ELEMENTARY/MIDDLE-GRADE
A First Time for Everything
Dan Santat
First Second Books
Nominated by: Maria Marshall
In this humorous and heart-warming middle-grade graphic memoir, Dan Santat recounts the life-changing “firsts” of his middle school life: first time being ridiculed, first party, first school trip to Europe, first Fanta, and of course, first love. It is impossible not to get swept into Dan’s story, and to root for the awkward and quiet “good boy” as he navigates complicated relationships in a European setting: the illustrations are rich with action, expression and detail and the storytelling is masterfully paced and never predictable. Both kids and adults alike will find much to relate to and enjoy in this endearing, feel-good read about embracing life’s challenges, no matter how dire they may appear to be.
Dungeons & Dragons: Dungeon Club: Roll Call (Dungeons & Dragons: Dungeon Club, 1)
Molly Knox Ostertag, illustrated by Xanthe Bouma
HarperAlley
Nominated by: Rosemary Kiladitis
Olivia and Jess are best friends who love playing their 2-person Dungeons & Dragons campaign. Olivia is excited about middle school and the chance to widen her friend circle, but Jess? Not so much, especially when Olivia decides to expand their D&D campaign into a full-on school club. Not willing to share her game time and her best friend with anyone, Jess expresses her frustration through the game, and when it affects one of the new members of the club, Jess discovers that sometimes, you need to find room in your heart – and in your dungeon-raiding party – for new friends. Effortless storytelling, diverse and genderfluid characters, and tips and tricks on playing D&D pair with exciting fantasy illustration to make this graphic novel an outstanding pick.
Frizzy
Claribel A. Ortega, illustrated by Rose Bousamra
First Second Books
Nominated by: Aixa Perez-Prado
Frizzy by Claribel Ortega is an exploration of cultural expectations connected to hair and respectability. Marlene loves art and hanging out with her best friend. But she does not love having to go to the salon every week with her mother to get her curls straightened. Marlene pushes back against her mother’s and her family’s expectations for what her hair should look like and embraces the wisdom of her Tia Ruby. She learns not only to love her curls, but take care of them too. A fun coming-of-age story with amazing illustrations that encourages girls to embrace being themselves.
Lo and Behold: (A Graphic Novel) (Lo & Behold)
Wendy Mass, illustrated by Gabi Mendez
Random House Graphic
Nominated by: Ms. Yingling
Life loses its sparkle after Addie’s family goes through changes, but meeting Mateo opens a world of adventure. Using a virtual reality headset, Addie scales castle walls and faces quirky challenges. As her world changes, she dreams up a big idea, but unresolved issues stand in her way. Follow Addie as she rediscovers wonder, makes new friends, and finds the courage to make things right in this simple yet enchanting tale of resilience and imagination.
Mexikid
Pedro Martín
Dial Books
Nominated by: Cindy Mitchell
Mexikid is Pedro Martin’s retelling of his whole family (2 parents, 9 children) in an old RV with a tendency of breaking down, so they can bring his abuelito back to the United States. Abuelito is a superhero in Pedro’s mind, being big and strong and having fought in the Mexican revolution. Readers will enjoy Pedro’s humorous stories about his family members and aspects of the trip (like when the RV breaks down and Pedro’s dad has to “MacGyver” it so they can keep going on the trip). There are also wonderful emotional moments as well. Hearing what it is like for a Mexican American and his Mexican family members to live in the United States and Mexico is a fresh perspective that does not get enough attention in today’s culture. Readers will benefit from hearing this voice.
Saving Chupie
Amparo Ortiz, illustrated by Ronnie Vazquez
HarperAlley
Nominated by: aquafortis
In Saving Chupie, join Violeta Rubio on her journey to save her Abuelita’s restaurant in Puerto Rico. Her whole family doesn’t think they need Violeta around to help which allows Violeta to discover a mythical chupacabra, Chupie, who turns out to be a misunderstood companion. As she navigates challenges to keep Chupie safe, a looming threat adds urgency to her mission. This heartwarming adventure, inspired by Puerto Rican culture, showcases the power of love, friendship, and resilience in the face of adversity. The beautiful colors in the graphic novel only add to the expressive nature of the story and make it a must read.
Things in the Basement
Ben Hatke
First Second Books
Nominated by: Melissa Fox
Milo has to go to the basement to find his little sister’s handmade sock, but just how far down does the basement go? At first, Milo is afraid to go because of all of the dark and the noises, but he gathers up his courage and travels down. And down.. and down.. and down… There’s lots of fun onomatopoeias in the panels that are great for a read-aloud. The different layers of the basement have little dialogue bubbles until the last half (or even last third) of the book, but the panels have lots of detail to explore as the reader travels with Milo. Then, the adventure picks up with added party members as well as enemies. Things in the Basement is a fun read for any reader to explore.
Brooms
Jasmine Walls, illustrated by Teo DuVall
Levine Querido
Nominated by: Charlotte
If you like historical fantasy with great art about witches and broom racing, then Brooms is for you! The illustrations are beautiful and the world-building of the magic system is fun. The plot leaves you wishing for more. The reader gets small glimpses into the lives of the women outside of the main racing scene, enough to know that they are a diverse group that are trying their best to make it and somehow manage to find each other to help discover who they are. This graphic novel could be a world explored several times and I would definitely pick up the series.
In Limbo
Deb JJ Lee
First Second Books
Nominated by: Kristen
Deb JJ Lee came to the United States from Seoul, Korea, when she was three 3 years. In Limbo is the perfect title to describe her experience of being in-between — not American enough for Americans, and not Korean enough for Koreans. Her parents (her mom especially) have a vision of Deb that Deb feels she will never fulfill. She struggles to figure out who she is, at times felling badly enough to not want to live anymore. Readers will be able to identify with the feelings of confusion, what is important to Deb, and how she applies this knowledge to learn more about herself and the world.
Lost in Taiwan (A Graphic Novel)
Mark Crilley
Little, Brown Ink
Nominated by: Melissa Fox
Can you lose your way in an unknown place and end up finding yourself? This is what happens to Paul, an angst-ridden, screen-addicted American high-schooler who gets lost in the town of Changbei, Taiwan, without his phone and without any Mandarin language skills. Luckily, Paul is saved by an unexpected new friend. Bubbly, scooter-riding Peijing takes Paul under her wing, showing him – and readers – a side of Taiwan that is rarely seen, and challenging Paul’s Western ethnocentricity when he refers to her culture as “exotic.” The stunning and masterfully rendered illustrations are thoughtful and detailed, bringing Paul and Peijing’s blossoming friendship to life. This gentle, coming-of-age graphic novel will appeal in particular to those keen to catch a glimpse of how the Taiwanese live, love, and pray.
The Faint of Heart
Kerilynn Wilson
Greenwillow Books
Nominated by: Maria Marshall
What if you could get rid of all of your negative emotions? But would you do so if it meant that ALL of your emotions disappeared with the negative ones? June lives in a world where the Scientist has discovered how to remove sadness, anxiety and anger by removing people’s hearts. Many go along and elect to get the procedure done. But June resists. The colors, images and words work smoothly together to contribute to the telling of this science fiction tale. The Faint of Heart by Kerilynn Wilson is a moving debut that explores the question of dealing with big feelings.
The Librarian of Auschwitz: The Graphic Novel
Antonio Iturbe, illustrated by Loreto Aroca, Salva Rubio (Adapter), Lilit Thwaites (Translator)
Godwin Books
Nominated by: Becky L.
The Librarian of Auschwitz is a graphic rendition of the true story of Dita Kraus, a young Jewish woman who survived Auschwitz. Dita is a bookish child with loving parents. This world of safety is about to end as the Nazis invade. At one point, Dita says “that was the day she started to fear men.” Auschwitz, the site of Josef Mengele’s grotesque medical experiments, deadly gas chambers, and one quite graphic image inside a crematoria is portrayed. Enhancing this novel are the illustrations which are dynamic. The colors are dark and muted. The illustrations portraying Dita when she was still at home with her family use warmer and brighter panels. The red used throughout signifies danger and/or extreme fear.
The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich (A Graphic Novel)
Deya Muniz
Little, Brown Ink
Nominated by: Kate Mccue-Day
Lady Camembert wants to live her life on her own terms, but that’s not how it goes in the Kingdom of Fromage She has no interest in marrying a man, and while her father supports her, he knows the score, too. When her dad dies, Lady Camembert heads to the capital to live life as Lord Camembert, where no one knows her, and she can live life quietly. Meeting activist Princess Brie throws a wrench into those plans, and Lady Camembert finds herself becoming closer – and feeling more than just friendship. The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich is a feel-good rom com filled with cheese puns and gorgeous historical fantasy illustration — especially when it comes to the outfits!
Unaccompanied: Stories of Brave Teenagers Seeking Asylum
Tracy White
Street Noise Books
Nominated by: Rosemary Kiladitis
Unaccompanied: Stories of Brave Teenagers seeking Asylum by Tracy White is a collection of stories based on true accounts of young teens seeking asylum. This book portrays five teens fleeing their homes to risk their lives, facing dangerous situations and treacherous journeys to find safety in America. From Guatemala, Vilma, 13, is a quiet girl who enjoys reading. She was beaten and sexually abused by her father. At age 12, Rosa from Honduras, worked to support her family, then at 16, her narco boyfriend threatened her, and after reaching the U.S. She learns that she is HIV-positive. Seventeen-year-old Ricardo is from El Salvador, where he and his 13-year-old sister, Karen, are preyed upon by gangs. Fanta, a girl from Guinea, underwent female genital mutilation and was married at 12 to an abusive 40-year-old man. When she turned16, she left her children with her mother, journeying to the U.S. These cases were carefully researched and these harrowing accounts are representative of cases like this occurring everyday. This graphic novel is fast-paced, informative, disturbing, and enlightening. Importantly, the author treats the subjects with respect.