Graphic Novels 4 - The War at Ellsmere

Title: The War at Ellsmere
Author: Faith Erin Hicks
Illustrator: Faith Erin Hicks
Publisher: SLG Publishing
Date: 2008
Age Range: 5 grade and up

Summary: Jun is the newest scholarship student at the prestigious Ellsmere girls' boarding school - but to a lot of the privileged rich girls, scholarship student is just a code for charity case. Fortunately, Jun has an ally in the quirky Cassie, who tells her legends of a beautiful creature that lives in the forest outside of the school. Between queen bees and mythical beasts, Jun has quite the school year ahead of her.

Strengths:
It's a "new kid at a rich private school and makes enemies with the rich snobby kid" with a twist. The book has action, friendship, mysteries, and a touch of magic which makes it an all around good read. Kids can identify with the characters and they aren't all goody goodies which is refreshing. Faith's art has really grown (I've been reading her online stuff since high school and this is her second published book) and really adds character to the story.

Concerns:
It's a little dark and it leaves off with a "is there a second book coming?" ending line when I think it is a great stand alone book but I would also be happy if there was a second one. Faith's thick lines also provide a "creepier" style to the story.

(this wasn't on "no flying no tights" but I did ask if I could review this)