This Fall: A New Graphic Novel from Matt Phelan

 

 

Bluffton: My Summers with Buster by Matt Phelan

As with his two previous books, Phelan bases Bluffton on actual events. In this case, the childhood summers of actor, filmmaker, and comedian Buster Keaton. Keaton and his family summered by a lake in Michigan, where he and his fellow vaudevillians pulled pranks, told rousing stories, and played lots of baseball. Through the eyes of Henry, a normal turn-of-the-century boy, readers are introduced to Buster's early life and the magic of summers in which the circus came right to one's door. Phelan's sprightly line and fluid watercolor captures the exuberant movements of his characters and the glowing light of summer. Those who enjoy Phelan's past work or historical fiction and teachers shifting to the Common Core will want to snag a copy! 

*Unfortunately, the digital review copy was in black and white and the final print version will be in full-color. I'll have to pick up a copy when it pubs! 

I procrastinated by reading Rainbow Rowell's Fangirl...

 * And yes, the cover is illustrated by the creator of "Nimona," Noelle Stevenson. If you don't know Nimona, go check it out!

 

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Cather's completely different from her twin sister Wren. While Wren parties and tries new things at college, Cather doesn't want to leave her dorm room and her comfort zone. Besides, she needs to stay in and write the latest chapter of her Simon Snow (think Harry Potter) Fanfic as thousands of fans are waiting for her post. But Cather's upperclassman roommate and her ex-boyfriend both fall for Cather's nerdy quiet, pushing her to try something (anything) new. Meanwhile, Wren's lifestyle is catching up with her, Cather's mother, who's been absent 10 years, is trying to establish contact and her dad isn't adjusting to an empty nest. With empathy and balance Rainbow Rowell writes of the realistic problems, revelations, and sweet moments of a college freshman in a novel that will hook anyone who grew up with Harry Potter mid-night release parties.

Remember Nursery Rhyme Comics?

Fairy Tale Comics edited by Chris Duffy

From familiar tales with a new twist to old tales you've never discovered, Fairy Tale Comics gathers new interpretations of fairy tales from around the world. The list of contributors is studded with stars from both adult and children's comics. Highlights include Luke Pearson's “The Boy Who Drew Cats,” and Jillian Tamaki's “Baba Yaga.” I also love the palette of Emily Carroll's "Twelve Dancing Princesses"! Editor Chis Duffy has done a magnificent job of selecting illustrators with a range of styles, making each new story a delightfully fresh surprise. Pick this up to read the illustrator you love, and stay to discover someone new. 

A Fabulous Illustrated Book for All Ages

Mouse Bird Snake Wolf by David Almond and Dave McKean

In a new world a bit like ours lives Ben, Harry, and Sue. One day, while they're playing, they look into themselves and find new, interesting animals. Using sticks and grass and clay, they make their creatures and give them life, much as the gods do above them. A small mouse, a beautiful bird, and a slithering snake have now come to the world. But instead of stopping to rest like the gods, Harry and Sue find within themselves a large, hairy, wolfish thing. A growling, howling, wolfy wolf. Despite Ben's protestations, they make it and as soon a it's begun to run and howl, they are gobbled up. 

Almond's story feels like a classic creation tale, with all the light and darkness, innocence and experience you might expect. The tale is timeless and McKean's illustrations capture the full range and scope of the story. A dark and timeless tale at once cautionary and inspiring. Perfect for recent graduates of all ages!

If you're a bookseller, put this on your graduation table! 

A graphic novel for those who like Faith Erin Hicks

If you like Faith Erin Hicks (and who doesn't) or The Plain Janes, The Cute Girl Network by MK Reed and Greg Means may be just what you're looking for.



When Jane, a cute skater girl new to the city, falls off her skateboard in front of Jack's soup stand, Jack helps her up, and asks her out. Jane and Jack have a few fun dates and while it quickly become clear that Jack is clumsy and forgetful, Jane likes being around him. When Jane's roommate hears about Jack, she puts out a call on the Cute Girls' Network, a phone tree of young women in the city who warn others about "undateable" guys. She brings Jane to talk ot a few of Jack's exes. Some of the stories they tell are horrifying. Despite pressure from her roommate to dump Jack, it's ulimately up to Jane to decide what to do. In the end, Jane and Jack make a reasonable, and very adult decision one would be happy to put into any teenager's hands. 

Though I love the illustrations and find the message of the book to be wonderful, I found myself asking a few questions about the Cute Girls Network. What about girls who date girls? What are the qualifications for the network, especially as there are references to "cute" and "quality" girls? Though there are a few holes in this book, it's ultimately a fun, fast read. 

Crossover Gem

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The Summer Prince by Alaya Dawn Johnson
June Costa lives in a pyramid in Palmares Tres. Her society is a matriarchy and has been since most of the Earth was ravaged. While a Queen rules, each year their is a Summer King, a young man chose to co-rule for one year. After this year of power, the Summer King is killed. But June falls in love with the Summer King as does her best friend. Their relationships over turn the way June views the world and her art-- and June lives for her art. This book has it all: romance, art, science-fiction, coming-of-age, and Johnson has created something truly original in her story. Let me just say, there are no bad guys in this book, only people who see the world in a different (yet still justified way). Forget about the dystopian vs. utopian; this book will steal your heart.

New from Patricia MacLachlan

White Fur Flying by Patricia MacLachlan
Zoe's mother rescues Great Pyrenees dogs, caring for them until a new home can be found. Across the street, Philip is moving in with his aunt and uncle. Philip is doesn't speak and no one knows why. Up until now, Zoe's family has been rescuing dogs. This time, it may be the dogs who do the rescuing. This simple, poetic story of trust and friendship will steal your heart. A line from the book perfectly describes Patricia's writing: "[she] always tells the truth...even if it is fiction."