June 11, 2024 by Atheneum Books for Young Readers
ARC provided by Young Adult Books Central
Many middle grade readers have struggled with anxiety since the Pandemic, and Eli and Tate's journey toward understanding the underlying causes of their stress and fear are well portrayed. The other campers, counselors, and parents are all supportive, and even a character that is very competitive at the beginning, Xin, helps in the end.
Readers who are huge fans of Raina Telgemeier's Drama or Chmakova's Berrybrook Middle School will enjoy this look at a high pressure, elite musical camp.
ARC provided by Young Adult Books Central
In this graphic novel, we meet Tate Seong, who became enthralled with the idea of playing viola after hearing a prodigy his age, Eli Violet, backstage before a concert. Unfortunately, Eli (who uses they/them pronouns), was so anxious that they didn't go on stage, but Tate did pick up the viola. He isn't very good, but his parents are behind him 100%, but also want him to think about playing a sport, since that would make him a well rounded young man. Tate is uncomfortable identifying as male, but isn't sure how to go about telling anyone this. At Camp Prodigy, there are a lot of different campers, some of whom, like Xin, are very driven, and others who want to take advantage of typical camp activities like gimp bracelet making, hiking, and swimming. Tate meets Eli, who reluctantly agrees to help tutor Tate as long as he keeps their secret about erstwhile fame. Tate works hard, but struggles with not only the viola, but with a lot of anxiety about playing in public as well as a deep seated feeling of confusion about what to do about his nonbinary status. Eli is a good ally, and he seeks their advice about when they came out to their moms. When Tate gets a big solo and is unsure whether he can stand up in front of the audience, his new friends come to the rescue, reminding him that he doesn't have to do everything alone, and there are other people who can step in to help. At the end, Tate comes out to their parents, retaining their name, and the parents are very supportive.
Palmer's illustrations are solid, and often fall into the popular Manga style eye pops and dramatic emotions, which graphic novels tend to love but remind me of Speed Racer. The characters look different enough from each other that I was never confused, and it was very helpful when the new campers were introduced and appeared on the bottom of the page with their names. I'd love to see more books do that. There are notes on the evolution of the drawings at the end of the book.
Palmer's illustrations are solid, and often fall into the popular Manga style eye pops and dramatic emotions, which graphic novels tend to love but remind me of Speed Racer. The characters look different enough from each other that I was never confused, and it was very helpful when the new campers were introduced and appeared on the bottom of the page with their names. I'd love to see more books do that. There are notes on the evolution of the drawings at the end of the book.
Many middle grade readers have struggled with anxiety since the Pandemic, and Eli and Tate's journey toward understanding the underlying causes of their stress and fear are well portrayed. The other campers, counselors, and parents are all supportive, and even a character that is very competitive at the beginning, Xin, helps in the end.
Readers who are huge fans of Raina Telgemeier's Drama or Chmakova's Berrybrook Middle School will enjoy this look at a high pressure, elite musical camp.
The Silver City (Student Ambassador #2)
May 14, 2024 by Iron Circus Comics
ARC porvided by the publisher
This is the second book in the series, which I didn't realize until I started to write this review. At least I know why I was a bit confused! The Iron Horse comics seem much more like traditional comic books than graphic novels to me, with a lot of action and adventure, unlikely scenarios, and over-the-top humor. Joseph uses all of his vast knowledge and array of skills (which are impressive for a fourth or fifth grader's!) to help out former president Tex Oldman. There's a lot of travel, monsters, and derring-do. This reminded me a little of Breach and Holgate's Clem Hetherington and the Ironwood Race, and (somewhat oddly) Cody and Mercado's Cat Ninja.
From the Publisher:
“The ex-president has an international incident that only a younger version of him can solve! He needs . . . a student ambassador!” Eight-year-old student ambassador Joseph Bazan made a big splash on the international scene when he cracked the case of The Missing Dragon and kept the nation of Rhutar from going to war. Now, he’s back to being a regular kid and, to be honest, real life is a tad boring!
When former president Tex Olman, impressed by Joseph’s character and creative problem-solving, asks for his help on a trip to Mexico, it’s a dream come true. Not only does he have the adventure itch, Joseph has always wanted to learn more about his ancestral roots in the vibrant, ancient city of Zacatecas. But this vacation isn’t all churros and museums (though it does have those!). There's a legend that ghosts haunt the city's famous silver mines, and it's starting to seem like more than just a story!
Joseph will need his deep knowledge, knack for friendship, and adventurous mettle to decode secret messages, explore dangerous caves, and save the city . . . that is, if the Ghosts of Zacatecas don’t get him first! Student Ambassador is a globe-trotting action-adventure set in the real world where dangers mount, the stakes are high, and smarts save the day!
When former president Tex Olman, impressed by Joseph’s character and creative problem-solving, asks for his help on a trip to Mexico, it’s a dream come true. Not only does he have the adventure itch, Joseph has always wanted to learn more about his ancestral roots in the vibrant, ancient city of Zacatecas. But this vacation isn’t all churros and museums (though it does have those!). There's a legend that ghosts haunt the city's famous silver mines, and it's starting to seem like more than just a story!
Joseph will need his deep knowledge, knack for friendship, and adventurous mettle to decode secret messages, explore dangerous caves, and save the city . . . that is, if the Ghosts of Zacatecas don’t get him first! Student Ambassador is a globe-trotting action-adventure set in the real world where dangers mount, the stakes are high, and smarts save the day!
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