Another great graphic novel from First Second!

Battling Boy by Paul Pope

Humanity is plagued by monsters. Some snatch children and others eat metal. When the hero Haggard West dies trying to fight the monsters, the hero world on high sends down Battling Boy for his rambling (test), giving him only a place to stay and twelve t-shirts, each with a different trait. Battling Boy may be superhuman, but he's still just a kid. Quickly paced, readers will be pulled into the story only to linger over Pope's stunning drawings and original monsters. While I've already started to reread, the sequel can't come soon enough.

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! 

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 Wrinkle in Time: Graphic Novel

Translating a book to another medium is always difficult, but Hope Larson's graphic novelization of A Wrinkle in Time retains most of the scenes and dialog. While I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who hasn't read the book (everybody needs a chance to visualize the book on their own), Hope's adaptation will make the text more approachable to visual learners and L'Engle fans. Black and white illustrations are given added depth with the use of a pale blue. I was intrigued by the way Faith highlights Meg's emotional arc in her adaptation. But no matter who you are, you're sure to find a plot, character or mood detail interpreted in a way you'd never considered and it is this that makes the adaptation worth reading.

Nothing Can Possibly Go Wrong if you read this book

Really. Except that you might miss an appointment as you rush to finish it...and then read it all over again.

 

Nothing Can Possibly Go Wrong written by Prudence Shen & illustrated by Faith Erin Hicks

Conniving cheerleaders intent on buying new uniforms face off against the robotics club in a story full of drama and humor. Both teams have been told their funding is at the discretion of the Student Council and both teams decide to take matters into their own hands, pitting next-door neighbors against one another in the race to be student council president. But when campaign tactics turn unspeakably nasty, the principal pulls all funding from both teams. Now, there's only one thing that can save both the robotics club and the cheerleaders: a robot rumble with a hefty monetary prize. That's right, robots fighting to the death... what could possibly go wrong?  Shen and Hicks are an incredible duo. Their quirky, dimensional characters could walk off the page and into high school halls. When it comes to humor, action, and drama, it doesn't get better than this.

Very Early Graphic Novel

Odd Duck by Cecil Castellucci & Sara Varon

Theodora is a tidy duck who always follows her daily routine. While her choices may be strange for most ducks (she quilts and swims with a tea cup on her head), everything in her life fits perfectly in its' place...that is until a neighbor comes along. Chad is bizarre. He dyes his feathers and makes strange sculptures in the yard. Theodora is certain the two will never be friends but as it often happens in books for young readers, she's quickly proven wrong. Though a common story, Castellucci and Varon bring their own fun flavor. Odd Duck is filled with sweet and quirky characters children are sure to love. Perfect for an early reader audience, Odd Duck is also a great read-aloud selection for non-readers who can sit through a long story but still want lots of pictures. Hopefully we'll see more books from this quirky duo.

A top graphic novel of 2012

The Secret of the Stone Frog by David Nytra
When Alan and his sister Leah wake, they find themselves in a magical forest. To find their way home, they must follow the path of the stone frogs. Of course, they have a few adventures along the way. Though reminiscent of both Alice in Wonderland and Little Nemo, David Nytra crafts a unique fantasy. Detailed black and white pen and ink drawings invite readers to become lost along with Leah and Alan. David Nytra keeps his text to a minimum and new new readers will be astonished that they can read a book with so many pages. All in all, The Secret of the Stone Frog is a masterpiece.

Lucy Knisley!!!

 
Relish: My Life in the Kitchen by Lucy Knisley
First Second, April 2, 2013
I've been following Lucy Knisley's blog for years and was excited when she mentioned she was working on a graphic novel for First Second. Finally, it's here! Raised by a caterer and a gourmand, food has always been important to Lucy Knisley. In Relish, Lucy examines moments of her life in which food played an important role. From discovering foie gras to working at a cheese counter to helping her mom at farmer's markets, each stage of her life is defined by food. Included are a series of illustrated recipes, which are necessary to have on hand as you are certain to become ravenous while reading. Relish is a delectable graphic memoir for anyone who enjoys food- whether that be fine cheeses or doughnuts. 

I've been following Lucy's blog since college and love her work. Can't wait for the event at Oblong Books! 

Incredible.

 
Sailor Twain or The Mermaid in the Hudson by Mark Siegel
First Second, Macmillan
Siegal has an incredible ability to combine realistic drawings with stylized characters, yet make them feel of the same world. Twain captains the riverboat Lorelei, owned by the Frenchman Lafayette, who never leaves the boat. Lafayette's brother went missing not long ago and ever since Lafayette has been pursuing women and corresponding with the author of "Secrets and Mysteries of the River Hudson." Lafayette's particular interest is mermaids. When Twain finds a wounded mermaid, he doesn't know whom to trust, or who's already involved. The story shifts between past and present, mythology mixing with life on a riverboat. Siegal crafts a complex story with twists, turns and revelations you won't see coming. The result is nothing short of a masterpiece.

TOON Books + Frank Vivia = swooning illustrators

A Trip to the Bottom of the World with Mouse by Frank Viva
Frank Viva's first children's book, Along a Long Road, was one of the New York Times Ten Best Illustrated Books of 2011. In Frank's new book, a boy and a mouse take a boat to Antarctica. Readers will be swept up by the sights they see and the adventures they have. Frank's limited palette and graphic style will entice both young readers and design enthusiasts. Though A Trip to the Bottom of the World with Mouse is a Toon beginning reader, don't let that stop you from sharing it with picture book audiences!

From the author/illustrator of Smile...

 

Drama by Raina Telgemeier 

Graphix, Scholastic, September 1st, 2012

Fuchsia-haired Callie loves theatre. She can't sing so she puts her energy into designing sets and working stage crew. But drama kids tend to create drama. This year Callie's good friend is ignoring her after she kissed his brother, there are two cute twins in town, oh, and Callie has to figure out how to create a working cannon (okay, confetti instead of flames) before the show opens. Of course, there are additional bumps along the way, but no matter what, the show must go on. With Drama, Rania has shown (yet again) her ability to write funny, dramatic, and emotionally truthful graphic novels that tap into the middle school experience; I can't wait to see what she does next.

Giants Beware! A great graphic novel

Giants Beware by Rafael Rosado & Jorge Aguirre
Claudette wants to be a giant slayer just like her father- but why would she wait until she grows up? The village tells stories of a terrible giant who loves nothing more than baby feet. If Claudette can just open her father's secret chest, she'll have everything she needs to defeat a giant. Once she secures the aid of her her brother, an aspiring pastry chef, and her best friend who wants nothing more than to be a princess, Claudette sets out to slay the giant. With a spunky, pint-sized heroine and a surprising ending, Giants Beware! is certain to be a hit with kids who devoured Zita the Spacegirl.

The Beatles

Baby's in Black Astrid Kirchherr, Stuart Sutcliffe, and The Beatles in Hamburg
by Arne Bellstorf
First Second, May 8th

Though this is a graphic featuring the Beatles, it is primarily a love story, that of Astrid Kirchherr, a young photographer who discovered The Beatles in a basement club and fell in love with their bass player, Stuart Sutcliffe. Ballstorf captures Astrid's story and The Beatles' early difficulties while hinting at the post-Beatles life Stuart might have had. A glimpse at the beginnings of cultural icons, and an important period of history, Baby's in Black is ultimately the bittersweet tale of a real-life romance.

Bellstorf's black and white illustrations are gorgeous. Black pencil gives his ink lines work tone, texture, and depth. The narrative is occasionally broken by sequences of lyrics from Beatles' songs. For these moments, Bellstorf uses only ink in his frame-less panels and his pale, colorless trees create a dream scape through which Start and Astrid wander,searching for one another. These sequences provide a break from the narrative, a literal expression of someone losing his- or her-self in song or emotion.

Novel/grapic novel hybrid

The Year of the Beasts
by Cecil Castellucci and Nate Powell
Roaring Brook Press, May 22, 2012

When Tessa's younger sister Lulu tags along to the fair with her and her best friend Celina, Tessa's annoyed. But when Lulu leaves the curiosity sideshow tent holding the hand of the boy Tessa has a crush on, Tessa feels betrayed. Then Lulu begins to spend more time with Celina, until Tessa feels more like the unwelcome younger sister than Lulu. Not that Tessa hasn't found someone to kiss this summer, but her boyfriend, Jasper, is a strange outcast, and their romance is a secret one. Interspersed between the chapters of this story are chapters rendered in graphic novel format. They seem to take place at a high school for mythical creatures, with Medusa, a mermaid, and a minotaur in the leading roles. As the book continues, it becomes clear who these drawn characters are, and their story begins to show parallels to the written one. The Year of the Beasts is an ultimately heartbreaking novel about first loves, jealousy, and loss. When everything finally comes together, the result is striking. Novel and graphic novel formats unite in this tragically beautiful summer story.

A graphic novel for cartoon lovers

Bird and Squirrel: On the Run by James Burks
Scholastic, August 2012
For the kid who loves cartoons, slapstick humor, and annoyingly funny characters (pretty much anyone in elementary school) this is the book for you. Sensible, overly-cautious Squirrel is preparing for winter, while the annoyingly cheerful bird is delaying his migration south in favor of fun. When a run in with a cat causes Squirrel to loose his entire acorn supply, he has no choice but to journey south with Bird. What follows are the hilarious adventures of the unlikely duo. Bright colors and crazy characters make this book a laugh-out-loud adventure.

New graphic novel from the creator of Ghostopolis and Bad Island....

Cardboard by Doug Tennapel
Scholastic, August 2012
Cam's unemployed father gives him a cardboard box for his birthday. It's certain to be the worst birthday ever until the man they make from the cardboard comes to life. It turns out this is no ordinary cardboard and what was the lamest present ever becomes something desired by the rich bully, Marcus, who lives next door. But Marcus has a twisted imagination, and his creations develop frightening minds of their own, minds that desire the destruction of anything of human flesh. Tennapel's ability to blend unique threats and adventures while exploring family relationships is amazing. Cardboard explores a father-son relationship, one that grows stronger of the course of the book. Tennapel's fans will enjoy this fast-paced graphic novel, and maybe even find themselves developing their own creations. I'd love to see a father-son book club choose this as a selection!

Adult Graphic Memoir

Are You My Mother? by Alison Bechdel

The follow up to Bechdel's Fun Home, Are You My Mother? focuses on Bechdel's relationship with her mother, a woman who was raised to believe that boys were more valuable than girls, and who stopped kissing her daughter goodnight at the age of seven. Bechdel combines the work of psychoanalysts with memories of her mother, conversations, and moments from her own therapy sessions. The psychoanalytic passages, and (one is lead to believe) the fact that Bechdel's mother is alive, makes this a denser, more layered book than Fun Home. The reader must wade in and pull apart the many strands of Bechdel's story, piecing together chronology and figuring out terminology. The work is inevitably worth it, and the time spent meditating on the book only increases the reader's emotional experience.

A Novel in Photographs

Chopsticks by Jessica and Rodrigo Crorral
Razorbill, Penguin, February 2012

There's no denying that we live in an increasingly visual culture, but so many of the visuals we're bombarded with are moving at a frenzied pace. Chopsticks is a visual novel, but not a graphic novel. It is a novel in photos and letters, moments captured and still on a page. When Glory, a teen piano prodigy, breaks down and plays Chopsticks at a concert, she's sent away to recover- that is until she disappears completely. Prior to her breakdown, Glory had been moving moments of her life away from music, starting to have a relationship with Francisco, a boy trying to adjust to high school in the US. Through photos, playlists, drawings, and letters, Francisco and Glory's relationship unfolds, revealing some hints as to the nature of Glory's disappearance. Chopsticks is an intimate look at a teen romance, complete with suggestions for musical accompaniment while you linger over the images.

Anthology on a Theme

Explorer: The Mystery Boxes, ed. by Kazu Kibuishi
Amulet, Abrams, March 2012

I love comics collections; you get a short yet complete story arc, the perfect read for a piece of snatched time, and you invariably discover new authors and illustrators whose work you now want to find. Explorer features a compilation of seven stories, each by a different author/illustrator, yet each featuring a mysterious (and often magical) box that serves to tie the stories together. Each story is vastly different from every other one, and set in a completely different place. From Johane Matte and Saymone Phanekham's box in an alien universe-building warehouse to Dave Roman and Raina Telemeier's magical box found in the back of an ordinary closet, Explorer holds something for readers of every genre. A gorgeous graphic compilation for the graphic novel enthusiast or a fabulous introduction for the comics novice, this book is for those who want to explore the medium.

New Teen Graphic Novel

Friends with Boys by Erin Faith Hicks
First Second,February 28, 2012

Everyone feels awkward in high school, but what if the first day of high school is also your first day of public school after being homeschooled your entire life? For Maggie, public school is a frightening prospect, especially when she notices that her three older brothers have their own friends and activities. When Maggie meets Lucy and her brother, suddenly she has friends who aren't family. But there's still the matter of the ghost that's following her and the nasty volleyball team boys. Luckily, Maggie is friends with boys- and her brothers will go to ends of the earth to help her- or at least the graveyard.

With just the first few pages of her book, author/illustrator Erin Faith Hicks welcomed me into a family where I immediately felt at home. Her characters are developed, each with their own unique feel, and Maggie's family members are all linked by some distinct feature. Maggie's emotional journey will resonate with teens from all educational backgrounds and would be wonderful book to give as a gift to graduating middle-schoolers. With dynamic panels, and a host of stellar characters, Friends with Boys is sure to appeal to readers who enjoyed Anya's Ghost. Though Maggie's relationship with her own ghost remains unresolved, I can only hope this indicates further installments to come!