Atana and the Firebird (Atana #1)

In Zhou’s alluring graphic novel debut, the first in a duology, Atana, a tan-skinned mermaid, lives alone on an island. Having been banished from her merfolk community because of her part in a mysterious prophecy, she hopes to be brave enough to explore the world alone. While salvaging ship remains from a small outcropping, Atana—who can shift between her mermaid form and a two-legged human appearance—encounters Ren, a brown-skinned firebird, who crashes into the ocean just beyond Atana’s camp. Eager Ren soon persuades Atana to leave her encampment and travel to the places that she’s seen in her salvaged maps and books. After escaping human hunters, the two are found by a member of the Witch Queen’s guard, who brings them to meet the Witch Queen, a powerful clairvoyant who hopes to study Ren’s abilities. When a visit to a local festival turns perilous, Atana uncovers a greater treachery that threatens the entire magical order. Dynamic action sequences are rendered via deceptively simple linework and a vibrant color palette, and an engaging magic system paired with an endearing and plucky cast make for a quick-paced adventure. Ages 8–12. Agent: Thao Le, Sandra Dijkstra Literary. (Nov.)