Ant Story
by Jay Hosler; illus. by the author
Intermediate, Middle School    HarperAlley/HarperCollins    160 pp.
3/24    9780063294004    $24.99
Paper ed.  9780063293991    $15.99
e-book ed.  9780063294011    $10.99

Hosler’s distinct combination of biological science and cartooning is on full display throughout this informative, emotionally compelling, and skillfully illustrated graphic novel. Rubi is a bright red cartoon leafcutter ant living in the real world among other, more realistic ants, where no one can understand any of her dramatically told stories. When she happens upon an ant named Miranda who can both understand and respond to her, the two become fast friends. In a genuinely shocking turn of events, Miranda is revealed to be a parasitic phorid fly growing inside the host ant’s head—and therefore Rubi’s mortal enemy. In a world where every creature (including assassin bugs, armadillos, ocellated antbirds, and yes, even leafcutter ants) must kill something else to survive, Rubi realizes not only that Miranda did nothing wrong by simply existing but also that “there are no good guys or bad guys in nature.” The pair proceeds to survive several harrowing and humorous encounters with fascinating predators of varying shapes and sizes, resulting in a desire to test their luck with adventures abroad. The colorful illustrations are penciled and inked by hand in a fluid black line, complemented by Hosler’s own expressive lettering. For a narrative packed with so much scientific information (usually delivered by the verbose Rubi), the story never bogs down thanks to Hosler’s knack for snappy dialogue, excellent pacing, and adventurous use of panel size, shape, and layout. Thoroughly engrossing.

Pubissue-From the March/April 2024 issue of The Horn Book Magazine.