Queen of the Sea by Dylan Meconis

Queen of the Sea. Written and illustrated by Dylan Meconis. Walker Books, a division of Candlewick, 2019. Graphic novel 394 pages.

This gorgeous graphic novel tells the story of young Margaret who has grown up in a convent on an island. She has learned much about the world, but yearns to experience it for herself. When King Edmund's daughter, Eleanor, is banished to the island by her half sister, the Queen of Albion, life is never the same for Margaret or the Elysian Sisters. Beautifully illustrated in full color and varied panels and pages, the whole book is a feast for the eyes.

The only problem I had at first was trying to match Henry VIII to King Edmund and Elizabeth I to red-haired Eleanor. Don't try it. Although the 16th century clothing and setting is the same, by the end, Margaret has put her own spin on the original inspiration. Just relax and enjoy the story! The ending is resolved through Margaret's bravery and creativity, but, as they say, surely the story is to be continued...we hope so!

Epic Athletes: Serena Williams by Dan Wetzel

Epic Athletes: Serena Williams. Written by Dan Wetzel.  Illustrations by Sloane Leong. Henry Holt and Company, 2019. Juvenile biography chapter book.

Raised by parents in Compton, California, Serena and Venus Williams were groomed to be fabulous tennis players. Smart, strong, and athletic, the coaching by their father and the support of their family paid off and made their dreams come through. The hard work, neverending mental concentration, and focus on the game itself. and not the drama surrounding it, worked well to create champions. The book mentions the strong faith, the family loyalty, and does not shy away from the controversies that have often been part of Serena's world. 

I confess to not knowing much about tennis. This well written book is the perfect introduction to one of its greatest stars. The chapters are introduced by graphic novel type illustrations that will appeal to some students. But, the narrative is fast paced and interesting. Those unfamiliar with the Williams' sisters may come away with new admiration for them, their talents, and their desire to help others.

The Glovemaker by Ann Weisgarber

The Glovemaker by Ann Weisgarber. Skyhorse Publishing, 2019. Adult historical fiction.

Deborah and her husband, Samuel, live in 1888 in Utah and are Latterday Saints. Samuel leaves on a business trip and is overdue coming back home. Winter sets in and Deborah struggles to do all the chores and go on without him. A stranger appears as often happens, but never in the winter. Deborah helps him. Then, a marshal appears, hunting the stranger. Misfortune befalls the marshal and Deborah becomes entangled more than she ever wants. Will Samuel be back? Will Deborah's good deeds be found out? What will happen to Nels, Samuel's only nearby family member, and who cares for Deborah?

Weisgarber wastes no words. She builds her characters and the actions slowly and carefully. Readers care about Deborah and will want to know what happens to her. The details about the Latterday Saints ring true. The worry, the lack of medical care, the very real dangers of travel and of life on the farm, and other things weigh heavily on Deborah's mind. She is a good woman in a terrible situation. Weisgarber makes readers care.