Book Blogarama

De:Tales: Stories from Urban Brazil

Text and Illustrations by Fabio Moon and Gabriel Ba

Assignment: #1 of graphic novel annotations
Publication info.: Milwaukie, OR : Dark Horse Books, 2006. 112 p.
Genre & Format: Drama and Magical Realism; Graphic Novel
Awards: Review in Booklist
Grades: 10 and up

Summary: Twin brothers both write and illustrate, sometimes switching roles, and sometimes going solo. This is a collection of twelve short stories that offer mystery and anecdotal interest. The recurring strand is about the brothers or other students their age clubbing in Brazil, as well as startling visit to Paris. There is a strong awareness of relationships, both random and deep. There is a ghost story about a friend who died too young that is touching and bittersweet. One story has a brief flash of nudity, but nothing is vulgar or corrupt.

Comments: This book is somewhat dark, but I think it shows how a couple kids thousands of miles away have the same interests as American students. The point of view of the frames drew me in. Power lines recur throughout any story in an urban setting, which makes me wonder if that is important where they live, or if they are using it as a tool to demonstrate the urban feel. As far as the magical realism goes, I think this is a great way to show how to suspend your disbelief through the ghost story “Happy Birthday, My Friend”. One thing I found difficult in reading is that it is often unclear when a new story begins. I suppose that is both a layout issue, as well as a frequent disconnect related to the endings. I was surprised that it did not feel “foreign” to me.

Booktalking ideas: My initial reaction is to focus on the short story aspect. With that you can sell the romantic side, or the darkness and mystery, as well as some humor—each aspect might appeal to different kids. Plus, for Davenport Central, this is great with the number of students that exchange with our sister school in Brazil.