The Mystery of the Unlocked Cave
The Mystery of the Unlocked Cave
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Orca Books
Just the Series: The Monster Sisters Vol. 1   

Series and Publisher: The Monster Sisters   

Annotation: In this graphic novel for early middle readers, two young sleuths must figure out why their sleepy seaside town is being overrun by monsters.
 
Reviews: 1
Catalog Number: #566138
Format: Paperback
Special Formats: Graphic Novel Graphic Novel
Publisher: Orca Books
Copyright Date: 2019
Edition Date: 2019 Release Date: 09/17/19
Pages: 149 pages
ISBN: 1-459-82226-9
ISBN 13: 978-1-459-82226-9
Dewey: Fic
LCCN: 2019934055
Dimensions: 27 cm.
Language: English
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews

Two sisters try to solve the mystery behind monster attacks on their Canadian home.In this graphic offering, siblings Enid Jupiter and Lyra Gotham's beloved city of Victoria is plagued by such destructive creatures as a hairy squid, a giant yellow reptile, and mysterious Mirror Masons. Aided by a cache of clever mystery-solving tools, the girls swing around Vancouver Island on magical vines and find clues alongside interesting historical facts, as when Enid and Lyra see Gyro Park's large statues roar to life while readers learn about the actual landmarks. This middle-grade graphic novel has expressive and bright illustrations, housed in large and tidy panels laid out with easy-to-read text bubbles. Gaudin offers what should be a fascinating mix of intriguing elements: imaginative monster battles, fun historical facts, a gently spooky mystery, and a warm emphasis on sisterhood. Unfortunately, it has an overall scattershot feel. The girls' investigations lack clear endpoints, with one monster mystery tenuously dissolving into the next without any definitive resolution. Enid and Lyra both present white; there are few other human characters in their adventures, although the ones they encounter are exclusively white. While a nod is given to using the Indigenous names of British Columbia's landmarks, no visual representations of these peoples are shown.A quirky mystery that does not quite hit its mark. (Graphic fantasy. 7-10)

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Kirkus Reviews
Reading Level: 4.0
Interest Level: 4-7
Guided Reading Level: W
Fountas & Pinnell: W

When a quiet seaside town is suddenly overrun by hundreds of giant monsters, two young sisters are the only ones prepared to handle the situation. Using their keen interest in architecture, local history, folklore and gymnastics, the two girls attempt to not only stop the monsters' rampage but also figure out why it's happening. The story is set in Victoria, British Columbia, and the city's impressive history and creepy folklore add intrigue to the proceedings, as more and more monstrous guests arrive on this unceded Lekwungen Territory.

The Monster Sisters, Enid Jupiter and Lyra Gotham, are two young sleuths in the vein of Nancy Drew or Scooby Doo, doing superheroic deeds while learning about colonialism on Indigenous land. Using maps, true facts and witty asides, this graphic novel is as much of an adventure to read as it is for the characters to experience. This is book one in a two-book series. The second will come out in spring 2020.


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