Graphic Novels

Please click on the book title to read the full review.

 

Aquicorn Cove

The author/illustrator of Tea Dragon Society and Princess Princess Ever After returns with Aquicorn Cove, a graphic novel that tells the story of Lana, a young girl grieving the loss of her mother who returns to the Island her family is from to help with relief efforts after a storm. 

 

Bedhead Ted

This delightful middle-grade graphic novel twines together mystery with messages about friendship and not basing judgments on first impressions. Sangiacomo perfectly captures the dread some students face as the summer ends and uncertainties can no longer be avoided.

 

Juliet Takes a Breath 

The graphic novel version of the bestselling book, Juliet Takes a Breath. Juliet Milagros Palante is leaving her home in the Bronx for the Pacific Northwest to work with her favorite feminist author.

 

Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me

Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me (2020 Michael L. Printz Honor Book) is an engaging, beautifully illustrated graphic novel that tells the story of a teenage girl named Freddy and her experience in a tumultuous relationship with Laura Dean.

 

The Legend of Brightblade

The Legend of Brightblade tells the story of Prince Alto whose mother was once a great hero. He dreams of following in her footsteps and having heroic adventures of his own using bardic magic, but his mother insists that he stay in the castle and fulfill his duties as a prince. She rid the world of evil a long time ago and there are more pressing matters than music and magic, like the important alliance she’s forging with the troll kingdom they were once at war with. But when Alto escapes the palace and runs away to make a name for himself as a bard, he discovers a great evil threatening to overthrow the kingdom and ruin the two kingdoms’ chance at peace.

 

Miles Morales, Vol. 1, Straight Out of Brooklyn

In this volume, Miles struggles to balance his school and social life with his nighttime gig watching over the city. His Vice Principal is increasingly and frustratingly suspicious of him, making his school life even harder. But Miles has more pressing concerns when he discovers that immigrant children are going missing. With help from some old and new friends, he saves the day, but there’s a lot Miles has left to think about. 

 

On a Sunbeam

A lovely coming-of-age story, On a Sunbeam is a graphic novel about Mia and Grace, two girls who meet at an outer-space boarding school and fall in love. Crafted as two story lines that merge at the end, Walden expertly weaves an engaging plot line. The satisfying build-up of suspense will have readers on the edge of their seats by the end of the narrative.

 

Swan Lake: Quest for the Kingdoms

“Swan Lake: Quest for The Kingdoms” is a fast-paced graphic novel retelling of the classic “Swan Lake” with much to keep the attention of reluctant readers. With sword fights, dance breaks, humor, and an animal companion similar to a bear, this book will appeal to a wide range of readers. The quick pacing and mix of tough action with elegant ballet scenes will also help to capture the full attention of any who open this book.

 

Tidesong

Reminiscent of Studio Ghibli animations, this graphic novel introduces readers to a young witch named Sophie who travels to train under the guidance of her great aunt and cousin. While her magic is troublesome at times, Sophie is determined to prove to her family that she is powerful enough to be accepted into the Royal Magic Academy. Except instead of learning spells like she thought she would be, Sophie’s auntie Lan has her doing chores all day long and berates her for each little mistake.

 

Yummy: A History of Desserts

Calling foodies, history buffs, and bakers, Yummy takes readers on a delicious journey through the history of deserts. The book is narrated by three “food sprites,” the main narrator is Peri, who tells stories and legends about the history of desserts. She is joined by Fada, who explains the science behind how favorite desserts are baked, and Fee, who dresses up as famous bakers and inventors for interviews about their contributions to baking.