Just so you know, we stopped counting the “readers will relate to” references in the reviews at around 15 … and they kept going.
Seriously, though, is there anything better than a book where a reader can see themselves and grow with a bookish alter ego? Diverse casts, family, friendship, adventure, gaming, and nonfiction. Angst and courage, fears and acceptance. All wrapped in “sweet” stories.
The 2023 CYBILS Awards Elementary/Middle-Grade Graphic Novel finalists have it all. See for yourself.
2023 WINNER
A First Time for Everything
Santat, Dan
First Second Books
Nominated by: Maria Marshall
Rachael @ Goodreads – A First Time for Everything is a story about Dan finding himself, his self-confidence, and falling in love for the first time all backdropped by a European tour with his peers before he starts high school. I love the honesty and realness and relatability. Anyone who was self-conscious, afraid, lost, insecure, etc in middle school (which is everyone) will relate to Dan and his amazing trip through Europe learning to love himself and trust himself. If you haven’t read Santat yet, pick this up immediately. If you have read Santat, it’s already on your TBR, I’m sure!
Anne @ Goodreads – The author talks about his first time visiting Europe as a young teen. I related so much to feelings of awkwardness and being unsure of himself, and also want to see all the places he went myself. Readers will root for him and identify with him I think.
Kiera @ Kiss the Book – Follow Dan as he experiences a lot of firsts – first airplane ride, first night out, and even, first love. It’s a beautiful blend of awkwardness and angst, along with his growth in confidence as he learns to navigate new countries, languages, and relationships all on his own. This will appeal to students dealing with awkward situations, crushes and bullies, and anyone who loves travel and foreign places.
Tamara @ Bookish Things – I think this could be a great book for a shy child, or one that is nervous about what high school may bring. It can show that taking a few risks could lead to an amazing time.
2023 FINALISTS
Dungeons & Dragons: Dungeon Club: Roll Call (Dungeons & Dragons: Dungeon Club, 1)
Ostertag, Molly Knox, illustrated by Bouma, Xanthe
HarperAlley
Nominated by: Rosemary Kiladitis
Jo @ Goodreads – This first installment in the D & D series is an excellent choice for readers who are interested in gaming, fantasy, and realistic fiction. Backstory: Jess is Diné from the Navajo Nation, living with her father, and plays the character named Sir Corius. Olivia is Afro-Latina, sporting hot-pink hair with an endless supply of character and monster stats, several of which are incorporated into the story. If you are a gamer, you should certainly feel a sense of game play as you view and read. This is a well written story that flips back and forth between fantasy and reality.
Rosemary @ Mom Read It – This graphic novel is just what I needed to booktalk D&D to my Corona Kids! Combining D&D fantasy roleplaying with fantasy storytelling, Roll Call is the first in a new series, written by the amazing Molly Knox Ostertag and illustrated by Xanthe Bouma. Ostertag’s got storytelling down, effortlessly moving back and forth between fantasy and reality. I’m excited for more backstory as the series develops. Bouma’s vibrant illustration creates personable characters and exciting fantasy settings. The whole story comes together beautifully and is an excellent choice for readers who are interested in gaming, fantasy, and realistic fiction.
Kristen @ Goodreads – Loved this one so much, about friendship and D&D and balancing fun with school, etc. loved the message it had.
Frizzy
Ortega, Claribel A., illustrated by Bousamra, Rose
First Second Books
Nominated by: Aixa Perez-Prado
Kristen @ Goodreads – Such a fantastic story about finding what is right for you, speaking up for what you believe in (even in your own family) and the importance of family. A great story about the importance of inner beauty but also finding how to feel good about your outer beauty as a middle grade girl and deal with bullies at school, especially when your hair is different than most.
Tamara @ Bookish Things – This is a great graphic novel that shows the emotions that pre-teens go through and the pressure they face from their peers and their family to look a certain way. I was glad to see that it pointed out some of the hypocrisy that adults give when they are trying to tell kids that “what’s on the inside that counts” but often comment on the child’s looks. Highly recommend this to any pre-teen girl who may be worried about what they look like.
Amy @ Goodreads – What a simple, sweet story about being unique and standing out instead of trying to change to fit in. This is a must read for anyone with hair struggles but also for those who have difficulties with people accepting their differences. Diversity note: Marlene is black and Dominican, so there is representation for hispanic characters and Spanish is intermingled.
Lo and Behold: (A Graphic Novel) (Lo & Behold)
Mass, Wendy, illustrated by Mendez, Gabi
Random House Graphic
Nominated by: Ms. Yingling
Debbie @ The Book Search – This is a fun book to read. There are elements of science and humor, family dynamics, pain and loss AND virtual reality. Gabi Mendez’s art work helps to develop the mood of the story as well as the feelings of the characters in a very fundamental way. I really liked how the art work helped to move the story along without being too busy or overworked. It was a perfect balance to the text. I think this one is going to be super popular among the bigger kids at my school. Do NOT miss the AR application that goes along with the book, it’s totally amazing!
Tamara @ Bookish Things – I really enjoyed this book. It deals with some pretty heavy issues that seem to be just glossed over at first, but as we see Addie with her character arc of growth, we see these issues become more visible. Addie avoids the subjects less as she works with the VR group and is able to confront her worries and fears. I think this book did it in a great way. We also see that other people are dealing with heavy problems as well and how they’re attempting to cope. It’s a good read on how to deal with grief and when bad things happen.
Mexikid
Martín, Pedro, illustrated by Martín, Pedro
Dial Books
Nominated by: Cindy Mitchell
Cindy and Lisa @ Kiss the Book – Cindy listened to the book courtesy of libra.fm, so she had no idea it is a graphic memoir. The audiobook is so spectacular, read by a full cast, and would make a fun read aloud in an upper elementary classroom. Hilarious and heartfelt. Lisa read the graphic novel and loved the illustrations – some of the depictions of Pedro’s grandfather fighting off several men make him look (understandably) like a super hero. There’s a section that takes place in a cemetery which could be troubling for a sensitive child, as well as an event where a deer is hit on the road. Also, Martin uses a lot of Spanish, some is translated in footnotes. Highly recommended, especially to my Mexican population. Includes an author’s note with photos of the family, including Abuelito. Pedro and his family are Mexican.
Jo @ Goodreads – Get ready for the trip of a lifetime, filled with humor and heartache. Pedro does a lot of growing up on this trip. I predict this book to be a hit.
Anne @ Goodreads – Pedro’s story growing up Mexican American really makes the reader connect with him, even if they have a different ethnic or cultural background. I did not have as many siblings as he did, but I do remember trying to find my place in the family was not always easy. When his family goes to Mexico to bring his grandfather to the United States to live with them, Pedro gets to see more of what his parents and older brothers and sisters grew up with. He has a richer understanding of all his family and the highs and lows of being a part of both countries. I enjoyed learning about his family very much.
Saving Chupie
Ortiz, Amparo, illustrated by Vazquez, Ronnie
HarperAlley
Nominated by: aquafortis
The NextGenLibrarian @ Goodreads – A MG graphic novel that I want everyone to read immediately! Can this be a movie, please?! OMG it was just too adorable for words! @amparo_ortiz & Ronnie Garcia created the cutest graphic novel ever and I want a Chupie for myself. In addition to this being just too adorable, it also had a strong inclusion of the Spanish language, as well as themes of friendship, being helpful and finding your forever home. CW: parental separation (animal), violence
Deborah @ Goodreads – What an adorable MG graphic novel! Now I want a Chupie of my own! Great story about friendship, fighting your fear and doing what’s right and working together. Violeta has returned to Puerto Rico to help her Abeulita rebuild her restaurant and home. Once there she finds forever friends and an adventure she never expected. I loved the illustration so much. This will be a great addition to my library’s graphic novel collection!
Things in the Basement
Hatke, Ben
First Second Books
Nominated by: Melissa Fox
Richetta @ Cocoa With Books – Things in the Basement by Ben Hatke is the perfect book for two kinds of kids – the scared ones and the adventurous ones. Now there is a caveat about reading this as someone who gets scared easily… There are some strange and creepy looking creatures in this basement and I’m not even talking about the rats! Things in the Basement also touches on themes of friendship, courage and perseverance. A great book for spooky season! Also great for any super imaginative child who really does wonder what worlds may lay behind hidden doors.
Rosemary @ School Library Journal – Hatke is at his best in this book that blends fantasy with reality, deftly harmonizing murky greens and browns with cool blues and purples to create an eerie and wonderful atmosphere. His command of light is breathtaking, with a small torch borne by Milo providing warmth and denoting safety as he delves deeper into the subterranean landscape. Leaving his tale sparsely worded, Hatke uses illustration to weave a story of friendship and bravery.
Deborah @ Goodreads – Such an adorable graphic novel. Kept me guessing until the end…and the end cracked me up. The illustrations were perfect, aligning with the mood of the story. I really hope there’s a sequel!
