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bookendtobookend's review
4.0
This was a wonderful read. The graphic was well done, so colorful and vibrant.
I enjoyed watching Addie realize that she is not alone. She had to learn and accept that the people around her cares and want to be her friend through this very emotional time for her. Mateo was such a good friend and gave her the space she needed to come to terms with their friendship. The VR element also added another layer to the story, it was all very well done.
Very good read for older elementary school age children.
I enjoyed watching Addie realize that she is not alone. She had to learn and accept that the people around her cares and want to be her friend through this very emotional time for her. Mateo was such a good friend and gave her the space she needed to come to terms with their friendship. The VR element also added another layer to the story, it was all very well done.
Very good read for older elementary school age children.
jr_asparagus's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.25
Wow what a cute book
zabcia's review
5.0
91%
"Wear wonder like a cape. It will help sustain and strengthen you as you ride the always-surprising roller coaster of life."
There was so much content in this graphic novel: moon seeds (didn't know that was a thing!), augmented/virtual reality (have played some games, but never considered all the potential applications), and familial loss/dealing with grief.
I wish the AR content related to the book that's been done so far was printed in the book, or at the very least make the QR codes on the website clickable, because I had to open my computer to take pictures of the screen with my phone, which was tedious. That being said, it was definitely worth the trouble - so cool to see little bits of the book come alive!
link to the AR related to the book (a MUST!!!!): https://wendymass.com/books/lo-and-behold/
"Wear wonder like a cape. It will help sustain and strengthen you as you ride the always-surprising roller coaster of life."
There was so much content in this graphic novel: moon seeds (didn't know that was a thing!), augmented/virtual reality (have played some games, but never considered all the potential applications), and familial loss/dealing with grief.
I wish the AR content related to the book that's been done so far was printed in the book, or at the very least make the QR codes on the website clickable, because I had to open my computer to take pictures of the screen with my phone, which was tedious. That being said, it was definitely worth the trouble - so cool to see little bits of the book come alive!
link to the AR related to the book (a MUST!!!!): https://wendymass.com/books/lo-and-behold/
rikkir77's review
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
kristinajean's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
bookishrealm's review
4.0
This was a lot more of an emotional read than I expected. The cover definitely didn't lead me to believe that we would be covering difficult topics.
Lo and Behold is the first graphic novel by Wendy Mass. It follows Addie who is moving for the summer to a university campus with her father as he gets a new opportunity to work with VR programs. Addie has been struggling with the absence of her mother and has a hard time connecting with others. While there, she learns a lot of the grief formed from the absence of those we love the most as well as understanding the idea that everyone faces tough experiences in life.
What Worked: The artwork was AMAZING. From the illustrations to the inking, Gabi Mendez showed out with this graphic novel. I loved that they were able to capture every emotion felt by each one of the characters and also make it feel authentic. There is an air of mystery tied to this storyline, but with Mendez's art and Maas's words, the reader slowly appreciates the reveal at the end. I appreciate Mass taking the leap to introduce readers to more complex themes. While this graphic novel illustrates the many beneficial aspects of virtual reality, Maas also takes the opportunity to illustrate emotions like grief, anger, frustration and themes of parental absence, addiction, and more. I was unclear about where Maas was going with Addie's character development, but through each panel it became more clear and the interconnectedness of the characters as well as Addie's relationship with her mother comes full circle. There were a lot of great attributes to this graphic novel through the character development and plot development that made it a quick, but impactful read.
What Didn't Work: There were letters that Addie receives (I won't say from who), but I think that those could have been explored more in relationship to Addie's parents. I also think that the reveal could have been expanded to give more context to how everything impacted Addie.
Overall, this was a good read! I'm really glad that I decided to pick it up.
Lo and Behold is the first graphic novel by Wendy Mass. It follows Addie who is moving for the summer to a university campus with her father as he gets a new opportunity to work with VR programs. Addie has been struggling with the absence of her mother and has a hard time connecting with others. While there, she learns a lot of the grief formed from the absence of those we love the most as well as understanding the idea that everyone faces tough experiences in life.
What Worked: The artwork was AMAZING. From the illustrations to the inking, Gabi Mendez showed out with this graphic novel. I loved that they were able to capture every emotion felt by each one of the characters and also make it feel authentic. There is an air of mystery tied to this storyline, but with Mendez's art and Maas's words, the reader slowly appreciates the reveal at the end. I appreciate Mass taking the leap to introduce readers to more complex themes. While this graphic novel illustrates the many beneficial aspects of virtual reality, Maas also takes the opportunity to illustrate emotions like grief, anger, frustration and themes of parental absence, addiction, and more. I was unclear about where Maas was going with Addie's character development, but through each panel it became more clear and the interconnectedness of the characters as well as Addie's relationship with her mother comes full circle. There were a lot of great attributes to this graphic novel through the character development and plot development that made it a quick, but impactful read.
What Didn't Work: There were letters that Addie receives (I won't say from who), but I think that those could have been explored more in relationship to Addie's parents. I also think that the reveal could have been expanded to give more context to how everything impacted Addie.
Overall, this was a good read! I'm really glad that I decided to pick it up.
bantwalkers's review
3.0
3.75! Characters are great. I was interested in the story. It had some heavy shit, but it was extremely delicate with it. My main complaint is with the VR stuff. Like, what they are all trying to do is honorable and I know there are people out there doing that kind of stuff with VR. However, when the book starts with the inventor of VR giving his most VR will change the world spin that has ever been spun. Followed by an MLK quote. It really seemed that Wendy Mass was hired as a PR consultant for big VR and this graphic novel is just pro VR propaganda.
But … I’m an adult and also even I think that is silly. So when you get down to it, it’s that this is sweet and charming with a high emotional intelligence.
But … I’m an adult and also even I think that is silly. So when you get down to it, it’s that this is sweet and charming with a high emotional intelligence.
books_inthewild's review
5.0
*Me running to recommend “Lo & Behold” to my students!
I loved this one!
The characters of Addie & Mateo were so great- and I really liked the friendship that blossoms between them. They both had some hard things they are going through, and were able to connect near the end over them.
I thought the Space and VR themes in the book were really cool, and I was interested in the facts & learned a lot.
The illustrations and colouring are stunning- and these might just be some of my favourite characters. Their expressions and mannerisms brought their emotions & personalities to life!
Recommended for grades 4-7, there are some difficult topics to tackle.
I loved this one!
The characters of Addie & Mateo were so great- and I really liked the friendship that blossoms between them. They both had some hard things they are going through, and were able to connect near the end over them.
I thought the Space and VR themes in the book were really cool, and I was interested in the facts & learned a lot.
The illustrations and colouring are stunning- and these might just be some of my favourite characters. Their expressions and mannerisms brought their emotions & personalities to life!
Recommended for grades 4-7, there are some difficult topics to tackle.
christywinemiller's review
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0