Showing posts with label RHGraphic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label RHGraphic. Show all posts

Monday, July 19, 2021

Middle Grade Monday: Turtle in Paradise: the Graphic Novel by Jennifer L. Holm


Turtle in Paradise: the Graphic Novel by Jennifer L. Holm and illustrated by Savanna Ganucheau. 256 p. RH Graphic/ Random House Children's Books, June, 2021. 9780593126318. (Review of finished copy borrowed from public library.)

Middle Grade Monday features Turtle in Paradise: the Graphic Novel by Jennifer L. Holm and illustrated by Savanna Ganucheau. I had no idea this adaptation was even in the works, let alone out. Thanks to the children's librarian at my local library for displaying it! Sometimes, I can't keep up!

This graphic novel is adapted from Ms. Holm's 2010 Newbery Honor-winning novel of the same name. More on that in this Thursday's #tbt. It's June of 1935 and the country is in the middle of The Great Depression. Eleven-year-old Turtle has to travel to Key West, Florida to stay with an aunt and cousins she has never met because her mother got a job as a live-in housekeeper to a woman who "can't abide children." It seems Turtle arrived before her mother's letter and Aunt Minerva is none too pleased. Neither are her boy cousins, especially Beans, who has to give up his room for Turtle. Beans heads "The Diaper Gang" and no girls are allowed. They allow Turtle to tag along though and Turtle slowly comes out of her shell.

The art captures the Depression-Era Key West beautifully from the architecture through the clothing. The palette is decidedly beachy as well. Turtle in Paradise: the Graphic Novel should appeal to fans of Raina Telgemeier and Victoria Jamison, as well as fans of historical fiction and anyone who wants to fall in love with a girl with grit.

Monday, July 20, 2020

Middle Grade Monday: Stepping Stones by Lucy Knisley

Image: Penguin Random House

Stepping Stones by Lucy Knisley. 216 p. RHGRaphic/ Random House Children/ Penguin Random House, May, 2020. 9781984896841. (Review of finished purchased paperback.)

Middle Grade Monday features Stepping Stones by Lucy Knisley. This graphic novel is told from the point-of-view of Jen, who has had a lot of change in her life lately. She has recently moved from the city, where she saw her dad regularly to a farm her mother and new boyfriend just bought. So there are lots of chores to do, some of which she enjoys. But then there's the boyfriend, Walter, who is not great with kids and doesn't respect Jen's request to call her Jen. Oh, and he has two daughters, one of whom is snooty and perfect and not very nice herself. She embarrasses Jen at every mistake, especially when she learns that Jen is not great and math and giving change when they work family stall at the Farmer's Market. 


This is graphic novelist, Ms. Knisley's Children's debut and is autobiographical fiction. Her art is earthy and vibrant. The dialogue is snappy and occasionally humorous. The themes of moving house and fitting in are relatable. There's a delightful author's note and photos at the end. Stepping Stones is book one of the "Peapod Farm" series. Fans of Raina Telgemeier, Jennifer Holm, Svetlana Chmakova will find lots to like here. I can't wait to visit again. Highly recommended!
Happy Reading!