Spring (Haru #1)

by Joe Latham (Author)

Reading Level: 4th − 5th Grade
Series: Haru

Haru, a small bird who dreams of flying, and their best friend Yama, a talkative boar, are used to being in the shadows. But when Yama finds a strange artifact that causes sinister effects, the two are swept into an epic journey to destroy the artifact and save the world.

In The Valley, best friends Haru and Yama both dream of leaving as they're bullied at school, frustrated at home, and struggling to figure out who they are. One day, a powerful artifact connects itself to Yama, and they discover that they'll have to journey to The Beacon in search of answers.

Created by artist Joe Latham, this beautifully illustrated graphic novel series is a coming-of-age tale that spans the changing of seasons. Beginning in spring and ending in spring--the cycle complete. A story of heart, growing up, and the sacrifices we make for those we love, Haru is perfect for middle-grade readers.

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Publishers Weekly

Insecure Haru, a flightless bird longing to soar, and boar Yama, Haru's level-headed best friend, dream of escaping the bullying at school and traveling beyond the confines of their home in Latham's debut graphic novel, first in a trilogy. Unbeknownst to Haru and Yama, however, evil forces threaten their community, thrusting the two unlikely heroes into an adventure to fulfill a prophecy meant to keep the blight and darkness created by a shadowy villain from destroying the world. Yama's discovery of the Briar Heart, a thorn-covered treasure, sets the duo on a perilous quest to carry the relic through the Malady Mire. After barely escaping the swamp's ghoulish bog bodies, and being tormented by a gang in a dilapidated mall, the avian and porcine companions continue their trek to the mysterious beacon atop a mountain. And then the Briar Heart begins possessing Yama, urging him to kill Haru. Latham sets this dazzling work in a Tolkeinesque world, employing clever pen and ink drawings awash in luminous colors to deliver a cliffhanger ending that will have readers eagerly anticipating the next installment. Ages 8-12. (Mar.)

Copyright 2023 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

School Library Journal

Gr 4-6--Haru is a small blue bird who lives in the forest with their little sibling Goose and their mom, who is a ghost. Haru dreams of leaving the forest but can't fly. Schoolmates make fun of them (their words "sting like paper cuts"), but they do have a best friend--a small pig called Yama. When an evil "heart of briar" finds Yama, and Yama can't get rid of it, the friends ask a wise oak tree for advice, and soon, they set off on their quest to The Beacon ("we're never alone as long as we have each other"). Their journey is full of danger: the heart of briar has a negative effect on Yama, and Haru faces a creature of darkness and death called Blight, but comes through unscathed by holding fast to their inner light. Meanwhile, Goose and his friend Frei, a firefly, follow Haru's trail while Herb, a sentient mushroomlike figure they meet along the way, helps as much as they can. The ending is left to be resolved in further volumes, with Haru and Yama continuing their journey, Goose in danger, and Herb regretful that they couldn't help more. The themes and artistic style call to mind books like Ben Hatke's Things in the Basement and T. Probert's Lightfall. VERDICT Good-hearted Haru is a character to root for in this often-dark beginning, leavened with moments of humor. Recommended where graphic novel fantasy is popular.--Jenny Arch

Copyright 2024 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Kirkus

A series opener that both enchants and captivates.

 

 

Joe Latham
Joe is a Human Person, based in Bristol (UK). He makes comics, illustrations and designs for other humans. In his own words, he is "a tall nerd" and he plays the drums. He also likes to hang out with his cat. He uses Instagram and Twitter to post project updates and artwork.
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9781524884734
Lexile Measure
570
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Andrews McMeel Publishing
Publication date
March 12, 2024
Series
Haru
BISAC categories
JUV037000 - Juvenile Fiction | Fantasy & Magic
JUV039020 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Adolescence
JUV008050 - Juvenile Fiction | Comics & Graphic Novels | Animals
JUV008080 - Juvenile Fiction | Comics & Graphic Novels | Fantasy
Library of Congress categories
Birds
Bullying
Graphic novels
Best friends
Comics (Graphic works)
Boars
Bullies and bullying
Animal comics

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