Will she become a cheerleader? Or a rock star with her band? Or follow her true dream: to become a Gotham City police officer like her father? But lately Dinah’s voice has been causing more trouble than fun. Career week at Gotham City Junior High has her wondering how she will use her powerful voice in her future. Gr 5-8–Thirteen-year-old Dinah Lance has always been a loudmouth. Middle graders discovering their own talents and voices will find much to appreciate. McGee’s artwork has a manga-inspired look and a pleasing, lavender-heavy palette.

Her parents reveal that she has a superpower, a “sonic canary cry,” and Dinah begins to juggle her desires to keep her secret and to keep her friends. Then the trio notices that when Dinah gets emotional and yells, glass breaks, among other strange occurrences. Each of the three girls vows to make a difference, like Dinah’s father, and Dinah plans to sign up for the Gotham City Junior Police Academy. Dinah Lance and her band mates Vee and Kat are preparing for the Gotham City Junior High battle of the bands when her father, Detective Lance, bursts in to announce that the Joker is loose again. In this fun romp, Cabot ( Royal Crown) and McGee ( Dodge City) give DC’s heroine, Black Canary, an origin story as a young teen. ‘Black Canary: Ignite’ Trailer Shows Off DC’s Middle Grade Graphic Novel (Exclusive) It’s an inspirational song that encourages readers to find their own special voices to sing along with Black Canary! Trailer

With expressive and energetic art by Cara McGee to match the trademark attitude and spunk of Meg Cabot’s characters and dialogue, this mother-daughter story embraces the highs and lows of growing up without growing out of what makes us unique.

When a mysterious figure keeps getting in the way of Dinah’s goals and threatens her friends and family, she’ll learn more about herself, her mother’s secret past, and navigating the various power chords of life. Who knows, her rock-star group of friends may even save the world, but first they’ll need to agree on a band name. First, she’ll win the battle of the bands with her two best friends, then she’ll join the Gotham City Junior Police Academy so she can solve crimes just like her dad. Thirteen-year-old Dinah Lance knows exactly what she wants, who she is, and where she’s going.

Black Canary by Meg Cabot