Association for Library Service to Children Graphic Novels Reading List 2019 (Grades K-2)
Winner of the Asian Pacific American Librarians Association’s Literature Award
Association for Library Service to Children’s Graphic Novels Reading List 2013, 2014, 2016
Greater Boston Jewish Coalition for Literacy’s July Book of the Month
2013 Harvey Award Nominee
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
★ “Johnson’s beautiful, graphic style recalls, of all things, Gilbert Hernandez’ early Palomar comics, with zippy figures set against equatorial backgrounds distinguished by a few key features—a waterfall and fruit tree here, a tidal pool and coral reef there. The crafty panel layouts plunge into a couple of full-bleed splash pages with all the exhilaration of a high dive. While simple enough to keep brand-new and below-level readers in tow—and strengthen their vocabulary with contextual clues—this charming, high-energy Hawaiian fable will reveal deeper layers to more intuitive readers.”—Booklist, starred review
★ “Sharks, superpowers, and the comic-panel format will initially lure in readers, but the subtext of bullying, parental separation, and self-discovery will stay with them long afterward. The characters’ rounded black outlines convey strong energy and emotion, while the panels and spreads feature a lush, colorful Hawaiian setting.”—The Horn Book, starred review
“This graphic novel, which works either as a read-aloud or as a step toward chapter books for young readers, offers a story especially appealing to boys who long to be just like Dad.”—The New York Times
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