Another Kind by Cait May and Trevor Bream

 

In my continuing mission to find more quality books for my students, I came across Another Kind by Cait May and Trevor Bream. This middle grades graphic novel was extremely well-reviewed and the cover art looked intriguing, so I decided to give it a try.

The plot of the novel follows a group of cryptid kids who have grown up in a secret government facility. There is Omar, a yeti, Sylvie, a will-o'-the-wisp, Jaali, a Nandi bear, Clarise, a selkie, Newt, an alien, and Maggie, a half-human, half sea-god creature. They spend their days learning, training, and having fun together. Their safe, sheltered existence is shattered, however, when one of the agents meant to protect them turns double-agent and betrays them to The Collector, a man who likes to imprison not-quite-human creatures for his own amusement. They manage to evade his initial attempts at capture, but are then left on their own in a world that is dangerous and difficult to navigate. Together, they must utilize all their strengths and unique talents to reach a place where they can be safe.

Another Kind is a simple story using some well-worn tropes, but it is absolutely delightful. The young characters are all very likable, and they each have their own backstories guaranteed to tug at readers' heartstrings. The way they work together and support each other delivers a beautiful message about found family and love. It's wholesome without being preachy or overbearing and I was rooting for the characters to succeed all the way throughout. This book is perfect for a middle grades audience, but I think readers of any age will be able to enjoy it.

The illustrations were also tremendous here. I really liked the art style and color choices. Of special note were the parts in which Sylvie uses her will-o'-the-wisp powers to their fullest extent, which were often spread across two pages and were very creepy. There is a great sense of movement to the graphics, both in the action sequences and in the quiet moments. Maggie's tentacle hair, for example, seemed to wriggle around the page. It was as pleasant to look at as it was to read.

The good reviews here were very well-earned. Another Kind is a fun, action-packed, and emotional book. It's a wonderful choice for younger readers and is certainly one of the best middle grades graphic novels that I have read. It's a new favorite for me and I'm very pleased to have come across it.

Challenge Tally

Clear the Shelves 2021: 27/50 (keep)

Total Books Read in 2021: 52