Meesh and friends uncover a fissure at the heart of fairy and demon societies alike.Meesh is training up her newfound guardian abilities with her grandma Chow, but danger is closing in. The werewolf pack, including Chai, is displaced when its forest home is bulldozed. Friends Nouna the fairy and Xavier the demon offer to help, but the cause of all this trouble shakes the foundations of everything they thought they knew about Ponderosa and Plumeria City. The first book dealt with prejudices between demons and fairies; this sequel exposes both societies' unfair maligning of a third group. The characters grapple with uncomfortable feelings that arise from honestly facing the harm done by members of one's community and setting aside ego in the interest of truly helping others. In the process, they demonstrate self-sacrifice, empathy, and forgiveness. Callbacks to the series opener are used for humorous and dramatic effect. There's still plenty of room for magical showdowns, assistance from sentient trees, and the threat of a giant laser of doom, of course. The range of perspectives and the clear emotional expressions the characters wear mean readers will easily find someone among the cast to connect with. The story's message of looking beyond merely assigning worthiness or blame to find a productive path forward is a powerful and affirming use of its fantasy world.Uses questions of right and wrong to thoughtfully challenge a robust fantasy society. (process notes and sketches) (Graphic fantasy. 8-12)

Gr 3–6— Having saved the underworld and become its Guardian, Meesh thought the hard work was done. Fate has different plans in this sequel to Meesh the Bad Demon . Meesh's friend Chai and her family are forced out of their home by an evil that threatens the entirety of Ponderosa. When Meesh and Fairy Princess Nouna investigate, they discover a familiar foe. Lam creates a tale that will ring familiar to readers: a thriving community rejects a cultural group, turningthem into outcasts. With their children bullied and adults unable to find work, the fairy demons leave Plumeria City and make their own home elsewhere. But one fairy still wants revenge, and it falls to Meesh, with some help from her friends, to save the world again. Lam's manga-inspired artwork is eye-catching and offers a range of distinct characters. The storytelling presents both sides of a difficult topic, inviting readers to examine issues of prejudice and its fallout. Meesh continues her heroine's journey in this second installment of the series by embracing her gifts and learning that true power comes not from a talisman, but from within. VERDICT Middle graders will be delighted with a second Meesh story. A recommended purchase for graphic novel collections.— Rosemary Kiladitis