Money Talks (Brainstormerz #1)

Three besties work together to help each other succeed in this energetic graphic novel series opener from Alexander (The Mighty Macy) and debut author Dyce. Nine-year-old Lex often feels like he’s “drowning in a sea of words,” particularly because his independent bookstore owner parents insist that he learn a new word every day. Lex finds reprieve from his parents’ academic expectations by hanging out with his friends, entrepreneurial Cass and artistic goofball DJ. After Lex requests a new phone for his upcoming 10th birthday, and his parents deem it too expensive, the friends endeavor to buy it themselves. Each money-making venture seems to create more problems than it solves: the trio accidentally substitute laxatives for chocolate in their bake sale brownies; they prove no match for the dogs they attempt to walk; and their magic performance is thwarted by an already existing magic club. And while making valentines proves lucrative, Lex’s worries about the family bookstore’s struggles—and their effect on his parents’ relationship—send his desire for a new phone into the background. Expressive, character-focused art by Doucet (Wish I Was a Baller) highlights movement, injecting dynamism into the straightforward plot. The cast is rendered with various skin tones. Ages 8–12. (May)