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  • The Sleepover

The Sleepover

Publication Date
November 09, 2021
Genre / Grade Band
Fiction /  4th − 5th
Language
English
Format
Graphic Novel
The Sleepover

Description

Perfect for fans of Stranger Things, this middle grade graphic novel follows a group of kids trying to cheer up their friend after a recent loss with a fun-filled sleepover, but their plans soon take a dark turn when they discover his new nanny may literally be a monster.

When the Russo family returns home from vacation to discover their nanny, Ruby, has unexpectedly passed away, Matthew takes the news the hardest. After weeks of reeling, his three best friends decide to cheer him up with a night of junk food, prank calls, and scary movies. But their plans for a sleepover are jeopardized when Matt's single mother--unable to take any more time off of work--is forced to hire a new nanny on the fly to watch over Matt and his younger sister, Judy. Miss Swan, however, is all too happy to have the boys over.

And although she seems like the perfect babysitter, letting the kids eat whatever they want and mostly leaving them alone, there's something about her that Matt doesn't trust. He thinks she may actually be the witch from local legend--the one who torments children into the night and then eats them. Is he just having a hard time dealing with Ruby's replacement, as his friends suspect? Has he watched one too many scary movies, as his mom fears? Or are he and his horror-buff friends in for the fright of their lives as they come face-to-face with a real monster?

Publication date
November 09, 2021
Genre
Fiction
ISBN-13
9780593117361
Publisher
Razorbill
BISAC categories
JUV018000 - Juvenile Fiction | Horror
JUV052000 - Juvenile Fiction | Monsters
JUV008100 - Juvenile Fiction | Comics & Graphic Novels | Horror
JUV008130 - Juvenile Fiction | Comics & Graphic Novels | Paranormal
Library of Congress categories
Friendship
Friendship in children
Nannies
Horror stories
Monsters
Grief
Cartoons and comics
Comics (Graphic works)
Sleepovers
Grief in children
Horror comics

School Library Journal

Gr 4-6-Like many horror films, Regina's middle grade graphic novel, a touching meditation on the loss of a caregiver, explores grief that grows monstrous. Matt and Judy are thrown into confusion when their longtime nanny Ruby dies. Their mom, in danger of losing her job, hastily hires Miss Swan, a taciturn, dark-haired nanny who raises Matt's suspicions when an unkindness of ravens arrive with her. Matt's search to uncover the mystery of Miss Swan's identity is mixed with tender memories of Ruby and comedic commentary from Matt's horror flick-loving friends, who are in attendance at the titular sleepover. The story builds to a cinematic chase that checks the spooky boxes: a cabin in the woods, a murky lake, and a historical tragedy, to name a few-it's familiar territory but suitably scary nonetheless. Regina's art is reminiscent of Matt Kindt's-flat yet emotive, with shadowy earth tones setting a dark mood. Ruby is an older Black woman, and the children and Miss Swan are white. VERDICT This graphic novel offers spooky entertainment and a serious message, and though it doesn't perfectly meld the two, both prove compelling themes.-Emilia Packard, Tokyo.

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Kirkus

An excellent flashlight-under-the-blanket read.

Michael Regina
Michael Regina has been drawing comics since the third grade, and his passion for art and storytelling has stayed with him his whole life. He studied painting and drawing at the University of North Florida and minored in literature. Michael is also the creator of the Webtoons featured comic Adamsville. When he's not making comics, he loves fishing, begrudgingly rooting for the Jacksonville Jaguars, and spending time with his family. They all live in Jacksonville, Florida. You can visit him at michaeleregina.com.