The Trouble with Teachers (Angela Anaconda #1) by Barbara Calamari

3 stars I absolutely loved this show as a kid. I had no idea there were novelizations. This book adapts the episodes “You’re So Vain” and “The Substitute”. In the first, Angela Anaconda gets some unexpected attention after her poetry assignment is misinterpreted. Then Angela finds inspiration for her rainforest project with a substitute teacher…

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The Owl House: Hex-cellent Tales from The Boiling Isles

Adapted by Steve Behling 3 stars A TV adaptation that retells the episodes “I Was a Teenage Abomination” and “Adventures in the Elements”. Follow Luz as she encounters Hexside School and learns her first two spells. Nicely written. It was fun to revisit the characters in these pivotal episodes of The Owl House. Includes black-and-white…

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My Little Pony: The Magic Begins, Vol. 1

Adapted by Justin Eisinger 4 stars A nice graphic adaptation of the first two episodes of Friendship is Magic. Follow Twilight Sparkle as she explores Ponyville to check on the Summer Sun Celebration preparations and learn about friendship along the way. The narration is concise and the story flows well. The artwork is pulled right…

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Deadendia: The Divine Order (Deadendia #3)

by Hamish Steele 5 stars A satisfying conclusion to a fantastic series. In true DeadEndia fashion, this volume takes things from weird to weirder and I loved every moment of it. As always, the artwork is wonderful. It’s been really fun to see how the characters have evolved and grown throughout the series. A perfect…

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Romantic Killer, Vol. 1 by Wataru Momose

Translated by Adrienne Beck 4 stars Such a fun series. I really enjoyed the show so wanted to read the manga. So far the show sticks very closely to the original story. Anzu has three great loves in life: gaming, chocolate, and her cat, Momohiki. But when a mischievous fairy named Riri shows us with…

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Comics for a Strange World (Poorly Drawn Lines #2)

by Reza Farazmand 4 stars Another hilarious collection of comics from the Poorly Drawn Lines universe, complete with some classic characters and new faces. I really enjoy Farazmand’s blend of snark, oddity, and humor. Weird in the best of ways. Definitely a fun read. Goodreads

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Snow White with the Red Hair, Vol. 1

by Sorata Akiduki Translated by Caleb Cook 3 stars A sweet book with a loose basis around the story of Snow White. I’ve watched the first season of the anime and wanted to give the manga a try. Shirayuki is well-known for her rare red hair, but when it gains her some unwanted attention, she…

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Nate’s Lucky Day (Yo-Kai Watch #1) by Noriyuki Konishi

Translated by Tetsuichiro Miyaki 3 stars A fun manga with plenty of humor. I enjoyed watching the show so thought I’d give the manga a try. In the first volume, we’re introduced to Nate, shown how he meets his yokai butler, Whisper, and how he befriends various yokai including the ever-popular Jibanyan. As with the…

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Komi Can’t Communicate by Tomohito Oda

Translated by John Werry 2 stars Tadano just wants to blend in at school. But when he meets Komi and discovers her difficulty talking to people, he resolves to help her, even when it puts unwanted attention on him. For me, this one was just okay. Based on the title, I assumed the story followed…

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American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang

4 stars A powerful story with unforgettable characters. Alternating between three tales, follow three very different characters as they try to fit into the world around them. Jin Wang is the only Chinese-American student in a school that never lets him forget he’s different. The Monkey King masters various skills in order to distance himself…

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