Disclosure: I received this complimentary product (Oh My Gods) through Raincoast Books.
When I first saw this title I thought, I can’t review something called Oh My Gods! Then I realized what this graphic novel was all about and saw it for the humour-filled story that it was. I still can’t say I like the title or the OMG’s used throughout the book, but the story itself is rather fun.
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Learning the facts about Oh my Gods!
Stephanie Cooke who also wrote ParaNorthern gives us Oh My Gods! This book is a quirky, and unexpectedly fun read. A bit of mystery, myth and fantasy tied up into one graphic novel. Produced by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and running at 208, youth aged 8-12 will find this graphic novel a quick fun read.
Written by Stephanie Cooke and Insha Fitzpatrick, and illustrated by Juliana Moon. Stephanie Cooke has written a large number of books particularly focused for ages 8-12. She uses humour in every book I have read.
From the cover:
Karen is just an average thirteen-year-old from New Jersey who loves to play video games with her friends and watch movies with her mom. But when she moves to Greece to live with her eccentric, mysterious father, Zed, suddenly everything she thought about herself-about life-is up in the air.
Starting a new school can be difficult, but starting school at Mt. Olympus Junior High, where students are gods and goddesses, just might take the cake. Especially when fellow classmates start getting turned to stone. Greek mythology . . . a little less myth, a little more eek! And if Karen’s classmates are immortal beings, who does that make her?
Looking Deeper
I love the brilliant colours found throughout. Juliana Moon has done an excellent job of bringing this book to life, showcasing the work of Ms Cook and Ms Fitzpatrick. The cement colour of the victims is startling against the vivid colours of the rest of the characters.
You’ll find the text easily read, with clear printing that follows along in a good story like fashion. Karen’s dad is a bit “out there” in mannerisms and style. A bit behind the times so Karen needs to help him update a bit.
Themes of friendship and problem-solving are found throughout as we watch Karen adapt to her new school. It’s a fairly straight forward story with Karen struggling in the new school, helpful people go assist her and a growing mystery. What’s with all the stone people? Is Karen to blame?
Should You Get Oh My Gods!?
Hmmm… okay, Oh My Gods! is a fun read! It’s an interesting take on the expletive OMG, and while I dislike encouraging people to use God’s name in vain, this book isn’t about GOD, it’s about Greek gods. And imagining those gods as highschool students!
Just like in the Greek myths these gods are self-absorbed and quick to figure humans are to blame. It was great to find a quick synopsis of the gods at the close of this read.
I look at Oh My Gods! and think it would be either a good introduction to a study on the Greek gods or as a close to the study to see if the gods characteristics can be picked out. At the close of Oh My Gods! we are given a teaser for the next book in the series entitled In the Maze.
Hmm. . . sounds a bit odd but could be fun. As you said, might be an interesting way to introduce the Greek gods or to take a different look at them.
it is a bit odd, but a unique approach. 🙂