© 2024
Kelly Fernández
MANU
Publication date: 11/02/2021
Publisher: Scholastic Graphix
Manu and her best friend, Josefina, live at a magical school for girls, and Manu is always getting into trouble. The headmistress believes that Manu has the potential to help people with her magic, but Manu would rather have fun than fall in line. One day, a prank goes seriously wrong, and Josefina gets angry and wishes for Manu's magic to disappear... and it does. Manu uses a dangerous spell to restore it, but it makes her magic too powerful and nearly impossible to control. Great power comes at a cost, and it may be a price that Manu isn't able to pay!
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Praise for MANU
• 2022 International Latino Book Award Silver Medal Winner
• Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
• Indies Introduce Summer/Fall 2021 Pick
• American Booksellers Association Indie Next Pick Nov/Dec 2021 Pick
• Kirkus Best Middle-Grade Graphic Fiction of 2021
• 2021 Washington Post Best Children’s Book of the Year
“Drawing from her own Dominican experience, Fernández weaves together religion, lore, and brujería and creates a world in which magical powers bestowed by saints and evil eye necklaces work hand in hand. Fun, refreshing, antics-filled magical adventures." –Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"Though the emphasis on magic will draw in fantasy fans, this poignant graphic novel will resonate with any reader seeking a tale of friendship conquering all." –School Library Journal, starred review
“Fernández’s cartoon artwork in saturated tones and with lush, vibrant backgrounds dense with plants makes for charming, light-hearted atmosphere, within which she affectionately depicts the rich variety of love people can have for one another, such as the love of a parent, foster parent, or best friend.”–Booklist, starred review
"Richly inflected by her Dominican heritage, Roman Catholic traditions, and elements of brujería, Fernandez’s fast-paced graphic novel debut explores striving for individuality while yearning to belong, reminding readers that differences should never preclude extending kindness and love." –Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Adorable.” –Hip Latina
“If you've got a kid who loves comics, Manu is a solid choice with some really lovely art." –NPR
