Meridian: Going to Ground

Kesel, Barbara. Meridian: Going to Ground. CrossGeneration Comics: 2001. ISBN: 1931484694.

Plot Summary: This book contains chapters 8 - 14 which is volume 2 of 4 in the Meridian Saga. Meridian is a sky city that is prosperous because of good leadership and profitable trade. Sephie's father was the minister until his recent death and the role of minister passed to Sephie. Sephie also has special powers that allow her to renew things. She cannot destroy anything at all, but her powers of renewal are phenomenal. Sephie is being hunted by her evil Uncle Ilahn who's special power is destruction on a magnificent level. Ilahn wants to take control of Meridian and all the sky cities to leave behind a great legacy. This is important because Ilahn has no children, he was in love with Sephie's mother before she died. He feels this legacy is the only way to be remembered. Unfortunately, Ilahn will destroy whomever and whatever gets in his way. Sephie must journey underground to find a way to save the sky cities.

Critical Evaluation:
This graphic novel is appealing to both girls and boys even though the main protagonist is female. The story is populated with a wide variety of characters both male and female. Both genders are portrayed as strong and powerful, able to affect change in their environment. The art in this book is beautiful. The artists take their time telling the story. Some pages are just one scene, while others are broken up into sequential boxes. The story line is engaging and exciting. The first page has a brief synopsis of volume 1, so this book could be a stand alone read. Although it is so interesting that it would be hard to stop at just this volume. The plot line is actually very simple and nothing new; good verses evil. The craft of the author and illustrators take this age old story line and make it fresh and unique for today's teens.

Readers Annotation:
Anyone one can make their presence known. Some do it for their own benefit, while others bring goodness to many.

Information About the Author:
Barbara Kesel, born in October of 1960, got her break in the comic book world by writing a 10 page letter to DC Comics commenting on the portrayal of women in their books. She has been a steady critic of this portrayal. Her own work seeks to show women in comic books fairly and not as a sex object.
The list of books authored and edited by Barbara is long and include some awards. In an interview on the website, 'The Seqential Tart', Barbara talks about not making a conscious decision to be a writer, it was just always what she knew she would do. Although, being a playwright was the plan, things have turned out pretty good.

Genre:
Alternative Format/Graphic Novel

Curriculum Ties:
Commerce and trade among nations
Portrayal of women and other characters in books

Booktalking Ideas:
What would it be like to find out you have a special power?
Could you handle the responsibility of running a country as a teen?

Reading Level/Interest Age:
9th+

Challenge Issues:
None

Why Book Included:
I wanted to read a graphic novel and this sparked my interest.