Naruto, Vol. 31: Final Battle

Kishimoto, Masashi. Naruto, Vol. 31: Final Battle. 2011. 190p. ISBN 9781421519432. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

The fight between Sasori, Sakura, and Granny Chiyo from Naruto, Vol. 30 continues as the three of them fight in the Akatsuki cavern. Sasori's powerful and masterful control of his puppets overwhelms Granny Chiyo's defenses. But Sasori's overconfidence in his abilities prove to be the end of him when Sakura defeats him. Meanwhile, Kakashi and Naruto chase Deidara to recover Gaara's body. A fight between the three of them result in Deidara losing his right arm and barely escaping with his life. Granny Chiyo transfers the last of her life energy into Gaara, bringing him back to life.

The action sequences are intense and visually stunning, effectively conveying the dangerous power of the Akatsuki. While Naruto's involvement is limited, Sakura's battle alongside Granny Chiyo against Sasori is highlighted as a standout moment, with the emotional depth of the scenes praised. Sasori's unique and unsettling character design adds a layer of creepiness and tragedy to the conflict, eliciting both fear and pity at his untimely demise.

The story continues in Naruto, Vol. 32.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Vol 17: Diper Overlode

 Kinney, Jeff. Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Vol 17: Diper Overlode. 2022. 224p. ISBN 9780241583098. Available at FIC KIN on the library shelves.

Greg Heffley embarks on a new adventure as his brother Rodrick needs help with his band, Löded Diper,. Rodrick and his bandmates have decided that to become stars and celebrities, they need to reach their fans, and there's no better way than winning a battle of the bands contest. And they will need help moving the equipment around. Initially excited about the prospect of being part of the band, Greg quickly discovers that the reality of the music scene isn't as glamorous as he imagined. He's confronted with the less appealing aspects of band life, including late-night practices, unpaid gigs, constant infighting among the band members, and the perpetual struggle for financial stability.

Greg's involvement with Löded Diper becomes a test of his patience and resilience as he navigates the chaotic world of amateur rock music. He must decide whether he can help the band achieve their dreams of legendary status or if the constant stress and dysfunction will ultimately be too much to handle. The question remains whether Greg's experience with Löded Diper will be a stepping stone to rock and roll glory or a "diper överlöde" – an overwhelming and messy disaster!

In Support Of Students: A Leader's Guide to Equitable MTSS

Novak, Katie and Kristan Rodriguez. In Support Of Students: A Leader's Guide to Equitable MTSS. 2023. 256p. ISBN 9781119885269.

In Support of A Leader’s Guide to Equitable MTSS offers a practical and evidence-based approach to establishing multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) in schools. A team of experienced educators provides concrete strategies and tools designed to aid in the effective implementation and redesign of systems that cater to the diverse needs of all students. In Support of A Leader’s Guide to Equitable MTSS moves beyond theoretical concepts, offering grounded, hands-on guidance for developing MTSS frameworks that not only promote high levels of learning but also foster students' sense of belonging and hope.

This comprehensive playbook serves as an essential resource for K-12 school leaders and administrators seeking to create equitable and effective MTSS. Its research-driven insights and practical advice also make it a valuable tool for policymakers, university personnel, and regional support providers involved in shaping educational systems. The book emphasizes the importance of creating environments where all learners can thrive academically and feel a strong connection to their school community.

The Love Report, Vol. 2

Beka & Maya. The Love Report, Vol. 2. 2024. 200p. ISBN 9781662640605. Available as a graphic novel on the library shelves.

Following The Love Report, Vol. 1, best friends Grace and Lola face new challenges. Grace struggles to adjust to her parents' recent separation and the difficulties of splitting her time between two households. Meanwhile, Lola and Grace extend a helping hand to their friend Adele, who needs a safe place to stay to escape her stepmother, leading them to an old factory. Lola also wants to support Felicity, who is being harassed by a classmate, but finds it's not a simple situation to navigate. Adele is becoming a famous artist, with her work in high demand, but this causes its own set of issues as she must learn to promote herself while maintaining her privacy.

As summer arrives, the change of season takes Grace, Lola, and Adele on an adventure to the island of Sardinia, where Adele has been hired to paint a mural. Far from the familiar settings of home and school, the girls continue their journey of discovering the complexities of love and romance, encountering new experiences and learning more about relationships in a different cultural context.

Madame Brussels: The Life and Times of Melbourne's Most Notorious Woman

Minchinton, Barbara. Madame Brussels: The Life and Times of Melbourne's Most Notorious Woman. 336p. 2024. ISBN 9781760644932.

Born into a working-class Prussian family, Caroline ended up in Brussels as a teen and quickly married a British upper-class man. The couple left Europe and arrived in Melbourne in 1871, partly to gain a fresh start, and partly to avoid the opprobrium of his family. Left to her own devices when her police officer husband was stationed in remote Victoria, she ingeniously turned to operating brothels to support herself, likely drawing on her own experience in Brussels.

 

Her primary establishment, strategically located near Parliament House, quickly became a lavishly furnished haven catering to Melbourne's elite, showcasing her remarkable business acumen. She adeptly navigated Melbourne's economic landscape, flourishing during the boom of the 1880s, enduring the depression of the 1890s, and facing the moral panic of the 1900s. Her death in 1908 marked the end of an era for Melbourne, particularly regarding its stance on prostitution, which transitioned from tolerance to complete prohibition within her lifetime. 

Madame Brussels offers a compelling biography, reconstructing Madame Brussels' story, guiding readers through a fascinating and vibrant period of Melbourne's history in this significant biography of an Australian icon.

Blue Exorcist, Vol. 23

Kato, Kazue. Blue Exorcist, Vol. 23. 2019. 210p. ISBN 9781974711727. Available in the graphic novels section of the library. 

Following revelations about Rin and Yukio's mother in Blue Exorcist, Vol. 22, the tragic past of Yuri Egin, is gradually brought to light as Rin observes with Mephisto Pheles, revealing her prior involvement with Father Fujimoto as a promising young Exorcist. Both were key players in Section 13's ambitious research, which focused on creating immortality elixirs and developing clone bodies to serve as vessels for demonic spirits. This highly experimental project, aimed at harnessing demonic power, initially showed signs of progress.

However, the research took a catastrophic turn with the unforeseen manifestation of a demonic spirit within one of the clone bodies. This wasn't just any demon; it was Satan himself, the most powerful demon of all. This catastrophic event marked a pivotal moment in Yuri and Fujimoto's lives, setting in motion the tragic circumstances that would ultimately define Rin and Yukio's origins.

The story continues in Blue Exorcist, Vol. 24.

Say a Little Prayer

Voris, Jenna. Say a Little Prayer. 2025. 320p. ISBN 9780593692745.

Riley distanced herself from her church after realizing her homosexual identity wasn't accepted within the congregation. However, it was the shunning of her sister for having an abortion that ignited a fierce desire for rebellion. Ironically, a slap administered in defense of her sister lands Riley in the principal's office, leading to a spring break sentence at church camp to avoid a suspension that would prevent her from participating in the school play, something she's been looking for all year. The only silver lining is the presence of her best friend and neighbor, Julia, despite the complication of Julia's father being the pastor and in charge of the camp, and the further complication of Riley being attracted to Julia.

Determined to challenge the church's exclusionary doctrines, Riley abandons any pretense of repentance and instead sets out to commit all seven deadly sins during her time at camp. Her audacious plan is to demonstrate to the other campers that sometimes acting "badly" can serve a greater good, hoping to spark a righteous revolution against the church's judgmental stance. Can Riley manage to convince the church congregation that Julia's father is wrong?