My Sister, the Freak

Sisters learn to appreciate each other while navigating an extraterrestrial invasion in this entertaining graphic novel exploration of sibling bonds. Ten-year-old Mary Seaver is creative and passionate about her interests, even if her classmates ostracize her because of her dedication to method acting the role of flying monkey in the school production of The Wizard of Oz. Mary’s older sister Al, a high school freshman, will do anything to avoid conflict, including following her mean-girl bestie’s directives on what Al should wear to the upcoming Spring Fling and who would be an acceptable date. The siblings’ quotidian interpersonal challenges take a fantastical turn when Mary is chased by a large blue arachnid-dragon creature. As Mary and Al find themselves stuck in the path of a motley crew of space invaders seeking an unknown person, Al must learn to accept her sister—and herself—to save the day. Action packed panels by Jones (The What-If Wonderfest), making a solo debut, burst with dynamic onomatopoeia and propulsive, fast-paced plotting that alternates heartening character moments with madcap alien antics, food fights, and superpowered battles. Mary’s own crayon comics feature throughout. The siblings are portrayed with pale skin. Ages 8–12. Agent: Nicole Tugeau, Tugeau 2. (Apr.)