HiLo

HiLo is a middle-grade graphic novel about two unlikely friends - D.J., an ordinary boy who feels overshadowed by his talented siblings, and HiLo, a mysterious boy who crashes to Earth with no memory of his past. As D.J. helps HiLo adjust to life on Earth, strange events begin occurring in their small town. The boys face robots, portals, and otherworldly threats while trying to uncover the truth about HiLo's origins. Their adventures balance high-stakes action with humor and genuine friendship, told through bold illustrations and dynamic panel layouts. D.J.'s childhood friend Gina joins the duo, adding complexity to their group dynamic. The story explores themes of identity, belonging, and the courage to discover one's true potential. Through its mix of sci-fi elements and relatable middle school experiences, HiLo speaks to anyone who has ever felt like an outsider trying to find their place.

Readers consistently rate HiLo as an engaging graphic novel for middle-grade audiences. Parents and teachers report it appeals to reluctant readers and keeps children asking for the next book in the series. Readers highlighted: - Fast-paced action and humor that connects with kids - Friendship dynamics between main characters - Colorful, expressive artwork - Positive themes about loyalty and acceptance - Appeals to both boys and girls ages 7-12 Common criticisms: - Some found the humor too silly or juvenile - Basic art style compared to other graphic novels - Plot feels rushed in places Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (7,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.8/5 (1,200+ ratings) Common Sense Media: 4/5 Reader quote: "My 9-year-old son devoured this in one sitting and immediately asked for book 2. The characters feel real and relatable." - Amazon reviewer "Perfect for fans of Dog Man looking for slightly more complex stories" - School librarian on Goodreads

Roller Girl by Victoria JamiesonThis graphic novel follows a 12-year-old's journey through roller derby camp while navigating friendship changes and self-discovery.

Real Friends by Shannon HaleLeUyen Pham A memoir-style graphic novel chronicles the ups and downs of elementary school friendships and finding one's place in social groups.

Zita the SpacegirlbyBen Hatke This science fiction graphic novel series features a girl who travels through space portals to rescue her friend and encounters robots, aliens, and unexpected allies.

Cardboard by Doug TenNapelA father-son story unfolds when cardboard creations come to life, leading to otherworldly adventures and consequences.

AmuletbyKazu Kibuishi Two siblings enter a parallel world after moving to their ancestral house, discovering magical powers and mechanical creatures while searching for their mother.

🌟 Author Judd Winick was a cast member on MTV's "The Real World: San Francisco" in 1994, where he lived with Pedro Zamora, an HIV/AIDS educator who deeply influenced his life and work. 🚀 Before HiLo, Winick worked as a writer for major comic book publishers, including DC Comics, where he wrote for Batman, Green Lantern, and Green Arrow. 📚 The character design for HiLo was partly inspired by Winick's own son, who helped give feedback on early drafts of the story. 💫 HiLo combines elements of superhero comics and manga, reflecting Winick's diverse influences from both Western and Eastern comic traditions. 🎨 The book's distinctive blue-and-orange color scheme was chosen specifically to make HiLo stand out among other graphic novels, which often use full color or black-and-white palettes.