I got on a roll over the weekend, and read several graphic novels in a single day. Since most of these are pretty short, I thought I’d just do a few rapidfire reviews in one post, rather than separate reviews for each. So let’s go!

Ink Girls by Marieke Nijkamp

This tells the story of a printer’s apprentice who has to face the ire of the local ruling family in her efforts to tell the truth and get justice for her employer. This is a really sweet story about friendship and the big effects even small groups of people can have on the world. The art style is gorgeous and detailed, the characters are lovely, and the themes are fantastic. We explore class differences, power dynamics, and the problems with censorship in nuanced ways, but also in ways that are great for a young audience. An excellent read.

Skip by Sarah Burgess

Skip is about a kid named Jay, who is looking for a solid identity while navigating school. Soon, a girl named Beah comes along, plus Beah’s obsession with double dutch and the competitions for that activity. This is another sweet story about friendship and accepting yourself and your own abilities. The art is a little messy sometimes, and the dialogue doesn’t always sound like how kids talk, but overall this is a charming story. I also admire Burgess for capturing such a dynamic thing as double dutch in drawing form!

The Stonekeeper (Amulet volume 1) by Kazu Kibuishi

I really should have started reading Amulet sooner. It’s a well-known, much beloved series, but somehow it’s one I missed until now. However, with the final volume on the horizon (to be published in February, in case you missed it), I thought I’d check it out! And it’s very cool! Good main characters with a great sibling dynamic, really creative monsters and settings, and an intriguing premise makes for an engaging read. I’ll definitely read on in this series, so keep an eye out for that review in the future.

Marshmallow and Jordan by Alina Chau

This is such a sweet story! It tells the friendship between a girl in a wheelchair and the injured baby elephant she saves. It’s also about finding empowerment through sports, as well as about community and kindness. The themes are so lovely, and portrayed very well. And I love the beautiful art style, and the representation of both people who use wheelchairs and of Indonesian culture. Also, there’s an adorable elephant, so that’s always a plus. Overall, a delightful and wholesome story with lots of emotion.

So there we go! That’s what I read over the weekend, and I honestly recommend all of these. They’re all geared toward a middle grade audience, but anyone can get enjoyment out of these, honestly. If I had to choose a favorite, it would probably be Amulet, but that might be because I recently saw the author speak, and he’s a delight. But all of these are worth a read, and even better, all are available now, except for Ink Girls, which will be published on November 21st!