Reviews

Hilo: Gina - The Girl Who Broke the World by Judd Winick

readingthroughtheages's review against another edition

5.0

This series remains my favorite graphic novel series because of the heart in the stories. I love how this group of friends cares for each other and supports each other. And it’s always laugh out loud funny!
This story turns its attention on Gina, who is trying to figure out her magical abilities, and whether or not she really wants them. The group of friends also explores their grief over losing their friend, Izzy. I like that it talks about grief and allowed the characters to go through their grief together.
This continues to be a must read series!

panda_incognito's review

4.0

This continuation of the Hilo graphic novel series takes the story in a new direction, and also explores the kids' feelings of grief and loss from the first story arc's finale. The author handled this well, letting the children experience their feelings without sending any preachy messages, and the story is fun and entertaining, with lots of colorful action, hilarious repartee, and strong character interactions. I will look forward to reading future installments.

ashleyreadsanything's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny hopeful 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

4.0

lockmana's review against another edition

adventurous challenging mysterious sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

verkisto's review

5.0

There are a lot of things to like about this volume in the HiLo series. To wit:

1. The story shifts from HiLo to Gina. This makes sense, because HiLo's story arc appeared to wrap up in volume six, and Gina was the likeliest choice for the next central character.

2.

Spoiler

Gina is a reluctant hero who only gets involved when she has no choice. Too often, comics and superhero stories focus on how to use powers for good or for evil, but never on how some people don't want them at all. It feels genuine,moreso because her closest friends think she SHOULD be the hero. It's a refreshing take on an old trope.

3.

Spoiler

Winick plays around with good and bad in the story. Gina tries to save the characters who are good, but the bad characters are trying to do what's necessary to save the world. The way Winick tells the story, anyone with sense would do the same thing Gina did. She didn't know what the consequences would be, but if she did, would she have done anything differently?

Since HiLo's story arc took up six volumes, I would expect Gina's arc to take that many volumes, as well. I hope so, because I don't see myself tiring of this series any time soon.

Outstanding!

fernthepanda's review

5.0

I received an eARC courtesy of Random House Books for Young Readers via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

This was yet another solid addition to the Hilo series. Great humor. Great story. Great character development. It was an adventurous ride. Winick has not disappointed me and he will not disappoint the kids who have been waiting for this book.

For Libraries: If your library is anything like mine, you have had kids waiting for this one for a year. And if you don't have the Hilo books yet, you need to get them right away!

destdest's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny lighthearted tense fast-paced

4.0