LibGuides: Comics & Graphic Novels for Kids!: Award Winners

Excelsior Awards

Since it's inception in 2011, the Excelsior Award is the only nationwide book award for graphic novels and manga - where kids aged 11-18 decide the winner by rating each book as they read it!

2023 Shortlist

The books on the Excelsior Award White shortlist have been designated as suitable for children aged 9+

My Buddy, Killer Croc by Sara Farizan; Nicoletta Baldari (Illustrator)
Call Number: JG FAR
ISBN: 9781779501240
Publication Date: 2022-09-06
Andy, like a lot of kids, feels a little lost and out of place when he moves to Gotham. He's quiet and shy... and a little worried that the scar on his face makes him stick out. Some classmates make him feel welcome, and others don't. But Andy has a secret. Back in Florida, his dad introduced him to the wrestler Waylon Jones, and Andy's pretty sure he's in Gotham now too. If Andy can find him and ask for some wrestling tips, he can have it all. Finding Jones won't be too hard either... because in Gotham, Jones goes by the name, Killer Croc! Trouble is, Batman is looking for Andy's childhood hero too.

The books on the Excelsior Award Blue shortlist have been designated as suitable for children aged 11+

The Thing: the Next Big Thing by Walter Mosely; Tom Reilly (Artist)
Call Number: THING G MOS
ISBN: 9781302927998
Publication Date: 2022-09-06
Renowned storyteller Walter Mosley brings his signature style to a sweeping saga of Yancy Street’s favorite son, the ever-lovin’ blue-eyed Thing — one that will range from the urban sprawl of Manhattan’s back alleys to the farthest reaches of the cosmos! A lonely evening and a chance encounter (or is it?) sends Ben Grimm embarking on an unexpected sojourn — where he must battle foes both old and new! But as the Thing fights and fights to rescue his newfound love, Amaryllis, from the seemingly unstoppable Brusque, there’s more going on than meets the eye! Featuring characters drawn from all throughout the Marvel Universe, “The Next Big Thing” is here to remind audiences why the Thing is one of the most popular and beloved characters in the history of comics! This book is recommended for teens and adults.
Death of Doctor Strange by Jed Mackay; Lee Garbett (Artist)
Call Number: DOCTOR G MACK
ISBN: 1302930222
Publication Date: 2022-03-15
Doctor Stephen Strange is the Master of the Mystic Arts. Earth’s Sorcerer Supreme. A one-man barrier protecting our world from all the nightmares, demons and warlords out there in dimensions beyond our comprehension. So what happens…when Doctor Strange is murdered? As his friends mourn — and his enemies rage at having been deprived of the killing blow — dark forces set their sights on an unprotected Earth. The Avengers…the Fantastic Four…all of our mightiest heroes are woefully out of their depth. Now, as the world’s remaining magicians race to protect our world from an unimaginable sorcerous threat, one very surprising investigator must unravel the mystery of Doctor Strange’s murder. But can he do it before his own time runs out? This book is recommended for teens and adults.
Run on Your New Legs, Vol. 1 by Wataru Midori
Call Number: YAG MID V. 1
ISBN: 9781975339005
Publication Date: 2022-03-22
"Shouta Kikuzato's hopes of starting on his school's prestigious soccer team are derailed when a terrible incident costs him his leg. Now in his first year of high school (again), Kikuzato has resigned himself to never reaching his athletic dreams. But when Chidori, a passing prosthetist, notices Kikuzato's artificial limb-- and speed--as he races through the train station, the specialist proposes a partnership: Chidori will build Kikuzato a brand-new leg designed solely for speed. All Kikuzato has to do is run!"

The books on the Excelsior Award Red shortlist have been designated as suitable for children aged 14+

Neil Gaiman's Chivalry by Neil Gaiman; Colleen Doran (Illustrator)
Call Number: G GAI
ISBN: 9781506719115
Publication Date: 2022-04-05
Another delightfully humorous and sweet fantasy graphic novel adaptation of a Neil Gaiman short story, brought to you by the Eisner-award winning team of Snow, Glass, Apples Neil Gaiman and Colleen Doran! An elderly British widow buys what turns out to be the Holy Grail from a second-hand shop, setting her off on an epic visit from an ancient knight who lures her with ancient relics in hope for winning the cup. This book is recommended for teens and adults.
Deadpool: Samurai Vol. 1 by Sanshiro Kasama; Hikaru Uesugi (Illustrator)
Call Number: DEADPOOL G KAS V.1
ISBN: 9781974725311
Publication Date: 2022-02-08
Deadpool moves to Tokyo and makes a mess of everything! Everyone’s favorite Merc with a Mouth is back! As a member of the newly formed Samurai Squad, Deadpool moves to Tokyo, where he soon runs afoul of some familiar faces. Whether he’s teaming up with new heroes, battling gods, attending concerts, or being repeatedly dismembered, Deadpool always brings chaos and his characteristic sense of humor along with him! Deadpool lands in Tokyo with a bang! Several bangs in a row, actually. Plus a few slashes, a thud, a fwoosh or two, and finally, a huge kaboom! What could possibly go wrong when Iron Man invites Deadpool to the Samurai Squad of the Avengers? After all, Deadpool is just in it for the money…and the trip to Japan. This is fine, right? This book is recommended for teens and adults.
Lost Lad London Vol. 1 by Shima Shinya
Call Number: LOST LAD YAG SHI V. 1
ISBN: 1975340825
Publication Date: 2022-05-24
A murder on the London Underground and a mysterious bloody knife draw a regular university student and a grizzled New Scotland Yard detective into a web of crime and suspense…This book is recommended for teens and adults.
Eve by Victor LaValle
Call Number: Available on Hoopla
ISBN: 9781684158089
Publication Date: 2022-03-01
When the ice caps melted, most of humanity was lost to the hidden disease that was released. Now, a mysterious girl named Eve has awoken in secret and must deal with a world that’s nothing like the virtual reality she was raised in. In order to save her father, and accompanied only by Wexler, her robotic caretaker and protector sheathed in her favorite teddy bear, Eve must embark on a deadly quest across the country. Along the way, she will have to contend not only with the threats of a very real world that awaits her, but the lies we tell our children in the name of protecting them.

The books on the Excelsior Award Black shortlist have been designated as suitable for children aged 16+

I Want to Be a Wall Vol. 1 by Honami Shirono
Call Number: I WANT YAG SHI V.1
ISBN: 9781975338961
Publication Date: 2022-05-17
Any love story aficionado will say that the key to a successful couple is intense desire for one another—but what if the characters in question are an asexual woman with a passion for Boys Love stories and a gay man whose heart forever belongs to his oblivious childhood friend? Although romance will never be in the cards for newlyweds Yuriko and Gakurouta, the bond blossoming between them promises to be a wonderful relationship—the likes of which neither has ever experienced before…This book is recommended for teens and adults.
The Many Deaths of Laila Starr by Ram V; Filipe Andrade (Illustrator)
Call Number: MANY YAG AND
ISBN: 9781684158058
Publication Date: 2022-02-01
Humanity is on the verge of discovering immortality. As a result, the avatar of Death is cast down to Earth to live a mortal life in Mumbai as twenty-something Laila Starr. Struggling with her newfound mortality, Laila has found a way to be placed in the time and place where the creator of immortality will be born. Will Laila take her chance to stop mankind from permanently altering the cycle of life, or will death really become a thing of the past? A powerful new graphic novel from award-winning writer Ram V (These Savage Shores, Swamp Thing) and Filipe Andrade (Captain Marvel) that explores the fine line between living and dying through the lens of magical realism. This book is recommended for teens and adults.

2022 Shortlist

The books on the Excelsior Award White shortlist have been designated as suitable for children aged 9+

The Mystery of the Meanest Teacher: a Johnny Constantine Graphic Novel by Ryan North; Derek Charm (Illustrator)
Call Number: JG NOR
ISBN: 1779501234
Publication Date: 2021-06-29
After angering a number of hostile spirits in England, 13-year-old magician John Constantine has to find a way out of the country. Persuading his parents to send him to America, John arrives at the Junior Success Boarding School in Salem, Massachusetts. But once there, things don't exactly get any easier for him. He finds himself to be something of an outcast. And he is convinced that his homeroom teacher, Ms. Kayla, really has it in for him. Worse, he's convinced that's she's really a witch. Fortunately, John is able to find one kindred spirit at school with whom he's able to form an alliance--another misfit named Anna, who also happens to have her own developing magical powers. (Spoiler alert: her real name is Zatanna.) John recruits Anna in his efforts to uncover the truth about Ms. Kayla and expose the Meanest Teacher's real identity to the world. Joined by a friendly demon named Etrigan, these two amateur sleuths will uncover clues and stumble upon forces beyond their control in a humorous series of misadventures.

The books on the Excelsior Award Red shortlist have been designated as suitable for children aged 14+

Eternals Vol. 1: Only Death is Eternal by Kieron Gillen; Esad Ribic (Artist)
Call Number: G GIL V. 1
ISBN: 1302925474
Publication Date: 2021-09-14
Never die…never win. What’s the point of an eternal battle? For millions of years, one hundred Eternals have roamed the Earth, secret protectors of humanity. Without them, mankind would be smears between the teeth of the demon-like Deviants. Their war has waged for all time, echoing in our myths and nightmares. But today, the Eternals face something new: change! Can they — or anyone on Earth — survive their discovery? An Eternal has been murdered by one of their own, and this may not be the last such killing. But Sersi’s number one suspect is — Thena?! Plus, titans clash in a city driven mad, as Ikaris battles Thanos! This book is recommended for teens and adults.

The books on the Excelsior Award Black shortlist have been designated as suitable for children aged 16+

Barbalien: Red Planet (Black Hammer Universe) by Jeff Lemire; Tate Brombal
Call Number: BLACK HAMMER G LEM V. 3
ISBN: 150671580X
Publication Date: 2021-05-11
Mark Markz has found his place on Earth as both a decorated police officer and as the beloved superhero, Barbalien. But in the midst of the AIDS crisis, hatred from all sides makes balancing these identities seem impossible--especially when a Martian enemy from the past hunts him down to take him back, dead or alive. This book is recommended for teens and adults.

2021 Shortlist

The books on the Excelsior Award White shortlist have been designated as suitable for children aged 9+

The Weirn Books Vol. 1: Be Wary of the Silent Woods by Svetlana CHMAKOVA
Call Number: WEIRN JG CHM
ISBN: 1975311213
Publication Date: 2020-06-16
In the Night Realm, shifters, vampires, weirns, and other night things passing for human may prowl the streets, but school is still in session-and you still have to do your homework!
Mason Mooney: Paranormal Investigator by Seaerra Miller
Call Number: JG MIL V.1
ISBN: 1912497646
Publication Date: 2020-09-01
Paranormal Investigator Mason Mooney is heartless, both figuratively and literally. He's on a mission to prove to the Paranormal Society that he's the best paranormal investigator around, but they're not so sure. And they're not the only ones. Join Mason as he tackles ghosts, witches and grumpy teenagers to prove once and for all who the REAL talent in the world of paranormal creatures is. If anyone can take on the ghosts in the Grimbrook's haunted house - it's him. And no one else. But with an evil curse looming over him and the house's inhabitants, is Mason a bit out of his depth? Or is this just the challenge he needs to finally see some sense?

The books on the Excelsior Award Blue shortlist have been designated as suitable for children aged 11+

Canto I: If I Only Had a Heart by David Booher; Drew Zucker (Illustrator)
Call Number: G BOO V.1
ISBN: 1684056217
Publication Date: 2020-03-24
In the fantastical world of Arcana, tin slaves are forbidden to love, but Canto must defy his slavers and embark on an incredible journey to save the one he loves most. Enslaved for generations, Canto's people once had hearts. Now they have clocks. When slavers damage a little tin girl's clock beyond repair, Canto must brave his strange and fantastic world to bring back her heart. Can he overcome the dangers that await him to save the one he loves? This book is recommended for teens and adults.
Im: Great Priest Imhotep Vol. 1 by Makoto Morishita
Call Number: YAG MOR V.1
ISBN: 1975332822
Publication Date: 2020-02-04
From the sands of ancient Egypt to the streets of modern Japan, the newly resurrected Great Priest Imhotep traverses time and space on the hunt for the Magai, devious beings with an appetite for destruction who impersonate the gods! When schoolgirl Hinome crosses paths with this illustrious ancient, is her loner lifestyle about to change for the better...or the worse?! This book is recommended for teens and adults.

2020 Shortlist

The books on the Excelsior Award Blue shortlist have been designated as suitable for children aged 11+

Witch Hat Atelier Volume 1 by Kamome Shirahama
Call Number: WITCH JG SHI V. 1
ISBN: 163236770X
Publication Date: 2019-04-09
In a world where everyone takes wonders like magic spells and dragons for granted, Coco is a girl with a simple dream: She wants to be a witch. But everybody knows magicians are born, not made, and Coco was not born with the gift for magic. She's resigned to her un-magical life, until a traveling magician passes through her village, and Coco learns what what everybody "knows" might not be the truth.
Hotel Dare by Terry Blas; Claudia Aguirre (Illustrator)
Call Number: Available on Hoopla
ISBN: 9781684152056
Publication Date: 2019-06-11
It’s not your typical family vacation when Olive, and her adopted siblings Darwin and Charlotte find themselves falling into other worlds as they explore Grandma Lupé’s strange hotel.
OPEN THE DOOR. ADVENTURE AWAITS.
Olive and her adopted siblings Charlotte and Darwin are spending the summer with their estranged grandma at her creepy hotel and it’s all work and no play. They’re stuck inside doing boring chores but they soon stumble upon an incredible secret... Behind each room door of the hotel lies a portal to a different strange and mysterious place. The simple turn of a knob transports them to a distant magical world filled with space pirates. Behind the next door are bearded wizards. Down the hall is a doorway to a cotton-candied kingdom. But once the doors are opened, worlds start colliding, and only one family can save them before they tear themselves apart.

2019 Shortlist

The books on the Excelsior Award White shortlist have been designated as suitable for children aged 9+

The Adventures of John Blake by Philip Pullman; Fred Fordham (Illustrator)
Call Number: ADVENTURES JG PUL
ISBN: 1338149121
Publication Date: 2017-05-30
Trapped in the mists of time by a terrible research experiment gone wrong, John Blake and his mysterious ship are doomed to sail between the centuries, searching for a way home. In the ocean of the modern day, John rescues a shipwrecked young girl his own age, Serena, and promises to help. But returning Serena to her own time means traveling to the one place where the ship is in most danger of destruction. The all-powerful Dahlberg Corporation has an ambitious leader with plans far greater and more terrible than anyone has realized, and he is hot on their trail. For only John, Serena, and the crew know Dahlberg's true intentions, and only they have the power to stop him from bending the world to his will...

The books on the Excelsior Award Blue shortlst have been designated as suitable for children aged 11+

Gamayun Tales Vol.1: The King of Birds by Alexander Utkin
Call Number: GAMYUN JG UTK V.1
ISBN: 1910620386
Publication Date: 2018-04-10
Enter a world of magic and adventure in this stunningly illustrated comic based on traditional Russian folklore and myth. The King of Birds has victoriously defeated the King of Animals, but he is left gravely injured. He promises a merchant a great reward if he can nurse him back to health. Upon his recovery, they travel far across the land to the domains of the King’s three sisters to claim the merchant’s prize… but can his sisters overcome their greed and give up that which is most precious to them?

2018 Shortlist

The following books formed the shortlist for the 2018 Excelsior Award Junior and were designated as suitable for children aged 9-11

Brave by Svetlana Chmakova
Call Number: JG CHM
ISBN: 0316363189
Publication Date: 2017-05-23
In his daydreams, Jensen is the biggest hero that ever was, saving the world and his friends on a daily basis. But his middle school reality is VERY different -- math is hard, getting along with friends is hard... Even finding a partner for the class project is a big problem when you always get picked last. And the pressure's on even more once the school newspaper's dynamic duo, Jenny and Akilah, draw Jensen into the whirlwind of school news, social experiment projects, and behind-the-scenes club drama. Jensen's always played the middle school game one level at a time, but suddenly, someone's cranked up the difficulty setting. Will those daring daydreams of his finally work in his favor, or will he have to find real solutions to his real life problems? This book is recommended for all ages.

2017 Shortlist

The following books formed the shortlist for the 2017 Excelsior Award Junior and were designated as suitable for children aged 9-11

Nightlights by Lorena Gomez; Lorena Alvarez (Illustrator)
Call Number: NIGHTLIGHTS JG ALV
ISBN: 1910620130
Publication Date: 2017-03-14
Every night, tiny stars appear out of the darkness in little Sandy's bedroom. She catches them and creates wonderful creatures to play with until she falls asleep, and in the morning brings them back to life in the whimsical drawings. When a mysterious new girl appears at school, Sandy's drawings are noticed for the first time...but Morfie's fascination with Sandy's talent soon turns into something far more sinister.
DC Super Hero Girls: Finals Crisis by S. Fontana
Call Number: JG FON
ISBN: 1401262473
Publication Date: 2016-07-05
It was the night before finals and the student body is hard at work... and nothing is going right! Wonder Woman, Supergirl, Harley Quinn, Batgirl and their friends are learning to become heroes, but no one knew the trials that awaited them. In the first original graphic novel from the DC Super Hero Girls line, meet the students of Superhero High School as they find out that fun, friendship and hard work are all parts of growing up! The DC Super Hero Girls is an exciting new universe of Super Heroic storytelling that helps build character and confidence, and empowers girls to discover their true potential. Developed for girls aged 6-12, DC Super Hero Girls features DC Comics' most powerful and diverse line-up of female characters as relatable teens, playing out across multiple entertainment content platforms and product categories to create an immersive world. Icons including Wonder Woman, Supergirl, Batgirl, Harley Quinn, Bumble Bee, Poison Ivy, Katana and many more make their unprecedented teenaged introduction, as each character has her own storyline that explores what teen life is like as a Super Hero.

2015 Shortlist

The following books formed the shortlist for the 2015 Excelsior Award Junior and were designated as suitable for children aged 9-11

Hilda and the Black Hound by Luke Pearson (Illustrator)
Call Number: JG PEA
ISBN: 1909263184
Publication Date: 2014-05-27
Hilda is sat in her tent, dwarfed by volumes of the Greater Fjords Wildlife Chronicles with a flashlight and her restless companion Twig, but Hilda’s not in the fjords and it isn’t raining. Hilda’s pitched a tent in her room and it’s been days since she’s been out. In Hilda’s new adventure, she meets the Nisse: a mischievous but charismatic bunch of misfits who occupy a world beside—but also somehow within—our own, and where the rules of physics don’t quite match up. Meanwhile, on the streets of Trolberg, a dark specter looms…

Various Literary Award Winners

The Pura Belpré Award is a recognition presented to a Latino or Latina writer and illustrator whose work best portrays the Latino cultural experience in a work of literature for children or youth. It was established in 1996. It was given every other year since 1996 until 2009 when it was changed to be given annually.

Mexikid: A Graphic Memior by Pedro. Martín (Illustrator)
Call Number: JGB MAR MAR
ISBN: 9780593462287
Publication Date: 2023-08-01
2024 Winner for Illustration & Narrative.
Pedro Martín has grown up hearing stories about his abuelito—his legendary crime-fighting, grandfather who was once a part of the Mexican Revolution! But that doesn't mean Pedro is excited at the news that Abuelito is coming to live with their family. After all, Pedro has 8 brothers and sisters and the house is crowded enough! Still, Pedro piles into the Winnebago with his family for a road trip to Mexico to bring Abuelito home, and what follows is the trip of a lifetime, one filled with laughs and heartache. Along the way, Pedro finally connects with his abuelito and learns what it means to grow up and find his grito.
Frizzy by Claribel A. Ortega; Rose Bousamra (Illustrator)
Call Number: FRIZZY JG ORT
ISBN: 9781250259639
Publication Date: 2022-10-18
2023 Winner for Narrative.
Marlene loves three things: books, her cool Tía Ruby and hanging out with her best friend Camila. But according to her mother, Paola, the only thing she needs to focus on is school and "growing up." That means straightening her hair every weekend so she could have "presentable", "good hair". But Marlene hates being in the salon and doesn't understand why her curls are not considered pretty by those around her. With a few hiccups, a dash of embarrassment, and the much-needed help of Camila and Tia Ruby—she slowly starts a journey to learn to appreciate and proudly wear her curly hair.
Lowriders to the Center of the Earth by Cathy Camper; Gonzalez Raul (Illustrator)
Call Number: LOWRIDERS JG CAM
ISBN: 1452138362
Publication Date: 2016-07-05
2017 Winner for Illustration.
The trio from Lowriders in Space are back! Lupe Impala, Elirio Malaria, and El Chavo Octopus are living their dream at last. They're the proud owners of their very own garage. But when their beloved cat Genie goes missing, they need to do everything they can to find him. Little do they know the trail will lead them to the realm of Mictlantecuhtli, the Aztec god of the Underworld, who is keeping Genie prisoner!

The Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards, commonly shortened to the Eisner Awards, are prizes given for creative achievement in American comic books, sometimes referred to as the comics industry's equivalent of the Academy Awards.

Babymouse Vol. 16: Babymouse for President by Jennifer L. Holm (Illustrator); Matthew Holm (Illustrator)
Call Number: BABYMOUSE JG HOL V. 16
ISBN: 037596780X
Publication Date: 2012-07-10
2013 - Best Publication for Early Readers.
A Cupcake in every locker! It's election season and if anyone knows what this country . . . er, what the student council needs, it's Babymouse. The only trouble is, everyone else is running for President, too—even Babymouse's locker! Will Felicia Furrypaws turn out the meangirl coalition? Does Babymouse have what it takes to become the voice of the people? Find out in Babymouse for President! Remember, a vote for Babymouse is a vote for cupcakes!
Bone Vol. 2: The Great Cow Race by Jeff Smith (Illustrator); Steve Hamaker (Illustrator)
Call Number: BONE YAG SMI V. 2
ISBN: 0439706394
Publication Date: 2005-08-01
1994 - Best Serialized Story - #8-10 "The Great Cow Race"
1994 - Best Continuing Series
1994 - Best Humor Publication
1994 - Best Writer/Artist - Jeff Smith
Fone Bone and his cousins plan to return home after visiting the village of Barrelhaven with Thorn and Gran'ma Ben. But Phoney risks everything on one last get-rich-quick scheme for the town's annual Great Cow Race. As usual, Phoney's plans go disastrously awry, and Boneville seems further away than ever. Meanwhile, ominous signs indicate that a war is brewing, and Fone finds himself helping his friends defend their valley from a formidable enemy.
El Deafo by Cece Bell; David Lasky (Illustrator)
Call Number: DEAFO JG BEL
ISBN: 1419710206
Publication Date: 2014-09-02
2015 - Best Publication for Kids
Starting at a new school is scary, even more so with a giant hearing aid strapped to your chest! At her old school, everyone in Cece's class was deaf. Here she is different. She is sure the kids are staring at the Phonic Ear, the powerful aid that will help her hear her teacher. Too bad it also seems certain to repel potential friends. Then Cece makes a startling discovery. With the Phonic Ear she can hear her teacher not just in the classroom, but anywhere her teacher is in school--in the hallway...in the teacher's lounge...in the bathroom! This is power. Maybe even superpower! Cece is on her way to becoming El Deafo, Listener for All. But the funny thing about being a superhero is that it's just another way of feeling different... and lonely. Can Cece channel her powers into finding the thing she wants most, a true friend? This funny perceptive graphic novel memoir about growing up hearing impaired is also an unforgettable book about growing up, and all the super and super embarrassing moments along the way.
Ghosts by Raina Telgemeier (Illustrator)
Call Number: GHOST JG TEL
ISBN: 0545540615
Publication Date: 2016-09-13
2017 - Best Publication for Kids
Catrina and her family are moving to the coast of Northern California because her little sister, Maya, is sick. Cat isn't happy about leaving her friends for Bahía de la Luna, but Maya has cystic fibrosis and will benefit from the cool, salty air that blows in from the sea. As the girls explore their new home, a neighbor lets them in on a secret: There are ghosts in Bahía de la Luna. Maya is determined to meet one, but Cat wants nothing to do with them. As the time of year when ghosts reunite with their loved ones approaches, Cat must figure out how to put aside her fears for her sister's sake -- and her own.
Little Robot by Ben Hatke
Call Number: LITTLE ROBOT JG HAT
ISBN: 1626720800
Publication Date: 2015-09-01
2016 - Best Publication for Early Readers.
Life outside the robot factory is confusing. Little Robot has a lot to learn...And that's what friends are for. But with danger in the way, will friendship be enough to save them?
Narwhal & Jelly Vol. 1 - Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea by Ben Clanton (Illustrator)
Call Number: NARWHAL JG CLA
ISBN: 1101918268
Publication Date: 2016-10-04
2017 - Best Publication for Early Readers
Narwhal is a happy-go-lucky narwhal. Jelly is a no-nonsense jellyfish. The two might not have a lot in common, but they do they love waffles, parties and adventures. Join Narwhal and Jelly as they discover the whole wide ocean together.
Over the Garden Wall Vol. 1 by Jim Campbell (Illustrator); Amalia Levari; Pat McHale (Created by); Cara McGee (Illustrator)
Call Number: OVER JG CAM
ISBN: 1608869407
Publication Date: 2017-03-28
2016 - Best Publication for Kids
Two lost brothers venture across a strange forest and discover incredible and bizarre things on their journey home in a style reminiscent of The Wind in the Willows and Sleepy Hollow. Return to the Unknown with new Over The Garden Wall stories that expand the world of the Emmy Award-winning Cartoon Network series.
Salt Magic by Hope Larson; Rebecca Mock (Illustrator)
Call Number: SALT MAGIC JG LAR
ISBN: 0823446204
Publication Date: 2021-10-12
2022- Best Publication for Kids
When Vonceil's older brother, Elber, comes home to their family's Oklahoma farm after serving on the front lines of World War I, things aren't what she expects. His experiences have changed him into a serious and responsible man who doesn't have time for Vonceil anymore. He even marries the girl he had left behind. Then a mysterious and captivating woman shows up at the farm and confronts Elber for leaving her in France. When he refuses to leave his wife, she puts a curse on the family well, turning the entire town's water supply into saltwater. Who is this lady dressed all in white, what has she done to the farm, and what does Vonceil's old uncle Dell know about her? To find out, Vonceil will have to strike out on her own and delve deep into the world of witchcraft, confronting dangerous relatives, shapeshifting animals, a capricious Sugar Witch, and the Lady in White herself--the foreboding Salt Witch. The journey will change Vonceil, but along the way she'll learn a lot about love and what it means to grow up.
Scary Godmother Omnibus by Jill Thompson
Call Number: SCARY JG THO
ISBN: 1506716202
Publication Date: 2020-06-09
2001 - Best Publication for Younger Audiences - "The Boo Flu"
Scary Godmother has come down with the terrible Boo Flu! Will Halloween come at all this year? Of course it will, thanks to her good friend, Hannah Marie! This plucky little girl bites off a bit more than she can chew when she bravely volunteers to become the substitute mistress of all things Spooky. Written in delightful rhyming prose - whimsical fun for readers of all ages
Smile (Smile #1) by Raina Telgemeier
Call Number: SMILE JG TEL
ISBN: 0545132053
Publication Date: 2010-02-01
2011 - Best Publication for Teens
Raina just wants to be a normal sixth grader. But one night after Girl Scouts she trips and falls, severely injuring her two front teeth, and what follows is a long and frustrating journey with on-again, off-again braces, surgery, embarrassing headgear, and even a retainer with fake teeth attached. And on top of all that, there’s still more to deal with: a major earthquake, boy confusion, and friends who turn out to be not so friendly. This coming-of-age true story is sure to resonate with anyone who has ever been in middle school, and especially those who have ever had a bit of their own dental drama.
Sisters (Smile #2) by Raina Telgemeier
Call Number: SMILE JG TEL
ISBN: 0545540607
Publication Date: 2014-08-26
2015 - Best Writer/Artist - Raina Telgemeier
Raina can’t wait to be a big sister. But once Amara is born, things aren’t quite how she expected them to be. Amara is cute, but she’s also a cranky, grouchy baby, and mostly prefers to play by herself. Their relationship doesn’t improve much over the years, but when a baby brother enters the picture and later, when something doesn’t seem right between their parents, they realize they must figure out how to get along. They are sisters, after all. Raina uses her signature humor and charm in both present-day narrative and perfectly placed flashbacks to tell the story of her relationship with her sister, which unfolds during the course of a road trip from their home in San Francisco to a family reunion in Colorado.
Guts (Smile #3) by Raina Telgemeier (Illustrator)
Call Number: SMILE JG TEL
ISBN: 054585251X
Publication Date: 2019-09-17
2020 - Best Publication for Kids
Raina wakes up one night with a terrible upset stomach. Her mom has one, too, so it's probably just a bug. Raina eventually returns to school, where she's dealing with the usual highs and lows: friends, not-friends, and classmates who think the school year is just one long gross-out session. It soon becomes clear that Raina's tummy trouble isn't going away... and it coincides with her worries about food, school, and changing friendships. What's going on?
The Tea Dragon Society by Katie O'Neill (Artist)
Call Number: TEA DRAGON JG ONE
ISBN: 9781620104415
Publication Date: 2017-10-31
2018 - Best Publication for Kids
2018 - Best Webcomic
From the award-winning author of Princess Princess Ever After comes The Tea Dragon Society, a charming all-ages book that follows the story of Greta, a blacksmith apprentice, and the people she meets as she becomes entwined in the enchanting world of tea dragons. After discovering a lost tea dragon in the marketplace, Greta learns about the dying art form of tea dragon care-taking from the kind tea shop owners, Hesekiel and Erik. As she befriends them and their shy ward, Minette, Greta sees how the craft enriches their lives—and eventually her own.
Tiny Titans Vol. 1: Welcome to the Treehouse by Art Baltazar (Illustrator); Franco Aureliani (Illustrator)
Call Number: TINY TITANS JG BAL
ISBN: 1434246973
Publication Date: 2013-01-01
2009 - Best Publication for Kids.
You'll see what life is like for the very young heroes of Sidekick Elementary and learn what could go wrong when the kids of Sidekick Elementary spend an afternoon in the Batcave in this new graphic novel.
Tiny Titans Vol. 3: Sidekickin' It by Art Baltazar and Franco Staff; Franco; Franco Aureliani
Call Number: Available on Hoopla
ISBN: 1401226531
Publication Date: 2010-02-09
2011 - Best Publication for Kids.
See what life is like at Sidekick Elementary! What could possibly go wrong when the kids of Sidekick Elementary spend an afternoon in the Batcave? These all ages tales from the DC Universe, beautifully written and illustrated by Art Baltazar and Franco, will entertain new readers and seasoned fans of comics.
Witch Hat Atelier Volume 1 by Kamome Shirahama
Call Number: WITCH JG SHI V. 1
ISBN: 163236770X
Publication Date: 2019-04-09
2020 - Best U.S. Edition of International Material (Asia)
In a world where everyone takes wonders like magic spells and dragons for granted, Coco is a girl with a simple dream: She wants to be a witch. But everybody knows magicians are born, not made, and Coco was not born with the gift for magic. She's resigned to her un-magical life, until a traveling magician passes through her village, and Coco learns what what everybody "knows" might not be the truth.
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by Eric Shanower (Text by); Skottie Young (Illustrator)
Call Number: JG SHA
ISBN: 0785129219
Publication Date: 2009-09-16
2010 - Best Publication for Kids.
When Kansas farm girl Dorothy flies away to the magical Land of Oz, she fatally flattens a wicked witch, liberates a living scarecrow and is hailed by the Munchkin people as a great sorceress but all she really wants to know is: how does she get home?

The Geisel Award is given annually to the author(s) and illustrator(s) of the most distinguished American book for beginning readers published in English in the United States during the preceding year.

Tiger vs. Nightmare by Emily Tetri (Illustrator)
Call Number: TIGER JG TET
ISBN: 1626725357
Publication Date: 2018-11-06
2019 Honor Book. Tiger is a very lucky kid: she has a monster living under her bed. Every night, Tiger and Monster play games until it’s time for lights out. Of course, Monster would never try to scare Tiger—that’s not what best friends do. But Monster needs to scare someone…it’s a monster, after all. So while Tiger sleeps, Monster scares all of her nightmares away. Thanks to her friend, Tiger has nothing but good dreams. But waiting in the darkness is a nightmare so big and mean that Monster can’t fight it alone. Only teamwork and a lot of bravery can chase this nightmare away.

Named for Coretta Scott King, wife of Martin Luther King, Jr., this award recognizes outstanding African American authors and illustrators, and is awarded for books about the African-American experience that are written for a youth audience (high school or elementary).

New Kid by Jerry Craft (Illustrator)
Call Number: NEW KID JG CRA
ISBN: 0062691198
Publication Date: 2019-02-05
2020 Winner. Seventh grader Jordan Banks loves nothing more than drawing cartoons about his life. But instead of sending him to the art school of his dreams, his parents enroll him in a prestigious private school known for its academics, where Jordan is one of the few kids of color in his entire grade. As he makes the daily trip from his Washington Heights apartment to the upscale Riverdale Academy Day School, Jordan soon finds himself torn between two worlds—and not really fitting into either one. Can Jordan learn to navigate his new school culture while keeping his neighborhood friends and staying true to himself?

The John Newbery Medal, frequently shortened to the Newbery, is a literary award given by the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library Association, to the author of "the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children."

New Kid by Jerry Craft (Illustrator)
Call Number: NEW KID JG CRA
ISBN: 0062691198
Publication Date: 2019-02-05
2020 Winner. Seventh grader Jordan Banks loves nothing more than drawing cartoons about his life. But instead of sending him to the art school of his dreams, his parents enroll him in a prestigious private school known for its academics, where Jordan is one of the few kids of color in his entire grade. As he makes the daily trip from his Washington Heights apartment to the upscale Riverdale Academy Day School, Jordan soon finds himself torn between two worlds—and not really fitting into either one. Can Jordan learn to navigate his new school culture while keeping his neighborhood friends and staying true to himself?
El Deafo by Cece Bell; David Lasky (Illustrator)
Call Number: DEAFO JG BEL
ISBN: 1419710206
Publication Date: 2014-09-02
2015 Nominee
Starting at a new school is scary, even more so with a giant hearing aid strapped to your chest! At her old school, everyone in Cece's class was deaf. Here she is different. She is sure the kids are staring at the Phonic Ear, the powerful aid that will help her hear her teacher. Too bad it also seems certain to repel potential friends. Then Cece makes a startling discovery. With the Phonic Ear she can hear her teacher not just in the classroom, but anywhere her teacher is in school--in the hallway...in the teacher's lounge...in the bathroom! This is power. Maybe even superpower! Cece is on her way to becoming El Deafo, Listener for All. But the funny thing about being a superhero is that it's just another way of feeling different... and lonely. Can Cece channel her powers into finding the thing she wants most, a true friend? This funny perceptive graphic novel memoir about growing up hearing impaired is also an unforgettable book about growing up, and all the super and super embarrassing moments along the way.

The Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal established by the Association for Library Service to Children in 2001 with support from Bound to Stay Bound Books, Inc., is awarded annually to the writer and illustrator of the most distinguished informational book published in English during the preceding year.

Drowned City: Hurricane Katrina and New Orleans by Don Brown
Call Number: JG 363.3492 BRO
ISBN: 054415777X
Publication Date: 2015-08-04
2016 Honor Book. On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina's monstrous winds and surging water overwhelmed the protective levees around low-lying New Orleans, Louisiana. Eighty percent of the city flooded, in some places under twenty feet of water. Property damages across the Gulf Coast topped $100 billion. One thousand eight hundred and thirty-three people lost their lives. The tale of this historic storm and the drowning of an American city is one of selflessness, heroism, and courage—and also of incompetence, racism, and criminality.

The Sydney Taylor Book Award is presented annually to outstanding books for children and teens that authentically portray the Jewish experience. Presented by the Association of Jewish Libraries since 1968, the award encourages the publication and widespread use of quality Judaic literature.

White Bird: A Wonder Story by R. J. Palacio
Call Number: WHITE JG PAL
ISBN: 0525645535
Publication Date: 2019-10-01
2020 Winner.
Hidden by Loïc Dauvillier; Marc Lizano (Illustrator); Greg Salsedo
Call Number: HIDDEN JG DAU
ISBN: 1596438738
Publication Date: 2014-04-01
2015 Winner. In this gentle, poetic young graphic novel, Dounia, a grandmother, tells her granddaughter the story even her son has never heard: how, as a young Jewish girl in Paris, she was hidden away from the Nazis by a series of neighbors and friends who risked their lives to keep her alive when her parents had been taken to concentration camps. Hidden ends on a tender note, with Dounia and her mother rediscovering each other as World War II ends . . . and a young girl in present-day France becoming closer to her grandmother, who can finally, after all those years, tell her story. With words by Loïc Dauvillier and art by Marc Lizano and Greg Salsedo, this picture book-style comic for young readers is a touching read.
Hereville Volume 1: How Mirka Got Her Sword by Barry Deutsch; Hansen Literary Agency Staff
Call Number: HEREVILLE JG DEU V. 1
ISBN: 0810984229
Publication Date: 2010-11-01
2011 Winner. Spunky, strong-willed eleven-year-old Mirka Herschberg isn’t interested in knitting lessons from her stepmother, or how-to-find-a-husband advice from her sister, or you-better-not warnings from her brother. There’s only one thing she does want: to fight dragons! Granted, no dragons have been breathing fire around Hereville, the Orthodox Jewish community where Mirka lives, but that doesn’t stop the plucky girl from honing her skills. She fearlessly stands up to local bullies. She battles a very large, very menacing pig. And she boldly accepts a challenge from a mysterious witch, a challenge that could bring Mirka her heart’s desire: a dragon-slaying sword! All she has to do is find—and outwit—the giant troll who’s got it! A delightful mix of fantasy, adventure, cultural traditions, and preteen commotion, Hereville will captivate middle-school readers with its exciting visuals and entertaining new heroine.

Polygon's 50 Best Comics for Kids!

View the full list here.

All's Faire in Middle School by Victoria Jamieson
Call Number: JG JAM
ISBN: 0525429999
Publication Date: 2017-09-05
Eleven-year-old Imogene (Impy) has grown up with two parents working at the Renaissance Faire, and she's eager to begin her own training as a squire. First, though, she'll need to prove her bravery. Luckily Impy has just the quest in mind--she'll go to public school after a life of being homeschooled! But it's not easy to act like a noble knight-in-training in middle school. Impy falls in with a group of girls who seem really nice (until they don't) and starts to be embarrassed of her thrift shop apparel, her family's unusual lifestyle, and their small, messy apartment. Impy has always thought of herself as a heroic knight, but when she does something really mean in order to fit in, she begins to wonder whether she might be more of a dragon after all.
American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang (Illustrator)
Call Number: AMERICAN YAG YAN
ISBN: 1596431520
Publication Date: 2006-09-05
All Jin Wang wants is to fit in. When his family moves to a new neighborhood, he suddenly finds that he's the only Chinese American student at his school. Jocks and bullies pick on him constantly, and he has hardly any friends. Then, to make matters worse, he falls in love with an all-American girl...Born to rule over all the monkeys in the world, the story of the Monkey King is one of the oldest and greatest Chinese fables. Adored by his subjects, master of the arts of kung-fu, he is the most powerful monkey on earth. But the Monkey King doesn't want to be a monkey. He wants to be hailed as a god... Chin-Kee is the ultimate negative Chinese stereotype, and he's ruining his cousin Danny's life. Danny's a popular kid at school, but every year Chin-Kee comes to visit, and every year Danny has to transfer to a new school to escape the shame. This year, though, things quickly go from bad to worse...These three apparently unrelated tales come together with an unexpected twist, in a modern fable that is hilarious, poignant and action-packed. American Born Chinese is an amazing rise, all the way up to the astonishing climax--and confirms what a growing number of readers already know: Gene Yang is a major talent. This book is recommended for teens and adults.
Aquicorn Cove by Katie O'Neill (Illustrator)
Call Number: Available on Hoopla
ISBN: 1620105292
Publication Date: 2018-10-16
When Lana and her father return to their seaside hometown to help clear the debris of a storm, the last thing she expects is to discover a colony of Aquicorns—magical seahorse-like residents of the coral reef. As she explores the damaged town and the fabled undersea palace, Lana learns that while she cannot always count on adults to be the guardians she needs, she herself is capable of finding the strength to protect both the ocean, and her own happiness.
As the Crow Flies by Melanie Gillman
Call Number: YAG GIL
ISBN: 1945820063
Publication Date: 2017-11-14
A queer, black teenager finds herself stranded in a dangerous and unfamiliar place: an all-white Christian youth backpacking camp.
Baba Yaga's Assistant by Marika McCoola
Call Number: JG MACC
ISBN: 076366961X
Publication Date: 2015-08-04
Most children think twice before braving a haunted wood filled with terrifying beasties to match wits with a witch, but not Masha. Her beloved grandma taught her many things: that stories are useful, that magic is fickle, and that nothing is too difficult or too dirty to clean. The fearsome witch of folklore needs an assistant, and Masha needs an adventure. She may be clever enough to enter Baba Yaga's house on chicken legs, but within its walls, deceit is the rule. To earn her place, Masha must pass a series of tests, outfox a territorial bear, and make dinner for her host. No easy task, with children on the menu!
The Backstagers Volume 1 by James Tynion; Rian Sygh (Illustrator)
Call Number: BACKSTAGERS YAG TYN V. 1
ISBN: 9781608869930
Publication Date: 2017-07-25
When Jory transfers to an all-boys private high school, he's taken in by the only ones who don't treat him like a new kid, the lowly stage crew known as the Backstagers. Not only does he gain great, lifetime friends, Jory is also introduced to an entire magical world that lives beyond the curtain. With the unpredictable twists and turns of the underground world, the Backstagers venture into the unknown, determined to put together the best play their high school has ever seen. This book is recommended for teens and adults.
The Backstagers Vol. 2: The Show Must Go On by George Perez; Rian Sygh (Illustrator); James Tynion
Call Number: BACKSTAGERS TYN V. 2
ISBN: 1684150574
Publication Date: 2018-02-13
Jory and the rest of the Backstagers have one goal this semester: to put on the best show their town’s ever seen. But best laid plans aren’t easy to achieve when there’s an entire magical world that lives beyond the curtain! When one of the actors suddenly goes missing, the Backstagers must band together to save their comrade and maintain the natural balance of . . . theater. This book is recommends for teens and adults.
The Backstagers Vol. 3: Encore by James Tynion Iv; Sam Johns; Rian Sygh (Illustrator); Brittney Williams (Illustrator); Caitlin Rose Boyle (Illustrator); Katy Farina (Illustrator); Walter Baiamonte (As told to)
Call Number: BACKSTAGERS YAG BAC V.3
ISBN: 1684153328
Publication Date: 2019-04-30
The Backstagers are back in (stage) blacks, for a festive collection of Valentine’s Day and Halloween stories! Join Jory and the rest of the Backstagers as they wrestle with anti-Valentine crusades, totally creepy phantoms (NOT of the opera), and the everpresent magic of the backstage world in this romantically spooky third volume of the hit series. This book is recommended for teens and adults.
The Cardboard Kingdom by Chad Sell
Call Number: CARDBOARD KINGDOM YAG SEL
ISBN: 1524719374
Publication Date: 2018-06-05
Welcome to a neighborhood of kids who transform ordinary boxes into colorful costumes, and their ordinary block into cardboard kingdom. This is the summer when sixteen kids encounter knights and rogues, robots and monsters--and their own inner demons--on one last quest before school starts again. In the Cardboard Kingdom, you can be anything you want to be--imagine that!
Click by Kayla Miller
Call Number: JG MIL
ISBN: 1328911128
Publication Date: 2019-01-08
Olive “clicks” with everyone in the fifth grade—until one day she doesn’t. When a school variety show leaves Olive stranded without an act to join, she begins to panic, wondering why all her friends have already formed their own groups . . . without her. With the performance drawing closer by the minute, will Olive be able to find her own place in the show before the curtain comes up?
El Deafo by Cece Bell; David Lasky (Illustrator)
Call Number: DEAFO JG BEL
ISBN: 1419710206
Publication Date: 2014-09-02
Starting at a new school is scary, even more so with a giant hearing aid strapped to your chest! At her old school, everyone in Cece's class was deaf. Here she is different. She is sure the kids are staring at the Phonic Ear, the powerful aid that will help her hear her teacher. Too bad it also seems certain to repel potential friends. Then Cece makes a startling discovery. With the Phonic Ear she can hear her teacher not just in the classroom, but anywhere her teacher is in school--in the hallway...in the teacher's lounge...in the bathroom! This is power. Maybe even superpower! Cece is on her way to becoming El Deafo, Listener for All. But the funny thing about being a superhero is that it's just another way of feeling different... and lonely. Can Cece channel her powers into finding the thing she wants most, a true friend? This funny perceptive graphic novel memoir about growing up hearing impaired is also an unforgettable book about growing up, and all the super and super embarrassing moments along the way.
Dear Justice League by Michael Northrop; Gustavo Duarte (Illustrator)
Call Number: JG NOR
ISBN: 1401284132
Publication Date: 2019-08-06
Does Superman ever make mistakes? What was Wonder Woman's eleventh birthday like? Does Aquaman smell like fish? In this new middle-grade graphic novel, iconic heroes are asked questions both big and small, and when they are not busy saving the world, the Justice League even finds time to respond. Their honest and humorous answers will surprise and delight readers of any age, as it turns out that being a superhero is not too different from being a kid. Full of feats, follies, and colorful illustrations, Dear Justice League gives readers the inside scoop into everyday heroics, no matter who wears the cape!
Gotham Academy Vol. 1: Welcome to Gotham Academy by Becky Cloonan; Brendan Fletcher; Karl Kerschel (Illustrator)
Call Number: GOTHAM ACADEMY YAG CLO V. 1
ISBN: 1401254721
Publication Date: 2015-06-23
2014
Gotham City's most prestigious prep school is a very weird place. It's got a spooky campus, oddball teachers, and rich benefactors always dropping by...like that weirdo Bruce Wayne. But nothing is as strange as the students! Like, what's up with Olive Silverlock? Is she crazy or what? Where did she go last summer? And what's the deal with her creepy mom? And how come that Freshman Maps is always following her around? And is she still going out with Kyle? P.S. Did you hear the rumor about the ghost in the North Hall?! This book is recommended for teens and adults.
Guts by Raina Telgemeier (Illustrator)
Call Number: SMILE JG TEL
ISBN: 054585251X
Publication Date: 2019-09-17
Raina wakes up one night with a terrible upset stomach. Her mom has one, too, so it's probably just a bug. Raina eventually returns to school, where she's dealing with the usual highs and lows: friends, not-friends, and classmates who think the school year is just one long gross-out session. It soon becomes clear that Raina's tummy trouble isn't going away... and it coincides with her worries about food, school, and changing friendships. What's going on?
Hey, Kiddo by Jarrett J. Krosoczka
Call Number: YAG KRO KRO
ISBN: 0545902479
Publication Date: 2018-10-09
Hey, Kiddo is the graphic memoir of author-illustrator Jarrett J. Krosoczka. Raised by his colorful grandparents, who adopted him because his mother was an incarcerated heroin addict, Krosoczka didn't know his father's name until he saw his birth certificate when registering for a school ski trip. Hey, Kiddo traces Krosoczka's search for his father, his difficult interactions with his mother, his day-to-day life with his grandparents, and his path to becoming an artist.
New Kid by Jerry Craft (Illustrator)
Call Number: NEW KID JG CRA
ISBN: 0062691198
Publication Date: 2019-02-05
Seventh grader Jordan Banks loves nothing more than drawing cartoons about his life. But instead of sending him to the art school of his dreams, his parents enroll him in a prestigious private school known for its academics, where Jordan is one of the few kids of color in his entire grade. As he makes the daily trip from his Washington Heights apartment to the upscale Riverdale Academy Day School, Jordan soon finds himself torn between two worlds—and not really fitting into either one. Can Jordan learn to navigate his new school culture while keeping his neighborhood friends and staying true to himself?
Nimona by Noelle Stevenson (Illustrator)
Call Number: NIMONA YAG STE
ISBN: 0062278231
Publication Date: 2015-05-12
Nimona is an impulsive young shapeshifter with a knack for villainy. Lord Ballister Blackheart is a villain with a vendetta. As sidekick and supervillain, Nimona and Lord Blackheart are about to wreak some serious havoc. Their mission: prove to the kingdom that Sir Ambrosius Goldenloin and his buddies at the Institution of Law Enforcement and Heroics aren't the heroes everyone thinks they are. But as small acts of mischief escalate into a vicious battle, Lord Blackheart realizes that Nimona's powers are as murky and mysterious as her past. And her unpredictable wild side might be more dangerous than he is willing to admit. This book is recommended for teens and adults.
Sci-Fu by Yehudi Mercado (Artist)
Call Number: JG MER
ISBN: 1620104725
Publication Date: 2018-03-13
Hip-Hop, Sci-Fi and Kung Fu all hit the turn-tables for the mash-up mix of the year! Cartoonist/force of nature Yehudi Mercado (Pantalones, TX, Rocket Salvage) sets his sights on 1980s Brooklyn and Wax, a young mix-master who scratches the perfect beat and accidentally summons a UFO that transports his family, best friend, and current crush to the robot-dominated planet of Discopia. Now Wax and his crew must master the intergalactic musical martial art of Sci-Fu to fight the power and save Earth. Word to your mother.
Sisters by Raina Telgemeier
Call Number: SMILE JG TEL
ISBN: 0545540607
Publication Date: 2014-08-26
Raina can’t wait to be a big sister. But once Amara is born, things aren’t quite how she expected them to be. Amara is cute, but she’s also a cranky, grouchy baby, and mostly prefers to play by herself. Their relationship doesn’t improve much over the years, but when a baby brother enters the picture and later, when something doesn’t seem right between their parents, they realize they must figure out how to get along. They are sisters, after all. Raina uses her signature humor and charm in both present-day narrative and perfectly placed flashbacks to tell the story of her relationship with her sister, which unfolds during the course of a road trip from their home in San Francisco to a family reunion in Colorado.
Smile by Raina Telgemeier
Call Number: SMILE JG TEL
ISBN: 0545132053
Publication Date: 2010-02-01
Raina just wants to be a normal sixth grader. But one night after Girl Scouts she trips and falls, severely injuring her two front teeth, and what follows is a long and frustrating journey with on-again, off-again braces, surgery, embarrassing headgear, and even a retainer with fake teeth attached. And on top of all that, there’s still more to deal with: a major earthquake, boy confusion, and friends who turn out to be not so friendly. This coming-of-age true story is sure to resonate with anyone who has ever been in middle school, and especially those who have ever had a bit of their own dental drama.
The Tea Dragon Festival by Katie O'Neill
Call Number: JG ONE
ISBN: 1620106558
Publication Date: 2019-09-17
Rinn has grown up with the Tea Dragons that inhabit their village, but stumbling across a real dragon turns out to be a different matter entirely! Aedhan is a young dragon who was appointed to protect the village but fell asleep in the forest eighty years ago. With the aid of Rinn’s adventuring uncle Erik and his partner Hesekiel, they investigate the mystery of his enchanted sleep, but Rinn’s real challenge is to help Aedhan come to terms with feeling that he cannot get back the time he has lost.
The Tea Dragon Society by Katie O'Neill (Artist)
Call Number: TEA DRAGON JG ONE
ISBN: 9781620104415
Publication Date: 2017-10-31
From the award-winning author of Princess Princess Ever After comes The Tea Dragon Society, a charming all-ages book that follows the story of Greta, a blacksmith apprentice, and the people she meets as she becomes entwined in the enchanting world of tea dragons. After discovering a lost tea dragon in the marketplace, Greta learns about the dying art form of tea dragon care-taking from the kind tea shop owners, Hesekiel and Erik. As she befriends them and their shy ward, Minette, Greta sees how the craft enriches their lives—and eventually her own.
This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki; Jillian Tamaki (Illustrator)
Call Number: THIS ONE YAG TAM
ISBN: 9781626720947
Publication Date: 2014-05-06
Every summer, Rose goes with her mom and dad to a lake house in Awago Beach. It's their getaway, their refuge. Rosie's friend Windy is always there, too, like the little sister she never had. But this summer is different. Rose's mom and dad won't stop fighting, and when Rose and Windy seek a distraction from the drama, they find themselves with a whole new set of problems. It's a summer of secrets and sorrow and growing up, and it's a good thing Rose and Windy have each other. This book is recommended for teens and adults.
Tiny Titans Vol. 1: Welcome to the Treehouse by Art Baltazar (Illustrator); Franco Aureliani (Illustrator)
Call Number: TINY TITANS JG BAL
ISBN: 1434246973
Publication Date: 2013-01-01
2009 - Best Publication for Kids.
You'll see what life is like for the very young heroes of Sidekick Elementary and learn what could go wrong when the kids of Sidekick Elementary spend an afternoon in the Batcave in this new graphic novel.
Tiny Titans Vol. 3: Sidekickin' It by Art Baltazar and Franco Staff; Franco; Franco Aureliani
Call Number: Available on Hoopla
ISBN: 1401226531
Publication Date: 2010-02-09
2011 - Best Publication for Kids.
See what life is like at Sidekick Elementary! What could possibly go wrong when the kids of Sidekick Elementary spend an afternoon in the Batcave? These all ages tales from the DC Universe, beautifully written and illustrated by Art Baltazar and Franco, will entertain new readers and seasoned fans of comics.
Meet Tiny Titans East! by Art Baltazar (Illustrator); Franco Aureliani (Illustrator)
Call Number: TINY TITANS JG BAL
ISBN: 1434246965
Publication Date: 2013-01-01
The Tiny Titans East invade the playground! See if Robin keeps his new identity as Nightwing! Find out the hilarity that only comes with knock knock jokes! And the penguins are back, as the boys play Batman for a day!
Tiny Titans vs. the Fearsome Five by Art Baltazar (Illustrator); Franco Aureliani (Illustrator)
Call Number: TINY TITANTS JG BAL
ISBN: 1434245381
Publication Date: 2012-07-01
The Fearsome Five have arrived, and they have their eyes set on the Tiny Titans playground! Plus, Beast Boy has a crush on a rock throwing lass and Cyborg helps bake a cake.
The Unstoppable Wasp: G.I.R.L. Power (A Fresh Start) by Marvel Comics Staff
Call Number: YAH WHI
ISBN: 1302916564
Publication Date: 2019-04-02
Nadia spent the entire first half of her life a captive of the Red Room, but now this teenage super scientist is spreading her wings! Hank Pym's daughter has a lot of time to make up for, and she's determined to change the world. With Jarvis at her side, she's on a mission to bring together the brightest girl geniuses of the Marvel Universe - starting with Lunella Lafayette, the miraculous Moon Girl! But Nadia didn't count on evil scientists, man-eating giant rats or Devil Dinosaur -or the lethal lady wrestlers known as the Grapplers! And even as Nadia's recruiting drive continues, the Red Room is on her trail - and they'll pull out all the stops to get her back! Can the geniuses of G.I.R.L. find a way to save Nadia from being dragged back to the bunker? Whatever happens, Nadia's fate will be forever altered - but can the original Wasp, Janet Van Dyne, help her find a way forward? When they get together, few can resist their sting! This book is recommended for teens and adults.
The Witch Boy by Molly Knox Ostertag
Call Number: JG OST
ISBN: 133808951X
Publication Date: 2017-10-31
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 still 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. This book is recommended for all ages.
The Hidden Witch by Molly Knox Ostertag (Illustrator)
Call Number: WITCH JG OST
ISBN: 133825376X
Publication Date: 2018-10-30
Aster and his family are adjusting to his unconventional talent for witchery; unlike the other boys in his family, he isn't a shapeshifter. He's taking classes with his grandmother and helping to keep an eye on his great-uncle whose corrupted magic wreaked havoc on the family. Meanwhile, Aster's friend from the non-magical part of town, Charlie, is having problems of her own -- a curse has tried to attach itself to her. She runs to Aster and escapes it, but now the friends must find the source of the curse before more people -- normal and magical alike -- get hurt.
The Midwinter Witch by Molly Knox Ostertag
Call Number: WITCH JG OST
ISBN: 1338540564
Publication Date: 2019-11-05
Aster can't wait for the Midwinter Festival, where all the magical families gather for a competition and a happy reunion. This year, he wants to compete as a witch instead of a shapeshifter -- but he's not sure he can find the courage. Without a family to call her own, Ariel is tagging along to the festival with the Vanissens. She thinks the whole thing is silly...until she decides to enter the tournament herself. Now the beloved tradition is fraught with conflict, and no one knows who to trust -- least of all the mysterious witch who shows up out of nowhere saying she's Ariel's aunt.