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Henry cites Calvin and Hobbes as an influence, and the similarities are clear. Though lovable, self-assured Wallace is a worthy successor to Calvin, he’s a strong hero in his own right, and Wallace the Brave is bound to be a future classic.
PREMIUM
Diana: Princess of the Amazons
A young Wonder Woman leads a playful, emotionally astute morality tale about the responsibilities children and adults have to each other. For comics fans and newcomers alike.
On September 13th of 1969 CBS’s new Saturday morning line-up debuted a brand-new cartoon about a cowardly, gluttonous great dane and four mystery-solving teenagers, Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? That makes this year Scooby and the gang’s fiftieth anniversary, and DC Comics, which has been publishing various Scooby comics continuously since 1997, would be remiss if […]
Writer Martha Cornog rounds up a dozen graphic novel that highlight characters of color.
First Second and JY get the spotlight with titles that both educate and engage with enlightening content.
Dark Horse announces a new all-ages steampunk graphic novel.
Ben and his companions find themselves pitted against a sea monster in 'Ben 10: The Creature from Serenity Shore,' the next Ben 10 graphic novel from BOOM! Studios.
Today's preview collects the new stories from the Archie digests into a comic of their own—and this one has a Halloween theme.
Kirk Scroggs talks about the invention of Swamp Kid and his diary-style graphic novel.
Today we have an exclusive first look at Heavy Vinyl: Y2K-O! by Carly Usdin and Nina Vakueva, which will be published in March 2020 by BOOM! Studios’ BOOM! Box imprint. Usdin and Vakueva originally teamed up on the comics series Heavy Vinyl, which was collected as a trade. Heavy Vinyl: Y2K-O! will be an original […]
PREMIUM
TAMBA, Child Soldier
Exploring violence, trauma, guilt, and forgiveness, this fictionalized account of an African child soldier, infused with a thin ray of hope, will speak to readers’ shared humanity.
Joel Christian Gill turns from black history to his own story in his next graphic novel, Fights, coming in January 2020 from Oni Press.
PREMIUM
Witchy
A worthy addition to libraries where the series “Cucumber Quest” or Avatar: The Last Airbender are popular.
Here's an exclusive preview of the new 'Plants vs. Zombies' graphic novel, which is due out next week.
Graphic Novels have become an integral part of children’s literature.2015, the Newbery Honor Book was awarded to El Deafo by Cece Bell, and the following year, the Honor Book went to, Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson. After these books received the accolades merited, graphic novels, for teens and middle-grade readers, have been embraced as a true mark of distinguished work of […]
The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund's survey uncovered details about comics use in schools, including the Top 10 comics read in the classroom and that teachers using comics face the most opposition from their fellow educators—not parents or administrators.
PREMIUM
The Silver Eyes
Worth a night staying up reading by flashlight, whether you know the games or this is your first time at Freddy’s.
PREMIUM
Truckus Maximus
Despite some flaws, this high-octane adventure will appeal to fans of manga or racing.
A clichéd story line and characters, unnatural dialogue, and weak artwork make this a graphic novel that will most likely appeal only to die-hard fans of the authors or the original book.
PREMIUM
The Tea Dragon Festival
A serene and delectable feast for the eyes, with a gently shared message about recognizing one’s strengths.
PREMIUM
Black Canary: Ignite
A charming superhero origin story about finding your voice; perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier.
PREMIUM
Karen’s Witch
This reimagining of a beloved series will appeal to readers young and old and will attract fans of the highly popular “Babysitters Club” graphic novels as well.
A sweet, funny, and silly story with a serious message at its core: stop trying so hard to be cool, and just have fun being yourself.
This graphic novel strikes a balance between funny and heartfelt. It’s paws-itively a great buy for most collections.
Barnes and Kirkland’s dynamic tale is best described as Jordan Peele’s Get Out for the graphic novel set. Action packed, thoughtful, and visually delicious, this is a story that’s not to be missed.
PREMIUM
Unplugged and Unpopular
With engaging illustrations, this is a great pick for fans of silly reads with a sci-fi twist.
Actor and activist George Takei is as impassioned as ever about social justice. The author of They Called Us Enemy, his graphic memoir, Takei spoke to Brigid Alverson about the Japanese American experience and how the lessons of history can inform the current struggle for democracy.
Superheroes and comics go together like mac and cheese. These 10 graphic reads celebrate heroes, from Black Canary and Green Lantern to Dog Man, Super Potato, and, yes, Rainbow Brite.
We're previewing the latest Archie digest with stories about a twin brother for Archie and some romantic shenanigans for Josie and the Pussycats.
Aladdin Books and Golden Apple Books kick off the spooky season with new releases featuring witches and ghosts.
PREMIUM
Helen’s Birds
A moving story of friendship and grief, this book is a silent treasure for upper elementary and middle grade collections.
Fans of fantasy novels will find this a good entry into the world of manga.
Everyone's gotta start somewhere, and for Superman, that somewhere was Smallville. Art Baltazar and Franco reintroduces us to the Man of Steel when he was still just a boy in their new original graphic novel, Superman of Smallville.
PREMIUM
Stig & Tilde: Vanisher’s Island
A first purchase for libraries with robust graphic novel collections.
Far too many of our young people are wrestling with mental health issues and we need to do better for them. Guts is just one of the ways that we can help. And that's the power of story.
First Second's line of Science Comics looks at the not-so-humble cat, from prehistory to the domestic breeds of today.
Raven misses out on some concert tickets when her fellow Teen Titans blow all the fuses right as they go on sale—so they try to make it right in this exclusive preview of 'Teen Titans Go!' #36.
A new Raina Telgemeier story and a book about a girl who can communicate with animals lead this week's list of new releases.
Humanity has been turned to stone. Its only hope is a teenage who believes in the power of science.
Wildheart: The Daring Adventures of John MuirWriter: Julie BertagnaArtist: William GoldsmithYosemite Conservancy; $17.99 One of the most challenging aspects of writing a biography must be deciding what to leave out. It must be doubly so when the subject has had a particularly long, full and influential life, one replete with compelling, must-tell anecdotes and an […]
Guts doesn't need a review to let people know they should read it - fans of her past work are chomping at the bit. But when it's this good, I can't help myself.
Titles from IDW Publishing and Nobrow-Flying Eye Books make the picks from this week's new comic releases.
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.
Highly recommended for primary grades and newly independent readers.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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