Another Kind by Trevor Bream and Cait May

What worked:

One of the downsides to graphic novels is how there’s often a lack of depth in the characters. This book takes the time to include background stories for the Irregularities, the characters with unique traits or abilities. One girl is found in a fairy ring and then raised in an orphanage until her hidden power terrifies the residents. She’s frightened how the power overwhelms her and she doesn’t ever want to summon it again. The oldest boy is the son of a human and a yeti, another girl can become a seal but doesn’t speak, and another boy is an alien with gender questions. The book takes the time to address their backstories which makes the characters more approachable. Without the protection of the government scientists and guards, all of the children could be killed, used for experiments, or something worse if they’re ever discovered in public.

Characters with special abilities usually attract interest from sinister antagonists, and this person is introduced in the opening pages. Little information is shared about this man, but it’s clear he’s powerful and ruthless. He’s ready to get rid of his insider agent if this man outlives his usefulness. It’s unclear what the man might do with the Irregularities, but it’s evident it won’t be anything good. The threat of the antagonist looms throughout the story and creates the constant danger faced by the children.

The six Irregularities have bonded to form their own family, and they only want to find a safe place to live. Omar and Sylvie are the oldest, so they take on leadership roles, although the other four insist they be included in decisions. Maggie is the youngest and she behaves like most six-year-olds. She’s highly energetic and impulsive, and she brings levity to the book. The colorful illustrations help readers visualize the characters without requiring written descriptions from the author. Omar’s fangs, Maggie’s tentacled hair, and Newt’s lizard-like skin are the most distinctive physical characteristics. The pictures also creatively depict action scenes without the need for words.

What didn’t work as well:

The main shortcoming is the same issue as in all graphic novels. The lower dependency on written text results in less depth to the overall story. Graphic novels aren’t as descriptive, so there’s less detail in events and the overall story. Missing information is left to readers’ imaginations. However, this book focuses on the major storyline in a fast-paced, exciting, amusing, emotional, and tension-filled adventure. Readers will be engrossed from page one to the book’s conclusion.

The Final Verdict:

I don’t read many graphic novels, but this book is one of the best that I’ve found. Readers will join the fascinating family of Irregularities as they encounter treacherous exploits across the country. The descriptive illustrations mesh with an engaging plot to create an entertaining book for middle-grade readers. I recommend you give it a shot!