The Dog Knight

March 27, 2023
Middle schooler Frankie has just come out as nonbinary in this good-humored fantastical graphic novel by Whitley (the School for Extraterrestrial Girls series) and Indigo (Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy), the first in a series. Though they lose friendships and experience bullying following their coming-out, Frankie perseveres, unwilling to allow these challenges to overwhelm them. While fleeing from a bully, Frankie stumbles and is knocked unconscious. They eventually wake in the Omniversal Doghouse, a magical universe headed by the Pawtheon, a collection of the wisest dogs in the universe, who inform Frankie that they’ve been chosen to become the Dog Knight, the protector of humankind and animals. Guided by loyal pup Platinum, Frankie embarks on a series of trials designed to test their loyalty, kindness, honesty, justice, stubbornness, and... sense of smell. Platinum’s immediate trust of Frankie helps to ground the tween whenever they feel as if they don’t fit in their skin or their community. Indigo utilizes varied paneling to great effect, imbuing the illustrations with fluid movement and a spry energy that skillfully complements Whitley’s wry dialogue. Frankie cues as biracial (Black and white). Ages 9–12.

May 15, 2023
Grades 4-8 What would you do if a group of superheroes told you that you were the one true link between your world and theirs? And what if those same heroes were actually superdogs? If your answer is "freak out," you are on the same page as Frankie, the protagonist in this fantasy adventure comic. Frankie is used to putting up with bad things, like their former best friend, Dallas, completely turning on them after Frankie came out as nonbinary. But when Frankie's strength is tested by the Pawtheon, the council of dogs protecting the human realm, Frankie learns that maybe they have what it takes to do more than tolerate injustice. From Whitley, the writer of the Princeless series, and Indigo, the illustrator of Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy (2019), comes this middle-grade graphic novel that takes readers on a delightful journey exploring gender identity and purpose. Crisp artwork with sharp coloring brings the expressive characters, especially the dogs, to life. At points goofy, endearing, and inspiring, this book shows the beauty of accepting yourself--and the excellence of dogs.

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April 14, 2023

Gr 5-8-This first installment in a new series introduces readers to Frankie, a biracial middle school student who has recently come out as nonbinary. With the support of their mother, who presents as Black, Frankie overcomes bullying and the loss of cherished friendships in the wake of coming out. One day, after a series of peculiar events that involves saving their mom from a falling car, Frankie attempts to escape a particularly cruel intimidator and is knocked unconscious in the process. When they awake, they find themself donning the Helm of the Dog Knight-which allows its wearer to understand dogs-before the Pawtheon, a secret team of heroic dogs that protect the human world. Frankie then undergoes a series of trials to prove themself worthy of the title of the Dog Knight, including tests of loyalty, justice, and more. Frankie is an endlessly endearing and relatable character whom readers will root for from the very first panel, and the Justice League-like group of dogs Frankie meets are filled with humor and heart. The paneled artwork is energetic and entertaining, a natural fit for the clever dialogue and themes of self-acceptance, identity, and creation of healthy boundaries and relationships. VERDICT This action-packed adventure will find a home in many collections.-Olivia Gorecke

Copyright 2023 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 15, 2023
A dog-loving tween drummer discovers a magical canine connection. After coming out to their supportive mom and (now ex-) best friend, Dallas, nonbinary Frankie Bryant faces bullying from Dallas and others that leaves them feeling unsure of where they fit. After two run-ins with a friendly golden retriever who always seems to be in the right place at the right time, Frankie hits their head and is transported to the Omniversal Doghouse, the palace of "the Pawtheon, the secret legion of dog heroes." The Pawtheon lend Frankie a helmet that allows them to understand dog-kind. They learn of a magical alliance between humans and dogs: Humans care for dogs, and dogs protect humans from chaos-sowing, batlike gremlins. The Pawtheon have recruited Frankie as the next potential Dog Knight, connector and protector of the two realms. The catch? They have to successfully complete six trials, one for each of the dog virtues, back in the human realm while living with their dog-allergic mom. Readers will root for Frankie, whose desire to find their place will resonate. The rebuilding of Frankie and Dallas' fractured friendship is careful and authentic. Sparse backgrounds leave space for expressive human and dog faces to shine. Frankie and their mom read Black; background characters are racially diverse. The gremlins use ungrammatical English, unfortunately making an implicit connection between grammar and morality, but quality queer representation and a strong narrative voice make this sweet, funny series opener a winner. All hail the paw-some Dog Knight! (content warning) (Graphic fiction. 8-14)

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