Refresh Refresh, by Danica Novgorodoff

Refresh Refresh, by Danica Novgorodoff. New York: First Second, 2009. 138 pp. ISBN 9781596435223


READER'S ANNOTATION
Apart from a few lines here and there, it's been so long since Josh has received any real contact from his father.  He just wants to know where his dad is...

GENRE
Graphic Novel

SUMMARY
"Fathers, sons, and the war that comes between them. There's nothing Josh, Cody, and Gordon want more than their fathers home safely from the war in Iraq — unless it's to get out of their dead-end town. Refresh, Refresh is the story of three teenagers on the cusp of high school graduation and their struggle to make hard decisions with no role models to follow; to discover the possibilities for the future when all the doors are slamming in their faces; and to believe their fathers will come home alive so they can be boys again." (barnesandnoble.com synopsis)

EVALUATION
This is a heart-breaking and vivid window into the experience of three boys who want nothing more than to hear from their fathers, and the title of the novel refers to just that, the act of hitting the "refresh" key to see if you've received any new email.  The teens' lives are portrayed realistically, and scenes of everyday things such as going to parties or practicing their fighting skills are interspersed with conversations about the future which is just around the corner for these high school seniors.  I highly recommed this honest graphic novel.  Potential controversial elements: violence, underage drinking, sexual activity.

HOW THIS BOOK HELPS
This novel may help teens whose fathers or mothers are in the military and stationed away from the family.

WHY I CHOSE TO READ IT
I have always been interested in how teens deal with having parents overseas in the military.

Ultimate Spider-Man,Vol. 2: Learning Curve, by Brian Michael Bendis

Ultimate Spider-Man,Vol. 2:  Learning Curve, by Brian Michael Bendis. New York: Marvel Comics, 2004. Unpaged. ISBN 0785108203


READER'S ANNOTATION
It's hard balancing school and work...especially when you're fighting crime at the same time.

GENRE
Graphic Novel/Comic Book

SUMMARY
"Following the murder of his uncle, the assault on his high school, and the confusing signals from Mary Jane Watson, Peter [Parker] finds himself on the brink of manhood: getting a job at a New York City newspaper, the Daily Bugle, to help support his family and taking on other extracurricular activities...like bringing down organized crime head honcho Wilson Fisk, otherwise known as the Kingpin!" (summary on back cover)

EVALUATION 
This is an update to the original Spiderman series, telling Peter's story from the beginning, but in the present day.  The illustrations are in full color, which seems rare in teen graphic novels (based on the limited number that I've read) and is quite striking.  Characters' emotions are clearly expressed in these depictions, although some are a bit static, and Mary Jane in particular looks older than the high school student she is meant to be.  The story is of course action-packed, but there are comedic moments inserted here and there, such as Peter's interaction with a school psychologist.  Overall, a fun, light read.  Poterntial controversial element: violence.

HOW THIS BOOK HELPS
Teens who have a large amount of responsibility may identify with Peter Parker.

WHY I CHOSE TO READ IT
I had never read a Spiderman comic/graphic novel before.