Every time I read a graphic novel for kids (or any book for kids really), I find myself looking for the lesson, or the moral, or the meaning that the story is meant to convey. Sometimes I forget that, just as with books for adults, sometimes there is no meaning or lesson, but just a rollicking romp. While the reader could definitely find some deeper meaning in the stories of Mirka, the adventurous orthodox Jewish girl, about the importance of family, the challenges of fitting a wild spirit into the expectations of society (and the benefits of doing so), in the end they are just fun stories. In this one, Mirka accidentally almost destroys her home, and in heading off that destruction, unleashes a major threat to her own life and individuality. I suppose the lesson is something about the greater good, but there is also a lot about ingenuity and humility, in between the adventures. An excellent blending of the real and the supernatural. ( )

Graphic novel about an orthodox Jewish girl. I really liked this, even though I am completely not down with conservative religious indoctrination in any form. But there were actually quite a number of female characters in this one, and Mirka was smart and sensitive and clever and brave. It would be nice if she would eventually turn all that intelligence to her family's life choices! But maybe "How Mirka Became an Atheist" has to wait for the high school or college years. ( )

Too moralistic for my tastes. Not enough sword-fighting or dragons. ( )

Mirka is bored, so she visits the local troll for a sword fighting lesson and a demonstration of magic that goes terribly wrong and sends a meteoroid hurtling towards her hometown. She flees to a witch for help, and the witch transforms it into an exact human replica of Mirka. How are they ever going to explain this to Mirka’s parents?

Deutsch has drawn and written another delightful fairy tale adventure for his young heroine as she courageously confronts the trials of family life, faith and the supernatural. ( )

Cute enough, and certainly refreshingly original. I like Fruma (stepmother) best. Didn't hit my sweet spot, though, somehow. Did read both 1st & 2nd books, giving same review to both. ( )