November staff picks
This month, staff have chosen some of their favorite graphic novels and comics. If you're a fan, there may be a few titles you haven't come across yet. If you're new to the genre, punch up your reading experience with this dynamic approach to storytelling.
Teens: Librarian Maggie Mueller’s top picks are filled with beauty, mystery and intrigue.
The Wendy Project by Melissa Jane Osborne
Sixteen-year-old Wendy struggles to navigate fantasy and reality after a car crash that leaves her brother Michael missing.
Paper Girls by Brian K. Vaughan
In the early hours after Halloween of 1988, four 12-year-old newspaper delivery girls uncover the most important story of all time. Suburban drama and supernatural mysteries collide in this smash-hit series about nostalgia, first jobs and the last days of childhood.
Wires and Nerve by Marissa Meyer
When rogue packs of wolf-hybrid soldiers threaten the tenuous alliance between Earth and Luna, android Iko joins up with a handsome royal guard to hunt down the rogue leader.
The Witch Boy by Molly Ostertag
In thirteen-year-old Aster's family, all the girls are raised to be witches, while boys grow up to be shapeshifters. Anyone who dares cross those lines is exiled. Unfortunately for Aster, he hasn't shifted... and he's still fascinated by witchery, no matter how forbidden it might be. When a mysterious danger threatens the other boys, Aster knows he can help -- as a witch. It will take the encouragement of a new friend, the non-magical and non-conforming Charlie, to convince Aster to try practicing his skills. And it will require even more courage to save his family... and be truly himself.
Spill Zone by Scott Westerfeld
Three years ago, an event destroyed the small city of Poughkeepsie, forever changing reality within its borders. Uncanny manifestations and lethal dangers now await anyone who enters the Spill Zone. The Spill claimed Addison's parents and scarred her little sister, Lexa, who hasn't spoken since. Addison provides for her sister by photographing the Zone's twisted attractions on illicit midnight rides. Art collectors pay top dollar for these bizarre images but getting close enough for the perfect shot can mean death--or worse. When an eccentric collector makes a million-dollar offer, Addison breaks her own hard-learned rules of survival and ventures farther than she has ever dared. Within the Spill Zone, Hell awaits--and it seems to be calling Addison's name.
Children: Children's Librarian Marie Boleman offers some great reads focusing on friendship and adventure.
Bolivar by Sean Rubin Ages 6-9
Sybil and Bolivar are neighbors in New York. Sybil is the only person in this busy, bustling city who notices that Bolivar is a dinosaur. That’s right, a dinosaur! Clever and full of interesting details, this stand-alone graphic novel is fun to read together or alone.
Hilo (Series) by Judd Winick Ages 7-10
DJ is good a one thing: being a good friend to Gina. Unfortunately, she moves away. Will he see her again? Meanwhile, an odd kid named Hilo falls from the sky and DJ befriends him. Get ready for laughter. Hilo has some strange ideas and some interesting super powers—maybe.
Bird and Squirrel (Series) by James Burks Ages 7-10
Squirrel is a worrier and has of all kinds of fears. Bird is exactly the opposite. Together they have many hilarious adventures.
Giants Beware (Series) by Jorge Aguirre Ages 7-12
Claudette is a spunky youngster looking for a giant to slay. With her friend, Marie, and brother, Gaston, she hopes to sneak away from their boring village to find and defeat one.
Lumberjanes (Series) by Noelle Stevenson and Shannon Watters Ages 9-12
When the Lumberjanes go to camp, they probably won’t be making trivets or yarn animals. April, Jo, Mal, Molly, and Ripley are more likely to get involved in a mystery or meet strange creatures from other dimensions. Whatever they run into, their friendship will be key to getting through it.
