The Cardboard Kingdom
By: Chad Sell
About This Book
Perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier, Awkward, and All's Faire in Middle School, this graphic novel follows a neighborhood of kids who transform ordinary cardboard into fantastical homemade costumes as they explore conflicts with friends, family, and their own identity. "A breath of fresh air, this tender and dynamic collection is a must-have." --Kirkus, Starred Welcome to a neighborhood of kids who transform ordinary boxes into colorful costumes, and their ordinary block into cardboard kingdom. This is the summer when sixteen kids encounter knights and rogues, robots and monsters--and their own inner demons--on one last quest before school starts again. In the Cardboard Kingdom, you can be anything you want to be--imagine that! The Cardboard Kingdom was created, organized, and drawn by Chad Sell with writing from ten other authors: Jay Fuller, David DeMeo, Katie Schenkel, Kris Moore, Molly Muldoon, Vid Alliger, Manuel Betancourt, Michael Cole, Cloud Jacobs, and Barbara Perez Marquez. The Cardboard Kingdom affirms the power of imagination and play during the most important years of adolescent identity-searching and emotional growth. NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY KIRKUS REVIEWS * THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY * SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL * A TEXAS BLUEBONNET 2019-20 MASTER LIST SELECTION "There's room for everyone inside The Cardboard Kingdom, where friendship and imagination reign supreme." --Ingrid Law, New York Times bestselling author of Savvy "A timely and colorful graphic novel debut that, like its many offbeat but on-point characters, marches to the beat of its own cardboard drum." --Tim Federle, award-winning author of Better Nate Than Ever
AI Overview
Overview of "The Cardboard Kingdom" by Chad Sell
Plot Summary: "The Cardboard Kingdom" is a middle-grade graphic novel written by Chad Sell, with contributions from ten other writers. The story revolves around a group of neighborhood kids who transform ordinary cardboard boxes into fantastical costumes and create a vibrant, imaginative world called the Cardboard Kingdom. Each character has their own unique alter ego, reflecting their personal struggles and aspirations. For example, Seth, who has a difficult home life with an abusive father, becomes the Gargoyle to protect his home. Becky, who runs the Dragon’s Head Inn, longs for adventure and embarks on a quest to recover the lost dragon’s head with the help of her friends.
The book explores various themes such as creativity, friendship, and the power of imagination. The kids in the Cardboard Kingdom face various challenges, including bullies and personal conflicts, but their bond and imagination help them overcome these obstacles. The story culminates in a final adventure where the kids reflect on their summer experiences and the impact of their cardboard alter egos on their lives.
Key Themes:
- Creativity and Imagination: The book celebrates the endless possibilities of cardboard as a tool for creative expression.
- Friendship: The strong bonds between the kids in the Cardboard Kingdom are a central theme, highlighting how their friendships help them navigate personal and community challenges.
- Identity and Self-Expression: Each character's alter ego reflects their inner struggles and desires, showcasing the importance of self-expression and identity.
- Resilience and Adaptation: The kids face various challenges, but their imagination and teamwork allow them to adapt and overcome these obstacles.
Critical Reception:
- Positive Reception: The book has been praised for its engaging storytelling, relatable characters, and the way it encourages creativity and imagination. It is often compared to other popular middle-grade graphic novels like "Raina Telgemeier's" works.
- Collaborative Effort: The collaborative nature of the book, with Chad Sell as the driving force and ten other writers contributing, has been noted positively. This collaboration ensures a cohesive tone and well-developed characters.
Overall, "The Cardboard Kingdom" is a heartwarming and imaginative tale that explores the transformative power of creativity and friendship among a group of young characters.