The War at Ellsmere by Faith Erin Hicks

Bibliography
Hicks, F. E. (2008). The war at Ellsmere. San Jose, CA: SLG Publishing.

156 pages

Plot
Juniper has just been admitted to the prestigious Ellsmere Academy boarding school. Juniper, however is there on scholarship, and does not quite know if she truly belongs. On her first day she meets Cassie, her new roommate, who explains to her about the school and its story about one of its missing founder. Juniper disregards the story hoping to fit in and not worry about its history. However, she also finds herself on the wrong side of the most popular and rich girl at the school, Emily. Emily becomes Juniper’s arch nemesis, trying to sabotage her every move. But Juniper is capable of fending for herself, especially when Ellsmere’s history might be more than just a story.

Review
Hicks’ Graphic Novel, The War At Ellsmere, does an excellent job interweaving fantasy and tween life at school. While Emily’s character may seem a bit too conniving, the characterization works well in graphic novel format. Having read Hicks’ Zombies Calling, the characterization, humor, and drawing style all work in accordance with the plot. The plot itself has an interesting turning point, not quite expected when taken in context with the rest of the storyline, but somehow still works. In many ways, Hicks’ graphic novel is a great escapist read, allowing tweens the ability to relax with an entertaining if not always realistic read.

Genre
Graphic Novel

Reading Level/Interest Level
This book would appeal to mostly girl readers in 5th – 7th grade.

Similar Content
Hicks’ Zombies Calling
Beatty’s Batgirl: Year One

Personal thoughts
I really enjoy Hicks’ work. She has a quirkiness to her writing that while surprising is very entertaining.

Subjects/themes
School Life
Fantasy
Friendship

Awards
No known awards

Series information
No known sequels.

Character names/descriptions
Juniper “Jun”: The protagonist. Is attending Ellsmere Academy under a scholarship from the dean. Roommates with Cassie and more of the levelheaded of the two.

Cassie: Juniper’s roommate. More airheaded and naïve than Juniper, but very sincere.

Emily: Juniper’s archnemisis at Ellsmere, will stop at nothing to get Juniper to leave the academy. Juniper sees her as a spoiled rich girl with nothing better to do.

Annotation
Juniper has just been admitted to Ellsmere Academy on scholarship, but what can she do when Emily tries everything she can to get her to leave?