Manu
by Kelly Fernandez
Fantasy
Graphic Novel
for teens
* * * Stars (Pretty good)
Manu is a foundling who was taken in by the sisters who run La Academia de Santa Dominga, a magic school for girls. She’s both powerful and a bit wild and is always wreaking havoc and getting into trouble. When a curse interferes with her ability to use her magic, Manu and her friend Josefina summon a spirit to help her get her powers back. It goes about as well as expected (which is to say badly). Manu becomes possessed, helps open up a rift between worlds, and demons come pouring in! Now the whole school must work together to save their town.
Manu is a bit much – irritating, full of herself, self-centered – she has lots of faults. But she also loves her friend and the sisters, and in the end she tries to do the right thing. It’s easier to understand/forgive her some of this when we learn her origins, but looking after her and keeping up with her would be a full-time job for anyone.
Reviewed by YA Librarian
