Hilo – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Hilo

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2020

86%

WISE Score

4.9

Amazon

Robot boy + Earth kid + epic battles = the graphic novel series that finally gets reluctant readers hooked.

Hilo

book

2020

86%

WISE Score

4.9

Amazon

Robot boy + Earth kid + epic battles = the graphic novel series that finally gets reluctant readers hooked.

4.9

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4.9

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Screenwise Verdict

This is the series that lives on every elementary school teacher's 'hook the reluctant reader' shelf for good reason. It's genuinely funny, the friendship between Hilo, D.J., and Gina feels real, and the action-packed plot keeps pages turning.

Judd Winick (yes, the guy from Real World San Francisco in the '90s) knows how to balance slam-bang robot battles with actual emotional depth. Kids laugh, kids care about the characters, and—miracle of miracles—kids keep reading.

The main caveat: the series does get darker as it progresses. Book 1 is pretty light and breezy, but by book 5-6, stakes are higher and scary moments more intense. Not dealbreaker territory, but worth knowing if you have a particularly sensitive kid.

The 4.9 Amazon rating isn't inflated—this series delivers. It's not going to win a Newbery, but it's going to get your 8-year-old reading 200+ pages in a weekend, and that's worth its weight in gold.

Age Fit

Best for ages 6-12, especially kids in the 'graphic novel sweet spot' of 7-10. Kindergarteners can enjoy it read-aloud but might need help with reading independently. Upper elementary kids will appreciate the deeper themes and ongoing story arc.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Strong focus on friendship, loyalty, and cooperation throughout the series. Characters support each other through challenges. Christian Parent Review notes the author 'resists' going into 'immoral views' common in modern media. Action is balanced with heart and humor. Some books get 'darker and scarier' as the series progresses, but core emotional tone remains positive and age-appropriate.

Imaginative

Robot boy crashes to Earth premise is creative and engaging. Mixes sci-fi adventure with humor and heart in ways that spark curiosity. Compared favorably to Dog Man and Big Nate by Dav Pilkey and Lincoln Peirce. Graphic novel format encourages visual literacy and imagination. Epic battles with villain Razorwark provide world-building across six books. School Library Journal notes 'lively and entertaining adventure' with enough depth to maintain interest.

Safe

Books are fundamentally safe for kids with action-adventure appropriate for the age group. Parent reviews note series gets 'darker and scarier' in later books, which is worth monitoring. No inappropriate content, gore, or mature themes. Action sequences involve robot battles and monsters but handled in kid-friendly graphic novel style. One parent mentions kindergartner 'needed a little help with reading' but content was appropriate. Christian Parent Review confirms no concerning moral content.

Enriching

Builds reading confidence through accessible graphic novel format that reluctant readers often embrace. Explores themes of friendship, belonging, and identity (Hilo figuring out where he came from). Encourages visual literacy and sequential art comprehension. Multiple reviewers note 'solid friendship' focus and deeper themes woven through humor. Amazon rating of 4.9/5 suggests strong reader satisfaction. Series structure encourages sustained reading habit across multiple books.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Genuinely funny with heart—kids who loved Dog Man or Big Nate will devour these
Strong friendship themes without being preachy about it
Perfect gateway drug for kids who 'don't like reading'—graphic novel format makes it accessible
Six-book arc gives kids a sustained reading journey with characters they care about
Action and humor balanced well—not just empty chaos

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What to Watch For

Series gets progressively darker and scarier as it goes—book 1 is lighter than book 6
Younger/sensitive kids might need to pause between books as stakes escalate
Robot battles and monsters are kid-friendly but still involve conflict and peril

Conversation Starters

"If you could have one superpower like Hilo, what would you want and why?"
"Hilo doesn't remember where he came from—how do you think that would feel?"
"D.J. feels like he's not special compared to his friends—have you ever felt that way?"
"What makes someone a good friend in this story?"

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