The Little Crooked Bookshelf

The Gumazing Gum Girl: GUM LUCK
by Rhode Montijo, with Luke Reynolds
Illustrated by Rhode Montijo


This week's pick is from Cottager Jamie Michalak.



What it's all about ...
When Gabby Gomez chews gum, something gumazing happens. She turns into a super-stretchy, super-sticky superhero--Gum Girl! A new villain in town is cooking up revenge. Will Gum Girl be able to save the day? And will Gabby keep her sugary identity from her dentist dad?

Why it's on The Little Crooked Bookshelf …
It's a snappy graphic novel with bold, flavor-packed illustrations. And the cover smells like bubble gum! 

Our favorite illustration ...

From The Gumazing Gum Girl: GUM LUCK by Rhode Montijo, with Luke  Reynolds. Illustration copyright  2017 by Rhode Montijo.

Why kids will love it …
They'll be cheering for this bubbly superhero and looking forward to her next adventure. And did we mention the cover smells like bubble gum???

Why grown-ups will love it …
GUM GIRL is a fun choice for reluctant and emerging readers, and it offers a little lesson about never giving up.

The Little Crooked Bookshelf

Star Wars: Jedi Academy
Return of the Padawan
by Jeffrey Brown

What it's all about . . .
In this sequel to the bestselling Star Wars: Jedi Academy, a boy named Roan returns to a middle school in a galaxy far, far away. He faces alien poetry tests, menacing robots, food fights, flight simulation class, online bullies, lightsaber duels, and worst of all . . . a girl who is mad at him.

Why it's on The Little Crooked Bookshelf . . .
Told through Roan's comics, journal entries, letters, sketches, e-mails, and more, this funny book has lots to keep the attention of even the most reluctant of readers.  

Our favorite illustration . . . 

From Star Wars Jedi Academy: Return of the Padawan. Illustration copyright 2014 by Jeffrey Brown.

Why kids will love it . . .
Kids will relate to Roan's middle school woes and laugh at the Star Wars spin on them. Roan's friend uses the Force to deflect spitballs, the alien Cafeteria Chef's menu includes "Nuggets ... served with Sarlacc mucus dipping sauce," and the class bullies are voted Most Likely to Be Sith Lords. 

Why grown-ups will love it . . . 
Because their children will devour this book and eagerly await the next one.