Endgames (NewsPrints #2)

Distinctive for its richly imagined world

Gr 4-6—Fans of Xu's Newsprints will be delighted to see the characters back for this sequel. The countries of Goswing and Grimmaea are still at war, and Blue is trying to rescue her friend Crow, the war machine. She learns that he is being used to command a new generation of war machines, but she is captured by twins from the other side of the war before she can save him. Other favorite characters appear alongside newcomers, including twin kings and a blind teenage queen. This book delves deeply into the theme of gender as Blue discusses her choice to wear "boys' clothes," even though she no longer hides her identity, with a newly introduced transgender character. Another key issue is the cost and reasons for war, which are argued effectively by both sides but ultimately lead to a peace settlement. The full-color art is reminiscent of manga and feels almost retro, an effective mash-up for this steampunk-esque story. As in the first entry, the cast is engaging and the adventures are fast-paced (kidnapping, air battles, ground battles on live volcanoes, and more), though this title adds more depth to the world and characters. VERDICT Exceeding the promise of the earlier installment, this is a can't-miss offering.—Elizabeth Nicolai, Anchorage Public Library, AK

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Xu has taken the best trappings of manga, from tragic backstories to emotional monologues, and turned them into a high-interest, kid-friendly package.

Praise for NewsPrints:

* This excellent and unique offering features strong world-building and an original storyline. — School Library Journal, starred review

With rich coloring, retro cityscapes that hark to the era of newsies, and a miscellany of steampunk gadgetry, it's an enjoyable romp that considers how hidden secrets shape who people become. — Publishers Weekly

A fantastic story about friendship, and a strong debut graphic novel! — Kazu Kibuishi, #1 New York Times bestselling creator of Amulet

Ru Xu's gorgeous illustrations and heartfelt writing makes NewsPrints a graphic novel I want to reread again and again. — Faith Erin Hicks, New York Times bestselling author of The Nameless City

Xu's manga-influenced art is full of movement and life. — Eva Volin, Children's Librarian, Alameda Free Library