What do you think?
Rate this book
Hereville #2
How Mirka Met a Meteorite
Mirka is back, and this time she takes on a misguided meteor who's been set in motion by the troll and turned into Mirka's twin by the witch. Doppelganger Mirka is out to best the real girl. Our heroine will have to beat her own other self in a three-part challenge...or be banished from Hereville!
128 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 2012
19 people are currently reading
1271 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 234 reviews
April 12, 2016
The last time I read a comic book, uh, I mean graphic novel (in sophisticated fonts) was ages ago when they were still simply called comic books. I almost forgot how enjoyable they were until this cute book. It’s a witty, charming and really funny middle school story about Mirka, an 11 year old Jewish girl, her adventures and her explorations mostly of her identity.
The graphics are awesome and hilarious, I kept snorting in laughter. Here’s a preview.:
I was surprisingly affected by Mirka’s introspection on how one person could simply lose her identity and how people who knew her, loved her for years and years wouldn’t even notice. It’s funny how a little graphic, middle school novel could provoke such deep thoughts. A lot of YA and NA writers will learn a thing or two from this comic book.^^
It’s the second book to a series but can be read as a standalone although you might be wondering why I read the second book first. It’s simply because it’s the only thing available at my favorite store. I found this after spending a considerable amount of time and got it in perfect condition for almost free (again!) and in hardback! Patience has its rewards! Woo-hoo! Now I’m gonna go scavenge for the first book and hopefully for the rest of the books in the series!^^
January 13, 2016
This graphic novel wasn't in my tbr list, but when my sister handed this book to me this morning(to pass it to my daughter),as I was checking the cover..I couldn't resist but look at the cute graphics that made me flip some more pages until I was actually reading it already!lol!
Surprisingly,It was an enjoyable read! I loved the storyline 'cause it was charming and hilarious! And though this is the second book from the Hereville series,you wouldn't mind not having read the first one,because this one's a standalone.
This is a story of Mirka,a young orthodox funny and brave Jewish girl who fights evil. And in this book, she was caught in between a troll and a witch fight that caused herself into meteorite trouble.
What I loved about this book was the amazing artwork,the vocabulary jewish to english translation at the bottom of the pages,and the accuracy of the characters. I especially loved Mirka's siblings because they were so kind,loyal and supportive of her.
I'm glad that my daughter borrowed this book from her aunt AJ!(Thanks a lot,dear sis!) This was indeed a delightful read,and I'm sure my daughter's going to enjoy this too!^^
Surprisingly,It was an enjoyable read! I loved the storyline 'cause it was charming and hilarious! And though this is the second book from the Hereville series,you wouldn't mind not having read the first one,because this one's a standalone.
This is a story of Mirka,a young orthodox funny and brave Jewish girl who fights evil. And in this book, she was caught in between a troll and a witch fight that caused herself into meteorite trouble.
What I loved about this book was the amazing artwork,the vocabulary jewish to english translation at the bottom of the pages,and the accuracy of the characters. I especially loved Mirka's siblings because they were so kind,loyal and supportive of her.
I'm glad that my daughter borrowed this book from her aunt AJ!(Thanks a lot,dear sis!) This was indeed a delightful read,and I'm sure my daughter's going to enjoy this too!^^
March 10, 2015
A great follow up to the first volume. I still love Mirka herself. She's a character with a lot of fire, and though she can be a little self-centered and has problems listening to and taking advice, her heart is (often) in the right place. And her stepmother, Fruma, has really grown on me.
The story is kind of basic, but Deutsch has applied a lot of imagination to the specifics. His troll looks like no other troll I've ever seen. I strongly suspect that the story was partly inspired by Stardust, but it goes in a very different direction, and his meteoroid is quite different from Gaiman's star. The story is constructed to give Mirka an occasion to be thoughtful (something she isn't terribly good at) without being particularly heavy handed. And, as a knitter, I'm delighted to note that yarn once again plays an important part of the story.
Much as I liked this book, I think this would also go over quite well with the target age group. Possibly even more so with Orthodox girls like Mirka, but I can see my (not at all Orthodox) niece getting a real kick out of this story in a couple of years.
The story is kind of basic, but Deutsch has applied a lot of imagination to the specifics. His troll looks like no other troll I've ever seen. I strongly suspect that the story was partly inspired by Stardust, but it goes in a very different direction, and his meteoroid is quite different from Gaiman's star. The story is constructed to give Mirka an occasion to be thoughtful (something she isn't terribly good at) without being particularly heavy handed. And, as a knitter, I'm delighted to note that yarn once again plays an important part of the story.
Much as I liked this book, I think this would also go over quite well with the target age group. Possibly even more so with Orthodox girls like Mirka, but I can see my (not at all Orthodox) niece getting a real kick out of this story in a couple of years.
July 3, 2015
This is the second "Hereville" book, and I was relieved to see it's just as good as the first. I'm also glad that it answers some questions from the previous story while leaving some open. Barry Deutsch is carefully crafting a story for us, and it's one that will take more than one book to tell.
In this volume, Mirka - an Orthodox Jewish girl with a sword she won in battle and a rebellious streak a mile wide - gets to have more adventures and solve more problems using her wits as well as her strength. Readers get to see more of Hereville, which Deutsch makes clear is supposed to be a town in our own world (we're shown the occasional car this time around, and a woman wearing – gasp! – shorts). And we all live happily ever after, knowing that another Mirka graphic novel is due to be published soon.
In this volume, Mirka - an Orthodox Jewish girl with a sword she won in battle and a rebellious streak a mile wide - gets to have more adventures and solve more problems using her wits as well as her strength. Readers get to see more of Hereville, which Deutsch makes clear is supposed to be a town in our own world (we're shown the occasional car this time around, and a woman wearing – gasp! – shorts). And we all live happily ever after, knowing that another Mirka graphic novel is due to be published soon.
January 30, 2015
I’m not a fan of graphic novels, and this book didn’t change my opinion of them, although I liked it. Charming and humorous, it seems a perfect little volume for kids in elementary and middle school. It took me a couple of hours to finish, and I did have fun while reading the story. It was original and funky, if a bit didactic, but I kept wondering if I might’ve liked it more, had it been written as text with a few illustrations.
I suppose some pictures enhanced the story. The troll was definitely a bonus. I could never visualize a troll like that, even though I read lots of fantasy. The rest – I didn’t need the pictures, but I think kids might enjoy this book only because of the pictures.
Maybe the gist of the matter is that those kids have trouble reading? Wouldn’t it be better for them, for their reading and comprehension skills, if they read this cute story and imagined the characters, instead of following the imagery and reading the inconsequential balloons? Some of the balloons have useful snippets of text inside, that’s true, but many contain only interjections: Bam! Aha! Oooo… etc. Perfect for borderline illiterate, isn’t it? It’s like a cartoon on TV.
Overall, graphic stories are obviously not for me. For those who love the genre, this little book might be a gem. It makes me a tad sad that I couldn’t savor it the way it deserves.
At least this book will go towards my PopSugar 2015 Reading Challenge as a graphic novel.
I suppose some pictures enhanced the story. The troll was definitely a bonus. I could never visualize a troll like that, even though I read lots of fantasy. The rest – I didn’t need the pictures, but I think kids might enjoy this book only because of the pictures.
Maybe the gist of the matter is that those kids have trouble reading? Wouldn’t it be better for them, for their reading and comprehension skills, if they read this cute story and imagined the characters, instead of following the imagery and reading the inconsequential balloons? Some of the balloons have useful snippets of text inside, that’s true, but many contain only interjections: Bam! Aha! Oooo… etc. Perfect for borderline illiterate, isn’t it? It’s like a cartoon on TV.
Overall, graphic stories are obviously not for me. For those who love the genre, this little book might be a gem. It makes me a tad sad that I couldn’t savor it the way it deserves.
At least this book will go towards my PopSugar 2015 Reading Challenge as a graphic novel.
March 14, 2017
My 10-year-old managed to get her read in before me. We both love Mirka, who is strong, and smart, and troublesome. I really enjoy the way Deutsch shows the normality of Mirka's orthodox community, and how that influences the characters, but not exactly the plot. This is some very grounded fantasy. Go, Mirka, you flail about vigorously with your sword, girl.
Library copy.
Library copy.
January 18, 2016
RTC. Just as good as the first one, and possibly slightly weirder. These books are so unexpected!
January 13, 2016
Mirka and her siblings, a strange predicament, an interesting witch cameo, a nice not-so-evil step-mother, a troll who's probably watched too many Woody Allen movies, some Yiddish, a meteor-turned-doppelganger, and some great problem-solving (how to keep Shabbat under difficult and fable-y circumstances, how to beat a very talented meteor-turned-human-ish in a contest.) I enjoyed this book. I wish the witch would have been in here a little more, and that I could relate to Mirka a little more, but this is a fun book with a unique world and cast of characters, and a touch of the talmudic flair of Rabbi Harvey.
October 19, 2020
Great follow up to Hereville: How Mirka Got Her Sword. Mirka has the best of intentions, but is still kinda annoyingly self centered (she think she knows best, ya know, like a kid) which is an incredibly bitter pill for her to swallow when faced with an annoying and self centered doppelganger that steals her place within her family. (Leading Mirka to hit her head against an existential wall: how is it that no one notices she's been replaced?!)
I love Mirka's slow and meaningful character growth (both in book 1 & here).
I love Mirka's step-mother; she's awesome.
And, I love Mirka's (smart & steady) sister Rochel.
Can't wait to read the next book!
I love Mirka's slow and meaningful character growth (both in book 1 & here).
I love Mirka's step-mother; she's awesome.
And, I love Mirka's (smart & steady) sister Rochel.
Can't wait to read the next book!
June 23, 2021
I've waited years for my library to get How Mirka Met a Meteorite! It's the follow up to How Mirka Got Her Sword, the adventures of a not-so-typical Orthodox Jewish girl who isn't content to cook and knot like other girls in her position. Mirka instead gets into all sorts of supernatural trouble. This time it's a meteorite-turned-Mirka-doppelganger. Shenanigans ensue.
It's been too long for me to compare the first and second installments. But this book had good humor and a clever conclusion to the plot. It was enjoyable!
It's been too long for me to compare the first and second installments. But this book had good humor and a clever conclusion to the plot. It was enjoyable!
April 5, 2018
Oh my goodness. This book was hilarious! I picked it up feeling iffy, but boy did this book prove itself! How Mirka Met a Meteorite is the second installment of the Hereville series and was an awesome sci-fi read. I would definitely use it to talk about the different kinds of texts we encounter as readers, (as it is a graphic novel) and how when reading a graphic novel there is a lot the author communicates to us within the pictures and how those illustrations add to the meaning. I could also see myself using it as an instructional tool for the Words of the Wiser Sign posts as there are many instances in which Mirka's step mother is giving her words of wisdom. I think the thing that made it a wow book for me was how entertaining it was. I didn't really have to force myself to read it, which sometimes is necessary to get through certain books, but I couldn't put it down. I'm also not a huge fan of graphic novels either so this one definitely caught me by surprise! What a great choice!
June 17, 2022
Silly. But interesting. Definitely a modern jewish fairytale. Really it is just a modern fairytale with jewish characters. And having overtly Jewish characters in an overtly Jewish village just plain feels weird. What does it mean to be a person? How do you figure what you are good at. Or what's important? And what's the best use of a beret? 3.5 of 5.
March 14, 2020
Another fun romp with the charmingly headstrong Mirka and her family! I love how the family’s history is incorporated and the “lessons learned” were quite valuable ones.
June 19, 2023
better than the first one HOT TAKE.
Read
August 20, 2024Let's be real, Mirka's kind of a brat, and I hope she learned some lessons from this experience (though I doubt it)
September 14, 2012
Thanks to Abrams and NetGalley I got a sneak peek at the sequel to Barry Deutsch’s Hereville: How Mirka Got Her Sword. It should be noted that the advanced copy/peek was pre-color and still sketched at the end, so I cannot speak to the color throughout or any detailing toward the end, but I can say that it is drawn and formatted consistent to the first book (that is good news, by the way). Love the cover.
————————————————————-
How Mirka Met a Meteorite picks up after the events in the first, unsurprisingly grounded. So while she finally has the sword to fight dragons, she is stuck in the house—knitting. Before she gets unleashed on the world (trading curtain rods for an actual sword) it is a nice time for those new to Mirka to get to know her. You should really read the first, but Deutsch acquaints (and reminds) readers just who our lovely protagonist is. And it becomes of vital importance to know who Mirka really is—for Mirka and her family and friends.
“Isn’t there anything special about me at all?”
How Mirka Met a Meteorite provides a very nice exploration on identity, of knowing who you are and who you want to be; the things you wish you were good at, and the things you already are good at—and the things you are actually good at. It’s a nice exploration because Mirka is funny and earnest and so so brash! And her half-sister Rachel is so sweet and earnest and wise. And it’s a nice exploration because the adventure that facilitates it defies expectation. Mirka is one of a kind.
[image]
{page 87 (via bk site, see below). I really appreciate what the fluidity, his lack of hard edged (or any) paneling, does for the story. for instance, the bottom half of this page could be read chronologically or in simultaneity.
How Mirka Got Her Sword is a success and I was pleased to find Mirka’s encounter with the Meteorite as thoroughly enjoyable in story and illustration. I am eager to see the effect of some of the sequences in book form (and with color) even though they were still fun to view in my Adobe Reader–Deutsch does movement really well. And expression. For example, the above image emotes and storytells quite effectively without text or true context (though I’m sure you are recalling the publisher’s synopsis).
That previous characters return is of no surprise, but Deutsch does thread elements and references from the first, like the very covers, the ball of yarn, grapes, a pig, and I find Mirka knitting very amusing. I enjoy Deutsch’s sense of humor and his imaginative flair; as well as his inclusion of that charming little Totoro doll on Rachel’s bed (43). And those glimpses into the culture and language of our Orthodox Jew protagonist?–yeah they are still present and influential to the story. Thank you Barry Deutsch for offering us something so different from our standard fare.
How Mirka Met a Meteorite is a delightful follow-through of How Mirka Got Her Sword. I am very much looking forward to exploring it again with you upon its release in November.* So mark your calendars for the 1st (or pre-order/request).
—
*convenient timing for Christmas? I think so. This is one of those series you should be adding to your shelf; for your young person and you.
recommendations… ages 8 & up; girls & boys; readers of comics or no; lovers of tales, fantasy, the comedic, the cultural, and/or the highly dramatic yet short lived games of chess. this one is for fans of Jimmy Gownley’s Amelia Rules! without a doubt, and I would add that Jeff Smith’s Bone fans would probably like it, as well as Will Eisner’s (as his illustrations certainly came to mind during the read; and coincidentally, he speaks to this in the interview below).
L (omphaloskepsis)
http://contemplatrix.wordpress.com/20...
there are links and images
————————————————————-
How Mirka Met a Meteorite picks up after the events in the first, unsurprisingly grounded. So while she finally has the sword to fight dragons, she is stuck in the house—knitting. Before she gets unleashed on the world (trading curtain rods for an actual sword) it is a nice time for those new to Mirka to get to know her. You should really read the first, but Deutsch acquaints (and reminds) readers just who our lovely protagonist is. And it becomes of vital importance to know who Mirka really is—for Mirka and her family and friends.
“Isn’t there anything special about me at all?”
How Mirka Met a Meteorite provides a very nice exploration on identity, of knowing who you are and who you want to be; the things you wish you were good at, and the things you already are good at—and the things you are actually good at. It’s a nice exploration because Mirka is funny and earnest and so so brash! And her half-sister Rachel is so sweet and earnest and wise. And it’s a nice exploration because the adventure that facilitates it defies expectation. Mirka is one of a kind.
[image]
{page 87 (via bk site, see below). I really appreciate what the fluidity, his lack of hard edged (or any) paneling, does for the story. for instance, the bottom half of this page could be read chronologically or in simultaneity.
How Mirka Got Her Sword is a success and I was pleased to find Mirka’s encounter with the Meteorite as thoroughly enjoyable in story and illustration. I am eager to see the effect of some of the sequences in book form (and with color) even though they were still fun to view in my Adobe Reader–Deutsch does movement really well. And expression. For example, the above image emotes and storytells quite effectively without text or true context (though I’m sure you are recalling the publisher’s synopsis).
That previous characters return is of no surprise, but Deutsch does thread elements and references from the first, like the very covers, the ball of yarn, grapes, a pig, and I find Mirka knitting very amusing. I enjoy Deutsch’s sense of humor and his imaginative flair; as well as his inclusion of that charming little Totoro doll on Rachel’s bed (43). And those glimpses into the culture and language of our Orthodox Jew protagonist?–yeah they are still present and influential to the story. Thank you Barry Deutsch for offering us something so different from our standard fare.
How Mirka Met a Meteorite is a delightful follow-through of How Mirka Got Her Sword. I am very much looking forward to exploring it again with you upon its release in November.* So mark your calendars for the 1st (or pre-order/request).
—
*convenient timing for Christmas? I think so. This is one of those series you should be adding to your shelf; for your young person and you.
recommendations… ages 8 & up; girls & boys; readers of comics or no; lovers of tales, fantasy, the comedic, the cultural, and/or the highly dramatic yet short lived games of chess. this one is for fans of Jimmy Gownley’s Amelia Rules! without a doubt, and I would add that Jeff Smith’s Bone fans would probably like it, as well as Will Eisner’s (as his illustrations certainly came to mind during the read; and coincidentally, he speaks to this in the interview below).
L (omphaloskepsis)
http://contemplatrix.wordpress.com/20...
there are links and images
August 1, 2012
ARC provided by NetGalley
Although the first volume of Mirka wasn’t my favorite book of the year, I did find it interesting and was pleased to see a sequel was/is coming out as Mirka provides a unique point of view to readers. It’s a different environment than most folks are accustomed to reading about it (I know it was for me) and I like that she’s a strong female character.
Mirka is back. She’s still a sword-brandishing, monster-fighting girl...and she’s still grounded from her last adventure of sneaking out to get her sword. And just as soon as she’s ungrounded, she heads back to the troll for another adventure and more problems! This time the troll has called for a meteor to destroy the witch’s home...which would also destroy the entire town! Only the witch can stop it and she just barely does by turning the meteor into Mirka’s twin. Now the doppelganger is slowly taking over Mirka’s life and if she doesn’t win the upcoming contest she’ll be banished from Hereville forever.
I can’t really comment on the artwork because the vast majority of the egalley I read just wasn’t finished at all (some of it was really rough, just bare pencil outlines.) So it’s hard to compare it to the previous book until I see a final version.
Perhaps I’m just not the right age or the right frame of mind, but I just couldn’t get into this book at all. I know that Mirka is a strong female character, which is a nice change of pace, but it just doesn’t seem like she’s really grown from the previous book and I just don’t connect with her character at all. She was whiny, obnoxious, and just never seems to think anything out. For me it was just hard to find anything redeeming at all about the character.
I’m sure this book is right for others, but just not me. Tentatively 3 out of 5 stars.
Although the first volume of Mirka wasn’t my favorite book of the year, I did find it interesting and was pleased to see a sequel was/is coming out as Mirka provides a unique point of view to readers. It’s a different environment than most folks are accustomed to reading about it (I know it was for me) and I like that she’s a strong female character.
Mirka is back. She’s still a sword-brandishing, monster-fighting girl...and she’s still grounded from her last adventure of sneaking out to get her sword. And just as soon as she’s ungrounded, she heads back to the troll for another adventure and more problems! This time the troll has called for a meteor to destroy the witch’s home...which would also destroy the entire town! Only the witch can stop it and she just barely does by turning the meteor into Mirka’s twin. Now the doppelganger is slowly taking over Mirka’s life and if she doesn’t win the upcoming contest she’ll be banished from Hereville forever.
I can’t really comment on the artwork because the vast majority of the egalley I read just wasn’t finished at all (some of it was really rough, just bare pencil outlines.) So it’s hard to compare it to the previous book until I see a final version.
Perhaps I’m just not the right age or the right frame of mind, but I just couldn’t get into this book at all. I know that Mirka is a strong female character, which is a nice change of pace, but it just doesn’t seem like she’s really grown from the previous book and I just don’t connect with her character at all. She was whiny, obnoxious, and just never seems to think anything out. For me it was just hard to find anything redeeming at all about the character.
I’m sure this book is right for others, but just not me. Tentatively 3 out of 5 stars.
January 9, 2015
"How Mirka Met A Meteorite" from the "Hereville" series, is a riveting book written by the author Barry Duetsch. This book is a graphic novel about a young orthodox Jewish girl named Mirka. Mirka is all about fighting evil and becoming a hero, but she is faced with the biggest fight of all, against herself. Mirka won a sword in the first book, and when she goes to collect it, the troll she won it from casts a meteorite to come and crush Earth. Mirka runs to the witch that helped her defeat the troll and tells her of the meteorite. Thinking quickly, the witch turns the meteorite into a girl, an exact copy of Mirka. Except this girl is stronger, smarter, and faster. Slowly, this new girl, Metty, starts taking over Mirka's life. Attending meals, going to school, and even stealing her family! Soon, Mirka realizes that if she wants to keep her own life, she has to get ride of the meteorite.
I found this book to be well written and well executed. Author Barry Deustch does a great job displaying the story, and makes great artistic choices. For instance, when Mirka gets really enraged, the picture zooms into her face. Duestch has written a story that has sophisticated ideas, but very easy to get a good hold of. Throughout the story, there is a consistent theme. Mirka keeps reminding us to never give up, don't be afraid. She fearlessly challenges monsters, and forces that are stronger than her. Mirka is a bright figure and is very inspiring. The story includes magical realism and is a great book for people who enjoy fiction.
I found this book to be well written and well executed. Author Barry Deustch does a great job displaying the story, and makes great artistic choices. For instance, when Mirka gets really enraged, the picture zooms into her face. Duestch has written a story that has sophisticated ideas, but very easy to get a good hold of. Throughout the story, there is a consistent theme. Mirka keeps reminding us to never give up, don't be afraid. She fearlessly challenges monsters, and forces that are stronger than her. Mirka is a bright figure and is very inspiring. The story includes magical realism and is a great book for people who enjoy fiction.
March 14, 2016
Another cute volume about a young Orthodox Jewish girl having supernatural adventures in her home town and the adjoining woods. What's cool about these books to me, beyond the obvious (Women-centered Jewish SFF!), is that the plots aren't just modernized versions of familiar and therefore predictable folk tales, but completely new and unpredictable stories that nevertheless use the ethos of those old stories to resolve their conflicts.
At the core, this one is about a supernatural double of the protagonist showing up and beating her at everything, even usurping her meals and her Shabbat time. Mirka and her siblings finally get rid of the double using totally typical Jewish folk-tale twisted logic (you know, like the "give him whatever you want" story where the unscrupulous character ends up having to give the other character what HE, the first character, wanted), and I smirked when the final problem is solved using a Checkov's Gun from the beginning of the book.
Now I've read all three books and I can vouch that they are cute and interesting. Warning if you follow me for happy dragons because this is the book that has Mirka's dream-vision of her actually standing over a dragon's dead body, but I assure you that no actual dragons are harmed in the entire series.
At the core, this one is about a supernatural double of the protagonist showing up and beating her at everything, even usurping her meals and her Shabbat time. Mirka and her siblings finally get rid of the double using totally typical Jewish folk-tale twisted logic (you know, like the "give him whatever you want" story where the unscrupulous character ends up having to give the other character what HE, the first character, wanted), and I smirked when the final problem is solved using a Checkov's Gun from the beginning of the book.
Now I've read all three books and I can vouch that they are cute and interesting. Warning if you follow me for happy dragons because this is the book that has Mirka's dream-vision of her actually standing over a dragon's dead body, but I assure you that no actual dragons are harmed in the entire series.
July 27, 2014
This is book to in the Hereville graphic novel series and Mirka is just as dramatic as ever. I really, really enjoyed this storyline. Searching for her place at school and home, Mirka dives into mischief with a troll and a witch. No good can come of this! Mirka instead must face the reality of her dealings while connecting with her family and faith. These could easily be very heady topics but Deutsch intertwines with storyline with humor, Jewish culture, bits of Yiddish (and their translations) and the road to self-discovery. There are a couple of takeaway lessons for everyone here.
The artwork is expressive showcasing a range of Mirka's dramatic expressions. Deutsch's strengths really shine when several panels are combined to show both the passing of time and emotion. Especially the panel above where Mirka is running to beat the clock. The smaller panels demonstrate all of her hilarious inner monologue. The two-page spread could've easily been done with just the larger Mirka's but Deutsch gives the whole 9-yards when combining storytelling with the illustrations.
This was an awesome #WeNeedDiverseBooks read for me and I look forward to Hereville #3.
The artwork is expressive showcasing a range of Mirka's dramatic expressions. Deutsch's strengths really shine when several panels are combined to show both the passing of time and emotion. Especially the panel above where Mirka is running to beat the clock. The smaller panels demonstrate all of her hilarious inner monologue. The two-page spread could've easily been done with just the larger Mirka's but Deutsch gives the whole 9-yards when combining storytelling with the illustrations.
This was an awesome #WeNeedDiverseBooks read for me and I look forward to Hereville #3.
July 26, 2013
Yay for Mirka! I'm so happy to see the adventures of my favorite sword-wielding, Orthodox Jewish comic book character continue! (Though I'm not sure how much of a distinction that is--the only competition that comes to mind is Judith in comic book versions of the Torah.)
Thoughts on sequels - I feel like the "witch" keeps hinting that eventually Mirka is going to struggle with her Judaism and come to the witch for guidance, but the comic books seems so positive about Orthodox Judaism that I'm not sure whether Mirka's story will decide to incorporate both the witch becoming a role model and Mirka maintaining her religious identity--though I think that would be really neat. The foreshadowing is ambiguous and hard to read, just as good foreshadowing should be! Either way, I'm curious to see what happens.
Thoughts on sequels - I feel like the "witch" keeps hinting that eventually Mirka is going to struggle with her Judaism and come to the witch for guidance, but the comic books seems so positive about Orthodox Judaism that I'm not sure whether Mirka's story will decide to incorporate both the witch becoming a role model and Mirka maintaining her religious identity--though I think that would be really neat. The foreshadowing is ambiguous and hard to read, just as good foreshadowing should be! Either way, I'm curious to see what happens.
December 17, 2016
Story: 5 stars
Art: 5 stars
Children's graphic novel with Orthodox Jewish characters and some fantasy elements thrown into the mix. Characterization is superb. Story line is interesting. Very original series. Art is above average.
I've never encountered a children's book that incorporates religion so well into the story. The Jewish-ness isn't just an incidental part of the characters to add some flavor; it defines who the characters are. The Jewish customs and culture are woven tightly into the plot as well, but don't overtake it or reduce any of the entertainment value. In fact, the enjoyment of the book is actually increased by the Jewish aspects.
This second installment in the Hereville series has a more tightly focused story arc than the first book. Art is also a bit more sophisticated in this second book.
Art: 5 stars
Children's graphic novel with Orthodox Jewish characters and some fantasy elements thrown into the mix. Characterization is superb. Story line is interesting. Very original series. Art is above average.
I've never encountered a children's book that incorporates religion so well into the story. The Jewish-ness isn't just an incidental part of the characters to add some flavor; it defines who the characters are. The Jewish customs and culture are woven tightly into the plot as well, but don't overtake it or reduce any of the entertainment value. In fact, the enjoyment of the book is actually increased by the Jewish aspects.
This second installment in the Hereville series has a more tightly focused story arc than the first book. Art is also a bit more sophisticated in this second book.
July 9, 2012
I got to see the Advanced Reader Copy at NetGalley. Much of the artwork was unfinished which makes me looking forward even more to October when I can finally see the finished copy. Looking at the ARC is like looking into Barry's artistic process.
A sword, a troll, a meteorite, a magical transformation, a Mirka doppelganger, a contest that will have a winner. . .and a loser who will have to leave Hereville forever.
A longer review to come with the finished project in October, but put this one on your reading radar now. . .especially if you enjoyed the first book!
A sword, a troll, a meteorite, a magical transformation, a Mirka doppelganger, a contest that will have a winner. . .and a loser who will have to leave Hereville forever.
A longer review to come with the finished project in October, but put this one on your reading radar now. . .especially if you enjoyed the first book!
February 9, 2017
This one was even better than the first. In love with these characters! The idea of a fantasy story set in a Jewish Orthodox town/home is done so well. The author weaves Yiddish and Hebrew into the dialogue with ease. Absolutely fantastic! This story seems more complete and seamless than the first, perhaps because there is less introduction to characters and setting.
I NEED MORE MIRKA! I hope there is more to come!
I NEED MORE MIRKA! I hope there is more to come!
October 13, 2017
I LOVE THESE BOOKS! Not only is there a kick-ass female character who's absolutely human; not only is there reverence for old-world culture and playful embracing of the new; not only are there fantastically fresh voyages into magical realms; not only are the relationships complicated and unexpected; but there's ALSO deep faith permeating everything--the world, the characters, and the PLOT, which I almost never see in any books, much less kids' books. BRILLIANT!
August 8, 2013
The follow-up to Deutsch's How Mirka Got Her Sword entertained both the kids and me, although it wasn't quite as spectacular as the original Hereville volume. My kids liked the overall message and the humor, in particular. I would have liked a more complex plot and a bit more characterization.
December 2, 2014
This volume finds Mirka fighting a meteor who. . well I don’t want to ruin it. But I love this series for its depiction of religious people and a close family. Honestly, this is a great series for anyone. It isn’t only Mirka who is the strong one in the family. Different kinds of strength and intelligence are shown. It’s quite lovely.
November 2, 2015
4.5 stars - As much as I enjoyed the first Hereville book, this second installment needs no laying of the groundwork that slowed down the first volume. As such, How Mirka Met a Meteorite contains a more compelling story with more depth than the introductory volume. Very eager to read the newest volume.
December 11, 2012
That "meteorite" turns out to be Mirka's double--but not her EXACT double....
I think this second outing is little more preachy than the prequel, with a closing slip into metafiction that's a shade coy. It's still funny, sweet, scary and wonderful in many, many ways.
I think this second outing is little more preachy than the prequel, with a closing slip into metafiction that's a shade coy. It's still funny, sweet, scary and wonderful in many, many ways.
July 21, 2015
I for one am not a huge fan of graphic novels because pricey but I saw this one at Booksale and I don't regret buying it. I like Mirka and the creativity if the story. The illustrations are superb and very colorful. Will definitely be on the hunt for Book 1.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 234 reviews