As they look closer, they begin to realize that the world around them isn’t quite right. Not in a deep, metaphoric sense: They find copies of themselves onstage. Sid, Axl, and Ivan volunteer to make a late-night fast-food run for the high school theater crew, and when they return, they find themselves. I may be wrong, of course, but I feel like this is going to be a very special book. I’m completely enchanted by the story already. I hate to repeat the synopsis, but there’s simply no better word for it: this sounds utterly magical.

Together, Nathaniel and Ben will travel farther than anyone has ever gone, down a winding road full of magic, wonder, and unexpected friendship*. The plan is to follow the river on their bikes for as long as it takes to learn the truth, but it isn’t long before the pact is broken by all except for Ben and (much to Ben’s disappointment) Nathaniel, the one kid who just doesn’t seem to fit in. Legend has it that after drifting out of sight, they’ll soar off to the Milky Way and turn into brilliant stars, but could that actually be true? This year, Ben and his classmates are determined to find out where those lanterns really go, and to ensure success in their mission, they’ve made a pact with two simple rules: No one turns for home.

It’s the night of the annual Autumn Equinox Festival, when the town gathers to float paper lanterns down the river. I’m always looking for new comics to read! As always, if you have any recommendations for me, please tell me all about them in the comments. I’ve been on an especially big graphic novel kick lately, so today’s TBR is all about spooky kids’ comics.

Happy Friday, kids! I don’t know about you, but I’m always in the mood for a good comic book.

Raven kami garcia