As a true-blue middle grade fan I have to mention here, up top, how deeply satisfying it is to find a new non-fantasy kids’ graphic novel with a driving, action-packed narrative full of danger and derring-do. And although that’s just the surface pleasure of STUDENT AMBASSADOR from Iron Circus Comics, I have to say it’s the bit that has stayed with me the longest after blowing through it in one short sitting; lasting images of two kids adventuring in a distant part of the globe against huge odds with no magic or dragons to help them out.
But like I said, that’s just the start of this window into the world of author and polymath Ryan Estrada (co-author of BANNED BOOK CLUB). Ryan's not only a former student ambassador himself but an intrepid globe-trotter who has seen most of the locales in these pages up close himself. He has taken the (admittedly boring) job of student ambassadorship and turned it into what kids wish it really is: tackling geopolitical problems with Dan Brown-style puzzles and chases!
The story opens with Student Ambassador Joseph Bazan who has won a meeting with the President of the United States. While goofing around in the Oval Office together, Joseph solves a thorny situation with the Canadian Prime Minister and the prez hits upon an idea. This kid has some skills, and the boy king of fictional Rhutar -- an authoritarian regime isolated from the rest of the modern world -- might open up if they send someone his own age to talk it out. Joseph now has a real diplomatic mission, and things are about to get real dicey! An obsessively researched adventure of political intrigue for kids awaits, but a touching story of budding friendship is tucked in there, as well, hitting on some essential truths we could all learn from no matter what age.
But like I said, that’s just the start of this window into the world of author and polymath Ryan Estrada (co-author of BANNED BOOK CLUB). Ryan's not only a former student ambassador himself but an intrepid globe-trotter who has seen most of the locales in these pages up close himself. He has taken the (admittedly boring) job of student ambassadorship and turned it into what kids wish it really is: tackling geopolitical problems with Dan Brown-style puzzles and chases!
The story opens with Student Ambassador Joseph Bazan who has won a meeting with the President of the United States. While goofing around in the Oval Office together, Joseph solves a thorny situation with the Canadian Prime Minister and the prez hits upon an idea. This kid has some skills, and the boy king of fictional Rhutar -- an authoritarian regime isolated from the rest of the modern world -- might open up if they send someone his own age to talk it out. Joseph now has a real diplomatic mission, and things are about to get real dicey! An obsessively researched adventure of political intrigue for kids awaits, but a touching story of budding friendship is tucked in there, as well, hitting on some essential truths we could all learn from no matter what age.
TITLE: Student Ambassador: The Missing Dragon
WRITER: Ryan Estrada
ILLUSTRATOR: Axur Eneas
TRIM: 6" × 9"
AGE RANGE: Middle Grade (8-12)
GENRE: Action / Mystery
SRP: $15
FORMAT: Trade Paperback
PAGE COUNT: 150
PUB DATE: September 22, 20200
ISBN #: 9781945820601
PUBLISHER: Iron Circus Comics
TRADE DISTRIBUTOR: Consortium
WRITER: Ryan Estrada
ILLUSTRATOR: Axur Eneas
TRIM: 6" × 9"
AGE RANGE: Middle Grade (8-12)
GENRE: Action / Mystery
SRP: $15
FORMAT: Trade Paperback
PAGE COUNT: 150
PUB DATE: September 22, 20200
ISBN #: 9781945820601
PUBLISHER: Iron Circus Comics
TRADE DISTRIBUTOR: Consortium
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