Squished by Megan Wagner Lloyd & Michelle Mee Nutter Graphic Novel Realistic Fiction * * * * Stars (Great!) Avery Lee is one of seven kids in her family and she’s kind of tired of having to share space with her younger siblings. She comes up with a plan to have her own room, but when she shares it with her folks, she learns they have already decided to give that honor to her older … Read more
Twilight: The Graphic Novel Vol. 1 By Stephenie Meyer + Young Kim Graphic Novel Romance Supernatural * * * Stars (Pretty good) The graphic novel adaptation of Twilight… Bella Swan moves to Forks, Washington, after her mother remarries (to get out of her hair), and immediately becomes obsessed with fellow high school student, Edward Cullen. They are inexplicably drawn to one another and after some initial stumblings, they decide to throw caution to the wind … Read more
Frizzy by Claribel A. Ortega Graphic Novel Realistic Fiction * * * * Stars (Great!) Marlene comes from a long line of women with beautiful kinky hair and, alas, a tradition of straightening it to keep it under control. When her mom starts taking her to the salon, Marlene is initially excited about the attention and time they get to spend together, but that’s quickly overshadowed by the pain she experiences during the procedure, the … Read more
Gender Queer: A Memoir By Maia Kobabe LGBTQ+ Autobiography Graphic Novel Nonfiction * * * * Stars (Great!) This is Maia Kobabe’s graphical memoir of eir (e uses e/em/eir pronouns) journey to self-discovery as a nonbinary, asexual person. It took some time for em to find the language to describe what e felt/was experiencing, and how to explain it to others (this book is part of that process), as well as a supportive community and … Read more
Ride On by Faith Erin Hicks Graphic Novel Realistic Fiction * * * * Stars (Great!) No one is more curious about the newest rider (she’s really good!) at Edgewood Stables than Norrie. But when the new girl gives her a serious brush off, Norrie vows to SHUN her. Her friends Sam and Hazel go along with her, until new girl (Victoria) decides she wants to make amends. She apologizes and gradually shares some of … Read more
Fallen Empires Cleopatra in Space, book #5 by Mike Maihack Action Adventure Comedy/Funny Graphic Novel Science Fiction Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) Cleo (Cleopatra) goes hiding after a mysterious death at Yasiro Academy, and she and her friends set out to uncover the spy who must be working within the school ranks. I liked this book because it is mysterious and interesting for me.
Smaller Sister by Maggie Edkins Willis Graphic Novel Realistic Fiction Tween * * * * Stars (Great!) Lucy and Olivia are sisters and best friends – they even have their own secret code. Once Olivia becomes a teenager, though, things start to change. She becomes anxious and depressed and obsesses over her body/how she looks. Worst of all, she no longer has time or energy or patience for younger Lucy. When Olivia is officially diagnosed … Read more
Heartstopper #3 by Alice Oseman Graphic Novel LGBTQ+ Realistic Fiction Romance Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) The evolution of the relationship between Charlie and Nick and how they navigate being part of the LGBTQ+ community. This book has great illustrations and an amazing plot! For older teens and adults.
The Legend of Auntie Po by Shing Yin Khor Graphic Novel Historical Fiction Tween Grades 6+ * * * * Stars (Great!) It’s 1885, and Mei lives in a logging camp with her father who runs the kitchen, while she makes the most delicious pies. She sees all of the inequalities between the white workers and the Chinese ones (and other people of color), though – in pay, room and board. She also sees it … Read more
Miss Quinces By Kat Fajardo Graphic Novel Realistic Fiction Tween (grades 6+) * * * * Stars (Great!) Suyapa loves manga and drawing comics and wishes she could go to summer camp with her friends (who are into the same things), but her mami is very strict (she says NO, absolutely not), and the family is going to Honduras to visit family. While they are there, Suyapa learns that her mami has planned a surprise … Read more