Friday, December 12, 2014

The Shadow Hero by Gene Luen Yang –ESSENTIAL

Yang, Gene Luen and Illustrated by Liew, Sonny The Shadow Hero GRAPHIC NOVEL 176 pgs. First Second, 2014. $17.99 Content: Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: PG13 Violence: PG13
Inspired by an obscure 1940s comic, this book presents the origin story of a superhero. The Green Turtle is the son of a Chinese immigrant. Their family is experiencing the injustice of the local Chinese gangster bullies when his mom comes up with a plan for him to become something better than a grocer, like his beloved father. Supported by an animal spirit from China, Green Turtle has some decisions to make about just what kind of superhero and leader he might become.
This was a fantastic graphic novel and an amazing start to a series. It is interesting, funny, and well written. The artwork is stellar with variety of presentation and high quality craftsmanship. I love the back story and inspiration. I think students will enjoy this story and the art style, which is modern yet pays tribute to old school comics at the same time.
HS – ESSENTIAL Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

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