"Fighting to Belong! Vol. 1: Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander History from the 1700s Through the 1800s" by Amy Chu and Alexander Chan; illustrated by Louie Chin.
'Night of the Living Zed', 'Fighting to Belong! Vol. 1: Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander History from the 1700s Through the 1800s' and 'Silverwing: The Graphic Novel' make Glenn Perrett's list of recommended books for middle-grade children this week.
Zed and Gabe have returned for another mystery adventure for middle-grade readers (although older kids and adults will enjoy it too) with "Night of the Living Zed."
Set just prior to Halloween, the two friends have learned about a mystery worthy of their sleuthing skills. The mystery involves Glyndebourne Manor, the spectacular home of a late opera designer. Every 25 years a challenge is issued pertaining to solving puzzles inside the manor. But you only have three days and two nights to solve all of the puzzles. If you are successful you win lots of money!
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One of the challenges to solving secrets of the manor is that the house is haunted. This is likely a major reason why no one has been able to stay in the house for longer than a single night.
As Zed and Gabe try to successfully solve the puzzles inside the house, they encounter various challenges including ghosts, a room with no doors, a guillotine, flaming swords – and much more. And who is the mysterious person holding a crowbar?
As Zed and Gabe make their way through the haunted house they discover that not only are they solving the mysteries given to them, but in doing so they are learning more about the life of the person who created the house. Can they successfully solve all of the puzzles?
This is the second book about Zed and Gabe by Basil Sylvester and Kevin Sylvester and like their first novel – The Fabulous Zed Watson! – Night of the Living Zed is an entertaining and funny read. The exceptional story is complemented with quality illustrations by Kevin Sylvester.
"Fighting to Belong! Vol. 1: Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander History from the 1700s Through the 1800s" by Amy Chu and Alexander Chan; illustrated by Louie Chin.
Glenn Perrett photo
Fighting to Belong! Vol. 1: Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander History from the 1700s Through the 1800s
By Amy Chu and Alexander Chan, illustrated by Louie Chin
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Third State Books, 2024, 39 pages
ISBN: 9798890130174
Ages 8+
"Fighting to Belong" is a historical fiction about four students who travel back in time to learn about Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) history for their media assignment.
The comic book is filled with facts about American history, starting from the 1700s (e.g., Transcontinental Railroad, Kingdom of Hawai'i, and the Manilamen).
This book highlights the oppression these groups faced, their victories in overcoming these issues, and their contributions to American society. The authors and illustrator did a great job sharing important, and somewhat hidden facts, about AANHPI history, while keeping the reader engaged with a good storyline and awesome images.
Fighting to Belong is a great comic that anyone can enjoy. It even includes extra resources for kids, students and educators to use to learn more about AANHPI history. The "Curriculum Guide" has definitions and educational activities (e.g., lesson plans), both of which are credited to The Asian American Education Project.
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"Vol. 1: Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander History from the 1700s Through the 1800s" is the first comic book in the series. The second and third volume are expected to be released later this year (2024) and early next year (2025).
-Reviewed by Gleannan Perrett
"Silverwing: The Graphic Novel" by Kenneth Oppel and illustrated by Christopher Steininger.
Glenn Perrett photo
Silverwing: The Graphic Novel
By Kenneth Oppel, illustrated by Christopher Steininger
HarperCollins, 2023, 224 pages
ISBN: 9781443462167
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ages 8+
"Silverwing: The Graphic Novel" by Kenneth Oppel is an exciting adventure featuring exceptional illustrations by Christopher Steininger. This illustrated adaptation of Oppel’s story will keep even reluctant readers entertained.
Shade is a young Silverwing bat who is the runt of his colony. He is about to begin a long, dangerous journey, as his colony prepares itself for their winter migration to Hibernaculum.
After setting out with his colony, a fierce storm separates Shade from the others where he ends up on an island and makes friends with another bat – a Brightwing named Marina.
As the two friends attempt to find Shade’s colony, they meet numerous friends and foes, including good and bad bats and good and bad rats. After surviving many dangerous situations, Shade and Marina locate Shade’s colony where Marina is accepted into the colony even though she isn’t a Silverwing.
Silverwing is a graphic novel with a compelling story and awesome illustrations that keeps the reader engaged.
