M.F.K.

by Nilah Magruder

Overview

A fantastic adventure following the story of Abbie, a deaf girl with a mysterious power, who is traveling across a vast desert to scatter her mother’s ashes.

In a world of sleeping gods, a broken government, and a fragile peace held in the hands of the corrupt, one youth must find the strength to stand up against evil and save humanity.

This story is not about that youth.

It’s about Abbie, who just wants to get to the mountain range called the Potter’s Spine, scatter her mother’s ashes, and then live out her life in sweet, blissful solitude. Unfortunately, everyone she meets wants to whine at her about their woes, tag along on her quest, arrest her for no reason, or blow her to bits.

Journeys are hard on the social recluses of the world.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781683830047
Publisher:	Insight Comics
Publication date:	09/26/2017
Pages:	128
Sales rank:	737,589
Product dimensions:	8.80(w) x 11.40(h) x 0.60(d)
Age Range:	12 - 17 Years

About the Author

Nilah Magruder is the author of the picture book How to Find a Fox and winner of the 2015 Dwayne McDuffie Award for Diversity. She has written for Marvel and storyboards for animated television in Los Angeles.

Visit her online at nilahmagruder.com and @nilaffle.

Editorial Reviews

08/21/2017
Injured and lost in a sandstorm, Abbie—a deaf, tough-as-nails girl on a personal mission—is rescued and nursed back to health by a small family in the poor desert town of Little Marigold. But rogues with superhuman abilities, known as parasai, wander the barren lands surrounding Little Marigold, demanding tributes from the townsfolk, and Abbie reluctantly reveals her own powers in order to protect the town that has taken her in. Originally published as a webcomic, this first graphic novel from picture book creator Magruder (How to Find a Fox) unfolds over three chapters, setting the stage for Abbie’s adventures to come. Though this hero’s journey follows a fairly predictable course, Abbie is an appealingly gruff and reticent protagonist with a worthy foil in Jaime, an enthusiastic local boy who is determined to make inroads with her. Manga elements (such as exaggerated facial reactions for humor), a vividly evoked setting, and intriguing worldbuilding make this a fine choice for fans of Avatar: The Last Airbender and other adventures where culture, history, and magic intertwine with larger-than-life action. Ages 12–up. (Sept.)

Publishers Weekly

09/01/2017
Gr 7 Up—The far-flung, sandy townlet of Little Marigold is plagued by bandits. But these are no ordinary thieves—they are "parasai." These revered sorcerers use their power not to protect people, as is their duty, but to steal from impoverished citizens, away from the close watch of the Confederacy. The drudgery of life in Little Marigold is getting to Jaime. He spends every day in the desert collecting sand with his grandfather. But one day, an injured girl washes up in a sandstorm, wearing strange clothes, carrying a mysterious container, and refusing help. Despite her protests, Jaime takes her to his doctor aunt, who tends to the girl and repairs her hearing aid. Readers soon learn that the girl is named Abbie, though she is hesitant to share much else about herself. Jaime is thrilled to have a new friend, even if Abbie's reticence leaves him wondering where she is from and what she is carrying. As Abbie heals and acclimates to life in Little Marigold, she is forced to confront not only the powerful bandits but also truths about herself and her painful past she had hoped to keep hidden. Many questions go unanswered, most notably the meaning of the title. The book focuses on the intricacies of this desert world, and the ending promises grander adventures to come. The illustrations are bright and cinematic, particularly in the rousing action sequences. The mild violence and language make this title more appropriate for mature readers. VERDICT Fans of animation and manga will be intrigued by this work; a good purchase for most graphic novel collections.—Anna Murphy, Berkeley Carroll School, Brooklyn

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