Saving the Whole Wide World

Starred review from March 1, 2016
Hilo, D.J., and Gina have reunited to save the world from more impending robot invasions. It starts with just a toe--Hilo's toe, specifically. Diving right in where series opener Hilo (2015) ended, the story begins with Hilo blasted to a Void to keep the Earth safe from the human-hating, destruction-driven robot Razorwark. However, his toe (through which he can talk) remains with D.J. Soon, a portal opens, and to the elation of Gina and D.J., out pops Hilo (albeit in pieces that fuse themselves back together). The trio discovers that other creatures are also able to use the portal, and soon their quiet town is teeming with bowling-ball-wielding robots and virulent vegetables that threaten to overwhelm their entire village. Hilo's lost memories are also slowly returning, and he learns that he may have some commonalities with his enemy. This connection is only merely teased at, leaving room for further development in the next installment. Winick's worldbuilding is adroit and exciting; he blends humor, friendship, and robots with equal ease within lively and evocative panels. Vigorous diversity is its hallmark: D.J. is Asian-American, Gina is African-American, and Hilo's a white "highly advanced android from a futuristic dimension." Polly the cat-shaped samurai "apprentice sorceress third class" is an excellent new character. Solid. Expect this series to receive the same reverence as Jeff Smith's Bone. (Graphic science fiction. 7-12)

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March 1, 2016

Gr 3-6-DJ and Gina, just ordinary kids, are back with their friend, Hilo, an extraordinary robot, in this second installment. Hilo is just settling into life on Earth, learning about bowling and knock-knock jokes, when strange portals begin opening up all over town. Bizarre creatures, like a giant mutant chicken, a Viking hippo, a magical warrior cat, and one million killer vegetables, come through the portals, and the people of Earth are in danger. Hilo, DJ, and Gina must figure out how to send these creatures back to their worlds before they destroy the planet. As in the first installment, this book has diverse characters, loyal friends, full-color illustrations, fast-paced adventure, humorous text, and a cliff-hanging ending that will have readers cheering for these graphic novel heroes and eager for the third volume. VERDICT For readers who enjoy "Big Nate" (HarperCollins), "Bone" (Image Comics), "Jedi Academy" (Scholastic), and "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" (Abrams), this series is a must-have next read.-Paula Huddy, The Blake School-Highcroft Campus, Wayzata, MN

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 15, 2016
Grades 2-5 Hilo, a robot from another dimension, disappeared after saving Earth from destruction. His human friends DJ and Gina miss him and are thrilled when he suddenly returns, even though he's accompanied by a giant explosion. But now portals are opening all over town, dropping killer robots and aliens from other realities, and DJ, Gina, and Hilo must stop these invaders before their friends and family are hurt. Book two of Hilo's adventures amps up both the silliness and the action. Young readers will laugh at Hilo's wacky jokes and Winick's terrific comic timing while appreciating the bravery shown by not only DJ and Gina but also DJ's little sister and Polly, a warrior cat from another dimension. In vibrant color, Winick's art is cartoonish, especially when drawing aliens or robots, but also reflects a realistically multicultural world. There is a recap for new readers as well as a cliff-hanger ending that prepares readers for the next volume in this satisfying and fun series.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)