Memoirs, big families and road trips, oh my: Wednesday Roundup: Graphic Novels
In our second edition of Wednesday roundups, today we focus on graphic novels.
What’s Been Suggested
We have a good group of graphic novel suggestions so far with very different titles but similar themes… a memoir one about traveling (A FIRST TIME FOR EVERYTHING) to a memoir about a camp for families going through tough times (SUNSHINE) to a memoir detailing immigration from Vietnam (FAMILY STYLE). Then there’s yet ANOTHER traveling title (CLASS TRIP) and another immigration story (PARACHUTE KIDS) Then there’s straight up silly (BEAKY BARNES: EGG ON THE LOOSE) to a hilarious and honest portrayal of a Latinx family (MEXIKID) to a classic retelling (BEA WOLF) to another book about a big family (SQUISHED).
General Thoughts
After looking at all these titles, I think there’s a lot of strong possiblities for the Newbery and sadly I think I need to remove BEAKY BARNES from my possibilities. It was fun and very unique, but I’m still unsure on the audience (or even who to recommend it to) and don’t think I can even make a case for all the Newbery criteria.
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It wouldn’t be a true graphic novel post if I didn’t make a shout out to “HOW CAN A GRAPHIC NOVEL WIN THE NEWBERY WHEN THERE’S SO MANY ILLUSTRATIONS?” To which I’ll say as always, you’re still judging on the text, seeing if the visuals take away from the quality, and there’s history: NEW KID (2019) and honor titles EL DEAFO (2015) ROLLER GIRL (2016).
Personal Frontrunner
I listened to the audio book of MEXI KID and have been thinking about it a lot. I really appreciated Pedro as a character and thought he was super honest and relatable, the way he described his views on his abuelito, his need to help his other siblings, and his trying to be helpful when the older kids left- rang really true and relatable to any reader. I think the secondary characters (siblings and family members) were developed well and I liked that there weren’t too many intense plot lines. I think MEXIKID is a definite Newbery contender!
What’s Still Out There
I don’t think there’s any more graphic novels on my TBR list, but I’m always worried about missing anything. Any big graphic novels I should be looking for? Let me know in the comments, and thoughts on any graphic novels this year!
If you want to catch-up on our Wednesday roundups, here’s last weeks on nonfiction. Steven will be back next Wednesday, October 4 to talk about POETRY!
Filed under: Book Discussion
About Emily Mroczek-Bayci
Emily Mroczek (Bayci) is a freelance children’s librarian in the Chicago suburbs. She served on the 2019 Newbery committee. You can reach her at emilyrmroczek@gmail.com.
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Steven Engelfried says
I’ve never listened to a graphic novel, but it’s an interesting way to think about the Newbery possibilities. You could argue that a gn that succeeds without the illustrations has a better case for the award. but depending on how the book is conceived, it might work better for the writer to let the illustrations to tell parts of the story. Always a challenge…
Leonard Kim says
My initial reaction to BEA WOLF was unenthusiastic, but when I looked at more positive takes, it was mentioned more than once how effective *listening* to it was. I can see that, especially for a child.
Steven Engelfried says
BEA WOLF does seem to be a graphic novel that relies on the language more than most. And alliteration comes through orally even more strongly than it does on the page. This is one of my top graphic novel picks, though not quite at the level of MEXIKID.
The language is fun and the humor is strong throughout. The premise, where mischievous kids are aligned with epic heroes, could have been limiting, where all of the jokes are built around that interplay, but I thought the humor was varied and very clever in its specific references. For example, in the list of heroes it’s fine enough to have one of them known for her Nerf gun skills, but ending with the fact that, not only does she shoot a lot of darts, she never cleans them up, is just a neat extra touch: “…no certainty reigned, / save this: that Sonya would never assist the dart cleanup.” (7)
I also like the way he sometimes slips out of the formal language for a very kid-like moment: “Paper dolls had we wrought from, you know, paper” (116). I think there’s strong kid appeal here for the reader who jumps into the premise. And you certainly don’t have to know Beowulf to get it.
The style reminds of THE LEGEND OF ROCK, PAPER, SCISSORS by Drew Daywalt from a few years ago, which I only bring up because that was a picture book. Easy to enter that mock-epic language for that length. BEA WOLF requires more commitment from the reader, but it’s aimed at older kids and I think many will be just right for it.
I do wonder if the intended audience isn’t also adults. Some of the references seem geared towards a grown-up’s knowledge. A few examples: “Grindle’s retirement savings were ample” (56); “scattering helicopter moms!” (100); “Hormone-might coursed their [teenagers] angst-marred veins!” (124). I don’t know that kids will get those jokes, but some might, and not every reader will get everything.
I’d love to learn what others think about BEA WOLF.
Rachel says
I’m really uncertain who BEA WOLF is /for/. I really liked the verse and its adherence to the spirit of the original writing, but found the illustrations middling (I was very disappointed it was not in color) and some of the more gross-out jokes did not work for me.
And my thought is that kids might like those things that didn’t work for me, but I’m not sure that they’d be along for the writing. Or interested in a Beowulf retelling, though if other aspects DO work for them it could possibly get them reading Beowulf for the right reasons (it’s cool) and not the wrong ones (school).
Thinking about it as a read-aloud is interesting too.
Steven Engelfried says
PAPER PLANES by Jennie Wood, Dozerdraws, and Micah Myers is another graphic novel set in a summer camp. This time it’s a camp for troubled teens, and we don’t really find out why Dylan and Leighton are there until towards the end. I appreciate the storytelling and characterizations in this one, where we get bits and pieces of the characters’ story in short flashback passages. The coloring of the illustrations helps readers navigate the past/present switches, but each narrative does add to the depth of the characters and their relationship with each other and with family members and classmates who don’t really understand them.
Kelly M says
All right, I’m going to capitalize my titles this time. I’ve read all the ones nominated except FAMILY STYLE and SUNSHINE (saving them for the older category), so I’m reading to give my opinions. Sorry Emily, but I think you’re right and don’t think BEAKY BARNES holds up anymore, especially with such a strong showing from other graphic novels. I’d recommend it to kids in 2nd-3rd grade who like humor in their graphic novels.
I was not a huge fan of ALLERGIC when it came out, so I wasn’t necessarily looking forward to SQUISHED, but I could not get over the continuity errors in the art. We see the house on page 4, then the window changes on page 148 but it’s back on 208. The house had continuity issues again from page 96 to page 230. I did enjoy the story, but it’s still not my top graphic novel.
Like Emily, I listened to one of the graphic novels – CLASS TRIP. I think I’m unusual in this, but I couldn’t get into NEW KID as a graphic novel, so I picked up the audio. I’ve listened to all three on audio. It was as good as the first one.
I went into BEA WOLF thinking, ooh, I’m not going to like this. Old English poem blah blah blah. It was actually really well done. The poetic language was such a distinct feature that I think puts it in the running for Newbery. It was really well thought out. I thought the illustrations added to it, too, and added that child understanding and appreciation as well.
Lastly, my favorites. A FIRST TIME FOR EVERYTHING was such a wow for me. The way Santat used the “first time” line to tie together the theme throughout the book, the gorgeous location illustrations he did, the way he differentiated characters on the page. I think page 150 really gives the essence of the book, especially the line, “There’s a whole world outside of my small town, and I’m lucky to see it!” It’s great to see the character really grow in the book.
Then I read PARACHUTE KIDS. The plot was never boring, I loved that the characters mostly spoke their language in the book and how that was delineated, the characters had great facial expressions and distinct personalities. I think this could win the National Book Award. Granted I think A FIRST TIME could, too. I think these last two are my strongest picks for Newbery graphic novels.
Kelly M says
Oh my gosh, I forgot MEXIKID! I know why; I didn’t love it like you two did. We seem to talk about toys for a good portion of the first section of the book, and I’m like ok, you like your toys. Maybe they’re your identity to you. Move on. I also think A FIRST TIME does better in illustrations, but Dan Santat is amazing at drawing things lifelike. MEXIKID feels a little repetitive for me.
Quade Kelley says
Ms. Mroczek (Bayci)-
I have been waiting for the post on Graphic Novels. This is my GENERAL THOUGHTS post. Ithink it is important to divide this post with my PERSONAL FORERUNNER. I really hope it is helpful.
Earlier this month I read the “Calling Caldecott” blog (The Horn Book inc.) In the “We Dive In post” the author commented on the challenges of placing a children’s book against a graphic novel. This seems to be also a debate in the Newbery category.
Because the criteria for both ALA awards were written in 1978 and revised in 1987, the committees are challenged to interpret and adjust to the evolution of writing and readers. It’s like the U.S. Constitution, with the committee being like Supreme Court justices interpreting criteria. ALA will have to choose its committee carefully to include a wide range of judge experience or they can create a new law.
At the trailhead there are a few choices. The ALA could create a 3rd award that recognizes the merit of visual literacy and graphic novels as a format. The alternative is to adjust interpretation of the current criteria to include the rise of the graphic novel and its merits as literature (dictionary defined: “written works, especially those considered of superior or lasting artistic merit.”)
A few facts to consider:
+Advanced Vocabulary-
“A University of Oregon study found that comic books average 53.5 rare words per thousand, compared with an average of 30.9 rare words per thousand in children’s books, and also higher than the adult average of 52.7. Your kids will build their vocabulary through graphic novels (and you might too!).”- https://www.chrissiemwright.com/blog/say-yes-to-graphic-novels
+Visual Literacy. Kids can learn many ways. Graphic Novels appeal to middle grade readers who are visual learners. For the same reason picture books promote literacy, the evolution of graphic novels is popular with kids for a reason.
http://reading.uoregon.edu/big_ideas/voc/voc_what.php
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1053451219881749
There are many recent books that have paved the way. These are all awesome.
-AMERICAN BORN CHINESE (Yang) – Part of my 7th grade LA curriculum
-PERSEPOLIS (Satrapi) – Part of my 8th grade LA curriculum (replaced Shakespeare.)
-ROLLER GIRL (Jamieson)
-WHEN STARS ARE SCATTERED (Jamieson/Mohamed) My video review link: https://vimeo.com/534613345
Why do some refer to Graphic Novels as a genre? To me it is a format that can cover all genres. Non-fiction and Fiction. From memoir to awesome creative worlds. With almost all of the major publishers creating imprints specifically for this format, there is a measurable rise in the number of great choices and creative contributions that merit recognition. Will ALA adapt to this trend?
While I read far more novels and biographies, new GN’s move to the top of my list. They are fast and fun. I often read them many times and I am excited to share them with my friends because I know they will actually read them too.
I took a long time to think about and write this. I wrote many drafts and sent to my writing editor for notes. I sent the final draft through Grammarly for punctuation.
Steven Engelfried says
Quade notes the “evolution of writing and readers” that’s part of the rising appeal of graphic novels. Very true…and since the Newbery criteria have not changed, it can make evaluating GNs for the Award pretty challenging. In terms of the Newbery Medal, I doubt any committee members question the potential of graphic novels to be “distinguished contributions to American literature.” It can be tricky,, though, to apply the specific Newbery Terms and Criteria in a way that recognizes their excellence.
The criteria refer to “the text of the book” and “distinguished writing,” and state that the committee must “make its decision primarily on the text.” In most graphic novels, it’s the interplay between text and illustrations that make a book succeed, and it’s hard to identify how much the words contribute. Especially when you must compare GNs to novels that might be all words. Committees have done this, though, with a GN Medal winner and two Honors in the past decade.
One way to apply those Newbery criteria to graphic novels is to broaden our definition of “text” to include, not just words, but the substance and meaning of a story that come from the author’s choice, even when they’re delineated through the pictures. In SCHOOL TRIP, for example, the mostly black-and-white comics that open each chapter directly address an issue that’s about to be highlighted in the story, from ways kids develop goals (“how do you give someone a dream when they don’t even know they’re allowed to dream?” (131) to “airplane etiquette” (76-77). We notice the dramatic shift in artistic style, but also can identify the ways that the shift relates to plots, themes, and characters. The comics are a visual element (not a Newbery thing), but we can see them as a writer’s text-related accomplishment, which is what the Newbery needs.
A FIRST TIME FOR EVERYTHING does something a little similar, where Dan’s memories are visually depicted with gray, colorless panels. The visual effect is strong: we instantly grasp that this is a flashback without having to read anything. So, credit to Dan Santat the illustrator. At the same time, the choice of which flashbacks to share, and the way they expand our understanding of the character and his experiences…those come from Dan Santat the author.
.
It all could be simpler and more direct if we could look at the whole book, without having to identify what the author does and what the illustrator does (even when they’re the same person). But for now, we have one award for writers and one for illustrators, and the Committees have to find those distinguished elements, and articulate them to other members, based on those two separate award criteria.
Quade Kelley says
Thank you for this Mr. Engelfried. This explanation makes sense to me.
This suggestion was great, “One way to apply those Newbery criteria to graphic novels is to broaden our definition of “text” to include, not just words, but the substance and meaning of a story that come from the author’s choice, even when they’re delineated through the pictures.”
For example, SUNSHINE by Jarrett Krosoczka is in my top list for the year. The black and white illustrations are highlighted by yellow bursts of yellow/orange color, showing the joy of life the author experienced from kids with cancer at a summer camp. Hard subject but the illustrations and text combine to tell the story in a way that is distinguished. Separated, they stand in a middle place. The combined choices make the book exceptional.
To me, this place in the middle is where kids are at right now. Just look at what is selling in bookstores and is on-hold at the library for kids, especially from grade 6+.
Since the rubric was revised 36 years (1987,) GN’s have really evolved. Today, these books end up in a space between distinguished illustration and writing. If judged by current Caldecott/ Newbery criteria, these books may be overlooked. I like this format and think it is relevant.
Since selection will be by a book jury my next question is who chooses the committee?
What is the rubric for being chosen?
Quade Kelley says
Ms. Mroczek (Bayci)
I liked your notes about audiobooks. Visual. Auditory. Kinesthetic. The world is full of different types of learners. When we are little kids, teachers use all 3 with books. Then, in middle grade, those options are more limited. With audiobooks and graphic novels, MG readers can combine multiple learning styles. While most people combine classic literature formats with audiobooks on free apps like Libby, combining GN and audio is awesome. A perfect example is AIN’T BURNED ALL THE BRIGHT (Reynolds/ Griffin), which I read first but was so much more powerful with the audiobook.
*** A FIRST TIME FOR EVERYTHING is on my list of TOP 3 BOOKS of 2023 and TOP GRAPHIC NOVEL of 2023. Stoked to see it on the National Book Awards longlist earlier this month.
Youth Review:
A FIRST TIME FOR EVERYTHING by Dan Santat
Publisher: 01 First Second, an imprint of Macmillan (March 2023)
Non-Fiction/ Memoir
-(This is taken from my youth review posted March 4,2023)
Middle school can be awkward. Dan Santat’s new book, A First Time for Everything, is a fun look at the adventure of figuring it out.
The graphic novel details the author’s life-changing trip to Europe at 13 years old. Braving gets to experience the world in a new way. Dan has an unforgettable journey that made me smile laugh-out-loud (and want to try an orange Fanta.) There are unique details, and I read the book three times on the weekend after its release. This book made me feel excited about trying new things.
The memoir felt personal, relatable, funny, and inspiring. Many kids in middle school can understand the feeling of being alone and wanting to find friends.
Santat is American Born Thai. As a child of immigrants, he puts that lens on his adolescent experience in the 1980’s. The travel memoir marks a point in his hero journey when he discovers that the world and his middle-school narrative about the people in his community are much bigger and more beautiful than he imagined. His ending is more of a beginning because his perspective dramatically changes when he discovers that the problems of adolescence and his community are small relative to the vast potential of the world waiting to be explored. That seems a universal human experience, and it gave me hope.
– My new thoughts on this book (9/30/23)
The dialogue and illustrations combined with the personal “hero’s journey” plot make A FIRST TIME FOR EVERYTHING individually distinct. This year, in a sea of GN travel memoirs, it rises to the top for its Newbery criteria excellence in theme, clarity, organization, setting, style, and character development.
According to Newbert Criteria 3: “The book must be a self-contained entity, not dependent on other media (i.e., sound or film equipment) for its enjoyment.” The linked QR material will not be included in judging. I don’t think the book needs it to be a serious contender. It’s just a GREAT bonus! The link to Santat’s student travel journal and “mix tape” playlist (yes, I do know what that is,) and other elements bring a kinesthetic and auditory element to the already very visually AWSOME book. It is a generational link to pop media of the past, but the universal coming-of-age adventure is something all can relate to.
I have come back to this book many times since my March review. This was my introduction to Santat as an author/illustrator, but I have now read all of his work. I read this great quote from Santat on Author Village (https://theauthorvillage.com/presenters/dan-santat/):
“Each human being in this world is unique, and I find it essential that to prepare our kids for the future, we should engage with children in ways that make them understand that achieving their dreams is less about teaching everyone with the same common skill set and explore the idea of finding the thing that lights the fire in their hearts so that they can motivate themselves.” This book is true to that statement. It meets kids in a post-pandemic world and can be a mirror and a window into the adventure of new perspectives and experiences. I think Santat is an important modern voice in Children’s literature and should be considered for the 2023 Newbery Medal.
**MEXIKID by Pedro Martin
Publisher: Dial Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Penguin Random House (August 2023)
Non-Fiction/ Memoir
Pedro recounts a family trip to Mexico with his family of eleven (parents and nine children) to pick up his paternal grandfather. American born Mexican (MEXIKID) this book addresses the cultural diversity children of immigrants often experience while navigating family traditions and new experiences.
The book was well laid out and illustrated well. The dialogue was entertaining and included Spanish with footnotes for English readers. I particularly liked the reflection chapters where Pedo immortalized his grandfather by layering the family legends with authentic Mexican events and history. Cool story.
I do have to ask. WHAT’S UP WITH FANTA? Also highlighted in Santat’s Memoir, the drink takes on special prominence. Fanta must be different in other countries.
**FAMILY STYLE: Memories of an American from Vietnam by Thien Pham
Publisher: 01 First Second, an imprint of Macmillan (June 2023)
Non-Fiction/ Memoir
-(This is taken from my youth review posted March 4,2023)
Summary: Family Style is a creative pairing of illustrations and dialogue that tells a personal immigration story in a unique and inspiring way. Using food as a sensory way to connect memories, Pham weaves his personal story with equal servings of tragedy, humor, and hope.
Back Story: Pham was born in Vietnam and immigrated to America with his family as a child. After being raised in Northern California, Pham pursued an interest in art and became a teacher of the subject.
The origin story of this project is interesting. Pham originally shared this on Instagram- one image at a time. It is a unique way to use current media and demands that each frame draws the reader in through dialogue and pictures. Coo, fresh idea.
Thien Pham honors his parents by highlighting the bravery and courage required to author their American story. The visual description of his experience made me feel tension. I connected with the challenges of middle school, which made me consider how sometimes we can all feel like outsiders.
The unique strategy of making food a prominent point in the events pulled the narrative together. It showed how meals can mark a moment embedded in our stories of heritage and culture. Food was only sometimes the focus, but its inclusion added depth to the protagonist’s journey, offering valuable insights into his experience. It added to the story arc and made me hungry for more understanding. (Food break. I got hungry. I can confirm that strawberries and potato chips are excellent together.)
By seamlessly blending writing, art, and storytelling, Pham has created a multi-sense narrative that is engaging and difficult to put down. His story holds immense significance and is one that everyone can learn from. I liked that his story of citizenship was an adult decision reflecting his desire to vote. It made me think about the obligations of citizenship. FAMILY STYLE was one of my favorite books this year.
*SUNSHINE How One Camp Taught ME About Life, Death and Hope by Jarrett Krosoczka
Publisher: Graphix, an imprint of Scholastic (April 2023)
Fiction
SUNSHINE is a travel/ experience memoir with a different voice and subject matter. I loved the story that follows Krosoczka’s experience as a High School counselor to children with childhood cancer. This kind of book begs the ALA to consider a new category of award for the format of Graphic Novels.
I liked the use of color. Primarily a black-and-white book, leaks of orange and yellow do let the light in. This is listed as a 12+ book, but I would put it in the 14+ category on the Newbery edge. In my public library, it’s shelved in the YA non-fiction section.
*SCHOOL TRIP by Jerry Craft
Publisher: Harper Collins (April 2023)
Fiction
-(This is taken from my youth review posted July 8, 2023)
Jerry Craft has a unique and creative voice in the growing format of Graphic Novels. The illustrations and dialogue are entertaining while addressing the topics of race, class, and stereotypes. His characters are students who grow academically and learn to advocate for themselves while promoting inclusivity and diversity. This was the 3rd book in his series that began with Newbery Award Medalist NEW KID.
Middle school has its challenges for all kids. This series reminds kids of the importance of being true to themselves and understanding that we all have unique stories. Everyone can make a positive impact, no matter their age or background.
Not all kids have School Trips, but they can be a great way to build friendships through shared experiences. I read this book right before taking my middle school trip to Washington, DC, for the first time. SCHOOL TRIP captured the excitement of learning independence and exploring new places. It showed the value of keeping a positive growth mindset and open mind with every new encounter.
I like this as an end to the NEW KID series, which has done so much for the GN format. As an individual book, it stands alone. It’s a challenging year to be up against travel memoirs that touch the same subject matter with distinction.
*PARACHUTE KIDS by Betty Tang
Publisher: Graphix, an imprint of Scholastic (April 2023)
Fiction
This book just made the National Book Awards longlist, so I read it this week.
The story follows a group of 3 siblings that are left in the US by their parents with the responsibility of caring for themselves and adjusting to the new culture.
Living close to the US/Mexico border, I know “parachute kids.” It’s great that the author reaches out to share that experience. I did like the Chinese additions to the book. Much like Pedro’s use of Spanish in MEXIKID, the inclusion of the language was great, and I could read and understand it, which was cool. Unlike those mentioned above, this is a fictionalized account. I preferred the memoirs in a sea of outstanding 2023 travel and immigrant experience stories.
* BEAWOLF: (Weinersmith/Boulet)
Publisher: 01 First Second, an imprint of Macmillan (March 2023)
Fiction/ Adaptation
I didn’t understand the buzz of this book. Then I researched and discovered it was a GN adaptation of the Anglo-Saxon epic poem Beowulf. I learned this was initially passed in the oral tradition, so it’s cool that this visual interpretation was adapted for modern kid readers.
I liked it. Awesome alliteration. It would make a great read-aloud! I wonder about the choice to keep it blank and white. It pulled focus to the writing. I agree with @KelleyM in her post that it’s a great choice for the year.
Up for next month: HUDA F CARES by Huda Fahmy.
Steven Engelfried says
MEXIKID is the standout GN for me so far this year (though I’m still thinking about BEA WOLF). As I read it, I wasn’t sure why it was standing out for me, especially with a handful of other really strong titles, like A FIRST TIME FOR EVERYTHING, PARACHUTE KIDS, and SCHOOL TRIP. So now I need to try to identify its strongest qualities and figure out what the author did to make them successful. .
Character development, which Emily mentioned as well, is a real strength, and though the illustrations convey a lot in that area, I think the words and the creative storytelling really shine. A lot of GNs use narration as little as possible, so that word-balloon dialogue can tell the story. In MEXIKID, though, Pedro provides running commentary on the family trip. It makes the story really easy to follow (“development of a plot”), but even more importantly, we get to know him from two sides: as the kid taking the trip, and as the slightly older one retelling it (and really enjoying the retelling). And the interplay between his narration and the dialogue helps to highlight character nuances and themes.
Here’s a look at one passage (p 248-252):
They’re stopped in the desert, and word-balloons are used as Pedro tries, unsuccessfully, to talk with Abuelito, then shares his confusion with his brother: “How can he be Batman-stealthy, yet so hard of hearing? It makes no sense?” Then narrative blocks describe what’s happening in the traffic jam, while at the same time highlighting Pedro’s humor, his real interest in Abuelito, and his determination to keep trying.
“We sat for hours in the desert waiting for that gas truck and debating whether Abuelito was or wasn’t a Jedi-Mexican-Batman/Catholic Hulk or just an old man who’d had many mule-based adventures.
Eventually the gas guy finally came roaring by. At last we were on our way again.
HUGO may have been RIGHT. I needed to COAX THE STORIES out of Abuelito.
We seemed to have all the time in the world. Might as well get the stories right from his own banana-chewing mouth.”
Then word balloons resume. To help with his interview, Pedro asks Apa to translate the words he needs for his questions, choosing typically (for Pedro) grandiose words: “gunfight” and “beheading.” Then his brother mockingly pipes in with a translation request for “action figure” (a running thread that Pedro gets teased about).
When Pedro then talks to Abuelito directly, they finally communicate successfully. Pedro learns that Abuelito shot a rabbit with a slingshot…then draws it. Abuelito says “¡Sas!” [Pow!]. Pedro repeats that satisfying word twice, including once to put his brother in his place. The slingshot hit is no beheading, but we can tell that Pedro is properly impressed and Abuelito is rightfully proud of the story. Also that Apa, who repeats that “¡Sas!” after listening from the driver’s seat, is also pleased with the growing Pedro-Abuelito connection.
Those interchanges can seem minor, but there are a lot of similar ones throughout the book, examples of subtle, but truly masterful storytelling. I feel they elevate the mostly undramatic moments of the trip, developing major themes: Pedro learning to stand up for himself and be proud of his art. The importance of family connections, even when it’s not easy to make them. The mixture of awe and amusement that a child can feel for an elder he doesn’t quite know yet.
I’m sure there’s more to say about MEXIKID…I’d love to hear from others about its strengths and weaknesses from a Newbery perspective.
Rae says
SUNSHINE is good, but likely for too old an audience for the Newbery. Additionally, some of the scenes have more resonance if you know the back story from HEY, KIDDO. Same with SCHOOL TRIP in that it doesn’t feel like a standalone and the reader should take the NEW KID and CLASS ACT journey to fully appreciate the book.
A FIRST TIME FOR EVERYTHING is the strongest entry to me, with a well-developed theme and an interesting cast of characters.
MEXIKID may meet the criteria, but it was mostly . . . boring. The relationship between the boy and the grandfather is very slow to develop, and there isn’t a lot of plot happening otherwise–toys and candy? Plus I’m not sure about its kid appeal. Anecdotally, my kid DNF’d this book and she finished all the other graphic novels in this post.