Forecast from Stonehenge

Gr 6 Up–In this Choose Your Own Adventure graphic novel, readers are on a quest to retrieve Stonehenge’s missing heel stone. At the start of the quest, the mysterious wizard Alistair appears during the summer solstice and gives the reader the ceremonial golden scythe. From here, the process of selecting the adventure begins, as cued at the bottom of certain pages. Each path leads to encounters with Elaine and her horde of fairies, as well as Liandra, a woodland sprite. Experiences with these characters vary based on the path chosen to take. Navigating through London, readers will encounter danger and uncertainty while uncovering the mysteries of Stonehenge. Bolinho’s illustrations, featuring a blend of realistic and anime-styled characters, expertly complement Phillips’s storytelling. The format provides readers with an interactive experience through multiple path variations. The second-person point of view will draw readers in and immerse them in the experience. The fast-paced plot and thrilling dialogue coupled with dark illustrations, such as being cornered and outnumbered by the enemy, deepen the ominous tone. While the interaction is deeply engaging, readers may find the abrupt endings and scene changes confusing at times.