Comics Squad

Holm, J. (2014).  Comics squad:  recess!  New York:  Random House.

This graphic novel is an anthology of stories from favorite authors that write Babymouse, Squish, and Lunch Lady.  There are eight funny stories that reader will enjoy.  Stories include Daryl trying to get into a secret ninja club, Betty fighting the pizza monster, and cupcakes playing "freeze tag."

The style of Comics Squad is what makes it funny and so popular.  This is an anthology of stories, but the style is the same.  In “Betty and the Perilous Pizza Day,”  Jarrett J. Krosoczka, the author of the Lunch Lady books, has dialogue that captures the readers right away as Betty and the Lunch lady are talking on a headset.  There is a machine called “Pizzatron 2000” and Betty has weapons like a “trash can shield” and a “rolling pin baton” to fight a pizza monster.  Readers will connect that there could not be lunch that day if Betty doesn’t win.  The sound effects of “floop,” “bwuagh,” “whoop,” and “growr” add to the excitement of the story. 

The setting of Comics Squad is a school. In “Book ‘Em, Dog Man,” the characters teach about the importance of reading so the school setting is important.  “The Magic Acorn” occurs on the school playground when squirrels are counting acorns.  The squirrels discover a UFO and aliens.  When the recess bell rings, the squirrels and the aliens both must return to class.  In “Babymouse,”  she has fantastical problems that keep her from having recess.  Therefore, the setting is crucial to the storyline.  Readers of Comics Squad  will like the school setting because  it is one they can relate to since they are all in elementary school. 

Writing lesson:  TLW write a superhero comic strip.

http://www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/00-2/lp2289.shtml


Book Trailer:

http://www.randomhousekids.com/videos/uitrmugraea-comics-squad-recess-book-trailer