47 pages 1 hour read

Chad Sell

The Cardboard Kingdom

Fiction | Graphic Novel/Book | Middle Grade | Published in 2018

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The Cardboard Kingdom by Chad Sell is a middle-grade graphic novel about a diverse group of neighborhood children who creatively use cardboard to transform their world into a fantastical kingdom, exploring themes of friendship, identity, and the transformative power of play during their summer holidays. The novel highlights the importance of parental and guardian support as the kids navigate various personal challenges and work together to create an imaginative community full of adventure and inclusivity. The book involves themes of parental separation and bullying.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Chad Sell's The Cardboard Kingdom is widely praised for its vibrant artwork and imaginative storytelling, capturing the essence of childhood creativity and community. Readers appreciate its diverse characters and inclusive themes. Some critiques mention a lack of depth in character development. Overall, it’s celebrated as an uplifting and visually engaging read for all ages.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Cardboard Kingdom?

Readers who enjoy The Cardboard Kingdom by Chad Sell are likely middle-grade students who appreciate imaginative, community-driven narratives. They might also enjoy Smile by Raina Telgemeier or Amulet by Kazu Kibuishi, as these books similarly combine engaging visuals with themes of friendship, creativity, and personal growth.

RecommendedReading Age

9-12years

Lexile Level

GN150L

Book Details

Genre

Fantasy

Action / Adventure

Children's Literature

Topics

LGBTQ

Themes

Identity: Gender

Relationships: Friendship

Life/Time: Childhood & Youth