A Very Babymouse Christmas by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm

Love, love, love this series. I gave this to my six-year-old because she's just learning to read, and she can't put it down. She has favorite sections that she'll open to, and she'll just giggle over and over again.

The illustrations and storyline are so cute that parents shouldn't be deceived by all of the pink within the pages. Even my nephews love reading about this spunky mouse who can't help but be in the Christmas spirit. The plot is fun and deals with the struggles that most kids have when they get caught up in the commercialism of gift-giving (and receiving). Through the witty banter between the narrator and Babymouse, readers not only get to laugh, but also get to think about what's really important during this holiday season.

V for Vendetta by Alan Moore and David Lloyd

Add caption

"Since mankind's dawn, a handful of oppressors have accepted the responsibility over our lives that we should have accepted for ourselves...By doing so, they took our power. By doing nothing, we gave it away." - V, p. 258 

Alan Moore and David Lloyd create a dark, futuristic society post WWIII set in London, England. Following the war that killed millions and destroyed the earth, Fate promises to restore order, but the cost is that people no longer have freedom or identity. As the "Ear," "Nose," "Eye," and "Mouth" (a.k.a. various branches of a very corrupt law enforcement) monitor people's every move - and dispose of the "nonconformists" - V sets the stage to overthrow the government, and give citizens a second chance at freedom. 

I don't like dystopian novels, but I really enjoyed this one. It's a little tough to get into because the background plot is complex, there are a lot of characters to remember, and there are several subplots going on at the same time. Having said all of that , I appreciate it's complexity because it shows readers that graphic novels are legitimate literature. There were times throughout the novel that I was amazed at how well the scenes flowed as well as the profound message that freedom is not free. 

This could be an excellent novel to use during a history unit because it references Resettlement Camps and alludes to experiements and torture carried out during WWII. In fact, Fate's government is strikingly similar to Hitler's brand of "freedom." In addition, this is one of the first novels that addresses the persecution of gays as well as minorities, and it preaches a sense of tolerance against the backdrop of violence. Really, there is so much that can be pulled from this novel that is teachable.