Ariel Padilla – illustratör

A young immigrant girl’s story and a battle between a fantastical kingdom and earth collide in this first book of the Tomo graphic novel series, where thirteen-year-old orphan Hana must leave Japan for a new life in America. Her arrival complicates not only her life, but that of a group of animal-like beings who are searching for an ancient sword.Winner of the Moonbeam Award bronze medal for comics and graphic novelsFollowing the death of her mother, Hana is forced to move to San Francisco to live with a grandfather she has never met. While her grandpa is kind and welcoming, and has a cute raccoon named Tomo, the only place Hana feels at home is in his dojo, where she further hones her martial arts technique. Then she meets Brittany, a girl who could become a good friend … but Brittany also has friends who want to see Hana fail at any cost.At the same time, in the kingdom of Argon Falls, the bull-like Lord Ardath and his fox warriors search for a sword that will cement Ardath’s rule and give him ultimate control … and a special portal has led him directly to San Francisco.I Was an Eighth-Grade Ninja:is perfect for readers 10 and upwas created by veteran animators from Disney Animation Studiosfeatures diverse characters, including an Asian main charactercontains kid-friendly, anime-like illustrations and a relatable plotwill appeal to fans of Studio Ghibli, Jen Wang, and graphic novels

Hana may have settled into her new life in America, but in this second volume of the Tomo graphic novel series, she must face challenges at school and at home when her two rivals seek to frame her for cheating and fox warriors arrive to find the sword she is tasked to keep hidden. And once her grandfather reveals more of the prophecy linked to the sword, Hana learns she must train in the dojo like never before.Things have stabilized since her move from Japan and the attack on her grandfather’s dojo in San Francisco, and thirteen-year-old Hana is enjoying time with her new friend Brittany, martial arts training, and getting to know her grandfather’s quirky raccoon “pet,” Tomo. But little does she know what lies ahead. Brittany’s old friends are still angry at Hana for “stealing” Brittany away, and have plans to get their revenge by framing Hana as a cheater. At the same time, fox warriors from the fantastical world of Argon Falls have returned through the portal and are intent on getting the spirit sword for their master, no matter the cost.And when her grandfather reveals Hana’s role in a prophecy that links Argon Falls and Earth, and one of Tomo’s secrets is revealed, Hana realizes her problems may have just begun.My Double-Edged Life:is perfect for readers 10 and upwas created by veteran animators from Disney Animation Studiosfeatures diverse characters, including an Asian main charactercontains kid-friendly, anime-like illustrations and a relatable plotwill appeal to fans of Studio Ghibli, Jen Wang, and graphic novels

Discoveries about the past, deceptions at school, and divisions in the kingdom—what a day! Hana finds out she’s more than just a good fighter and a true friend—she learns how her coming into Argon Falls fulfills a prophecy. Tomo reveals Hana’s past to her, telling about her parents and the mysterious stranger responsible for the warfare in this other dimension. And while Hana deals with Argon Falls, Brittany covers for her at school, setting out to clear Hana’s name.

The action moves from San Francisco to Argon Falls, where Hana learns that the enemy wants to steal the Spirit Sword from her to completely enslave the citizens. In preparing for battle, she will learn that, even after one’s training is complete, there are still lessons to be learned.

Having entered Argon Falls, Hana meets her spoiler and grieves for people suffering under oppression. The time arrives to employ her skills and the Spirit Sword as she and Tomo pursue deadly assassins returning to earth to remove the source of protective prayer. As the struggle against evil and oppression continues in book five, Hana learns that, because of the power of prayer, not all warriors fight with fists and swords.