HoverGirls

June 1, 2024
Grades 7-12 Cousins Jalissa and Kim recently moved to Los Aguaceros and are keeping a huge secret. By day, they work at a local coffee shop, and by night, they fight flying fish-like monsters made of water. Kim wants to make them famous on social media, but Jalissa doesn't want or care about becoming famous or having these water abilities. With their frequent arguments and the water-flying entities growing stronger, Kim and Jalissa must work together to save Los Aguaceros. This is a stunningly illustrated webcomic turned graphic novel full of comical moments, body positivity, and magical girls! A detailed flashback of Jalissa and Kim's childhood shows their decision to move to Los Aguaceros and the discovery of their superpowers. It cleverly and honestly shows how two polar opposite individuals can still work together to fix a problem. Bowers' animated artwork is layered with vibrant color and expressive faces. The panels are full of energy, with Kim and Jalissa occasionally popping out as if unable to be contained by the frame. A spirited story bursting with vivacious art.

COPYRIGHT(2024) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

June 15, 2024
Cousins Jalissa Vasquez and Kimmonique "Kim" Vasquez have moved to the bustling metropolis of Los Aguaceros. Bubbly, blue-haired Kim and deadpan, combative Jalissa are an unlikely pair. But after an unexpected encounter with a supernatural flying anglerfish during a rainstorm results in both girls' manifesting water-wielding powers--the HoverGirls are born! Working as baristas keeps them busy during the day, but taking on mysterious and menacing sea creatures quickly becomes a frequent after-work activity. Kim uses her creativity and talent as a clothing designer to make superhero costumes for the pair, but Jalissa is reluctant to commit to a life of monster slaying, and friction between the cousins threatens to tear their relationship apart. They'll need to find common ground to save the city--and themselves--from these aquatic interlopers. Bowers strikes a perfect balance between humor, adventure, and heart, and playful illustrations that are chock-full of details bring the cousins' exploits to life. Adapted from a popular webcomic into a full-length graphic novel, this volume will delight existing fans while attracting new devotees with imaginative worldbuilding. Kim and Jalissa read as Afro-Latine; Kim's love interest is Korean, and Jalissa is queer. Some use of ableist language is a blemish on an otherwise well-crafted story. A thrilling journey of self-discovery, friendship, and heroism set against an artful backdrop. (Graphic fantasy. 13-18)

COPYRIGHT(2024) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

July 1, 2024

Gr 7 Up-Cousins Jalissa and Kim move to the city of Los Aguaceros together, each with their own goals in mind. As the story goes backwards and forwards in time, readers learn that the girls have unusual superpowers and grow to understand the strengths and weaknesses of their personalities. Parts of the book are action-packed, with the girls using their newfound powers to fight the mysterious monsters that are attacking the city. But at other times, Bowers gives readers glimpses through flashbacks into how and why these girls each hit their crisis points and needed to start over. It's then up to readers to put the pieces together and understand how Jalissa and Kim came to depend on each other. Visually, this book stands out from the crowd. The artwork is luminous and vibrant, featuring lots of bold reds and blues that fold and blend into each other. Readers will turn the pages more slowly than with most graphic novels, just to take some extra time to soak in all of the visual details. VERDICT For fans of the HoverGirls web comic, as well as teens and even adults who are ready for a thought-provoking and surreal adventure featuring magical girls.-Andrea Lipinski

Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.