New graphic novels for middle grade readers - 8.31.22

This past school year, graphic novels have been the most popular and widely read format.  I expect to see that trend continue this year.  Earlier this summer I shared some graphic novels for readers who are just starting their independent journey.  Today are some new graphic novels for middle grade readers.

Just Roll With It

by Veronica Agarwal and Lee Durfey-Lavoie

Meet Maggie.  She's heading into middle school and worried about the same kinds of things that most kids are.  It doesn't help that she has two older sisters who, in her eyes, seem to have everything figured out.  To cope with her worries, Maggie's carries a d20 dice (20 sides).  She rolls the dice to help her make decisions.  Anything above 10 is good.  Luckily on her first day of school, Maggie meets Clara who is a friend I wish everyone had.  Clara sees Maggie's anxieties and accepts them and helps Maggie.

With all that is going on in our world, kids today have so much more to worry about and new anxieties that form.  Mental health is an important topic that needs to be addressed and discussed with students.  I appreciated that this graphic novel also shows attending therapy as a way to help cope with these big feelings.  The storyline also features two moms and has a sibling that is in a same-sex relationship.  Both are just parts of the story, yay for including same-sex relationships!

Mischief and Mayhem: Born to be Bad

by Ken Lamug

All Missy (and her cat Gizmo) want is to be included in the Heroes group at Superhero Camp, but she was not born with her powers, unless you call her awesome brain power!  But it's after meeting Melvira, a fellow camper, that they realize that being a hero is not what it's cracked up to be - it's being a villain that puts them in control.  However, Missy and Melvira have different opinions on being bad.  Missy likes to cause trouble as her alter-ego "Mischief".  But Melvira just likes being bad.  But when Melvira goes too far, will Missy step up and actually be a hero?

Book #2 in the series is also available.

The First Cat in Space Ate Pizza

by Mac Barnett and Shawn Harris

This story was concocted during the pandemic between these two creator-friends.  The plot... the moon is being eaten by rats and it's up to a cat to save the moon.  Cat quickly teams up with a princess and a robot to save the day.  Sound crazy?  It really is.  There are some catchphrases by a captain in the story that are silly and will for sure elicit some giggles.  Otherwise, it's a bit crazy and definitely out of this world!

Borders

story by Thomas King

illustrated by Natasha Donovan

When you hear "border", my thoughts, anyway, go to the US/Mexico border.  Of course, we also have our Northern border with Canada.  And that is where this one takes place.  The narrator is a young boy, who is telling the story of going to visit his sister.  He lives with his mom in Canada.  Through flashbacks, we slowly get the story of how his sister, Laetitia, and his mom would fight and how Laetitia eventually left for Salt Lake City.  Enough time has passed, and his mom wants to go visit her.  However, upon reaching the border, the boy's mother will only give her Native American citizenship, Blackfoot, when the border official asks.  He's looking for an answer of Canadian or American.  However, she holds steadfast to Blackfoot, which is not recognized as an official citizenship.  The problem is, now they cannot move on to the United States, or go back to Canada.  After days of staying in this limbo, the news agencies are alerted of this and come to share their story.

I thought it was an interesting small moments story, as the present day part of the story really is about their time within the borders.  Seeing as I thought it was going to be about the US/Mexico border, it helped me understand that there are border issues in many locations that I'm unaware of.  

Great graphic novel for middle school libraries.

Spy School: the Graphic Novel

written by Stuart Gibbs

illustrated by Anjan Sarkar

This will probably be a familiar book for many since the Spy School series (and Gibbs' Fun Jungle and Moon Base Alpha and Charlie Thorne series) are very popular.  I really like the graphic novel version.  The illustrations pull in some of the visuals that can be hard for some readers to picture.  There are parts that don't transition as well as they do in the stories (fairly typical of books that are turned into graphic novels), but it's still relatively smooth.  Looking forward to more in the series being put into this format.

Andy Warner's Oddball Histories: Pests and Pets

by Andy Warner

A nonfiction graphic novel for you!  Ever want to know about the history of animals?  Particularly those that are considered pests or even our pets!  This book is divided up into three sections - Creatures We Find Cute (like dogs, cats, rabbits), Creatures We Find Useful (like cows, bees, sheep), and Creatures That Find Us Useful (like raccoons, cockroaches, pigeons).  For each animal, Warner gives us the history of how the animal came about, populated, and eventually found their way to us.  Warner uses nonfiction text features within his graphics for further information.  Each section starts with a layout that has all of the animals covered in that section and what page to find it on.  Then in that animal's section, there are page numbers and headings if you want to go to a specific topic.  There is a box with animal specifics on it.  And usually some frames that highlight some unique information.  Backmatter includes an index, a map of origins, and other info.

Invisible

written by Christina Diaz Gonzalez

illustrated by Gabriela Epstein

This is a powerful realistic fiction graphic novel.  It's The Breakfast Club for kids.  What happens when you put together a mix of students that seemingly have their language in common?  Well, lots of inaccuracies and assumptions for one.  But that is what happens, a group of students are put together to do some school mandated community service.  The students, who were not friends before this, make assumptions about each other, as do the adults who are in charge.  But slowly this group of kids learn more about each other and how they each feel invisible.  It's through this common bond that they end up reaching out and helping someone else in need.

Told in English and Spanish, this graphic novel will reach across languages to tell a truly unique story.

The Tryout

written by Christina Soontornvat

illustrated by Joanna Cacao

publishes next week!

Here's another GN that you will want multiple copies of in order to meet your demand!  This one is a memoir from the author about her experience of growing up in a small town in Texas, being one of the only students of color in the school, and her experience of trying out for the middle school cheerleading team.  But it's also about family culture and how that ties into your identity.  And about best friendship and how to keep it going even when your interests change.  And about fitting in and what popularity is like and the impact it makes.  All themes that readers will relate to today!

I have more GNs in my pile.  I'll have another post this fall!

New graphic novels for readers! 6.08.22

Graphic novels are enjoyed by all readers and I'm glad to see so many for different ages and different genres/interests.  Here are some new ones that have caught my eye in the recent months for readers who are starting their independent reading journey!  

     

A Really Bird Story series:

I Really Want a Bigger Piece!

I Really Want to Be First!

written by Harriet Ziefert

illustrated by Travis Foster

published by Red Comet Press

This series is written entirely in talk bubbles.  It does not have frames and boxes like graphic novels, but just getting used to talk bubbles is helpful for readers who are starting graphic novels.

This series introduces us to Really Bird - that's his name because he has REALLY big feelings.  In these first two books he REALLY wants to be first and have the biggest piece of pie.  In both books he argues with his friends in order to get what he wants.

On the one hand, young readers will relate to his big feelings.  On the other hand (the adult hand), I don't love how Really Bird doesn't always learn a lesson.  Even when what he wants can sound kind of snotty.  

     

Blippo & Beep and Blippo & Beep I Feel Funny

written by Sarah Weeks

illustrated by Joey Ellis

published by Penguin Workshop

Similar to the series above, this one does not have frames, but the entire story is told through talk bubbles.  Another great introduction to graphic novels for young readers.  Blippo and Beep are robot friends who are silly and show what friendship looks like.  Looking forward to more in this series.

Sir Ladybug

by Corey R. Tabor

published by Balzer and Bray

Corey Tabor is a master of crafting stories for young readers.  Whether they are early readers, picture books, and now, graphic novels.  Sir Ladybug is a fantastic new hero for young readers because while he may appear tough, it's with knowledge and logic he wins his battles!  With fantastic sidekicks in his herald (Pell, the roly-poly) and squire (Sterling, the snail), I am excited to have this new series on my shelf for young readers.

         

The Super Adventures of Ollie and Bea series

It's Owl Good

Wise-Quackers

Squeals on Wheels

Bats What Friends Are For

by Renée Treml

published by Capstone

Stories that are full of friendship and puns, this series will delight young graphic novel readers.  Ollie the Owl and Bea the Bunny are self-conscientious of their perceived short-comings, but that's what friends are for, to make you feel good about each other and have fun!  Some solid lessons in each story.

     

Surviving the Wild series

Star the Elephant

Rainbow the Koala

by Remy Lai

published by Henry Holt and Co

This series is based on actual accounts of animals who have survived different kind of environmental issues.  Star the elephant faced deforestation and Rainbow the koala was in a large forest fire.  While the accounts have been fictionalized, even young readers will see the dangers animals are facing in the wild.  With additional information in the backmatter including ways the reader can help the environment, these books are informative and interesting to read.

The Inflatables in Bad Air Day

written by Beth Garrod and Jess Hitchman

illustrated by Chris Danger

published by Scholastic

Definitely a book to hand to your readers of the Bad Guys series.  The characters are pool inflatables that live at a water park.  When a new  wave pool opens up on the other side, they know they have to get over there and check out all of the new action.  It's goofy and has a lot of "butt" jokes to make younger readers laugh (for adult reviewers, there is just eye-rolling).

I do wish this one had been done in full color.  Not sure why the decision was made to keep it black and white.

Book #2 comes out later this summer.

And one UPCOMING one to have on your radar!

Mimi and the Cutie Catastrophe

by Shauna J. Grant

published by Scholastic

publishes July 19th

Mimi and her magical plushie, Penelope, have some great and magical adventures.  But no matter what she does, Mimi is only seen as being "cute".  She does not want to be identified as cute, so she has Penelope magic her into different outfits so she is not seen as cute.  She tries out being a superhero, teacher, and a cool kid, but no matter what, it doesn't feel right.  Will she ever be ok with her own identity?

Definitely a new graphic novel series to know about since it features an awesome Black girl as the main character!

Yay for lots of new graphic novels!  I know these books are going to hook some readers!

A Reading Trend - graphic novels!

It's been an interesting year for reading at my school.  I've been watching what the 3rd and 4th graders read and it has been a big shift from years past.  Graphic novels have always been a hit, but this year, it's almost exclusively what they want.  And just in case you think book talking and book passing by the kids isn't happening, I can tell you it's alive and well!  Towards the beginning of the year it was the HiLo series.  I couldn't keep track of who had what book.  All I know is between my library and the school library, our HiLos were gone!  Next it was Amulet.  I hadn't seen a resurgence of that series for about seven years.  It's not that they hadn't been read in that time, I just haven't had the same amount of holds on those books since then.  Now Bird and Squirrel is taking off.  Other fantasy series that have also been popular this year are 5 Worlds and Plants vs. Zombies.  Over on the realistic fiction side, my Babysitter Club and Babysitters Little Sisters books are always gone.  The Click series is super popular.  New Kid and Class Act are always gone.  And lots of the non-series titles are getting love too - Roller Girl, Twins, Measuring Up, and Pawcasso.

I also have been noticing the trend in publishing of graphic novels for the younger crowd too.  Lots of new graphic novels for readers have been published.  Perfect for readers who are working on stamina and need a shorter read.  Many of these books have more decodable words which means younger readers can start with graphic novels at a younger age!

So whenever I see a new graphic novel, I  am much more likely to purchase it right now.  Keeping readers reading!

Here are some newer titles you may want for the readers in your life!  Let's start off with some fantastic sequels.  If any of these series are new to you, make sure you find all of them, they are crowd favorites!

HiLo: Gina and the Big Secret

by Judd Winick

This is my absolute favorite graphic novel series.  I've said it before and I'll say it again.  The stories have so much heart, so much humor, so much fun, such good stories!

While it's hard to follow up my favorite (HiLo: Gina the Girl Who Broke the World) this one does a great job.  Gina has recently discovered she has magic, HiLo is a real boy (or is he??) and together, the crew needs to right the Earth back to normal.  Easy task for them, right?  I love the twists and turns and surprises that happen along the way.

The hold list is already very long for this one!  Make sure you have extra copies!

Katie the Catsitter: Best Friends for Never

written by Colleen AF Venable

drawn by Stephanie Yue

This is the second book in the series and I'm so happy to hear the creators are already working on more.  Katie is such a fun character for middle grade readers because she is relatable and she gets to help a superhero!  In this second book, Katie's best friend is back from summer camp and the usual growing pains of being apart for a summer, having made new friends, and trying to fall back into your regular friendship occurs.  I like that the old friendship doesn't completely dissolve and we still see Katie grow as a character.  

I already have a hold list for this one too!

Baloney and Friends: Dream Big!

 by Greg Pizzoli

This early reader graphic novel chapter book is the third in the series, and like its two predecessors, I was cracking up as I read it.  Featuring four friends with very different personalities and voices, you can read just one chapter from the book and capture readers' attention!

Besties Work It Out

written by Kayla Miller and Jeffrey Canino

illustrated by Kristina Luu

Technically, not a sequel, but it's set in the world of the "Click" graphic novels (with Olive - Click, Camp, Act, and Clash).  This time we have BFFs Beth and Chanda who are both trying so hard to save up money for something special.  When they are set up with the perfect job by Beth's older sister, surely nothing can go wrong?  Beth and Chanda are about to get a perfect lesson in responsibility that neither were expecting.

This one will be a huge hit with readers who are already fans of the "Click" series.  We'll get book 2 of the "Besties" series this fall.

Beak & Ally: Bedtime Jitters

by Norm Feuti

I really enjoyed the first book in this series.  Beak (a bird) and Ally (an alligator) seem to be a weird match as far as friendships go, but in reality, alligators and birds have a symbiotic relationship.  

In the second book, Beak is having trouble sleeping due to all the nighttime noises in the swamp.  It's up to Ally to give Beak a little help.  But it's when the two work together do they really feel the power of friendship!

The first book in the series just won a Geisel Honor Award, whoo hoo!

Now let's check out some new(er) stand-alone graphic novels!

Otto: A Palindrama

by Jon Agee

A graphic novel that is made up entirely of palindromes.  At times, definitely silly and nonsensical, but many of them move the story along!  

Otto is at home with his parents and dog, when he seems to fall into a scene that is inside his bowl of wontons.  Otto moves from place to place in search of his dog.  Along the way he meets many people who have things to say, forwards and backwards, of course!

The Odds

by Matt Stanton

Here comes a new series that will be a must have to own.  

Quiet and shy Kip has just woken up to a variety of creatures in her room.  Some have come from the comics her dad draws, others from her imagination, or own drawings.  Some are from books or video games.  No one is quite sure what their purpose is, but when Kip and her dad lock them up in the basement, they get loose and run.  While Kip's dad is fine with them gone, Kip has taken a fancy to them and wants to find them.  Can Kip find them and can they help her out with a problem of her own?

It's a quick read and the story ends in a satisfying way that gets you excited for future stories.

Housecat Trouble

by Mason Dickerson

This is a new series but I did not get this one.  Buster the cat's owner has just gone away for a day and he's found their house full of weird, purple, blobby monsters.  Good thing a spirit-sniffing cat has come by to help!  With two new cat friends, Buster is able to conquer his scaredy-cat feelings and take back the house.

PAWS: Gabby Gets It Together

by Nathan Fairbairn

Illustrated/Colored by Michele Assarasakorn

No doubt this will be a series that is loved by readers.  A realistic fiction series that is billed as being a "Babysitters Club" for dogs, fans of the BSC will flock to this one too.  A group of friends from a multi-age classroom bond over their love of animals, especially since none of them can have a pet due to one reason or another.  To help them be around animals without actually owning one, they come up with the idea of being dog walkers.  Of course, nothing goes as planned and arguments happen.  This is the first in the series.  I'm sure it will be popular.

A big problem with the illustrating is the Asian character has half moon eyes when laughing and just black dots for eyes when showing extreme emotion.  This stereotype needs to end.  Now.

Publishes March 8th.

Huda F Are You?

by Huda Fahmy

A book about identity and fitting in.  A memoir graphic novel from Fahmy, growing up as a Muslim.  In this memoir, Huda and her family have just moved to Dearborn, Michigan, a place that has a large Muslim community and Huda and her sisters won't be the only women in hijabi.  But even then she doesn't fit in because Huda still can't find, not only her group, but she needs to also figure out who she is... how does she identify?  This young adult GN is perfect for upper middle grade readers and high school readers.  Huda's humor will resonate with readers and the questions she asks herself are also some of the same questions many of us ask ourselves.

When Pigs Fly

by Rob Harrell

First appearing in his middle grade book Wink, Batpig now has his own graphic novel.  It will be welcomed by fans of DogMan as it has goofy humor and lots of puns to make readers laugh out loud.  

Gary the Pig was just an ordinary pig with regular friend-type problems, when his friend Brooklyn the Bat accidentally bit him on the nose, which of course gave him super powers!  Gary wrestles with how to handle these powers, and until he figures out exactly how to use them, he keeps them a secret from everyone but Brook.  Which is fine until his other BFF, Carl the Fish, finds out he's been keeping a secret from him!  Can Batpig save the day and his friendships?

Definitely a series you'll want to have multiple copies of!  Looking forward to the next book, coming this June!

Hope you found a new graphic novel or two for your readers.  I know mine are gobbling these new ones up!

New and Upcoming Graphic Novels - 2.09.21

I'm always on the lookout for new graphic novels because readers just can't get enough of them!  Here are a few new and upcoming ones you'll want to have in your libraries.

Katie the Catsitter

written by Colleen AF Venable

illustrated by Stephanie Yue

This is going to be such a fun series!  I wish I had known ahead of time this was a superhero story.  I didn't understand that at first and it threw off my understanding just a bit.

Katie and her mom live in New York City in an apartment building.  The city has super heroes that help out local law enforcement, and make sure the super-villains don't cause any trouble.  Katie's best friends are heading off to summer camp, but Katie's mom just doesn't have enough money to send Katie.  But, if Katie works and can pay for a good part of it, then maybe they can make it work.  Katie puts up a sign in their apartment building advertising that she'll work small jobs for cash.  She ends up getting a nightly catsitting job for an upstairs neighbor, Madeline.  Eventually, Katie starts putting some clues together and makes the guess that Madeline is actually a villain, the Mousetress.  But she can't quit her job now, she needs this cash to get to camp because as the summer goes on, her BFF is writing her less and less from camp.  Is she forgetting all about her?

I like how this superhero story also had a very realistic friendship thread running through the storyline too.  Once I had a better understanding of the setting and the superheros, I really enjoyed the story and can't wait to read more adventures.  

This graphic novel is going to be well loved by readers.  

HiLo: Gina the Girl Who Broke the World

by Judd Winick

Full disclosure: rarely do I read all the graphic novels in a series.  GNs are so popular, that I just hand them out to the kids as soon as they come in.  I usually read the first book in the series, maybe the second one, and then that's it.  But this series... I always read them before I hand the book out.  Which also means I have to read the book as soon as I get it because everyone wants to read it!  

This is the seventh book in the series and I love it as much as the first one.  No, probably more because I'm so invested with the characters now.  This one gets emotional because the characters are still grieving over the loss of a friend.  I love that Winick adds the grief element to the book.  That doesn't seem to happen all the time in books that are typically found to be humorous.

This book starts up right where the last one left off.  Gina has some magical powers and she is still coming to terms with them.  She doesn't know if she wants the responsibility that comes with being magical.  And she fears what could happen if she loses a battle.  HiLo is now human and is coming to terms with everything that means (including bodily functions, which will go over very well with readers!).

There are battles and bad guys, there are moments you'll laugh out loud, and moments you may shed a tear.  I'm so glad to see there will be a book 8, even if that means we need to wait.

Allergic

written by Megan Wagner Lloyd

illustrated by Michelle Mee Nutter

So many kids are going to relate with this one!  Maggie loves animals and she wants to be a veterinarian when she grows up.  She's the oldest sibling in her family with younger, twin brothers and a new sibling on the way.  Maggie feels if only she could have a dog, she would have something that was special just to her.  She's ecstatic when she gets her wish, but while she's at the rescue, she has a severe allergic reaction to the dogs, requiring a trip to the doctor.  After visiting with an allergist, Maggie finds out she's allergic to anything with feather or fur.  It's devastating to Maggie and made worse by the fact that her school district borders have changed and she has to go to a new school.  

Things start to get better for Maggie when she meets the girl who recently moved in next door.  Although a school year older than Maggie, she proves to be a true friend and the girls become close.  But that "true" friendship is tested when her new friend gets a puppy, after Maggie telling her she is allergic.

Fans of the Raina Telgemeier stories and Shannon Hale's and LeUyen Pham's Best Friends series will absolutely love this one.

This one publishes March 2nd, but it's already through Scholastic Book Club!

Warning - be sure to have multiple copies of all these books.  They are going to be very popular with readers.

Graphic Novel Week - GNs coming soon! - 11.20.2020

 It's graphic novel week on the blog and I have loads of graphic novels to share!  Today is a sneak peek of what's coming our way!

Cat Kid Comic Club

by Dav PIlkey

Every since Li'l Petey found his way to the DogMan books, he crawled into readers' hearts and has become a fan favorite.  So it should be no surprise that he's getting his own series!  And I love that it's something so different from DogMan, but it still has the heart, humor, and even some cameos!

The storyline centers around creativity and what it takes to make a comic.  And, who gets to decide what stories to write!  Li'l Petey is starting a Comic Club and he's got lots of little frog friends to teach.  Lucky for him he has his friends Molly and Flippy the Fish, around to help him out!  Full of writing advice, like how to get ideas, how to have a critique group, and how to give ideas without changing the story into what you want to hear.  I love how the book incorporates different kinds of storytelling techniques including comics, photography, painting, and claymation.  And what's a Dav Pilkey story without some age appropriate bathroom humor (I mean, come on, it still makes adults chuckle), this book is going to elicit giggles and make you reach for some paper and pencils.  I love how Pilkey finds ways to inspire while having loads of fun.  The Cat Kid series is going to be as well-read as Pilkey's other series so be sure to have many copies on hand.

This first book in the series publishes December 1st.

Thank you to Lizette Serrano and Scholastic for this early copy!

While your readers are waiting for publication, share this video where Dav talks about his inspiration and hope for this new series:  www.scholastic.com/pilkeypreview

Publisher Simon and Schuster has a whole new line of graphic novels aimed at young readers.  Look for these books in February of 2021!

Dragon Kingdom of Wrenly: The Coldfire Curse

by Jordan Quinn 

I'm so excited to have this dragon-themed graphic novel for readers.  Kids love dragon books and I know we will all need multiple copies of this series.

This first book introduces us to dragon cousins Cinder and Groth, and their new friend, the scarlet dragon, Ruskin.  A curse has fallen upcon Wrenly and it's other kingdoms and it's up to the three of them to reverse the curse.  Ruskin, who has always been the young prince's pet, is having trouble believing that he just may be the dragon to not only reverse the curse, but also the dragon that is meant to rule.

Super Turbo Saves the Day!

by Edgar Powers

If you're familiar with the Captain Awesome series, then you may already know about Turbo.  Of course, Turbo also has his own chapter book series.  Now he's coming to us in graphic novel format.  I think this character fits in the graphic novel format because the stories already have a superhero vibe to them, it seems to be an easy enough transition.  I do notice a different author's name associated with this version, not sure why the change occurred.

In this first story, Turbo discovers he's not the only superhero at his school and ends up meeting a superhero guinea pig, gecko, fish, and rabbit.  It looks like this first graphic novel has the same storyline as the first chapter book.  This new coming book approach will help visual readers.  It will be nice to have multiple ways to read this series.

Pup Detectives: The First Case

by Felix Gumpaw

Once I saw some of the character names I realized this is a reboot of another series I adore - the Rider Woofson series.  There are 10 books in the transitional chapter book series and it's one I frequently use to hook readers into a series.  They are fun mysteries that are solved by an all dog private investigator group.  The most difficult part of that series is getting the characters down.  I typically spend time with readers who are new to the series, learning character names and traits.  Once they have them down, they are usually good to go to understanding the rest of the series.

At first I was glad to start this one because I figured it would help with the hardest part - visualizing the characters.  This time Rider and his friends are in school instead of running their own business, but they're still focusing on solving the important mysteries! 

What I had trouble with is the placement of the talk bubbles.  In a series that is being marketed to young readers, the talk bubbles are very confusing.  Readers are used to reading from left to right, but graphic novel readers know you also have to look at what talk bubble is on top and you read them in order going from top down.  If there are multiple characters in a frame in this book with multiple talk bubbles, a reader has to be very careful about looking to see the order to read the bubbles.  In this series, the top bubble is often on the right side of the frame and you read it first.  But your eyes usually want to read all of the talk bubbles that are on the left side, and again, in this series, the story no longer makes sense.  I wish the illustrator had flipped the characters around so the character speaking first was on the left side of the frame.  I think young readers are going to find some confusion with this.  

I will still encourage readers to start with the chapter book series before jumping into the graphic novel one.  If they make some changes so it becomes more readable, then I would add it to my collection.

In the marketing materials sent to me from Simon and Schuster, it talks about how this series of graphic novels are designed for readers in Kg-4th grade (ages 5-9).  I find this a bit misleading.  The storylines will appeal to readers in that age range, and I would even bring it up to 10 years old, or 5th grade.  However, these GNs are still longer in page length (all over 100 pages) and are the size of a typical comic book (does not have a small trim size).  Which means there are multiple frames on a page (up to 5) which adds up the amount of print.  For your average kindergartner, 1st grade, and beginning of 2nd grade reader, these series will be a challenge.  If you're looking for graphic novels to fit a typical kg-1st gr reader, I would still recommend Scholastic's Acorn line.  I would love to see more publishers look at what they are doing and publish more for our very young readers.

The other thing I urge publishers to consider is how many of these early graphic novels are realistic fiction stories, because it seems to be most are animals and other fantasy creatures.  Young readers still want to see themselves within the pages of a graphic novel.  They love animals and dragons, but humans are good too!

Don't miss the other graphic novel posts from this week:

a roundup of new graphic novels

graphic novels for early readers

#road2reading Challenge - more graphic novels! - 11.19.2020

All journeys have a starting place.

This is a weekly place to find books and tools

that you may use with readers 

at the start of their independent reading journey.

Join in the conversation at #road2reading.

This summer I wrote about some new graphic novels that are perfect for young readers.  I followed up with some new fall favorites.  Now I'm back with a few more suggestions!  Graphic novels are tops with readers and I'm excited to have more to reach our readers who are just starting to be independent.  Check these out!

Donut Feed the Squirrels

by Mika Song

Readers are going to love meeting Norma and Belly, young squirrels who are looking for a little breakfast after burning their pancakes.  That's when they smell the most delicious smell... donuts.  They plot to get their own donuts after the donut seller rejects their offer of chestnuts for payment.  Once they take matters into their own hands, Belly even discovers when you add just a hint of chestnut to the donuts, it tastes even better!

It's a cute story that will make readers giggle and want more.  Lucky for us this will be a series and we have more Norma and Belly fun coming in 2021!

Arlo & Pips: King of the Birds

by Elise Gravel

So after reading this, I really am in awe of crows!  They really are amazing and talented birds!

Arlo is a crow and thinks very highly of himself.  He enjoys bragging to other birds and showing off his many talents.  While Pips is the first to tell Arlo he's bragging too much, Pips also finds Arlo's talents impressive.

Readers will laugh at the amazing Arlo - he does crack some good jokes - and the fun facts that Gravel includes about crows along the way.  Readers will leave with a new understanding of crows and their many talents!

Looking forward to reading more in this series!

          

Fox Tails: The Biggest Roller Coaster by Tina Kügler

Bumble and Bee: Let's Bee Thankful by Ross Burach

A Frog and Dog book: Hog on a Log by Janee Trasler

I'm so glad to get more sequels to these Scholastic Acorn line books.  They are perfect for newly independent readers.  They stay at a readable level with sight words and decodable text.  They have chapters which look cool.  The characters all talk through talk bubbles so readers get the graphic novel feel to them.  A few even have graphic novel panels and frames.  And they have funny and enjoyable storylines.  If you teach kindergartners or 1st graders, the Acorn line is a must for your readers!

The graphic novel fun doesn't end yet!  Make you sure you visit these posts:

new graphic novels

coming soon graphic novel titles 

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? Graphic Novel week! 11.16.2020

This weekly post comes from Jen at Teach Mentor Texts

 and Kellee and Ricki at Unleashing Readers.  

It's a great source to find new books to use with your students.

This week on the blog I will be celebrating Graphic Novels!  Today's IMWAYR post is a roundup of newly published graphic novels I've read!  Check back this week for more graphic novel fun.

Thursday - new graphic novels for early readers

Friday - graphic novels coming soon!

Last Week's Adventures

Check out these new animal informational texts for your young readers.

Some much needed sequels have been published for some favorite chapter book series.

Graphic Novels!

Class Act

by Jerry Craft

Unless you're hiding under a non-kidlit rock then you know and have already read the 2020 Newbery winning graphic novel New Kid.  I loved reading this book but loved it even more after reading it with kids in our Mock Newbery discussions last year.  I work with 4th grade readers and it was interesting who understood the microaggressions the book explored and who didn't see it at all.

This time we see the story more through Drew's eyes, although Jordan is always around.  If the first book explored microaggressions that marginalized cultures experience in a school environment, then this book explores what it's like to be a Black kid.  There are things that happen to Drew because he is Black.  Some people make assumptions for him, but not for Jordan, who is a little lighter skinned than him.  People think it's ok to touch Drew's hair without permission.  Drew knows he is at a prestigious school and he has to work even harder to be accepted there.  But there are also people in the Black community that assume things about Drew because he is at that school, and that doesn't feel good either.

Both books in the series give people something to think about.  Many people who are white are going to learn something when reading them.  It may make you uncomfortable (usually adults), but it's going to open a new level of understanding for many kids.  It's also going to help other readers feel seen and appreciate their story being in a book.

Twins

written by Varian Johnson

illustrated by Shannon Wright

You probably know author Varian Johnson from his novels The Great Greene Heist and The Parker Inheritance.  This is his first written graphic novel, and he made the transition to the GN world seamlessly!

Twins is about Maureen and Francine who are starting sixth grade and figuring out, on their own time tables, who they are as an individual, instead of a "twin".  Francine is already starting to become her own individual and this is not sitting well with Maureen, who would rather remain a set.  It all comes to head when they both decide (for very different reasons) to run for class president.  

This is a story about siblings, a story about becoming yourself, and a story about trying new things.  I like how Johnson always weaves microaggressions and elections through the story so they are there, but don't take over the story.

This graphic novel is going to be well enjoyed by readers!

Lightfall: The Girl and the Galdurian

by Tim Probert

Woah, I am so excited to have found this new GN and upcoming series!  It is absolutely going to appeal to readers of the Amulet, Zita the Spacegirl, Cleopatra in Space, and 5 Worlds graphic novel series.

Taking place in the world of Irpa, readers meet Bea, a young girl who lives with her grandfather, a pig wizard.  While off on an errand to collect various ingredients for a potion, Bea meets Cad (who happens to save her life from a long fall).  Bea learns that Cad is a Galdurian, a species that is long thought of being extinct, if they even existed at all.  He's on a mission to find the pig wizard.  Upon returning to her house, Bea and Cad find her grandfather is gone but he has left a very cryptic note.  Bea is quite upset because her grandfather tends to be forgetful and she doesn't like that he has adventured off alone.  He's also left her with a special Jar that she is to keep in her possession.  

Of course, Bea and Cad are immediately on a quest to find her grandfather and that's when the adventure begins.

Some interesting character traits play out in this story.  It certainly seems as if the grandfather has some form of dementia.  And Bea definitely suffers from anxiety.  I like that she is a multi-dimensional character.

The cover says "book one" and it ends on a cliffhanger so we know there are more stories coming.  I'm ready for it now!

Measuring Up

written by Lily LaMotte

illustrated by Ann Xu

Cici has just been uprooted from Taiwan to move to Seattle with her parents who have new jobs in America.  Cici has always grown up with her A-má (grandmother), they share an enjoyment of cooking and it's something special they do together.  Cici has a hard time leaving her behind and adjusting to life in American without her A-má.  Cici gets the idea to fly her over for a surprise for her dad for his birthday.  But first she needs to come up with a way to get the money for a ticket.  That's when she sees a kids cooking contest and the prize is $1000.  Cici enters and learns many lessons about herself, cooking, and friendship along the way.

Cooking and baking shows are still pretty popular with kids right now so I can see readers picking this up based on that alone.  The subjects of immigration and friendships are seen in many books right now and it's great to continue to give readers an understanding through these #ownvoices stories.  I think this will be a popular graphic novel.

Mellybean and the Giant Monster

by Mike White

This is going to be such a fun series!  

Melly is a very friendly dog who lives with three cats.  They definitely do not see eye-to-eye on activities to do, and the cats even trick Melly to hide a shoe (inevitably to get her in trouble).  While digging, Melly actually finds a portal to another world.  One where a very mean king is stealing all the gold from everyone and putting them in the dungeons if they can't pay.  Melly also meets a giant monster who is constantly being attacked by the king's knights.  It's with Melly's incessant questioning that we learn Narra, the monster, used to have magical powers but Wilma the Wizard took them away to use them for herself.  Melly and Narra end up meeting three orphan kids who are trying to find their human who was taken away to the dungeons by the king.  The five decide to take on the king and his men and get him to change his mind.  They are able to use the king's weakness, his inability to say no to a contest he thinks he can win (i.e. cheat), to try and win back the gold and release everyone from the dungeon.

This book was full of giggles and heart.  Melly is an adorable character who never falters from being herself and showing being kind is always better than being greedy.

I am so glad this will be a series.  We need more Melly!

History Comics: The Great Chicago Fire - Rising From the Ashes

written by Kate Hannigan

illustrated by Alex Graudins

Perfect for I Survived readers who need a visual piece to help the historical fiction part come to life.  Sometimes when reading about history, young readers need some visual supports because it's hard to picture something that has never been seen before.  This series of graphic novels will be a perfect compliment.

In this first book, written by Chicago author Kate Hannigan, we meet siblings J.P. and Franny.  Separated from their family, they make the long trek north with a puppy that has also been separated from its mom, trying to get away from the ever-growing fire.  Rooted in facts and with quotes from primary sources, this fictional story gives the readers a glimpse into what those fateful days were like for Chicagoans.  There is even some backmatter to give additional information - I actually started with the backmatter first and it helped me as I read the story.

I am looking forward to seeing how this new series resonates with young historical fiction readers.

I hope this helped you find a new graphic novel title or two for your readers.  Wildly popular, I know we may need more than one copy of these titles!

Hope to see you later this week for more graphic novel fun!