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mehsi's review against another edition
5.0
3 kids manage to land on an island, a place named Poptropica.
I just knew from the start that the captain of the hot air balloon was up to no good. You just have some of those characters that just vibrate evilness, and this guy got a huge portion of it!
I did love that the kids got stranded by hot air balloon, that is something totally different from portals, time travelling, cars, or other vehicles/ways.
The island was great fun, and I laughed at all the things they encountered there. From dodo's (no wonder they got extinct though, given that they eat everything) to Vikings to other extinct animals. This island is full of everything, and the kids aren't having an easy time to get anywhere. And they also need to stop that hot air balloon guy from getting his way. And they also need to find food (because the boys, it is always the boys isn't it, ate their last food (in other words candy)).
My favourite character would be the girl. She is kick-ass, brave, and I loved her expressions throughout the book. My least favourite would be (and this is of the good guys) Jorge. He was just so annoying, and got them all in trouble. He also thought it would be better to act stupid/funny than to think of their situation. :|
The book ends with a cliffhanger, and I guess we will have to wait until Fall 2016 until we can find out what will happen to the kids.
The art is pretty decent. It took me a bit to get used to it, but I think it fits the book and the story.
All in all, this is one graphic novel I would recommend to everyone! If you want a laugh, if you like Vikings, if you like a bit of a mystery and adventure blend, be sure to check this one out.
Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I just knew from the start that the captain of the hot air balloon was up to no good. You just have some of those characters that just vibrate evilness, and this guy got a huge portion of it!
I did love that the kids got stranded by hot air balloon, that is something totally different from portals, time travelling, cars, or other vehicles/ways.
The island was great fun, and I laughed at all the things they encountered there. From dodo's (no wonder they got extinct though, given that they eat everything) to Vikings to other extinct animals. This island is full of everything, and the kids aren't having an easy time to get anywhere. And they also need to stop that hot air balloon guy from getting his way. And they also need to find food (because the boys, it is always the boys isn't it, ate their last food (in other words candy)).
My favourite character would be the girl. She is kick-ass, brave, and I loved her expressions throughout the book. My least favourite would be (and this is of the good guys) Jorge. He was just so annoying, and got them all in trouble. He also thought it would be better to act stupid/funny than to think of their situation. :|
The book ends with a cliffhanger, and I guess we will have to wait until Fall 2016 until we can find out what will happen to the kids.
The art is pretty decent. It took me a bit to get used to it, but I think it fits the book and the story.
All in all, this is one graphic novel I would recommend to everyone! If you want a laugh, if you like Vikings, if you like a bit of a mystery and adventure blend, be sure to check this one out.
Review first posted at http://twirlingbookprincess.com/
geekwayne's review against another edition
4.0
'Poptropica #1: Mystery of the Map' by Jack Chabert art by Kory Merritt started life as a concept by Wimpy Kid author Jeff Kinney. It's a cute adventure concept and I think young readers will find it funny and engaging.
The story starts with Oliver, Mya, and Jorge taking a ride in a hot air balloon. What they don't know is that their pilot has an agenda. When the balloon lands on a strange island, the kids find themselves surrounded by extinct animals, like dodos, and a group of cranky Vikings. They are in possession of a strange map that seems to also act as a sort of e-ink device. With balloon operator Octavian chasing them for the map, and the Vikings chasing them because they are Vikings, can the kids escape and find their way home?
The story is cute with the kind of potty humor you find in kid's books these days, but it seems like harmless fun. The illustrations by Kory Merritt are bright and cartoony. The characters all support giant heads that can't possibly be supported by their (mostly) spindly bodies. The character design reminds me a bit of a classic Nickolodeon cartoon. There is a map of the island at the beginning of the book, and I'm a sucker for maps in books. The story is goofy and kid friendly. My only complaint might be the way the story starts. We don't know who the kids in the other balloon are or why everyone is going on a balloon trip. The story just starts here for no explained reason.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from ABRAMS Kids, Amulet Books, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
The story starts with Oliver, Mya, and Jorge taking a ride in a hot air balloon. What they don't know is that their pilot has an agenda. When the balloon lands on a strange island, the kids find themselves surrounded by extinct animals, like dodos, and a group of cranky Vikings. They are in possession of a strange map that seems to also act as a sort of e-ink device. With balloon operator Octavian chasing them for the map, and the Vikings chasing them because they are Vikings, can the kids escape and find their way home?
The story is cute with the kind of potty humor you find in kid's books these days, but it seems like harmless fun. The illustrations by Kory Merritt are bright and cartoony. The characters all support giant heads that can't possibly be supported by their (mostly) spindly bodies. The character design reminds me a bit of a classic Nickolodeon cartoon. There is a map of the island at the beginning of the book, and I'm a sucker for maps in books. The story is goofy and kid friendly. My only complaint might be the way the story starts. We don't know who the kids in the other balloon are or why everyone is going on a balloon trip. The story just starts here for no explained reason.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from ABRAMS Kids, Amulet Books, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
kelleemoye's review against another edition
4.0
Review with teaching guide and teaching tools: http://www.unleashingreaders.com/?p=9987
I love learning about new graphic novels because they are so popular in my classroom, and I think this one will be another one that will be loved by students. Although the Poptropica idea was made by Jeff Kinney, I see it more as a ladder rung for late elementary school/early middle school before students jump to Amulet or Doug TenNapel books. I also know that there are millions of Poptropica users who will love to explore Poptropica through Oliver, Mya, and Jorge’s journey.
Although, I hadn’t played Poptropica when I first heard about the book, as soon as I knew I was getting it, I went onto the website to play, and I loved it! I can see why so many kids/teens like it–it is a role-playing game with adventure, puzzles, and a great story. However, I will say that when I read the book, it would not have mattered if I’d played the game or not. I think that is the beauty of it. It can be an extension of the game, an intro to the game, or an adventure-filled graphic novel separate from the game.
The graphic novel itself is very well done. The graphics are fun and easy to read, the story is a page turner filled with adventure and humor, and it has fun history facts. I look forward to the rest of the series.
I love learning about new graphic novels because they are so popular in my classroom, and I think this one will be another one that will be loved by students. Although the Poptropica idea was made by Jeff Kinney, I see it more as a ladder rung for late elementary school/early middle school before students jump to Amulet or Doug TenNapel books. I also know that there are millions of Poptropica users who will love to explore Poptropica through Oliver, Mya, and Jorge’s journey.
Although, I hadn’t played Poptropica when I first heard about the book, as soon as I knew I was getting it, I went onto the website to play, and I loved it! I can see why so many kids/teens like it–it is a role-playing game with adventure, puzzles, and a great story. However, I will say that when I read the book, it would not have mattered if I’d played the game or not. I think that is the beauty of it. It can be an extension of the game, an intro to the game, or an adventure-filled graphic novel separate from the game.
The graphic novel itself is very well done. The graphics are fun and easy to read, the story is a page turner filled with adventure and humor, and it has fun history facts. I look forward to the rest of the series.
mariethelibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
A fun, fast and actiony comic for middle grade kids!
deepfreezebatman's review against another edition
3.0
I've been curious about this series for awhile and even though I've never played the game, I decided to finally pick up the first volume. Overall "Mystery of the Map" is a fun lighthearted adventure through a mysterious island.. a quick funny read great for kids.
star_burstt's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
I love the Poptropica book series! As the book series goes on, it gets even more interesting! I recommend this book!
gabbyreadswithtea's review against another edition
3.0
Read during my trip to the library while I had some time to waste. Was fun and nostalgic reading about a video game I loved so much as a kid!
Not sure if I’ll continue on with the series but this was fun.
Not sure if I’ll continue on with the series but this was fun.
jmmoore2003's review against another edition
4.0
Welcome to Poptropica, where the heroes (Oliver, Mya, and Jorge) explore an island filled with Vikings and dodo birds as they alternately hunt and dodge the villainous Octavian! This graphic novel is a great introduction to the worlds of Poptropica, the popular gaming website for the 6-15 crowd. It's brief, but with enough intrigue to hook kids (and enough history to interest parents in future volumes).
ellasofie2's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
It was a very good book and very spennende and artig to read
s_hay's review against another edition
3.0
Three children are kidnapped while on a balloon ride and dropped on a strange island filled with Vikings. They must first escape the Vikings and then figure out how to get back home. This is the first of a series.
Good for ages 8 and up.
Good for ages 8 and up.