Translated: Norwegian

Nordlys: Book One / Malin Falch

/ Alisha Helms / Leave a comment 
Nordlys: Book One (Nordlys #1)
By: Malin Falch
Genre: Graphic Novel, Middle Grade
Number of Pages: 320
Published: May 13, 2025 (1st Published February 15, 2018)
Publisher: Inklore
Dates Read: August 3, 2025
Format: Library Book / Paperback

The night before her coming-of-age ceremony, Sonja gets a visit from a mysterious boy who offers to take her across the stars to a Norway she’s never seen; a Norway full of trolls, pirates, and magic. As Sonja slowly begins to fall in love with the new land, she uncovers an adventure that may bring both worlds together.

If you take Peter Pan, mix it with Norwegian folklore, and then add beautiful artwork, you’ll have Nordlys – oh, and add a dragonfly! This is also just the beginning of the series, so it very well may turn in a different direction, but you definitely get Peter Pan feels.

This is just the beginning of this series and I kind of need the translations to have happened yesterday, this is so good.

Oh, and don’t get me started on the artwork. When I first flipped through it, it reminded me of Brother Bear, which I enjoy, so anything like that already had my attention. But then everything else about the artwork and the panels is beautiful and you can practically smell the crisp mountain air between the pages!

Overall, if you’d enjoy a graphic novel with beautiful panels and a Peter Pan retelling sprinkled with Norwegian folklore, this book is for you!

Cross My Heart and Never Lie / Nora Dåsnes, Matt Bagguley (Translator)

/ Alisha Helms / 1 Comment 
Cross My Heart and Never Lie
By: Nora Dåsnes, Matt Bagguley (Translator)
Genre: Graphic Novel, Middle Grade
Number of Pages: 248
Published: September 19, 2023 (1st Published May 5, 2021)
Publisher: Hippo Park
Dates Read: March 20, 2024
Format: Library Book / Hardcover

Twelve-year-old Tuva has questions about what it means to become a mature and a teenager. She’s starting seventh grade and has a few goals; write (or draw) a whole diary, get a cool look, build the best base in the bog with Bao and Linnéa, go to a sleepover birthday party, and fall in love. She’s got it all planned out. But when school starts, nothing is how she hoped.

Her two best friends are not split into rival teams. TEAM LINNÉA are the girls who fall in love. TEAM BAO are the girls who will never fall in love. Linnéa got a boyfriend over the summer and Bao hates everything there is to do with love. And now, they’re expecting Tuva to pick sides! Then Miriam shows up and suddenly Tuva feels like she’s met her soulmate.

How’s a girl to survive?

This was so cute! First sapphic love written in the diary form of a young artist is adorable (especially when she’s making the connections that yea – she does like Miriam like that!). It’s also one of the best coming of age stories I’ve read in a minute. Tuva’s on that teetering edge of playing around in the mud during breaks and wearing a bra and mascara for the first time (I don’t wear makeup anymore, but I did when I was younger and trying to figure out your “look” is hard!).

Tuva’s dad is also a single parent and it’s heartwarming to see him trying while Tuva’s going through everything. He even admits he doesn’t have all the answers, but it’s always so very supportive.

This book is set in Norway and is translated from Norwegian – it’s fascinating to see how universal growing up can be.

Overall, I’ll be thrusting this book into the hands of many who would like a warm hug on a chilly day. Also those that love queer middle grade stories. The subjects in the story are never too heavy and can be enjoyed by all ages!