Book Review: Another Kind by Cait May and Trevor Bream

Another Kind
by Cait May and Trevor Bream (jPB (Series) May)

The cover art on this thick graphic novel for youth is what first grabbed my attention, and I’m glad I followed through with this one, as it was a terrific read.

 

This graphic novel, by the “writing and art team” spouses Cait May and Trevor Bream is part X-Files, part The Fugitive, part “family bonding” and part coming-of-age. Six children, ranging in age from 6 years old to 16, forcibly reside in a hidden government base in the Nevada desert, colloquially known as “The Playroom”. Each of the six is an “Irregularity” — a type of being that is outside of the human norm. One is a selkie, another a werebear shapeshifter, a third is an alien child, a fourth is half-human and half-Yeti, and a fifth is a Will-o-the-Wisp creature from the world of faerie. The sixth, and youngest, is the most precocious little girl with a headful of tentacles for hair. The “irregularities” are kept away from human society but are trained to make the fullest use of each of their special extra-human abilities.

 

When evidence is found that someone has hacked the computers (and the physical building) of the top-secret containment facility, two agents are tasked with sneaking the six “kids” to a new, safer locale. Only…one of those is a turncoat, whose aim is turn the children over to “The Collector”, who is trying to get his hands on anyone associated with the paranormal. The kids escape and begin a cross-country journey to a whispered place called sanctuary. As they travel, and encounter various individuals, each of the six tells the others of their (usually tragic) backstory and what led to their confinement.

 

Each of the characters is fascinating and likeable, and the overall story is a thinly-veiled allegory for accepting and appreciating that which is perhaps different from the social norm. The artwork is excellent, and the storytelling is alternately humorous, emotional, chilling and high-spirited. The storytellers manage to tell a particularly dark and forboding tale, with some violence and prejudice, without overwhelming younger readers or oversimplifying it for adult readers. I was sorry to see Another Kind end…but it was left open-ended enough that they could continue it in future volumes! Oh, and although this is classified in the kids’ collection, its storytelling is sophisticated enough that teens and adults will also enjoy it.

 

(If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try The Backstagers by James Tynion IV.)

 

( publisher’s official Another Kind web page ) | ( official Cait May artist web site ) | ( official Trevor Bream Twitter feed )

 

Recommended by Scott C.
Bennett Martin Public Library — Public Service

 

Have you read or listened to this one? What did you think? Did you find this review helpful?

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