Hybrid novels grab attention of young readers
Published 12:01 am Monday, September 26, 2011
Hybrid novels are all the rage with young readers, who love the mix of pictures and text in a chapter book.
Wondering what exactly is a hybrid book? Think of the massively popular “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” books by Jeff Kinney or the “Dork Diaries” books by Rachel Renee Russell.
What’s so great about hybrids? In hybrids, the pictures must be “read” as much as the text, something many kids love as an extension of their highly visual world. For reluctant readers, the pictures in hybrids give them clues about the story.
Last year author/illustrator Tom Angleberger’s quirky book, “The Strange Case of Origami Yoda,” was a hit with “Wimpy Kid” fans, who loved the connections that Angleberger made between middle school and “Star Wars” with a “talking” Yoda paper finger puppet that dispenses real-life advice.
Now, Angleberger continues the series with “Darth Paper Strikes Back” ($12.95, ages 8 to 12). In this book, Dwight, the “voice” of Origami Yoda, is threatened with expulsion from McQuarrie Middle School all because of another student named Harvey who hates Yoda and is the “voice” of a Darth Paper finger puppet.
Tommy and friends try to convince the school board to allow Dwight to stay at McQuarrie. But it looks like Darth Paper will vanquish Origami Yoda, or will he?
With her “Amelia” books, author/illustrator Marissa Moss was one of the original hybrid novelist.
Moss’ new series is called “Daphne’s Diary of Daily Disasters” and, with pink pages and a fourth-grade heroine, it’s definitely geared to girls ages 7 to 10. So far, there are two books in the series: “The Name Game!” and “The Vampire Dare!” ($8.99 each).
Grace and best friend Mimi learn life isn’t predictable in “Just Grace and the Double Surprise” ($14.99, ages 7 to 10). Author/illustrator Charise Mericle Harper details what happens when Mimi’s long-awaited adopted sister turns out to be a little boy named Robert.
Eventually Grace and Mimi sort out everything.
