School Library Journal Review
Gr 4--7--This sequel to the highly acclaimed Cardboard Kingdom sees the characters growing up and facing new conflicts. Autumn is in the air and, with it, big plans for Halloween--which are disrupted when Nate accidentally breaks a leg investigating what appears to be a mysterious monster. The continuing search for the creature and the danger it represents play out alongside encounters with hostile local teenagers. Characters are isolated by fear, self-doubt, loneliness, hubris, depression, and secrecy, but they are ultimately united in their friendships and concern for one another. The artwork serves the children's world of make-believe, switching freely between plain reality and how they see themselves in character. Sell employs emotive faces for this diverse bunch, with lots of curved eyebrows and unique expressions across countless group shots. The monster catalyst leads to subtle but significant character developments, including the blossoming romance between Nate and Miguel. Broken up into themed chapters, each with its own cover image, the narrative hops around a neighborhood's worth of mischief. VERDICT Another engrossing adventure that rewards imagination and empathy.--Thomas Maluck, Richland Lib., SC
Kirkus Review
Citizens of the Cardboard Kingdom reunite to fight a mysterious monster in their neighborhood. Autumn has arrived in a suburban neighborhood where a community of kids engage in complex, never-ending pretend play. Crafting costumes out of cardboard and characters reflecting their deepest desires and truest selves, the neighborhood children become the heroes, villains, and citizens of their own imaginary world. Unfortunately, as Halloween approaches, there's turmoil in the kingdom. When Elijah and Vijay are harassed by neighborhood teens, Vijay sinks into depression and renounces his character, the Beast. Nate, aka the Prince, is convinced that a terrible monster is invading the Cardboard Kingdom and will do whatever it takes to stop it. At the same time, Alice is working on a secret project that has her pushing the rest of the kingdom away. As the group wrestles with their fears and their friendships, they have to decide if these challenges will create a schism in their community or make the Cardboard Kingdom stronger. Continuing his collaboration with a group of different writers, Sell weaves together an engaging, endearing ensemble cast with a diverse range of gender identities and gender presentations, races, ethnicities, and body shapes. Bold, expressive artwork and varying panel shapes enhance the visual interest of the story and clearly portray the characters' shifting moods and feelings. Fans will be thrilled to return to the Cardboard Kingdom. (editor's note, author bios, character sketches, cover gallery) (Graphic fiction. 8-12) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
