Noelle Stevenson's graphic novel series, Lumberjanes, is a fast and fun read that highlights female empowerment and friendship. Each volume is filled with humor, adventure, and a nod to a developing romance. I highly recommend picking up this wonderful series for both younger and older readers alike.

Description: Jo, April, Mal, Molly, and Ripley are not your average campers and Miss Qiunzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet's Camp for Hardcore Lady-Types is not your average summer camp. Between the river monsters, magic, and the art of friendship bracelets, this summer is only just beginning. Join the Lumberjanes as they take on raptors and a sibling rivalry that only myths are made of.

Review: Jo, April, Mal, Molly, and Ripley, aka. the Lumberjanes, continue their adventures at Miss Quinzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet's Camp for Hardcore Lady Types with as much energy, excitement, and wonder as in the first volume of the series. The first volume had bizarre things happening without much explanation, but thankfully this volume clears up those unanswered questions while adding crazed dinosaurs, possessed insects, and competitive Greek deities to the mix. I love how this series manages to blend and balance the fantastical elements to the story with the everyday, slice of life moments of camp where they struggle with first crushes, friendship troubles, and self-doubt. The addition of sibling rivalry between two Greek deities was an added bonus. The Lumberjanes have their own lingo and substitute words for swearing which adds humor and is infectious. The illustrations, like the story and its characters, are also bursting with energy and vivid colors such as the forest greens in outdoor daylight scenes and grays and dark blues of nighttime scenes.

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: None. Recommended for Grades 4 and up.

Description: Trying to take advantage of the first quiet day at camp in a while, Mal and Molly's date takes a bizarre turn with the appearance of the Bear Woman! Back at camp, Jo, April, and Ripley must stay on their toes as they try and earn every badge possible, which ends up being a lot harder than any of them planned.

Review: While there may not be as much as action in this third volume of Lumberjanes, this was still a very enjoyable read. There are two subplots in this volume as Jo, Mal, Ripley, April, and Molly focus on earning badges. We follow the girls in hilarious mishaps as they conceive and execute a plan that will guarantee them to a badge. Meanwhile, Mal and Molly are looking for some quiet time to see where their potential romantic relationship will take them, but they are soon transported to a dangerous, dinosaur-infested alternate universe. The romance between Mal and Molly is very chaste and sweet. Even though there isn't a lot of story in this volume, the humor, adventure, and enthusiasm carries and holds the reader's attention through the volume.

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: None. Recommended for Grades 4 and up.

If you like these books try: Lumberjanes Vol. 4 by Noelle Stevenson, Princeless series by Jeremy Whitley, Ms. Marvel series by G. Willow Wilson, Foiled by Jane Yolen