Anzu and the Realm of Darkness, Maker's Club

Nguyen, Mai K. Anzu and the Realm of Darkness
May 7, 2024 by Viking Books for Young Readers
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

In this graphic novel, Anzu is struggling with several issues. Her family has moved, her grandmother has passed away, and she feels like she doesn't fit in anywhere, since girls in her last school made fun of her lunches and told her they were now calling her "Anne" since her real name was "weird". Even her little brother Yuuta is annoying. When a new neighbor girl, Fig, says hello to her and welcomes her to the  neighborhood, Anzu is too distraught to politely reply, and runs away. In a local park, she sees a decades old sign about a missing girl, Mari Ito, and a dog attacks her, stealing the necklace that her grandmother gave her. When she goes looking for the dog, she ends up in a different world. She meet Izanami no Mikito, the queen of Yomi, who welcomes Anzu and promises to help her get home. When Izanami gives her more information, and tries to force her to eat, Anzu is uncomfortable, and ends up trusting the dog, instead. He's the gatekeeper of Omi, but not doing a great job. He neede Anzu's necklace to help with this, and doesn't have a name. Anzu calls him "Limbo". Since Anzu touched Izanami's food, her hands are turning progressively black and she's losing her memories, so it's lucky when she and Limbo meet Rakko Huci, who turns out to be an Omi version of Anzu's grandmother. With her help, can Anzu overcome Izanami, get home, and make sure the gateways from Omi into other realms are closed?

Strengths: I appreciated that the author gave notes on the origins of the mythology, which she says is a mash up between Japanese folklore and Shinto and Buddhist stories. There is a definite anime feel to the illustrations, complete with the over-the-top emotions and crying eyes that show up in books like Misako Rock's Bounce. The use of color is helpful, since the flashback scenes looking at Anzu's life can be set apart by the palette. This reads like a classic hero's quest. 

Weaknesses: The transistion into Omi seemed a  bit abrupt. I almost wish that we had seen a little more of Anzu's life in her new town, and that she had problems there with fitting in. Perhaps she could have taken Fig with her into Omi; it's always good to have a sidekick, and Limbo wasn't as a reliable as a sidekick should be.
What I really think: This is a good choice for fantasy readers who want a story similar to Doshi's Rea and the Blood of Nectar or Perry's Cameron Battle series, but in graphic novel form. The closest graphic novel readalikes would be Chanani's Super Boba Cafe or Aldridge's Estranged. It's good to see a wider variety of genres in graphic novels. 

Yee, Reimena and Pantoja, Tintin (illus.) The Makers Club: Game On! #1
August 6, 2024 by Andrews McMeel Publishing
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

Nadia is starting at Pangolin Secondary School, and is a little wary about being able to make new friends until she is able to work with Adin and Ruby on a project. She also works with Priya, who isn't particularly friendly. Nadia is a huge fan of the Banyan High series, and connects with Aqi and Yong Qiang, who also love the books. Nadia lives in a somewhat run down part of town, but has supportive parents who run a struggling business, as well as a brother, Alfonso, who has graduated from college and is moving to Australia for a new job. When Nadia finds out that a science fair project is 40% of her grade, she agrees to work with Priya, who has very decided ideas about what the project should be. Priya plays a lot of computer games to distract herself when her parents argue, and she loves coding, so wants to make a video game for the project. This is fine with Nadia, but she doesn't have a computer. Priya assures her that she can do the artwork, and she'll scan the drawings into the program. When Priya loses her laptop and all the work, they have to think of another plan. They manage, and do well at the science fair. Aqi and Yong Qiang are spending a lot of time with Miss Tilly, the librarian, who is using a lot of donated equipment to put together a Maker Space. Aqi designs clothes and accessories, so is thrilled that there is an embroidery machine. She makes some adaptive clothing for Yong Qiang, who is in a wheelchair because of muscular dystrophy. Aqi does try to do many projects, but manages to "right size" her work after a while. 

This felt like two separate stories, so I'm curious to see what further volumes look like. The artwork is appealing, and I liked the idea of a Maker Space. It's a little unclear where this takes place; one of the authors is from Kuala Lumpur, and since the school has "pangolin" in the name, maybe this is set in Malaysia? I would buy this if we had a Maker Space, but the library has always been busy enough that I have not been able to also supervise a lot of projects and equipment. 

Simon, Coco and Lopez, Manuela (illus.)

Emily's Cupcake Magic (Cupcake Diaries: The New Batch)

May 7, 2024 by Simon Spotlight

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

Emily, who is Katie Brown's stepsister from The Cupcake Diaries, has to go to a different school when hers is closed for renovations. All of her friends go to another school, which makes her worried. The new school tries to welcome the students by having a baking contest. Emily is interested, especially when she gets a group of new friends who want to bake, but is worried that she is copying Katie. Katie's friends come and help the younger girls, and Katie reassures Emily that it's okay to have the same interests, and that she's sure Emily will put her own spin on the baking. 

I'm a huge fan of the Cupcake Diaries series, even though I drew the line at twenty books, and the new graphic novel series has been very popular with my students. I would definitely buy this for an elementary school or public library, but will  pass for middle school. I would love to know the true identity of "Coco Simon" and feel that this writer needs more attention. The books are always heart warming and enjoyable.