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These graphic novels—all featuring girls as the main characters—bring the camp experience to life, complete with campfires, cabins, and cliques. For kids stuck at home due to COVID-19, a good camping book is the next best thing to being there—maybe better, depending on how you feel about spiders.
Lois Lane’s colorful riot of an adventure will entice readers of “Lumberjanes” and devotees of Raina Telgemeier and Svetlana Chmakova.
This is a series to watch and one that fantasy fans are likely to return to.
A lighthearted romp through sibling rivalry and school-age chaos. Recommended where Dav Pilkey is popular.
PREMIUM
Frankie Comics
This lighthearted furfest is ideal for readers who aspire to, or see themselves in, Dukes’s sweet little slice of adult domestic life.
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Peng!: Action Sports Adventures!
Sure to be a hit among fans of indie-style comics and the battle sports genre, who also have a taste for radical awesomeness.
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Teen Titans: Beast Boy
Gar the high schooler takes his first clawed steps from insecurity to gregarious performer in this adventure that pairs well with Garcia and Picolo’s Teen Titans: Raven.
Sure to delight children looking for a cozy adventure, as well as fans of the series.
This stellar exploration of living with Asperger’s belongs in all school and public libraries.
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The Crossroads at Midnight
This anthology is immersive but horror lite, making it an excellent introduction to the genre. Recommended for fans of Joe Hill’s “Locke & Key” series.
Teen fans of “Courtney Crumrin,” “Emily the Strange,” “Johnny the Homicidal Maniac,” and Camp Midnight will devour this one.
Lively action-adventure tales that typically feature large casts of memorable characters, shonen manga is the best-selling manga in the United States. Brigid Alverson names her top picks in shonen manga, most for grades 7 and up.
This prequel explores the far-reaching experiences that shaped the main characters of this wildly popular series. It will introduce the world of “An Ember in the Ashes” to a brand-new audience and also delight long time fans.
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Agent Moose
This animal investigator fits right in with Tom Angleberger’s “Inspector Flytrap” and Doreen Cronin’s “Chicken Squad” series.
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Be Wary of the Silent Woods
Relationships take center stage in this sweet, not-too-scary coming-of-age story that feels like a young read-alike to Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
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Journey Under the Arctic
A huge amount of information is provided about rarely visited habitats, but it is presented in such a didactic, stereotypical, and slapdash way that middle grade readers are likely to come away confused and/or offended.
With her new graphic novel series “The Weirn Books,” creator Svetlana Chmakova steps away from the sunny classrooms of Berrybrook Middle School to another school in a darker realm.
A charming graphic novel, and a definite recommendation where fantasy circulates.
Jennifer Mura and Thomas Krajewski, the writers of 'Primer,' explain how they created a brand-new superhero from scratch.
DC's newest superhero gets her powers in our preview of 'Primer,' a new middle-grade graphic novel that's coming out next week.
Children and adults alike who loved the original comics will love this edition, and anyone who enjoyed Kochalka’s Eisner Award–winning graphic novels Johnny Boo and the Ice Cream Computer and Dragon Puncher 2: Dragon Puncher Island, will appreciate the continuity across the volumes.
The nominees have been announced for this year's Eisner Awards.
Action-packed yet heartfelt, short and sweet yet riveting, this one is not to be missed.
This well-executed graphic novel strikes a balance between a focus on meaningful relationships and just plain fun; it’s a great choice for fans of both the “Cam Jansen” books and Raina Telgemeier.
A fun adventure tale with a lot of personality, this is a strong addition to middle grade graphic novel adventure collections.
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Act
Olive’s latest journey since Click and Camp is an eye-opening microcosm of the often bumpy democratic process.
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Savage Beard of She Dwarf
Fans of fast-paced fantasy adventure, strong-minded heroines, and dynamic flashy art will enjoy this story of humor and heart, unlikely companions, and belonging.
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It’s Your Funeral
A cheerful yet existentially complex series of stories for fans of The Good Place.
Combining sword-and-sorcery RPG elements with social justice themes, this is a must-have for all collections.
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Lizard in a Zoot Suit
A unique and effective lens through which fans of historical fiction can view the treatment of the “other” and race issues of the 1940s.
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Wonder Woman: Tempest Tossed
No prior knowledge of Diana Prince is necessary, making this a great option for those seeking an entry point into comics about Wonder Woman; it’s also a fine choice for fans of activist characters or coming-of-age graphic novels.
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City of Secrets
An appealing steampunk graphic novel for fans of Jen Wang’s The Prince and the Dressmaker.
A silly superhero romp and a fun addition to graphic novel collections.
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Crabapple Trouble
With whimsical artwork and honesty, this is ideal for young readers needing reassurance that they do not have to be like everyone else.
The editor of Dark Horse's Avatar: The Last Airbender and Legend of Korra graphic novels reflects on what those stories mean to her.
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Afraid of Everything
With easy-to-read tales and engaging art, this volume will likely entice elementary and middle grade readers, but it may not hold reader interest.
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One Year at Ellsmere
While libraries that already own The War at Ellsmere need not repurchase, collections that don’t have it should consider it, especially where the “Lumberjanes” series is popular.
Literature students bored with their required reading will delight at this off-kilter look at the canon.
A simple story that provides a humorous and heartfelt look at the power of being a compassionate teen in a world full of hurdles.
A fun and funny read for kids who love animals, sports, and stories that stretch their imaginations.
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Ghosted in L.A.: Volume 1
Hand this to readers who like their coming-of-age stories with a generous scoop of the supernatural.
Sure to entice Stephen King or Stranger Things fans looking for their next obsession.
Can you listen to a comic? The GC4K bloggers discuss what they think about audiobooks in general and comics adaptations in particular.
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Once upon a Space-Time!
Another great addition from Brown. Middle grade readers will anxiously await the next installment.
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All Together Now
For older kids and younger teens who love graphic novels and realistic fiction about music, friendship, and growing up.
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Yorick and Bones
This satisfying Shakespearean story of an unlikely friendship is a worthwhile purchase, especially for school libraries.
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You Brought Me the Ocean
Fans of DC’s new line of young adult graphic novels, such as Kami Garcia’s Teen Titans: Raven, will appreciate this tender take on Aqualad.
A solid introduction to the creepy side of the DC universe. Those who enjoy this book may want to explore other mystical DC tales, such as those starring Zatanna or John Constantine.
Hand to teen graphic novel enthusiasts looking for a light, funny fantasy read.
A fast friendship founded in mutual respect for different talents becomes a tight bond tying together this light fantasy adventure.
Beautifully crafted, thoughtfully paced, and sweet as can be, this tale is ideal for reluctant and voracious readers alike, to be savored and shared between friends young, old, and in between.
PREMIUM
Jacky Ha-Ha: A Graphic Novel
A run-of-the-mill graphic novel buttressed by its moxie and Hart.
Lengthy text and dated humor undermine the book’s potential. Not recommended.
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Take It Away, Tommy!
While aimed at a middle grade audience, this delightfully quirky graphic novel will resonate with cat lovers of all ages.
The COVID-19 pandemic has shuttered schools. With libraries, bookstores, and comic shops mostly off-limits as well, readers are going online, and publishers and creators have responded with free comics and related resources. Here’s a look at those offerings.
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Sky Island
Readers who didn’t pick up Sea Sirens when it came out should seize their chance to grab both of these recommended reads.
The graphic format can effectively tell complex stories and engage young readers. Encompassing first-person accounts of historical events and guides that address gender and identity, these titles meet the highest standards for nonfiction and are "inclusive, respectful, accurate, and informative."
2020 is turning out to be a bumper year for cat stories of all kinds. Here’s a look at some of this year’s cat tales.
Funny, tender, and sweet without ever verging on saccharine, this is a stellar offering for fans of sports tales, romance, or stories of coming into one’s own.
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The Lab
Though there is no bright light at the end of the tunnel and the subject may be too bleak for younger readers, this thought-provoking read will resonate with mature fans of complex dystopian tales.
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The Mystery of the Moon Tower
This first book in an adventure-filled mystery graphic novel series will garner fans. Tweens will have fun with this quick read whose open ending will leave readers wanting to know more.
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Becoming Brianna
For middle grade graphic novel collections, especially where Libenson’s previous works are popular.
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Chick and Brain: Egg or Eyeball?
For early readers (and grownups who read to them) who love funny tales; fans of the earlier installment will especially get a kick out of this one.
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A Radical Shift of Gravity
Hand this thoughtful graphic novel to those who appreciated Scott Westerfeld’s The Spill Zone and other cryptic dystopian tales.
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Fox & Rabbit
Though sophisticated, this whimsical tale of friendship is sure to be a hit with young comics readers. A welcome addition to any graphic novel collection for young readers.
This candid, heartwarming look at a child grappling with major changes will resonate with fans of Raina Telgemeier and Svetlana Chmakova and anyone trying to find their place.
An infectiously fun adventure that hints at danger without crossing the line into frightening. Put this into the hands of “Hildafolk” fans.
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Trespassers
A solid recommendation for libraries where middle grade graphic novels are popular.
Rarely does a rollicking superhero tale honor small-scale acts of heroism as much as this Superman story of community, conscience, and consequence. A must-have for all collections.
A secondary purchase for mature fans of classic children’s mysteries.
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Camp Spirit
There’s a lot readers will enjoy about this coming-of-age camp comedy: romance, a dose of paranormal horror, and laugh-out-loud shenanigans. It’s unfortunate that it includes a hurtful depiction of Native culture.
You read it here first: Dark Horse announces 'Minecraft Volume 2' and 'Stranger Things: The Bully,' both of which are sequels to earlier graphic novels.
PREMIUM
When You Look Up
A quirky and imaginative tale for young readers with mature tastes about the rewards of disconnecting from technology to connect with others.
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The Postman from Space
A visual feast to remind kids that new experiences and challenges create memories that last a lifetime.
Need a quick and easy way to share your enthusiasm for new books? Post-It Note reviews can do that!
Here's a first look at 'Jo & Rus,' a middle-grade graphic novel by Audra Winslow about a bullied middle-school girl and a high-school boy who become unlikely best friends.
Malaka Gharib of the NPR blog Goats and Soda has created a comic that explains COVID-19 in simple terms for children. The comic can be printed and folded into a zine, and it has been translated into Chinese, Spanish, Russian, and other languages and made into a video. That second link has some examples of […]
Check out this week's new comics and manga releases featuring supernatural friends from BOOM! Studios and smart birds from First Second.
PREMIUM
Gotham High
While some readers will enjoy this tale, others may find it shallow. Recommended for casual comics readers and fans of teen melodrama.
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Suncatcher
Pimienta gives this “devil at the crossroads” tale a fresh twist with the Mexicali punk setting; music lovers and fans of graphic novels will be intrigued.
Fans of Kier Graff’s The Matchstick Castle and Ben Hatke’s “Zita the Spacegirl” will adore this spooky series starter.
Great galloping Gorgonzola! Angleberger has done it again. Graphic novel lovers, reluctant readers, and fans of Geronimo Stilton will be spellbound by this hilarious tale.
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Doodleville
Aspiring artists, fans of The Cardboard Kingdom, lovers of graphic novels, and anyone struggling with friendship will appreciate Sell’s newest tale.
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Donut the Destroyer
A strong role model who has the self-confidence to change tracks despite her friends and family’s expectations, Donut will readily endear herself to readers.
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Anti/Hero
Fans of the DC Super Hero Girls TV series will find Piper and Sloane a winning duo.
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