(Image from Barnes & Noble)

When Oona Lee, the clumsiest Sun Dancer on the planet, learns that the Five Worlds are in danger of extinction, she vows to save them.  Her sister—last year's Chosen One—will know what to do.  All Oona has to do is find her runaway offspring.  Surely Jessa, a talented Sand Dancer, will be able to light all five beacons and save the worlds.

Then, war breaks out.  Oona's journey is thwarted by the surprise attack.  Helped by two unlikely allies, she gets back on course.  Finding Jessa isn't easy; it may even be impossible.  If Oona fails in that task, it just might be up to her and her new friends—a penniless street rat and a famous starball player—to play hero.  Oona has never been able to control her sand—how can she possibly use it to save anyone?  As the trio continue on their wild, dangerous adventure, they will all discover the hidden powers inside themselves.  And maybe, just maybe, it will be enough to save the worlds they love.

Full disclosure: I've read exactly one graphic novel besides 5 Worlds: The Sand Warrior, so I'm hardly an expert on the genre.  As expected, the story (written by brothers Mark and Alexis Siegel and illustrated by Xanthe Bouma, Matt Rockefeller, and Boya Sun) is fast-paced and full of action.  The pictures are colorful, eye-catching, and dreamlike.  A lot is going on, both in text and artwork, some of which I followed easily, some of which I didn't.  I'm still a little confused, truth be told.  Still, The Sand Warrior made for a quick, exciting read that should appeal to kids who enjoy comic books.  That kind of thing is not really for me, though, so I don't plan on picking up the next installment of 5 Worlds.  I wouldn't hesitate, however, to hand The Sand Warrior to a reluctant reader who's yearning for a quick, empowering read with plenty of action and adventure to keep his eyes and imagination busy.

(Readalikes:  Um, no clue.  Comics/graphic novels really aren't my jam.  Suggestions?)

Grade:

 

If this were a movie, it would be rated:

 

for violence and scenes of peril

To the FTC, with love:  I received a finished copy of 5 Worlds: The Sand Warrior from the generous folks at Random House Children's Books.  Thank you!

(Image from Barnes & Noble)

After a battle with meningitis, 4-year-old Cece Bell loses her hearing.  Thrust into a confusing new existence, she must learn how to cope with an overwhelming disability.  She's excited to start school, especially when she receives a powerful hearing aid that will help her communicate better with those around her.  Unfortunately, the Phonic Ear is such a bulky, visible instrument that it makes Cece feel even more conspicuous.  It's tough being different from her family, friends, and classmates.  Cece's emotions bounce from anger to sadness to loneliness to embarrassment to triumph when she finally learns to think of her deafness not as a disability, but as a superpower.  El Deafo won't let hearing loss stop her from being everything she wants to be.  And neither will Cece.

Author/illustrator Cece Bell chronicles her experiences as a deaf child in El Deafo, a graphic novel based on events that really happened to her.  Although it's a thick (and super heavy) book, the story it tells is fast, funny, and compelling.  It's very real—achingly so in places—but that's what makes it so impacting.  Reading about Cece's trials should help readers empathize with those who are "different" as well as making them realize that everyone feels out of place for some reason or another.  El Deafo is entertaining, yes, but it also teaches some important lessons about awareness, acceptance, and turning perceived weaknesses into avowed strengths.  Definitely hand this to your middle graders—they'll be better for reading it.  

(Readalikes: Reminded me a little of Wonder by R.J. Palacio)

Grade:

If this were a movie, it would be rated:

for brief, mild language (no F-bombs) and cartoon nudity (Cece is depicted in her underwear and without a shirt on -- cartoons are not graphic)

To the FTC, with love:  Another library fine find