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O’Connor, a self-proclaimed Greek mythology obsessive, has done something wonderful: He’s turned the tales of those adventuresome, rascally, feuding, power-mad Greek gods into a nifty set of gorgeously drawn, well-researched graphic novels that kids go nuts for. And why not? Each sleek, slim volume has action, drama, and a story involving the no-holds-barred pursuit of high ideals and personal destiny. The young readers I know like to read them all and figure out which is their favorite god. To date the series includes Zeus, Athena, Hera, Hades, Poseidon, Aphrodite, Aries, Apollo, Hermes and Hephaistos.
‘Compass South’ and ‘Knife’s Edge’ by Hope Larson; illustrated by Rebecca Mock
This action-packed duology begins in New York City in 1860. Twins named Alex and Cleo, out of options after the disappearance of their father, join a notorious gang and are caught by the police in a bumbled heist. They bargain and are given tickets to New Orleans in exchange for naming the gang. But Alex is soon kidnapped and put to work on a ship headed for San Francisco. Cleo stows away on another ship, planning to make her own way to San Francisco. Meanwhile: pirates! A pirate gang is on their trail. History comes alive in these books.
‘Tom’s Midnight Garden,’ by Philippa Pearce; graphic adaptation by Edith
This children’s literature classic, first published in 1958, is a time-travel mystery about a boy who, stuck spending the summer with his aunt and uncle, discovers a grandfather clock that chimes 13 each night — transporting him back in time to an old garden, where he meets a delightful girl named Hatty and, eventually, learns some secrets about his family. The one-named French illustrator Edith has turned a great story into a truly sublime graphic novel with her beautiful, haunting illustrations and judicious translation of text into imagery.
‘Fake Blood,’ by Whitney Gardner
Set in the Pacific Northwest, with lots of tall, looming trees, this story is a ton of fun. We meet an average sixth grader named AJ, who is desperate to get his supercool crush, Nia, to notice him. Nia is obsessed with vampire fiction, so AJ pretends to be a vampire, with Halloween fangs and fake blood. But — oh no! Nia is actually a vampire slayer, and AJ is soon on the run.
