My bookworms have been fans of Barb for years and they frequently reread the series and my youngest has been asking about the next installment for quite some time, so he was particularly delighted to dive into Barb's latest adventure. My kiddos said they were going to take their time reading in order to savor the story, but once they started reading, they couldn't stop and finished it before and after school in one day.

According to my kiddos, Barb vs. the Leech Queen was action packed and there was never a dull moment. There were many times I could hear them laughing and they would run over to share with me what just went down in the story. They are huge fans of Porkchop and were delighted to be reunited with Barb and Porkchop on their latest adventure. They were left speechless by a certain epic reveal at the end and groaned in disbelief when the story ended on a cliffhanger. So what did they do then? They immediately started rereading.

As a parent, I am especially grateful for stories like this that have made my kiddos excited to read. In the past, my youngest kiddo was quite the reluctant reader and I brought home so many books from the library trying to see what would grab and hold his interest, and one day I grabbed the first Barb book and he was hooked. At the time, he was still an emerging reader and he was slower to get through each page, but that didn't stop him. He finished book one and was delighted to pick up the second installment. Since then, he has reread the series countless times and I have found him on more than one occasion in bed asleep with a Barb book right next to him.

Barb is back in another adventure and this time she faces the leech queen. Perfect for fans of Dogman, HiLo, and well written graphic novels. Barb is one of my favorite graphic novels and I was beyond thrilled to see another book in the series. This series is unique and while it appeals to young readers with humor and adventure, it also packs a punch of life lessons hidden within.

Barb saved the world and now she just wants life to go back to normal, but she keeps being called a hero and people expect her to give speeches and accept their praise. Barb doesn't like all the attention though.

When the leech queen learns about the ghost blade, they make a plan to steal it. To start? Pit Porkchop and Barb against each other.

In typical Barb fashion, we are treated to an epic character that values friendship and fights for those that can't fight for themselves. She stands up for what is right and believes everyone deserves to have a voice and a home.

If you haven't read this series yet, you are missing out! My kids are 9 and 12 year old boys and love this series!

Barb is back and I’m so glad! Balliwick may be saved, but there’s still danger around. Plus, Barb is navigating jealousy in friendships and dealing with the pressure of being The Hero of Balliwick. Full of humor and heart, this installment gives kids a rollicking adventure with great messages snuck in for kids about dealing with pressures of expectations,