Akeem S. Roberts is the illustrator of the J.D. the Kid Barber chapter book series, which was a
School Library Journal Best Book of 2021, a Chicago Public Library Best Book of 2021, a Charlotte Huck Award Honor recipient, and a Texas Bluebonnet Master List selection. He has worked as an illustrator for Hasbro (
My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic) and as a cartoonist for
The New Yorker. The Class Pet Ghost Detective series is his author-illustrator debut. Visit Akeem at AkeemTeam.com to see more of his work.
Praise for Class Pet Ghost Detective: What Happened to the Naked Mole Rat by Akeem S. Roberts:
“Roberts lightens the pet-death theme with
lots of comedy . . . the over-the-top facial expressions and reactions
will likely find an audience with young manga fans.”
—
Booklist“
An amiably silly tale with a confident Black boy at its center . . . This series starter will appeal to fans of the gentle action, mild mystery, and clever humor in Jamieson’s
The Great Pet Escape.”
—
BCCB
“
Just when you think every school story has been done before, here comes this new series to set you straight.”
—100 Scope Notes Blog
“Mysteries, ghosts, and classroom chaos? Count us in. This early graphic novel is
spooky fun with heart.”
—Barbershop Books, Inc. nonprofit
“[An]
engaging mystery graphic novel for your growing readers ages 6 to 9…
CLASS PET GHOST DETECTIVE is a
punchy mystery... The story has
great male and female characters, expressive art, and fun banter—definitely a worthwhile read for fans of comedy or mystery.”
—Imagination Soup
“A
fun early reader graphic novel
young readers will enjoy. (Ages 6-8)”
—Kidsbookshelf.com
“
A cross between Danny Phantom and Kim Possible . . .I can definitely see this series getting popular among young readers. A funny ghost, mysteries to solve, and a lead character I’m positive young readers will easily relate to—what’s not to like?"
—Danielle DeVeaux, Books Inc.
Praise for J.D. and the Great Barber Battle, illustrated by Akeem S. Roberts:★ "This is authentic storytelling, supported by Roberts’ vigorous cartoons—full of styles that are
straight fire."
—
Kikus Reviews, starred review
"Akeem S. Roberts’ cartoon-style illustrations of J.D. and his friends are
packed with personality and make this a great choice for readers transitioning into chapter books...
feels like a winner.”
—
BookPage"I love that level of cartoon quality to his artwork that felt like
the best compliment to J. Dillard’s writing."
—BlackNerdProblems.com
"I got really attached to his style in the book too. Mr. Roberts has an animation background, and you can tell.
Animators, after all, have a tendency to distinguish themselves when they illustrate books."
—Betsy Bird,
School Library Journal Fuse 8 Blog
