so you find yourself thinking about the characters even when you're not reading the book.  Publishing on the 14th March, get ready to creep into a gothic world of gemstones, mystery and murky tunnels, and be prepared not to want to leave.  If this is Piu's debut novel, then I am very excited about what is to come next.  

Twice Upon A Time - Michelle Harrison

Merry and Spike Morrow are twins born either side of New Year's Eve who have an unusual talent: they can stop time. It's something they keep secret, even from their mother (although she does know that clocks play up whenever they are near them). With their mum working as an art restorer, they are always on the move and, as the book opens, they are heading to spend their holidays at Fox House, a manor house where their mum has been commissioned to restore a piece of art by Lady Belmont.

When they arrive, their mum reminds them to stay away from the clocks and then disappears into her work.  It's not unusual for her to get lost in her work and forget to surface so the twins are left to their own devices.  The housekeeper, Miss Burdock, introduces them to Ben Gumbley who shows them around the house and the grounds and tells them about the history of the house, including the secrets that are held there. The more the twins discover, the more they realise that they need to use their ability to stop time to try to solve the mysteries that have plagued those who live there for years.

It really is no secret that I'm a huge fan of Michelle's books and the arrival of Twice Upon A Time earlier this week was genuinely met with a squeal of delight. Of course, it completely skipped the reading pile and I even cheated on the book I was reading in order to dive straight in. (it's fine, it wasn't an MG book!). 

I love the sense of mystery that weaves its way through this book; the unanswered questions that mount up and the secrecy that lurks in the abandoned hallways and passages of the house. In fact, the house itself creates its own sense of mystery with its attics that hold dusty relics; the rooms that have secret hideaways; the long corridors and creaking floorboards that wend their way through the building. You could feel the mystery and suspense seeping from the pages. 

There are a host of perfectly formed characters to get to know; some you will love, whilst others will frustrate and annoy you!  Merry and Spike are two very different people, despite the fact they are twins.  Their names definitely suit their characteristics, however, their differences balance them out and, despite their grumbles about one another (I liked this about them), together, they make a great team.

Ben is always kind, gentle and friendly, despite the start he has had in life (or perhaps because of it) and he puts up with a lot from Alastair who is a character that is clearly troubled - his arrogance is clear from the start. It is evident that he feels superior to everyone and, on so many occasions, I wanted to adopt my best teacher voice and give him a good talking to! I have to also give a nod to Nanny Natter who stole my heart - she is somebody I would love to get to know.

At its heart, Twice Upon A Time is a mystery story and one the twins are determined to solve. I promise that the writing will lure you in from the start and the more the mystery reveals itself, the more you will be hooked, until you find yourself unable to put the book down.  The ending in particular is page-turningly gripping with secrets revealed that you won't see coming. 

I'm trying my best to put my thoughts into words but feel I am somewhat failing so will just say that Twice Upon A Time is an amazing read that left me with the biggest book hangover! Publishing on the 11th April, it's a book you simply have to pre-order and I have all my fingers and toes crossed that we will be hearing more from the Morrow twins in the future.