Magical Boy (Graphic Novel) £5 off orders over £30+ with code MERRY5 £10 off orders over £50+ with code MERRY10 £20 off orders over £80+ with code MERRY20 £30 off orders over £100+ with code MERRY30 by The Kao (author and illustrator)

Our February 2022 Ages 11+ Book of the Month

My February Book of the Month for children aged 11 and over is Magical Boy. Max has enough on his plate trying to get through school, with classes, crushes and coming out as trans. But on top of all that, his mum reveals an aeons-old family secret: he’s descended from a long line of Magical Girls… and he’s next in line! His life is turned upside down as he is tasked with defending humanity from a dark, ancient evil. With a sassy feline sidekick and loyal gang of friends by his side, can Max take on his destiny, save the world and become the first Magical Boy?

This is the first in a new series by The Kao, an illustrator and comic artist known for his online web series. Magical Boy too began as a webcomic where it won the Prism Award, given for excellence in LGBTQ+ comics. It is a hilarious and heartfelt riff on the magical girl genre made popular by teen manga series’. Magical Boy is also a full-colour graphic novel, making it easily accessible and engaging for especially reluctant readers. This breathtakingly imaginative fantasy series is really one-of-a-kind that kids will love.

Su – Book Club Editor, Ages 7–11+