Another graphic novel about Raina and her sister, Sisters (Lexile: GN 290; Interest Level: Grades 3-7) by Raina Telgemeier focuses on the relationship that Raina has with her little sister, Amara.  Raina really wanted a little sister, but when Amara is born, she realizes that her sister is her own person and has a mind of her own.  As they get older, and baby brother comes along, they realize that they should learn to get along for the good of the family.

This is a cute story, well told in comic form.  Parts certainly reminded me of life growing up with my sisters (and brothers)!  Any readers who have ever wanted (or wished to get rid of) siblings may enjoy this story. (208 p.)

Raina's life changes in the 6th grade when she finds out that she needs to get braces.  This tragedy is compounded when she falls and knocks her front teeth out.  Smile by Raina Telgemeier (Lexile: GN 410; Interest Level: Grades 3-7) is a graphic novel (thus the GN in the Lexile) that tells the author's story about getting braces.  It spans the time from when she finds out she will need them up until she gets them taken off in high school.

Along with the excellent descriptions of what it is like to get braces, this story also highlights self-esteem issues and what it means to be real friends.  Raina faces teasing from her sister, bullying by friends, starting middle school and high school, and other day to day issues.  Fans of graphic novels, as well as anyone facing needing braces, will enjoy this story.  (224 p.)

Most adults remember where they were on September 11, 2001 when planes crashed into the Twin Towers in New York City, the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and the field in Pennsylvania.  In Nine, Ten: A September 11 Story (Lexile: 730; Interest Level: Grades 3-7), Nora Raleigh Baskin tells the story of 4 children from different parts of the country, focusing on their lives for the two days before this tragedy and how it touched each of them differently, but bringing them together.

Sergio lives with his grandmother in Brooklyn, New York, and is trying to figure out how to deal with his father who only comes around to ask for money.  Will lives in Shanksville, Pennsylvania and is trying to rebuild his life after his father was killed in a car accident.  Naheed lives in Columbus, OH, and is struggling to explain to her classmates about why wearing a hijab is important to her Muslim beliefs.  Aimee is struggling to start her life over at a new school in Los Angeles, California, where her classmates think her parents are getting a divorce because her Mom is traveling to New York for business.

Readers interested in this time of US history, historical fiction, or even books sharing different perspectives will enjoy this story. I certainly did. (208 p.)

Yes, I am on a bit of a graphic novel kick this week, reading several by Raina Telgemeier.  Ghosts (Lexile: GN 300; Interest Level: Grades 3-7) is Raina's latest graphic novel and it tells the story of Catrina (Cat) and her family moving to Northern California for her sister's health.  In their new town, it seems that everywhere they turn there are ghosts.  Or at least, it seems that way to Cat as everyone keeps talking about them.

Incorporating the local celebration of the Day of the Dead, the story follows Cat as she adjusts to her new town and tries to come to terms with her sister's serious illness (cystic fibrosis).  This story was humorous, despite the serious nature of the underlying story.  Fans of Raina Telgemeier's other books will enjoy this story, as will anyone looking for a book about dealing with the illness of family members. (256 p.)