Graphic Novel Greats

Graphic Novels and summer reading go together like ice cream & cake. Here are a few staff favorites new and old to get you started. 

The Love Report, by Beka & Maya 

a.k.a. authors Caroline Roque and Bertrand Escaich, and illustrator, Martina Mura

I absolutely loved this book and finished in one sitting. The detailed, Manga-esque illustrations perfectly complement and further the story, as BFFs Grace and Lola decide to start an extracurricular project, The Love Report. At a time of first-crushes, first-everything’s, Grace and Lola have seen a lot of different behaviors in people when it comes to love, and they have a lot of questions, so they decide to investigate, observe, and interview classmates in relationships about their, well, relationships, and record what they learn in their report. (Though it’s hard to find a couple in their school who have made it past the ten-day mark.) While dealing with some tough topics, this book is spot on for the age group. With richly developed characters you come to love—or hate— the story shows the complexity of what it means to be in a relationship, and also emphasizes the importance of having a strong group of girlfriends (and support system). Hippo Park (Astra BFYR), June 2023, ages 10+, $12/$20, SC: 9781662640414, HC: 978,1662640407

Genre/BISAC: Juvenile Fiction, Contemporary Realistic, Graphic Novel, Discovering Romance, Life and Relationships, SEL Learning, Popularity, Reputations, Friendship, Dating, Consent, Parental Divorce, Sexism, Great Books for Girls

Tales of a Seventh-Grade Lizard Boy, written and illustrated by Jonathan Hill

Tommy isn’t an ordinary middle schooler. He and his family are refugees from the center of the Earth, lizard people disguised as humans to blend in on the surface. But it’s the first day of seventh grade, and it doesn’t take long for Tommy to find out fitting in at middle school is tough, even with his humanoid mask. With Much humor, the fantastical, sci-fi elements allow kids to recognize self-worth while figuring out their place in the world, and also recognize injustice. A great book for reluctant readers and boys. Walker Books, Sept. 2022, ages 8-12, $15/$25, SC: 978,153-6216509, HC: 9781536216462, #LizardBoy

Genre/BISAC: Juvenile Fiction, Sci-fi Graphic Novel, Contemporary Realistic with Aliens, Bullying, Friendships, Cliques, Fitting-In, Self-Identity, SEL Learning, and Lizards

Lost in Taiwan, written and illustrated by Mark Crilley

When their father “suggests” Paul visit his older brother Theo while he’s working in Taiwan, Paul would rather stay on his device on the couch, eating McDonalds the whole time. Theo leaves Paul alone overnight, and Paul uses his phone app to find a local gaming store and buy the latest. Except after traveling a street full of mazes, he arrives to find a toy in a different language. Paul leaves in a huff, and his phone is abruptly knocked out of his hand and completely destroyed. Paul has no idea where he is in a foreign country. Fortunately, he meets People-Jing, who helps him find his way, and along the way, teaches him about local culture, beautifully shown by the illustrations. And in a wholly satisfying way, Paul discovers life beyond his device, and he opens up to the beauty in the world around him and has a personal reckoning of what really matters in life, in a wholly satisfying way. I absolutely loved this book. Excellent classroom potential across subjects. Little, Brown and Co., May 2023, Ages 12+, $17.99/$24.99, SC: 9781368040990, HC: 9781368040884 #LostTaiwanBook

Genre/BISAC: Middle grade, Graphic Novel, Fiction, Taiwan People and Culture, Family, Siblings, Action, Adventure

Hoops, written and illustrated by Matt Tavares

Based on a true story, this graphic novel fully delivers as it demonstrates the very real struggle for gender equality in sports. Taking place in 1976 in small town Indiana, the high school girl’s basketball team is undefeated in their rookie year, yet unlike the boys’ team, they have no buses, they play to empty bleachers, and they construct their own uniforms from tee’s and electrical tape. Absolutely love the female coach, who pushes the team through one improbable victory to another, and shows the dramatic effects of teachers and coaches to inspire and affect the lives of students. Candlewick Press, March 2023, ages 8-12, $13/$23, SC: 9781536231953, HC: 9781536201369, #HoopsGraphicNovel

Genre/BISAC: Juvenile Graphic Novel, Based on True Story, Sports, Gender Equality in Sports, Basketball, Coaching, Sexism, Great Books for Girls

!Ay, Mija!: My Bilingual Summer in Mexico, written and illustrated by Christine Suggs

Absolutely love and highly recommend this autobiographical graphic novel sharing the Latinx experience in America, as Christine prepares for her first alone-visit with grandparents in Mexico. Even though Mom grew up there, Christine feels like she’s never been Mexican enough—or white enough. Yet as she spends more time, Christine begins to fall in love with Mexico, she comes to understand the importance of family, of sacrifice, and her personal identity and self-worth—and also finally perfects her Spanish. Well, almost. With the nonfiction back matter, dual languages and cultural terminology throughout, this book has strong classroom opportunities, makes a great gift for teachers and for anyone with mixed identities. Little, Brown BFYR, April 2023, ages 12+, $18/$25, SC: 9780316591928, HC: 9780316591966, #AyMijaBook, theNOVL.com, @TheNovi

Genre/BISAC: Juvenile/YA Graphic Novel, Based on True Story, Spanish Language, Mexican Culture, Bilingualism, Family, Intergenerational Differences, Siblings, Immigrant Experience, SEL Learning, Self-Worth, Body Positivity, Identity, Autobiographical

Garvey’s Choice, The Graphic Novel, written by Nikki Grimes, Illustrated by Theodore Taylar III

This graphic adaptation of the award-winning original Garvey’s Choice, this book presents the story for younger readers and does not disappoint. Garvey perceives himself a failure, he can’t play and he’s just not into sports the way his dad wants him to be. And he comforts himself with food, which only worsens their father-son relationship. Garvey’s only friend encourages him to join the school chorus, totally outside his comfort zone, and his life is forever changed. In this wholly satisfying story, Garvey becomes a new chorus soloist, and through the music, he comes to accept himself and finally talk reality with his father. Wordsong, Poetry imprint of Astra BFYR, June 2023, ages 9-12, $13/$23, SC: 9781662660023, HC: 9781662660085

Genre/BISAC: Bullying, Performing Arts Fiction, Children’s Middle Grade, Comic Books and Graphic Novels, Kids Fiction, Literature

Shark Summer, by Ira Marcks

Full of humor and action, this makes a great summer read for boys, girls, and reluctant readers. When a Hollywood film crew arrives on Martha’s Vineyard with a mechanical shark and a youth film contest boasting a huge cash prize, disgraced pitcher Gayle “Blue Streak” Briar sees a chance to turn a bad season into the best summer ever. After recruiting aspiring cinematographer Elijah Jones and moody director Maddie Grey, Gayle and her crew set out to uncover the truth of the island’s own phantom shark and win the prize money. But these unlikely friends are about to discover what happens when you turn your camera toward the bad things lurking below the surface. Little, Brown Ink, May 2021, ages 8-12, $12/$25, SC: 9780316461443, HC: 9780316461382

Genre/BISAC: Juvenile Fiction, Comics and Graphic Novels, Action and Adventure, Hollywood, Baseball, Sharks, Reluctant Readers, Books for Boys

Huda F Are You?, by Huda Fahmy

This hilarious, and honest graphic novel asks the question: Who are you? Huda and her family just moved to Dearborn, Michigan, a small town with a big Muslim population. But Huda doesn't fit in. In her old town, Huda was the hijabi girl. But in Dearborn, everyone is the hijabi girl. Lost in a sea of hijabis, she can't rely on her hijab to define her anymore. On her journey of discovering who she is, Huds tries on a bunch of cliques, but she’s more “miscellaneous,” which makes her feel like no one at all. This book provides wonderful insights into relevant and realistic experiences that kids go through today on their way to adulthood, tackling tough topics, balanced throughout with humor. And now on my to-read list, Huda Fahmy’s latest, Huda F Cares. Dial Books, Nov. 2021, ages 12–17, $14.79/$21.85, SC: 9780593324318, HC: 9780593324301

Genre/BISAC: Teen, Young Adult, Literature, Fiction, Comics, Graphic Novels, Coming of Age, Humor, Choices and Transitions

Passport, by Sophia Glock

An unforgettable graphic memoir that chronicles the author’s discovery as a teenager that her parents are agents working for the CIA. The manuscript had to go through many loops to be published, including being approved by the CIA Publication Board. Besides being a fantastic, fascinating read and TRUE story, it also shows a peek into the life of kids of CIA agents. This book will have kids (and adults) totally engaged. Excellent classroom potential. Little, Brown Ink, Nov. 2021, ages 12+, $14/$25, SC: 9780275949884, HC: 9780316458986

Genre/BISAC: Juvenile, Young Adult, Autobiographical Graphic Novel, Politics, Identity, Displacement, American and Central American Governments, Role of America Abroad, LGB

Still Stace, by Stacey Chomiak

This book is so needed in so many ways, besides being a excellent, graphic memoir, written and illustrated by (the author), on whose story this book is based.

Delving Deeper:

As teens grasp concepts of sexuality and faith in themselves, or need guidance when talking with friends who are struggling, Still Stace provides an excellent conversation starter—for educators, parents, pastors, youth group leaders, middle grade, YA and adult readers. As a Christian, I also believe this illustrated memoir NEEDS to be read, reflected upon, and discussed by all those who call themselves “Christian.”

Stace courageously shares her journey from elementary years to her early adulthood, and her words and experiences address questions I personally have been asked by teens—while working with youth groups at church, and in raising my four children. I have marked passages and written down lines for my personal reflection and to help provide perspective.

Although parts of Stace’s story were painful to read for me, a Christian. Not because of content or subject matter, but because of the responses given throughout the author’s childhood from Christians. I highly recommend this book be read by everyone grappling with sexuality or faith, and also any Christian grappling with the idea that faith can be dictated by who a person loves. This important book provides hope for the future.

Beginning Books, Oct. 2021, ages 14–18, $11.99, 9781506469515

Genre/BISAC: Teen, Young Adult, Literature, Nonfiction, LGBTQ+ Issues, Graphic Novels

Sandman, Books 1-4, by Neil Gaiman

I admit, I only discovered this series after the Netflix series, but I was so intrigued (I needed to learn more about the “prodigal,”), I purchased the entire series. The story “shorts” have an underlying story arc that follows the main character, the Dream King, Morpheus of the Endless, creator of our dreams—and nightmares. The imagery and revelations are deepened if you read the books in order, though each book can be read and enjoyed on its own. However, I only recommend it for adults and mature readers, because of its “graphic” content throughout, and also because older readers will better understand the underlying satire and social commentary depicted in the illustrations and fantastical story elements. DC Comics, Apr. 2022 Ed., ages 18+, $22 9781779516435 (Book 2)

Genre/BISAC: Adult, Mature YA+, Fantasy, Literary Graphic Novel, Fantasy, Censorship and Politics, Comics, Science Fiction, Horror

Best Friends (and series), by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham

Sixth grade is supposed to be perfect. Shannon’s got a sure spot in the in-crowd called The Group, and her best friend is their leader, Jen, the most popular girl in school. But the rules are always changing, and Shannon has to scramble to keep up. She never knows which TV shows are cool, what songs to listen to, and who she’s allowed to talk to. Who makes these rules, anyway? And does Shannon have to follow them? First Second (Roaring Brook Press), 2019-2023, ages 8-11, $13/$22, SC: 9781250317469, HC: 9781250317452

Genre: Juvenile Fiction, Contemporary Realistic, Graphic Novel, Friends, Family, School and Summer Life

About Kim Childress:

An award-winning editor and author of hundreds of books for children and their adults including Find Your Future in Art, Kim Childress is a product developer in children’s publishing, book editor for Girls’ Life magazine since its 1994 debut; former middle grade acquisitions editor for Zondervan, an imprint of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, who has maintained a successful career while raising a personal focus group of four children through diapers, doctors, broken bones, college, and plagues. Learn more and follow the adventures at ChildressInk.com.

About Jared Salomon:

Jared says of himself that "probably the most important thing to know about me is that I am a Christian". Currently he is a senior at Taylor University, a writer and tennis player, with a Professional Writing major. Jared puts faith and trust in the gospel message of Jesus Christ, and that faith and trust influences everything he writes. He journals and writes stories, and also enjoys editing (content editing and copy editing). He has written for Christianity.com, Bible Study Tools, Chronicle-Tribune, Aboite Independent and Evangelical Church Library Association. LinkedIn.

About Robert Carter:

More than 40 years in media production, including internet, radio & TV, interviewing celebrities over the years including Timothy Hutton and Robin Williams. Lover of books, music, reporting, and an explorer of new technologies.