Blue Stars: Mission One: The Vice Principal Problem: A Graphic Novel (The Blue Stars #1)
Description
Two everyday superheroes set out to save the world—starting with their school—in an exciting new middle-grade graphic series from two award-winning authors and a debut illustrator.
When cousins Riley Halfmoon and Maya Dawn move to Urbanopolis to live with their activist grandma, they get off to a rocky start. Outgoing Riley misses her Muscogee cousins but is sure that she and Maya will be instant BFFs. Meanwhile, introvert Maya misses her parents, on active duty in Japan, and just wants some space to herself. At school, Maya joins Robotics Club and Riley bonds with fellow gymnasts. Just when they start to feel at home, their school culture is threatened by an influential foe in disguise. Joining student council feels like a way to help, so both cousins toss their hats in the ring for sixth-grade class president. But when they realize what they’re up against—money, power, and lies—they quickly shift from competition to cooperation, joining forces as superheroes. Riley is savvy with people; Maya is a whiz with gadgets. In no time, this dazzling duo is off to save the day! Relatable and rich in themes of family, community, and compromise, the Blue Stars series will entertain and empower, inspiring readers to be the stars they are.
Praise for Blue Stars: Mission One: The Vice Principal Problem: A Graphic Novel (The Blue Stars #1)
Bustling slice-of-life plot beats by Magoon (Chester Keene Cracks the Code) and Smith (Harvest House), paired with animated art by debut illustrator Murakami, culminates in a realistically rendered and impeccably paced graphic novel series opener that accessibly highlights the importance of youth involvement in local politics.
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
This middle-grade graphic novel, the first in a series, has everything: nuanced and empowered protagonists, a funny, gripping story, age-appropriate treatment of social issues, and expressive comic illustrations begging to be lingered over. Readers will come away inspired to raise their own voices and take action to create positive, peaceful change in their communities. A fresh new graphic series sure to engender a devoted following.
—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
This first entry in a new graphic novel series from acclaimed authors Magoon and Smith is a great introduction to the main characters and focuses on kids having a voice. It dips slightly into community activism but focuses more on the girls' transition from a rough start to bonding over a mutual desire to make their school a better place for everyone. Presented in a modern, stylized cartoon style, this thoughtful and timely story featuring a multigenerational, multicultural family will find wide appeal.
—Booklist
This story has layers that will appeal to many different kinds of readers. It’s a sweet and thoughtful story about military families, friendship, and girls learning to trust each other. . . . Murakami’s cute and cartoony artwork pops with color and will hook readers into the excitement of the story. . . . A thoughtful, funny, and memorable story about family, friendship, and cooperation. Purchase for all middle grade collections.
—School Library Journal