Snow Angel

October 17, 2016
Snow Angel is a hero with an unusual superpower: when this teen girl makes snow angels, she turns into one, complete with white robes, a halo, and the ability to fly. Using snow balls, ice breath, and witty banter, she fights the petty crime that makes every day aggravating: jaywalking, bad manners, and comic-con swindlers. When her parents move to Tucson, Ariz., life becomes much more difficult for Snow Angel, not just because she has to deal with her pesky brother and unbeliever of a mother; now she must findâor createâenough snow to trigger her transformations, or suffer as an angry nobody who's forever able to see the world's wrongs but never right them. With story and art by Chelsea (Sleepless and Other Stories) and colors by Jacob Mercy (Dracula vs. a Hemophiliac), this episodic superhero tale is a curmudgeon's attempt at seeing the world a little brighter; the story and the pen-and-ink atmosphere will appeal to those looking for their next indie gem.

August 1, 2016

Gr 3 Up-Though the protagonist of this title needs cold weather in order to conjure up her super alter ego, this is a warm take on the importance of doing the right thing. Snow Angel goes by Angel when she is without her powers, and time and time again she is spurred to action. Humor and timely cultural references abound, making the positive message fun. Kids will enjoy an episode in which Snow Angel nabs a man for ignoring a "keep off the grass" sign-not realizing that he's just robbed a bank. Young readers will relate to the heroine, whose parents disapprove of her superpowers, while parents will appreciate the emphasis on good behavior, so as not to get some "snow in the face." A master illustrator of comics for adults as well, Chelsea conveys various situations, moods, points of view, and character expressions with minimal line work and fresh color. VERDICT A strong offering for graphic novel collections, especially those where superheroes are popular.-Jennifer Gibson, SUNY Cortland

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.