BIGFOOT Boy Series by J. Torres, Faith Erin Hicks

Bored while visiting his grandmother for the weekend, Rufus, an ordinary ten-year-old boy, ventures into the nearby woods after he spies his young neighbor Penny heading there. A city kid, Rufus quickly loses sight of Penny, but while making his way back to Grammy's, he's drawn to an unusual object he sees hidden inside a tree: it's a totem, carved out of wood and hung on a cord. Rufus places the odd-looking thing around his neck and reads out loud the word inscribed on it: ?Sasquatch... moreBored while visiting his grandmother for the weekend, Rufus, an ordinary ten-year-old boy, ventures into the nearby woods after he spies his young neighbor Penny heading there. A city kid, Rufus quickly loses sight of Penny, but while making his way back to Grammy's, he's drawn to an unusual object he sees hidden inside a tree: it's a totem, carved out of wood and hung on a cord. Rufus places the odd-looking thing around his neck and reads out loud the word inscribed on it: ?Sasquatch.? Suddenly, strange things begin happening all around him --- and to him. Rufus doesn't know what's going on, but he's sure of one thing. He'll never be ordinary again! This is the first title in the unique Bigfoot Boy graphic novel series by award-winning author J. Torres. This intriguing story about an everyday kid who unexpectedly finds himself with a special power will have young readers hooked from the start. The artwork by Eisner Award-winning cartoonist Faith Erin Hicks keeps the action moving at a fast pace. With talking animals, likable characters and a plot steeped in magic and mystery, this compelling tale told in pictures and snappy dialogue will be a popular choice for newly independent readers, with particular appeal to reluctant readers. Inspired by the mythologies of the Pacific Northwest, it could also work in the classroom as an introduction to folklore and mythology. less

Rufus has returned to Grammy's for the weekend, and he's brought along the wooden Q'achi totem he uncovered on his last visit. After setting out to find his pal Penny in the woods and losing his way, Rufus once again turns to the totem for help. Unfortunately, Talon and Beak, a pair of greedy ravens, are watching from the trees as Rufus uses the powerful totem to transform into Bigfoot Boy... moreRufus has returned to Grammy's for the weekend, and he's brought along the wooden Q'achi totem he uncovered on his last visit. After setting out to find his pal Penny in the woods and losing his way, Rufus once again turns to the totem for help. Unfortunately, Talon and Beak, a pair of greedy ravens, are watching from the trees as Rufus uses the powerful totem to transform into Bigfoot Boy. Imagining ?the things we could do with that totem,? Talon decides his flock of ravens must steal the totem. Though Rufus and Penny desperately try to thwart their plans, the ravens are tricky, deceitful and determined to do whatever it takes to get what they want. Will Rufus, Penny and their squirrel friend, Sidney, find themselves outsmarted by a bunch of birds? This is the second book in the terrifically entertaining trilogy of graphic novels by award-winning author J. Torres. Here, the mystery surrounding the totem deepens as readers learn of its origins and Rufus's connection to its creator. The artwork by the renowned Faith Erin Hicks is rich with depictions of the Pacific Northwest landscape and its legends and mythology, which underlie and set the tone for the premise of the series. These books work well for teaching environmental awareness, as saving the woods from development becomes a central mission for Rufus and Penny. There are also important lessons to be gleaned on solving problems and on forming and maintaining friendships. less

This conclusion to the Bigfoot Boy graphic novel trilogy adds a backdrop of Pacific Northwest mythology to the popular story about an ordinary boy who becomes a hero through the power of magic. As the book begins, Rufus, Penny and their squirrel friend, Sidney, are eager to recapture the magic totem they lost to the ravens in the previous book. But how? With Rufus no longer in possession of his powers, the trio seems destined to fail... moreThis conclusion to the Bigfoot Boy graphic novel trilogy adds a backdrop of Pacific Northwest mythology to the popular story about an ordinary boy who becomes a hero through the power of magic. As the book begins, Rufus, Penny and their squirrel friend, Sidney, are eager to recapture the magic totem they lost to the ravens in the previous book. But how? With Rufus no longer in possession of his powers, the trio seems destined to fail. Their luck turns, however, when they learn the local legend of Thunderbird. It seems the mighty bird had created the magic totem decades earlier to be used to ward off developers who wanted to destroy the precious Pacific Northwest forest. Developers who were much like the ones cutting down their trees today! Empowered with a newfound purpose to protect the woods, they finally know just what they have to do to save the day -- and the trees! J. Torres has crafted a fast-paced adventure with snappy dialogue, touches of humor and plenty of plot twists. Illustrations by Faith Erin Hicks are energetic and lush, with many panels per page to keep young eyes moving along. This book is an excellent choice to expose reluctant readers to literary devices such as plot and character development, the importance of dialogue and folklore. It could also provide a terrific jumping-off point for discussions about the environment, as well as the concept of civic engagement and making a difference in your community. less