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Vivacious, reader-friendly, and openhearted, Anderson’s spirited fairy-tale spin-off beckons legions of unwittingly extraordinary fans.
Based on the animated series, this brand-building venture nonetheless carries a lot of humor, heart, and positive messages for young superhero fans.
My reading has been a bit morbid this summer. I finally finished the adaptation of Anne Frank’s Diary. I’ve read 2 accounts of the Japanese Internment. I’m in middle of a story about Nazi Saboteurs and to round it all out, I picked up another graphic novel about the Holocaust.
DC Comics and Toon Books celebrate two very different animals in the picks from this week's comics list.
A terrific look at middle school culture, and a compelling sequel to a fabulous middle grade graphic memoir. This authentic, important book will mean a great deal to many kids and empower those who are happier following their own inclinations than in going along with the group.
PREMIUM
The Lonesome Era
Tackling serious issues, this title is a strong addition to YA graphic novel collections.
Highly recommended for primary grades and newly independent readers.
Bat-fans will find no shortage of hooks to grab their attention, while the central mystery is a fun cat-and-mouse game in itself.
PREMIUM
Are You Listening?
While the story suffers from inconsistent pacing heightened by the ambiguity of both characters’ backstories, the combination of real-life trauma with magical realism makes this tale of queer friendship, healing, and rebuilding in the wake of pain and anguish an important addition to collections.
PREMIUM
Animal Farm: The Graphic Novel
Odyr vividly reimagines Orwell’s allegory of the Russian Revolution and the Stalinist Soviet Union. Recommended where this title is required reading at school.
Jack and Zita make a stunning team in this high-stakes adventure
A must-have for libraries that serve middle graders, but recommended for comics fans of all ages.
PREMIUM
White Bird: A Wonder Story
Sure to be popular among fans of Wonder and educators who want to connect past to present.
PREMIUM
Noodleheads Fortress of Doom
The Noodleheads tackle fort-building and joke-telling in this likable and silly comic. A must-buy for libraries where the series is popular.
A welcome addition to public and elementary school libraries with fans of Jennifer L. Holm’s “Squish,” Jarrett Krosoczka’s “Lunch Lady,” and Kazu Kibuishi’s “Explorer.”
Independent publishers Boom! Studios and IDW Publishing have something to celebrate with books from this week's new releases.
We’re closing out the weekend with a summer-themed preview of World of Archie Comics Digest #91. There’s a preview of a new lead story in the classic style and a complete classic story. The digest goes on sale on Wednesday. Enjoy!
PREMIUM
Penny Nichols
For older teens with an interest in filmmaking, especially horror movies, as well as for fans of Bryan Lee O’Malley’s “Scott Pilgrim” series and the creators’ previous work
PREMIUM
The Courage of Elfina
This slight volume packs considerable punch, laying bare the peril tens of millions of marginalized children face every day. A worthy acquisition for school and public libraries
Izuku Midoriya has always wanted to be a superhero, but with a "quirk," it seems impossible, until a fateful encounter with No. 1 Hero All Might changes his life forever.
Coming from Archaia next year: A graphic memoir of life in China under Mao Zedong.
Action Lab Entertainment and First Second find the fun in mysteries and science with the picks from this week's new comic and graphic novel releases.
Just the thing for a long flight or a day at the beach, the Archie 1000 Page Comics Jubilee packs over 100 stories into a hefty digest. It’s easy to carry and easy to read, and it goes on sale on Wednesday. Enjoy!
PREMIUM
Little Miss P
Koyama’s campy collection presents many adult themes that he aims to destigmatize through humor. While the topics explored are important, its bizarre approach will put some readers off, limiting its audience.
An engaging series opener recommended for most middle grade collections. Pair with Jorge Aguirre’s Giants Beware.
PREMIUM
It’s Me, Two
This series is like Pinky and the Brain for a new generation, and those who enjoyed the first book will definitely want to read this one.
PREMIUM
Joe Quinn’s Poltergeist
A visual delight and a witty approach to those adolescent moments that push past the boundaries of the rational world
There’s something for everyone in this joyful, tender book. Fans of Rowell and Hicks will gobble up this graphic novel like it’s Frito pie, and after just one nibble, newcomers will do the same
A modern, funny, and satisfyingly fresh take on the origin of a superhero revolutionary
With this spot-on glimpse into the emotional landscape of tweens, Wang joins the ranks of middle grade masters Shannon Hale, Raina Telgemeier, and Cece Bell
PREMIUM
The Seventh Voyage: Star Diaries
A sly commentary on human social inadequacies that, depending on readers’ tastes and insight, will be either totally hilarious or a bit perplexing and tedious, since readers end up learning about the same events again and again, from different perspectives. A colorful introduction to a brilliant science fiction author
PREMIUM
The Secret Spiral of Swamp Kid
For budding graphic novelists and fans of funny superhero stories.
A fun but not essential graphic novel for those who love Canadian history and courageous kid detectives battling giant monsters.
This graphic novel examines how hairstyles affect the lives of Black women and girls, and how perception of black hair often shapes the way African American women and girls see their own beauty. Ideal for most public and school libraries.
A great entry point for new Shakespeare readers and manga enthusiasts alike. For most middle and high school libraries.
PREMIUM
Kriss: The Gift of Wrath
A dark, violent fantasy recommended for those who enjoy coming-of-age stories and adventure.
PREMIUM
Cats: Nature and Nurture
This guide to understanding cats and cat behavior provides rare insights aplenty, both to middle grade readers with a specific pet in mind and to young naturalists with a general interest in animals wild, domestic, and (in this case) in between.
PREMIUM
Ants Don’t Wear Pants
An excellent choice for younger readers who like animal facts peppered with humor.
Brigid Alverson will write SLJ’s manga column, including coverage of various genres, and what’s popular and why, with recommended titles for tweens and teens.
There are kids out there that like comics and like realism and have long been starved for illustrated stories of the past. Hand them this book, and then hand it to all the science fiction and fantasy enthusiasts too, because this is a book for everyone. Impossible to forget, undeniable in its delights.
In this inaugural column, Brigid Alverson offers a sampling of all-ages manga. Engaging stories that don't feel childish, most are good picks for teens and tweens.
Elfquest, one of the longest running independent comics in the US, ended in March 2018. Elfquest: The Final Quest, concluded the story of the series’ protagonist, Cutter Kinseeker, and as far as the fans knew, was to be the last story told by creators Richard and Wendy Pini in the World of Two Moons. An […]
Offering plenty of fun along with insightful commentary on topics such as environmentalism and the power of storytelling, this graphic novel is a must.
Comics are a form of literature both near and dear to my heart. This past year I had the pleasure of heading up the children's committee of the Excellence in Graphic Literature Awards. Here are the winners in the children, middle grade, and YA categories.
You read it here first! Ben will explore a haunted house in the next Ben 10 graphic novel, 'Ben 10: The Manchester Mystery.'
In Marvel Action: Spider-Man, one of the new Marvel comics from IDW, Delilah S. Dawson and Fico Ossio give readers three times the regular dose of spider-themed heroes.
Highlights from this week’s list of new releases include a new Disney Zootopia graphic novel for young readers, Hard Day’s Work, from Dark Horse Comics. Lion Forge releases the second volume in the Ballad of Yaya series with The Prisoner, while Marvel collects the first story arc from Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man in Volume 1 Secrets […]
Automation comes to Riverdale, and it's costing Archie and Jughead money! Plus a complete summer-fun story featuring Hot Dog.
George O'Connor's tales of the exploits of the Greek gods continues with Apollo.
In the latest offering from DC Comics' new YA-focused imprint, author Kami Garcia joins artist Gabriel Picolo to reintroduce Teen Titan Raven as a teen with a past so mysterious even she doesn't know it...yet.
Archie Comics and First Second explore friendship in different ways in this week's weekly picks.
Dark Horse announces a new original graphic novel, 'Jia and the Nian Monster,' based on a Chinese legend.
Let’s chill out on this steamy Sunday with an Archie preview! This week we have an advance look at World of Archie Jumbo Comics Digest #90, featuring a look at the new lead story and a complete classic story. The comic goes on sale on July 3, just in time for the holiday. Enjoy!
PREMIUM
Little Witches: Magic in Concord
Fans of Little Women may prefer Rey Terciero’s modern graphic adaptation Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy. Direct readers who enjoy magic and mystery to Molly Knox Ostertag’s The Witch Boy. An additional purchase for libraries with robust graphic novel collections
PREMIUM
Field Trip
This exciting, funny sci-fi adventure will captivate fans of the first installment as well as new readers
“Dear Abby” meets the DC universe. Young superhero fans and reluctant readers will devour this sweet and funny graphic novel
This charming and poignant queer romance set against a Civil War–era backdrop will resonate with readers
With lively poems that use basketball as a metaphor for life, this mix of free verse, hip-hop, and powerful artwork will resonate with fans of the original book and inspire a new audience of nascent players, artists, and poets
A book to be savored rather than devoured, this memoir will resonate with teens, especially fans of Alison Bechdel’s Fun Home and Mason Deaver’s I Wish You All the Best. It’s also a great resource for those who identify as nonbinary or asexual as well as for those who know someone who identifies that way and wish to better understand
PREMIUM
Marie Curie: A Life of Discovery
With a complex story structure and sophisticated science content, this addition to the canon about Curie is ideal for upper middle and high schoolers
Informative, appealing, and much more fun than your typical travel guide
PREMIUM
No Ivy League
This authentic and relevant account delves into the messy work of recognizing one’s own white privilege
PREMIUM
Hawking
Packed with scientific theory, this graphic biography of a scientific luminary will appeal to budding physics and cosmology enthusiasts
PREMIUM
Midas
This fascinating, humorous sci-fi twist on the King Midas myth will attract many readers.
This evocative memoir shares stories of the nation’s past, draws heartbreaking parallels to the present, and serves as a cautionary tale for the future. For all readers old enough to understand the importance of our collective history.
A memorable and unique graphic novel about finding yourself and taking charge of your fears; a first purchase for most library collections.
PREMIUM
Urban Legendz
For libraries looking to expand their tween graphic novel collections. Give to those who like monsters in their mysteries.
PREMIUM
Your Turn, Adrian
A sensitive portrayal of a boy experiencing isolation; a worthwhile secondary purchase for libraries serving middle grade audiences.
PREMIUM
Back to the Drawing Board
While this sequel doesn’t break any new ground, it will appeal to readers with an appetite for fantastical realism.
Top Shelf and Walker Books U.S. provide the picks from this week's new releases with stories of invention, magic, and royal intrigue.
PREMIUM
The White Snake: A TOON Graphic
Readers who delight in fairy tales, hero stories, quests, and fantastic magic will find Randall’s story fascinating. A unique and contemporary reimagining of a Grimm tale.
An interview with Cathy G. Johnson, writer and artist of 'The Breakaways'
An interview with Melanie Gillman, author of 'As the Crow Flies' and 'Stage Dreams.'
PREMIUM
The Jungle
This solid introduction to Sinclair’s classic text is a humanizing supplement to the at-times tiresome original. Though this work substantially differs from its inspiration, the central message—anticapitalist, pro-socialist, and morally outraged
PREMIUM
BTTM FDRS
While some readers won’t like the art style, overall this title would be a strong addition to a library’s collection of horror graphic novels. Fans of tentacle or organic horror such as Swamp Thing and “The Neonomicon” will enjoy this read, as will those who love social commentary horror including Get Out.
PREMIUM
Pros and (Comic) Cons
Nicholson’s latest compendium will appeal to those unfamiliar with comics and readers whose families have been taking them to comic cons from early childhood.
Guest reviewer Erica Friedman takes a look at the Manga Classics adaptation of 'Macbeth,' which contains the full text of the original.
Esther Keller talks to George O'Connor as his Olympians series draws to a close.
First Second and Viking Books For Young Readers find some fresh takes on classic storytelling in this week's new comics releases.
May need some handselling but could influence aspiring young writers to follow their dreams, too.
PREMIUM
Waves
Simultaneously raw and compassionate, this is a lovely partnership of words and images. The combination of art style and bittersweet memoir will appeal to older teens who enjoy Lucy Knisley’s and Tillie Walden’s work
PREMIUM
Akissi: More Tales of Mischief
Akissi’s zany, laugh-out-loud adventures brim with appeal. For most collections, especially where the first installment circulates well
PREMIUM
Hotel Dare
With a mysterious hotel, space pirates, and a visit to the land of the dead, this book will have a broad appeal. Give to fans of Mark Siegel’s “Five Worlds” series or Molly Ostertag’s Witch Boy
NYC Book Expo 2019 has come to a close. And while it ran for 3 days, piggybacked by Book Con, at the Jacob Javitz center in NYC, I was only able to attend 1 day. I would have surely enjoyed another day, and would have probably seen so much more, but I thoroughly enjoyed my time there and came home with piles of books to read.
Drawing guides have never been so appealing. A must
For readers who want an escapist fantasy with a light touch. Hand this title to fans of whimsical or unpredictable adventures such as Neil Gaiman’s Fortunately, the Milk or Madeleine L’Engle’s A Wrinkle in Time
This ridiculous and fun twist on a well-worn trope will charm the legions of readers who can’t get enough “Captain Underpants,” “Dog Man,” and “Lunch Lady” books
PREMIUM
Camp
Hand to patrons looking for something after Raina Telgemeier’s Smile or Victoria Jamieson’s Roller Girl. For every library
One of the books I mentioned in my SLJ article First-Person Graphic Memoirs Bring Events to Life for Students is Brigitte Findakly and Lewis Trondheim’s Poppies of Iraq, a collection of anecdotes about Findakly’s childhood in Iraq as the daughter of a French mother and an Iraqi father. Findakly wrote and colored the book, and […]
This latest outing with Mouse is an exemplary choice for emergent readers, graphic novel lovers, and curious kids eager to learn about volcanoes (and pizza)
PREMIUM
Clyde
This tale of a runaway bear learning that it doesn’t pay to be bad is recommended for most public and elementary school libraries
PREMIUM
Cars: Engines That Move You
This breezy spin through the past, present, and (near) future of cars and related vehicles speeds down a well-traveled road, but its graphic format will give it particular appeal to readers years away from learner’s permits
PREMIUM
Lucy Dreaming
Teen readers will deeply enjoy Lucy’s one-liners and relatable journey toward self-discovery
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