ALI BABA AND THE FORTY THIEVES (GRAPHIC NOVEL)

Author (last name first):
Manning, Matthew K.
Publisher, Date of Publication: 
Stone Arch Books/ 2011
Grade Level/ or Age Level: 
2nd - 6th Grades
Classification: Fiction  
In this variation of the classic story; Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves, Ali Baba is a poor young man who stumbles upon a hidden cave where a band of thieves hides its loot. When he brings some of the treasure home, his greedy brother, Kasim, finds out and forces Ali Baba to tell him were the treasure is.  When Kasim is suddenly interrogated and killed by the thieves, they hunt for Ali Baba. The servant girl Marjana uses all her cunning and courage to save Ali Baba and his family. Will Marjana, Ali  Baba and his family make it out alive?
Richardo Osnaya's elegant art and Matthew Manning's story combine to make an action packed comic book. The back pages include information about the Arabian Nights, real hidden treasures, a glossary, discussion and writing prompts. The book will appeal to most young readers because of the adventure and the graphic novel style in which it is written. There is an AR test as well for this book.

Reviewed By: Lila Davis (Night Circulation Manager at Midwestern State University's Moffett Library)