Blue Lock, Vol. 3

Kaneshiro, Muneyuki. Blue Lock, Vol. 3. 2019. 208p. ISBN 9781646516568. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

Isagi and Team Z, fresh from their victory over Team Y in Blue Lock, Vol. 2, enter their match against Team W with a surge of confidence. However, their newfound momentum is quickly threatened by internal strife. The first half of the game goes well, with Kuon scoring three unanswered goals. However, this fragile unity within the team begins to fracture, as individual anxieties and insecurities manifest on the field, hindering their performance. This internal struggle leaves them vulnerable against Team W's formidable aces, the Wanima twins, who possess exceptional skill and coordination.

Then Kuon reveals that he's betrayed Team Z. With the new rule that those who score valuable goals will be ranked higher, Kuon has accomplished his goal of moving out of Team Z, and now the field is 10 versus 12, as Team Z is down one player. Team Z must overcome their personal fears and rediscover their sense of unity. They need to learn to trust each other and work cohesively to counter Team W's strengths. The outcome of the match hinges on their ability to mend the cracks in their team dynamic and rediscover the teamwork that brought them their previous victory, or they risk succumbing to defeat. Can Isagi motivate Chigiri to come out of his reluctance to play and commit fully to Team Z?

The story continues in Blue Lock, Vol. 4.

The Mystery of the Crooked Man

Spencer, Tom. The Mystery of the Crooked Man. 2024. 303p. ISBN 9781805335115.

Agatha Dorn is an eccentric British middle-aged archivist with a sharp wit, a love for gin, and a passion for classic detective fiction. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she stumbles upon a lost manuscript by the renowned Golden Age author Gladden Green. This discovery catapults Agatha into the literary spotlight, bringing her sudden fame and recognition.

However, Agatha's newfound celebrity is short-lived. The "rediscovered" novel is revealed to be a forgery, and her reputation is tarnished as a result. Adding to her woes, her former lover is found dead with a piece of the fraudulent manuscript nearby, leading Agatha to suspect foul play. Determined to clear her name and uncover the truth, Agatha embarks on a quest to solve the murder and expose the connection between the killing and the fake manuscript. But can she manage to stay sober enough to catch the real killer, or will she become another victim in this intricate whodunit?

Fans of Agatha Christie's novels will love this well-crafted mystery. Agatha's quirks, such as her love of gin and her prickly personality, make her memorable and entertaining. 

Silver

Rich, Mari. Silver. Part of The Chemistry of Everyday Elements series. 20167. 64p. ISBN 9781422238455. Available at 546.65 RIC on the library shelves.

Silver has been highly valued throughout human history due to its unique properties. It is a lustrous, malleable, and ductile precious metal with excellent electrical and thermal conductivity. These characteristics have made silver a cornerstone of various industries. Historically, silver has played a significant role as a form of currency, prized for its durability and intrinsic value. Its aesthetic appeal has also made it a popular choice for jewelry-making, adorning countless individuals throughout the ages.

In modern times, silver's industrial applications have expanded significantly. Its exceptional conductivity makes it an essential component in electronics, where it is used in the production of various components such as electrical contacts, printed circuit boards, and solar panels. Silver's antimicrobial properties have also led to its use in medical applications, such as wound dressings and water purification systems.

This series includes:

• Silver
• Helium
• Gold
• Silicon
• Oxygen
• Hydrogen
• Aluminum

Adora and the Distance

Bernardin, Marc; Ariela Kristantina, Bryan Valenza, and Bernardo Brice. Adora and the Distance. 2021. 112p. ISBN 9781506724508. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

Adora was abandoned as an infant by the city's well, but the ruler adopted her. Her dedication to her city earned her the respect and protection of its residents. However, Adora has always been plagued by dreams. Amorphous but always blacker than black, the dreams convey the idea that someone or something badly wants her to join them.

Now a nine-year-old studious girl, Adora learns that Distance seeks to get her. Distance always poses a significant threat to the very fabric of the world and is never satisfied until it consumes the one receiving all of the dreams. Understanding she must abandon her city to protect it, Adora sets out on a journey filled with peril and wonder. Escorted by loyal companions, she confronts underground pirates and ethereal ghosts, hoping to find a way to stop the Distance.

Adora's adventures are epic in scale as she confronts the dangers of the Distance and the challenges presented by the unique inhabitants of her world.  Her quest involves navigating treacherous landscapes, facing formidable foes, and unraveling the secrets behind the Distance to protect her world from destruction. The graphic novel format brings Adora's vibrant world and thrilling escapades to life, promising an engaging and visually captivating reading experience.

The Bug Bandits

Walsh, Jenni. The Bug Bandits. 2025. 224p. ISBN 9780310167921.

Liberty Jacobs, a science enthusiast, has practically grown up within the walls of the Walnut Street Insectarium, raised by its diverse inhabitants, including tarantulas and rare butterflies, due to her mother's absence and her father's dedication to the museum. She embraces the role of "Bug Girl" at school. Due to circumstances, the museum's future, its home, and the funding for its dream butterfly release program, "Life & Liberty," are all at risk unless it can secure a major investor.

With a crucial investor meeting just a week away, Liberty overhears a plot to steal the museum's rarest insects. Despite her suspicions that it might be an inside job, the police dismiss her concerns. With her father out of town for a convention, it falls to Liberty and her friends to stop the thieves. Armed with her extensive knowledge of insect defense mechanisms, they must devise a plan to thwart the criminals and save the beloved museum.

In the style of Home Alone, The Bug Bandits follow three kids who prepare to defend their territory and prevent a theft that will cripple the museum. Fast-paced and humorous, readers will appreciate the realistic portrayal of young teens and the measures they take to confound the bandits!

Naruto, Vol. 26: Awakening

Kishimoto, Masashi. Naruto, Vol. 26: Awakening. 2011. 192p. ISBN 9781421518626. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

The conflict between former friends Sasuke and Naruto, which ignited in Naturo, Vol. 25, escalates dramatically. Driven by a relentless pursuit of power, Sasuke seeks to unlock the Mangekyo Sharingan, a powerful but dangerous ability. This pursuit pushes him to the brink, forcing him to kill Naruto, his closest friend, in order to achieve his goal. The intensity of their battle reflects the complex and often contradictory emotions within Sasuke, who struggles with the weight of his past and the desire for ultimate strength.

This pivotal confrontation tests the strength of their bond and forces Naruto to confront the devastating reality that his friendship with Sasuke may be irrevocably broken. The stakes are high, as both friends face the possibility of losing everything – their friendship, their ideals, and potentially their lives – in this epic clash where the Nine-tail fox finally reveals his presence to Sasuke.

Meanwhile, Kakashi, who is finally back on his feet, learns that a team of young chunins were sent out to rescue Sasuke, as they were the only ninjas available. Kakashi leaves Kohona and tracks down his students, hoping that they survived their encounter with Orichimaru's agents!

The story continues in Naruto, Vol. 27: Departure.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Vol. 12: The Getaway

Kinney, Jeff. Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Vol. 12: The Getaway. 2017. 224p. ISBN 9781419725456. Available at FIC KIN on the library shelves.Friendship,Action,Boys,Graphic novel,

Greg's mom and dad, seeking respite from the usual holiday chaos, decide to forgo their traditional Christmas celebrations at home and instead escape to a relaxing resort, much to Greg's dismay. Hoping for a stress-free getaway, they envision a peaceful and rejuvenating vacation, far from the pressures of holiday preparations and family gatherings. However, the family's plans for a tranquil holiday quickly unravel as their supposed escape turns into a series of unexpected and comedic mishaps.

Instead of the serene retreat they anticipated, the Heffleys find themselves embroiled in a holiday nightmare. What was meant to be a relaxing break becomes a source of even greater stress and frustration as they encounter various challenges and comical situations. The resort, intended to be a haven from holiday pressures, becomes the setting for a new set of problems, leaving the Greg to wonder if his family's attempt to avoid the usual Christmas madness has only led them into a different kind of holiday chaos!