cover image Max and the Midknights

Max and the Midknights

Lincoln Peirce. Crown, $13.99 (288p) ISBN 978-1-101-93108-0

Max’s uncle Budrick is a traveling troubadour in a 14th-century Europe-like countryside, and he’s the only family Max has. When the two visit Budrick’s homeland, the kingdom of Byjovia, they encounter King Gastley, who kidnaps Budrick and orders him to be his court jester. Max, who has always yearned to be a knight, must figure out how to rescue Budrick with the aid of new friends, the newly anointed Midknights. Thus begins a winding adventure filled with laughs, hijinks, and unexpected revelations, including a few about Max’s identity. Peirce mixes the formats of traditional and graphic novel, conveying much of the tale with panels but including prose passages on many pages. Filled with exciting elements, including wizards, dragons, zombies, and flying rats, this mischievous medieval tale in characteristic cartoons by Big Nate creator Peirce will entertain young and adult readers with adventure and humor. Ages 8–12. [em](Jan.) [/em]