Amulet, Book 1: The Stonekeeper

[Stergios Botzakis]

This gorgeous graphic novel follows the exploits of Emily and her little brother Navin. Years after the terrible death of their father, their mom moves them all to the home of their assumed deceased great-grandfather. Alone in a huge house in the woods, they find some strange things, such as a huge book and an amulet. Also, there are mysterious apparitions and tentacled creatures lurking in dark places. When their mother is kidnapped by a monster, the children are forced to chase after her, ending up in a parallel world filled with mystery and adventure. Although the story may seem cliche, it is extremely well executed, and the plot is as compelling as the art is beautiful to behold.

Writer/artist Kazu Kibuishi is an accomplished web artist and editor, known for creating and editing the well regarded Flight Anthology. He is also known for his steampunk western graphic novel Daisy Kutter (selected by the American Librarian Association as one of the Best Books for Young Adults in 2006) and his webcomic Copper, which is available as a print collection. He shares information about his life and work on his official website.

The reviews I have found have been largely positive. Benjamin Royce Jaekle praised the work as "promising" and called it "a quick, easy, and amazing read." The Graphic Novel Reporter John Hogan wrote that it was an "engrossing saga" and was intrigued by Emily's internal struggles. The reviewer at Through the Looking Glass added that this book was "a fascinating story about magic, destiny, fabulous technologies, and alternate worlds."

Amulet: The Stonekeeper is the first book in a series of five. The fourth will be published in the near future, and the series has been well received in general. The first two books have been optioned for a film starring Will Smith's children Willow and Jaden.

This book is published by Scholastic (check out the publisher's link - it is surprisingly interactive!). The book's prologue is available here. and a video trailer can be seen here.

 

More links at http://graphicnovelresources.blogspot.com

[Gilbert Grimmett]

I started reading the first book of this series in the Bank Street Bookstore and, after finishing the the first five pages, I decided to buy all three books in the series. After sharing these books with my students, I was not able to keep them on my bookshelf. We are all eagerly anticipating the fourth book.

[Stergios Botzakis]

They are beautiful and well done books, and I am glad to hear they are being appreciated by your students. I think they are only going to gain in popularity after the movie starring Will Smith's kids...

[Gilbert Grimmett]

I am very excited that they decided to use African-American children in these roles. Quite honestly I couldn't think of a better pair (black or white)! Thus far I can not think of many epic tales with a female heroine, and certainly not one of color. And you are right. The popularity of these books will doubtless be positively affected by a movie featuring these two children. I only hope it is done well.

[KellyAnn Bonnell]

I checked out your blog. I love your reviews.

 

[Stergios Botzakis]

Thanks for the kind words! :)

I just noticed your post about the Olympians series. Today I posted my take on the latest one about Hera. Great minds think alike? :p

[KellyAnn Bonnell]

I saw them at the FirstSecond booth at Comic Con and had to review them.