Beowolf

 Beowulf, retold by Penelope Hicks.  New York: Kingfisher Epics. 

Summary:  An illustrated retelling of the classic Saxon legend about an evil beast, Grendel, that slays the villagers of King Hrothgar’s land.  No man has survived an attempt to fight off Grendel until Beowulf  travels to conquer it. 

Additional Comments:  Beowulf epitomizes all of traditionally heroic qualities: virtue, honor, bravery, strength.   The Kingfisher retelling is illustrated with black and white drawings that complement this gory tale from the Dark Ages.

 

 

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Kinney, Jeff (2007).  Diary of a wimpy kid. New York: Amulet Books. 217 pg.  

 

Summary: Greg’s hilarious stories about his awkward year in middle school.  Greg sneaks video games from his parents, avoids the Cheese Touch at all costs, joins the Safety Patrol for hot cocoa, and coaches his best friend, Rowley, on how to go up on his popularity marks.  When Greg and Rowley start fighting, Greg needs to decide how to save their friendship.

 

Additional Comments:  Comical illustrations accompany the text and bring the odd cast of characters to life with unforgettable expressions and witty dialogue.  Greg’s antics remind the reader about how difficult it can be to just not fit in at school and the challenge of doing the “right thing”.

 

The Clarence Principle by Fehed Said

Said, Fehed (2007). The Clarence Principle. San Jose: SLG Publishing.
ISBN: 1593620640 / 978-1-59362-064-6

Summary:  This graphic novel tells the story of Clarence, who kills himself and then journeys to a nightmarish land beyond his bathroom door. Presents a surreal and twisted vision of the afterlife.

Additional comments:  The Clarence Principle is worthy of several readings because it seems to convey a deep, existential message that requires some revisiting to access.  In Said's frightening purgatory, the dead can die again and one can literally give their arm in payment (worth noting: a bloody arm).  Clarence finds himself on stage, an actor in a play in which whatever he says appears to be scripted in advance. This unusual and gothic graphic novel touches upon issues of free will and purpose of life that will intrigue young adult readers.

Black Orchid, by Neil Gaiman

Gaiman, Neil (1991).  Black orchid.  New York: DC Books.  

ISBN: 0930289552

Summary:  Black Orchid is a super-hero who is "hybrid"--part plant and part human.  Unclear of her origins, Black Orchid seeks to find out who, or what, she is. She unravels the story of her life as a human that ended in murder and was followed by rebirth or creation by a childhood friend who was a scientist. 

Additional Comments:  Black Orchid was originally a comic book series from the 1970's.  Gaiman's vision of her life story is mysterious and dreamy and slightly confusing as events are out of sequence.  Comic book aficionados will appreciate this unique story that goes from Gothic City to the Bayou to the Amazon.  Readers who are unfamiliar with the genre may get lost in the narrative that requires a good deal of inference and patience to follow.