The Sleepover
by Michael Regina (Author)
Perfect for fans of Stranger Things, this middle grade graphic novel follows a group of kids trying to cheer up their friend after a recent loss with a fun-filled sleepover, but their plans soon take a dark turn when they discover his new nanny may literally be a monster.
When the Russo family returns home from vacation to discover their nanny, Ruby, has unexpectedly passed away, Matthew takes the news the hardest. After weeks of reeling, his three best friends decide to cheer him up with a night of junk food, prank calls, and scary movies. But their plans for a sleepover are jeopardized when Matt's single mother--unable to take any more time off of work--is forced to hire a new nanny on the fly to watch over Matt and his younger sister, Judy. Miss Swan, however, is all too happy to have the boys over.
And although she seems like the perfect babysitter, letting the kids eat whatever they want and mostly leaving them alone, there's something about her that Matt doesn't trust. He thinks she may actually be the witch from local legend--the one who torments children into the night and then eats them. Is he just having a hard time dealing with Ruby's replacement, as his friends suspect? Has he watched one too many scary movies, as his mom fears? Or are he and his horror-buff friends in for the fright of their lives as they come face-to-face with a real monster?
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School Library Journal
Gr 4-6-Like many horror films, Regina's middle grade graphic novel, a touching meditation on the loss of a caregiver, explores grief that grows monstrous. Matt and Judy are thrown into confusion when their longtime nanny Ruby dies. Their mom, in danger of losing her job, hastily hires Miss Swan, a taciturn, dark-haired nanny who raises Matt's suspicions when an unkindness of ravens arrive with her. Matt's search to uncover the mystery of Miss Swan's identity is mixed with tender memories of Ruby and comedic commentary from Matt's horror flick-loving friends, who are in attendance at the titular sleepover. The story builds to a cinematic chase that checks the spooky boxes: a cabin in the woods, a murky lake, and a historical tragedy, to name a few-it's familiar territory but suitably scary nonetheless. Regina's art is reminiscent of Matt Kindt's-flat yet emotive, with shadowy earth tones setting a dark mood. Ruby is an older Black woman, and the children and Miss Swan are white. VERDICT This graphic novel offers spooky entertainment and a serious message, and though it doesn't perfectly meld the two, both prove compelling themes.-Emilia Packard, Tokyo.
Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
Kirkus
An excellent flashlight-under-the-blanket read.
Review quotes
"A suspenseful thrill ride for all ages!" —Kazu Kibuishi, #1 New York Times bestselling creator of the Amulet series
With its sharp dialog and beautiful, suspenseful storytelling, The Sleepover will have kids both excited and horrified about the next time they spend the night at a friend's house." —Mike Maihack, creator of the Cleopatra in Space series
"The Sleepover masterfully combines a spine-chilling story with so much heart that kids as well as adults will find it's hard to put down. —Chris Grine, co-creator of the Animorphs graphic novel series
"The Sleepover reminds us we need others to overcome the monsters in our lives." —Stephen McCranie, creator of the Space Boy and the Mal and Chad series
JUV052000 - Juvenile Fiction | Monsters
JUV008100 - Juvenile Fiction | Comics & Graphic Novels | Horror
JUV008130 - Juvenile Fiction | Comics & Graphic Novels | Paranormal
Friendship in children
Nannies
Horror stories
Monsters
Grief
Cartoons and comics
Comics (Graphic works)
Sleepovers
Grief in children
Horror comics
