Ben Hatke has a fantastic back catalogue of cracking graphic novels and Things in the Basement is one of his best.
Milo is a boy who has to help out with his mum – two demanding twin siblings can put that type of strain on a youngster. So one day when a favourite sock is lost, Milo starts his quest that takes him into the depths of the basement and beyond.
His journey starts down the steps and into the darkness of the basement that houses the washer/dryer. There he catches sight of something darting off, sock in mouth. As he pursues, he finds his basement has further sections that are hidden and goes deeper and deeper. What lives in those depths has to be seen to be believed. Like many a quest, if Milo fails to find the sock he fears might be trapped forever.
As a constant sock loss expert, I am pleased to find out why I have so many missing a partner. The inventiveness of the creator means that simple ideas combined with the surreal draws the reader into a world of weird. The muted colours play with the idea that Milo lives in the mundane and avoid dangers, yet now finds himself thrust into an adventure he can only hope to survive.
Now for the teacher bit. The power of the graphic novel is not to be underestimated. It can turn the most reluctant reader into a life long reader. Once you hook someone into traditional story telling by the turning of the page, then you have them forever. Graphic novels can be the gateway to reading so please make sure you have them stocked in your class library.
A brilliant adventure to be enjoyed by all ages.
The Great British Bookworm 