LibGuides: Young Adult Graphic Novels: Excelsior Awards

The Excelsior Awards

Since it's inception in 2011, the Excelsior Award is the only nationwide book award for graphic novels and manga - where youths aged 11-18 decide the winner by rating each book as they read it! For more information and a full list of shortlist winners, check out the official website here.

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.

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

Absolute Carnage by Donny Cates; Ryan Stegman (Illustrator)
Call Number: VENOM G CAT
ISBN: 1302919083
Publication Date: 2020-01-21
After turning Venom's world upside down a year ago, DONNY CATES and RYAN STEGMAN are about to put the Sinister Symbiote through hell again, only this time CARNAGE has come calling, and everyone who's ever worn a symbiote is dead in his sights! He's skirted the periphery of the Marvel Universe for months, but Cletus Kasady at last stands poised to make his grand return to New York in a blistering, action-packed story...and he wants to paint the town red! And there's NOTHING anyone can do to stop it! This book is recommended for teens and adults.
New Mutants by Jonathan Hickman Vol. 1 (Dawn of X) by Ed Brisson (Text by); Jonathan Hickman (Text by); Rod Reis (Illustrator)
Call Number: G HIC V. 1
ISBN: 130291992X
Publication Date: 2020-03-31
The new generation claims the dawn! The classic New Mutants — Sunspot, Wolfsbane, Mirage, Karma, Magik and Cypher — get together with new friends Chamber and Mondo for a new mission…tracking down their teammate Cannonball! Hitching a ride into outer space with the Starjammers, the New Mutants soon find themselves in trouble and on trial for crimes against the Shi’ar Empire! But when Deathbird returns and throws the Empire into turmoil, the New Mutants’ happy reunion soon becomes a complicated struggle for galactic freedom! Who will claim the Shi’ar throne? It’s a star-spanning adventure from the mind of X-visionary Jonathan Hickman! 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+

Pulp by Ed Brubaker; Sean Phillips (Artist); Jacob Phillips (Artist)
Call Number: G BRU
ISBN: 1534316442
Publication Date: 2020-08-04
Max Winters, a pulp writer in 1930s New York, finds himself drawn into a story not unlike the tales he churns out at 5 cents a word - tales of a wild west outlaw dispensing justice with a six-gun. But will Max be able to do the same, when pursued by bank robbers, Nazi spies, and enemies from his past? One part thriller, one part meditation on a life of violence, Pulp is unlike anything the award-winning team of Brubaker and Phillips have ever done. A celebration of pulp fiction, set in a world on the brink. And another must-have hardback from one of comics most-acclaimed teams. This book is recommended for teens and adults.
Alienated by Simon Spurrier; Chris Wildgoose (Illustrator)
Call Number: ALIENATED YAG SPU
ISBN: 1684155274
Publication Date: 2020-11-17
Three teenagers discover an unearthly creature with incredible powers who needs prey to survive - but as they try to use his powers for good, it may be these humans who pose the greatest threat to the world.
THREE KIDS CALLED SAM. ONE ALIEN BIOWEAPON.
Three teenagers, each an outcast in their own ways, stumble upon an unearthly entity as it’s born. As they bond over this shared secret and the incredible abilities of their new discovery, the trio soon realizes the truth: this creature is dangerous...and in need of prey. But as each of them tries to decide how they can use this newfound power to do some real good in a broken world, they’ll find that the greatest threat to humanity may not come from the stars - but from the truth behind their seemingly good intentions.

2020 Shortlist

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

Witch Hat Atelier 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.

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

They Called Us Enemy by George Takei; Justin Eisinger; Steven Scott; Harmony Becker (Illustrator)
Call Number: GB TAK TAK
ISBN: 1603094504
Publication Date: 2019-07-16
George Takei has captured hearts and minds worldwide with his captivating stage presence and outspoken commitment to equal rights. But long before he braved new frontiers in Star Trek, he woke up as a four-year-old boy to find his own birth country at war with his father's -- and their entire family forced from their home into an uncertain future. In 1942, at the order of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, every person of Japanese descent on the west coast was rounded up and shipped to one of ten "relocation centers," hundreds or thousands of miles from home, where they would be held for years under armed guard. They Called Us Enemy is Takei's firsthand account of those years behind barbed wire, the joys and terrors of growing up under legalized racism, his mother's hard choices, his father's faith in democracy, and the way those experiences planted the seeds for his astonishing future. What is American? Who gets to decide? When the world is against you, what can one person do? To answer these questions, George Takei joins co-writers Justin Eisinger & Steven Scott and artist Harmony Becker for the journey of a lifetime. This book is recommended for teens and adults.
Conan the Barbarian by Aaron and Asrar by Jason Aaron; Mahmud Asrar (Illustrator); Gerardo Zaffino (Illustrator); Garry Brown (Illustrator)
Call Number: CONAN G AAR
ISBN: 1302926527
Publication Date: 2021-02-16
The life and death of Conan the Barbarian! The greatest sword-and-sorcery hero of all returns to Marvel, but how long will he survive? Conan's travels have brought him to the far reaches of the unknown, from his birthplace in Cimmeria to the kingdom of Aquilonia and all lands in between - but just as his fighting prowess lets him carve his way through life, so too does it attract the forces of death! And few are more deadly than the Crimson Witch and the terrible wizard Thoth-Amon! As beasts from the past rear their fearsome heads, the Barbarian fights his final battle and meets his ultimate fate - but what lies beyond the veil of life? Could it be...Crom?! Robert E. Howard's legendary barbarian's days are numbered in an allnew saga, and Conan's destiny is forever changed! 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+

Topics are avoided that could be considered "offensive" or "too adult" for a school library, but books on this shortlist may include moderate swearing and moderate violence, akin to a 15-rated movie.

Justice League Dark Vol. 1: Last Days of Magic (DC Universe) by James Tynion; Alvaro Martinez (Illustrator)
Call Number: JUSTICE G TYN V. 1
ISBN: 1401288111
Publication Date: 2019-03-12
From the pages of JUSTICE LEAGUE: NO JUSTICE comes writer James Tynion IV's epic new series JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK! Earth's magic once belonged to them. Now they want the magic back. But who exactly are they? It's up to the new Justice League Dark to find out and stop this nightmarish new threat at all costs! After the events of NO JUSTICE, Wonder Woman guides the misfit magic mix against enemies too fantastic even for the Justice League. Plus, what awful things are coming through the Tree of Wonder? Dark days ahead...This book is recommended for teens and adults.
Mister Miracle (DC Universe) by Tom King; Mitch Gerads (Illustrator)
Call Number: Available on Hoopla
ISBN: 1401283543
Publication Date: 2019-02-19
Something has gone horribly wrong with the perfect life that Scott and his wife Big Barda have made for themselves on Earth. With war raging between their homeworlds of Apokolips and New Genesis, Scott's cruel adoptive father, Darkseid, seems to have finally found the Anti-Life Equation–the weapon that will give him total victory. As the mountains of bodies on both sides grow ever higher, only Mister Miracle can stop the slaughter and restore peace. But the terrible power of the Anti-Life Equation may already be at work in his own mind, warping his reality and shattering the fragile happiness he's found with the woman he loves. Is death the trap that's been waiting for him all along? Or is it life itself? And what price will Scott Free have to pay to learn the answer? This book is recommended for teens and adults.

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?

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

Skyward by Lee Garbett (Artist); Antonio Fabela (Artist); Joe Henderson
Call Number: SKYWARD YAG HEN V. 1
ISBN: 9781534308336
Publication Date: 2018-09-25
One day, gravity on Earth suddenly became a fraction of what it is now. Twenty years later, humanity has adapted to its new low-gravity reality. And to Willa Fowler, a woman born just after G-day, it's...well, it's pretty awesome, actually. You can fly through the air! I mean, sure, you can also die if you jump too high. So you just don't jump too high. And maybe don't get mixed up in your Dad's secret plan to bring gravity back that could get you killed...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+

Doctor Star & the Kingdom of Lost Tomorrows (World of Black Hammer) by Jeff Lemire; Max Fiumara (Illustrator); Dave Stewart (Illustrator)
Call Number: BLACK HAMMER G LEM
ISBN: 1506706592
Publication Date: 2018-11-27
An aged crime fighter desperately wants to reconnect with his estranged son, who he hoped would one day take the mantle of Doctor Star. Over the course of the story we learn his World War II-era origin, how he got his powers, his exciting astral adventures, the formation of some of Black Hammer's greatest heroes, and more in this heartbreaking superhero tale about fathers and sons. This book is recommended for teens and adults.
James Bond: Hammerhead by Andy Diggle; Luca Casalanguida (Artist)
Call Number: G DIG
ISBN: 1524103225
Publication Date: 2017-05-23
James Bond is assigned to hunt down and eliminate Kraken, a radical anti-capitalist who has targeted Britain’s newly-upgraded nuclear arsenal. But all is not as it seems. Hidden forces are plotting to rebuild the faded glory of the once-mighty British Empire, and retake by force what was consigned to history. 007 is a cog in their deadly machine – but is he an agent of change, or an agent of the status quo? Loyalties will be broken, allegiances challenged. But in an ever-changing world, there’s one man you can rely on: Bond. James Bond. This book is recommended for teens and adults.
Incognegro: Renaissance by Mat Johnson; Warren Pleece (Illustrator); Clem Robins (Illustrator)
Call Number: INCOGNEGRO G JOH
ISBN: 1506705634
Publication Date: 2018-10-23
When a black writer is found dead at a scandalous interracial party in 1920s' New York, Harlem's cub reporter Zane Pinchback is the only one determined to solve the murder. Zane must go "Incognegro" for the first time, using his light appearance to pass as a white man to find the true killer, in this prequel miniseries to the critically acclaimed Vertigo graphic novel, now available in a special new 10th Anniversary Edition. With a cryptic manuscript as his only clue, and a mysterious and beautiful woman as the murder's only witness, Zane finds himself on the hunt through the dark and dangerous streets of "roaring twenties" Harlem in search for justice. In a time when looks could kill . . . Zane's skin is the only thing keeping him alive. This book is recommended for older teens and adults.

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.

The books on the Excelsior Award shortlst for 2018 were designated as suitable for children aged 11-16

Batman Vol. 4: the War of Jokes and Riddles (Rebirth) by Tom King; Mikel Janin (Illustrator)
Call Number: BATMAN G KIN V. 4
ISBN: 1401273610
Publication Date: 2017-12-19
Early in Batman’s career, the Joker and the Riddler would seemingly be natural allies. But each man determined that he and he alone must be the one to kill the Bat...and either would sooner burn down Gotham than be beaten to the punch line. Untold until now, one of the darkest chapters in Batman’s history sees all of Gotham’s villains choosing sides in a battle of wits that soon turns into a full-blown war—complete with civilian casualties. In the War of Jokes and Riddles, only one side can claim victory...but the scars it leaves will shape Batman’s future as he makes the most important decision of his life. This book is recommended for teens and adults.
Gamora Vol. 1: Memento Mori by Nicole Perlman (Text by); Marco Checcetto (Illustrator)
Call Number: G PER
ISBN: 0785197826
Publication Date: 2017-07-18
From screenwriter Nicole Perlman - co-writer of the Guardians of the Galaxy screenplay - and Marvel superstar artist Marco Checchetto, comes a killer new ongoing series! Once upon a time, Gamora was Thanos' heartless pet assassin and favorite adopted daughter. Today, she is the backbone of the Guardians of the Galaxy, putting her life on the line to defend the innocent throughout the universe. What was it that transformed her from being used as a tool of her oppressor, to a champion of the powerless? Embark on a journey of revenge and redemption, and witness how Gamora earned her reputation as the Deadliest Woman in the Galaxy. This book is recommended for teens and adults.
Wonder Woman Vol. 1: The Lies (Rebirth) by Greg Rucka; Liam Sharpe
Call Number: WONDER WOMAN G RUC V. 1
ISBN: 1401267785
Publication Date: 2017-02-28
New York Times best-selling writer Greg Rucka returns to Wonder Woman! After suffering an unimaginable loss, Diana must rebuild her mission as Earth's ultimate protector and champion. However, in the midst of her grief, her Lasso of Truth stopped working! Start down the rabbit hole as dark secrets from Wonder Woman's past unravel her present! This book is recommended for teens and adults.
Coady and the Creepies by Liz Prince; Amanda Kirk (Illustrator)
Call Number: COADY YAG PRI
ISBN: 1684150299
Publication Date: 2017-10-17
Punk trio Coady and the Creepies are determined to become the greatest band that’s ever lived. There’s only one problem...their lead singer is technically...dead? Punk’s Not Dead! ...but Coady is. Sisters and bandmates Coady, Corey, and Criss are The Creepies, a trio of punk rockers determined to become the greatest band that’s ever lived. But that’s kinda tough when one of them is technically dead. As The Creepies, they’re heading out on their first tour since a freak accident left Coady eerily unscathed...fighting their way through blood-sucking promoters, fanboy zombies and ghoulish rival bands to achieve their dream. There’s only one problem...it’s hard to be the greatest band that ever lived when your drummer is...a ghost? This book is recommended for teens and adults.
Slam! Volume 1 by Pamela Ribon; Veronica Fish (Illustrator)
Call Number: SLAM G RIB V. 1
ISBN: 1684150043
Publication Date: 2017-08-15
From the first day of Fresh Meat Orientation for the Eastside Roller Girls, Jennifer and Maisie knew they’d be fast friends. But when they’re drafted to different teams, the pull of competition — and their increasingly messy personal lives — threaten to drive them apart. In roller derby you take your hits, get back up, and learn how to be a better jammer, a better blocker, a better lover, and a better friend. Derby can heal your heart...but it might break a bone or two in the process. This book is recommended for teens and adults.
The Water Dragon's Bride by Rei Toma
Call Number: YAG TOM
ISBN: 142159255X
Publication Date: 2017-04-04
In the blink of an eye, a modern-day girl named Asahi is whisked away from her warm and happy home and stranded in a strange and mysterious world where she is sacrificed to a water dragon god! What plans are in store for her, and what will happen when she comes face to face with this god? A young boy named Subaru comes to Asahi’s aid, but despite his help, Asahi must endure a test of survival! Will she be able to make it out alive, or will she end up being sacrificed? This book is recommended for teens and adults.

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.

The books on the Excelsior Award shortlst for 2017 were designated as suitable for children aged 11-16

Black Panther: A Nation Under Our Feet (Marvel Now 2.0) by Ta-Nehisi Coates (Text by); Brian Stelfreeze (Illustrator); Chris Sprouse (Illustrator)
Call Number: Available on Hoopla
ISBN: 1302904159
Publication Date: 2017-08-15
A new era for the Black Panther begins as the kingdom of Wakanda enters its final days! Award-winning writer Ta-Nehisi Coates confronts T'Challa with dramatic upheaval in his homeland that will make leading the African nation tougher than ever before. When a superhuman terrorist group that calls itself The People sparks a violent uprising, the land famed for incredible technology and proud warrior traditions will be thrown into turmoil. As Zenzi, leader of The People, poisons the populace against their king, the former queen Shuri's spirit makes an uncanny journey through the Djalia, and a new Crew is formed! If Wakanda is to survive, it must adapt - but can its monarch, one of a long line of Black Panthers, survive the necessary change? Heavy lies the head that wears the cowl! Collects the first three volumes of Black Panther, the complete Nation Under Our Feet storyarc.
Audubon: On the Wings of the World by Fabien Grolleau; Jérémie Royer (Illustrator); Etienne Gilfillan (Translator)
Call Number: G 598.092 GRO
ISBN: 1910620157
Publication Date: 2017-04-04
At the start of the nineteenth century, John James Audubon embarked upon an epic ornithological quest across America with nothing but his artist’ s materials, an assistant, a gun and an all-consuming passion for birds...This beautiful volume tells the story of an incredible artist and adventurer: one who encapsulates the spirit of early America, when the wilderness felt limitless and was still greatly unexplored. Based on Audubon's own retellings, this embellished version of his travels captures the wild and adventurous spirit of a truly exceptional naturalist and painter.

2016 Shortlist

The books on the Excelsior Award shortlst for 2016 were designated as suitable for children aged 11-16

Star Wars: Darth Vader Vol. 1 by Kieron Gillen; Salvador Larocca (Illustrator)
Call Number: STAR WARS YAG GIL V. 1
ISBN: 0785192557
Publication Date: 2015-10-20
The original Dark Lord of the Sith stars in his first ongoing series! Ever since Darth Vader's first on-screen appearance, he has become one of pop-culture's most popular villains. Now, follow Vader straight from the ending of A NEW HOPE (and the pages of the new STAR WARS comic book) into his own solo adventures — showing the Empire's war with the Rebel Alliance from the other side! But when a Dark Lord needs help, who can he turn to? As Vader pursues a very personal vengeance against the Rebels and investigates the Emperor's secret machinations, he clashes with weapons scavenger Aphra and deadly Battle Droids, and returns to Geonosis to build an army. But some very powerful people don't want him to learn the truths he seeks! Guest-starring Jabba the Hutt, Boba Fett and more! This book is recommended for teens and adults.
Ant-Man: Second Chance Man by Nick Spencer; Ramon Rosanas (Artist); Jordan Boyd (Illustrator)
Call Number: ANT-MAN G SPE
ISBN: 0785193871
Publication Date: 2015-06-23
Scott Lang has never exactly been the world's best super hero. Heck, most people don't even think he's been the best Ant-Man! And the last guy invented Ultron and joined the Masters of Evil, so that's saying something. But when Iron Man calls with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Scott's going to get a second chance to be the hero he's always dreamed of becoming! Then, Scott faces off against his old foe the Taskmaster, but who is the mystery villain pulling the strings? And when Ant-Man needs to pull off an impossible break-in, he assembles a new gang...of criminals! Because that's what heroes do, I guess. Sure, he's been to prison, had a messy divorce and was...um, dead for a while there. But this time is different! This time nothing is gonna stop the astonishing Ant-Man! This book is recommended for teens and adults.
Copperhead Volume 1: a New Sheriff in Town by Scott Godlewski (Artist); Ron Riley (Artist); Jay Faerber
Call Number: G FAE
ISBN: 1632152215
Publication Date: 2015-03-24
Welcome to Copperhead, a grimy mining town on the edge of a backwater planet. Single mom Clara Bronson is the new sheriff, and on her first day she'll have to contend with a resentful deputy, a shady mining tycoon, and a family of alien hillbillies. And did we mention the massacre? This book is recommended for teens and adults.
The Devil Is a Part-Timer Vol. 1 by Satoshi Wagahara; Oniku Staff (Artist)
Call Number: DEVIL YAG WAG V. 1
ISBN: 9780316383127
Publication Date: 2015-04-21
After being soundly thrashed by the hero Emilia, the Devil King and his general beat a hasty retreat to a parallel universe...only to land plop in the middle of bustling, modern-day Tokyo! Lacking the magic necessary to return home, the two are forced to assume human identities and live average human lives until they can find a better solution. And to make ends meet, Satan finds gainful employment at a nearby fast food joint! With his devilish mind set on working his way up the management food chain, what will become of his thirst for conquest?! This book is recommended for teens and adults.
Doctor Who - The Tenth Doctor Vol. 1: Revolutions of Terror by Nick Abadzis; Elena Casagrande (Illustrator); Arianna Florean (Illustrator)
Call Number: DOCTOR G ABA V. 1
ISBN: 9781785851780
Publication Date: 2016-03-29
Two strangers: the Doctor, charming, eccentric Time Lord with a past as dark and heavy as a black hole; Gabriella Gonzalez, waitress and wannabe artist with a future dragging her down like lead chains. Hurled together by a wave of psychic horror haunting New York, they embark on an epic new adventure across time and space! This book is recommended for teens and adults.
Lumberjanes Volume 1 by Noelle Stevenson; Grace Ellis; Brooke; Brooke Allen (Illustrator); Shannon Watters (As told to)
Call Number: LUMBERJANES YAG STE V. 1
ISBN: 1608866874
Publication Date: 2015-04-07
At Miss Qiunzilla Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet's camp for hard-core lady-types, things are not what they seem. Three-eyed foxes. Secret caves. Anagrams. Luckily, Jo, April, Mal, Molly, and Ripley are five rad, butt-kicking best pals determined to have an awesome summer together... And they're not gonna let a magical quest or an array of supernatural critters get in their way! The mystery keeps getting bigger, and it all begins here. This book is recommended for all ages.

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…

The books on the Excelsior Award shortlst for 2015 were designated as suitable for children aged 11-16

Ms. Marvel Vol. 1: No Normal by Marvel Comics (Text by); Adrian Alphona (Artist); G. Willow Wilson; Jacob Wyatt (Artist)
Call Number: MS MARVEL YAG WIL V. 1
ISBN: 078519021X
Publication Date: 2014-10-28
Kamala Khan is an ordinary girl from Jersey City — until she's suddenly empowered with extraordinary gifts. But who truly is the new Ms. Marvel? Teenager? Muslim? Inhuman? Find out as she takes the Marvel Universe by storm! When Kamala discovers the dangers of her newfound powers, she unlocks a secret behind them, as well. Is Kamala ready to wield these immense new gifts? Or will the weight of the legacy before her be too much to bear? Kamala has no idea, either. But she's comin' for you, Jersey! This book is recommended for teens and adults.
Barakamon Vol. 1 by Satsuki Yoshino (Created by)
Call Number: YAG YOS V.1
ISBN: 0316336084
Publication Date: 2014-10-28
First things first.........Visitors are supposed to come in through the front door!!
For a certain reason, a handsome, young calligrapher by the name of Seishuu Handa uproots himself and moves to an island on the westernmost edge of Japan. "Sensei," as he comes to be known, is a city boy through and through, and has never experienced rural life until now. And by the looks of it, he has much to learn! Luckily(?), he has a willing teacher in Naru, the energetic expert islander, to help show him the ropes. But can Sensei keep up with the plucky first-grader, or will he get schooled?! Here unfolds a heartfelt island comedy about a gruff on the outside, soft on the inside urbanite teacher and his new, unfailingly kind island neighbors! This book is recommended for teens and adults.

2014 Shortlist

The books on the Excelsior Award shortlst for 2014 were designated as suitable for children aged 11-16

Quantum & Woody Vol. 1: The World's Worst Superhero Team by Tom Fowler (Artist); Jody LeHeup (Editor); James Asmus; Ryan Sook (Cover Design by)
Call Number: QUANTUM G ASM V. 1
ISBN: 1939346185
Publication Date: 2013-11-19
Once upon a time, Eric and Woody Henderson were inseparable. Adopted brothers. Best friends. Brilliant minds. Years later, they are estranged siblings, petty rivals, and washed-up failures. But when their father's murder leads them into the throes of a life-altering scientific accident, Eric and Woody will find themselves with a whole new purpose - and a perfectly legitimate reason to wear costumes and fight crime! Go big or go home, folks! Quantum and Woody are coming! (And, yes, there is a goat too.) This book is recommended for teens and adults.
Captain America Vol. 2: Castaway in Dimension Z Book 2 (Marvel NOW) by Rick Remender; John Romita (Illustrator)
Call Number: CAPTAIN G REM V. 2
ISBN: 0785168273
Publication Date: 2013-12-17
The odd saga of Dimension Z continues, with the shocking fate of Captain America revealed: Steve Rogers is dead...long live Captain Zola! But even as Arnim Zola gets everything he wants, a traitor strikes. Ian's fate is decided as Zola's master plan is revealed...but how does it all fit with Captain Zola's quest for lies, injustice, and the Dimension Z way? This book is recommended for teens and adults.
Indestructible Hulk Vol. 1: Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. (Marvel NOW) by Mark Waid; Leinil Francis Yu (Illustrator)
Call Number: HULK G WAI V. 1
ISBN: 9780785168317
Publication Date: 2013-05-28
Hulk: Indestructible force more weapon than man. Banner: Smartest man alive. Combined, they are the strongest, smartest weapon on the planet! And NOW!, the Indestructible Hulk is an Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.! Hulk's first official missions include taking down the all-new Quintronic Man and battling Attuma on the ocean floor! But not everything is as it seems: What is Banner's secret hold over S.H.I.E.L.D. Director Maria Hill? What and where is Bannertown, USA? And which one of Banner's lab assistants holds a deadly secret? Plus: Bruce Banner and Tony Stark are friends but Hulk and Iron Man are anything but! The Golden Avenger guest-stars as Eisner Award-winning writer Mark Waid (Daredevil) and superstar artist Leinil Yu take the Hulk in an all-new direction...NOW! This book is recommended for teens and adults.

2013 Shortlist

The books on the Excelsior Award shortlst for 2013 were designated as suitable for children aged 11-16

Wonder Woman Vol. 1: Blood (New 52) by Brian Azzarello; Cliff Chiang (Illustrator); Tony Akins (Artist)
Call Number: WONDER WOMAN G AZZ V. 1
ISBN: 140123562X
Publication Date: 2013-01-15
Wonder Woman is a woman apart. Raised as a daughter by the Queen of the Amazons, the warrior princess Diana is different from her countrywomen. They've all heard the legend of how she was formed from clay to give the childless Queen the daughter she dreamed of - and they treat her like an outsider and outcast because of it, no matter how hard she fights for justice as a super hero in the outside world. But far from the Amazons' Paradise Island, the gods of Olympus are playing their own dark games. The prodigal sun Apollo is making his move for Father Zeus' vacant throne, and both vengeful gods and innocent humans are caught in the crossfire. And at the beating, bloody heart of the conflict? Wonder Woman, and a secret that will shatter everything she thought she knew. Wonder Woman is about the learn the truth about her origin. And when she does, blood will run...This book is recommended for teens and adults.
Peter Panzerfaust Vol. 1: The Great Escape by Kurtis J. Wiebe; Tyler Jenkins (Artist, Cover Design by)
Call Number: PETER G WIE V. 1
ISBN: 9781607065821
Publication Date: 2012-09-11
A coming of age tale told through the eyes of a group of French orphans during World War 2 who are saved by a brave and daring American boy named Peter. As they travel together, they get tangled up in the French Resistance in Paris, fighting a growing German presence under the leadership of a fanatical SS officer hell bent on wiping them out! Using the Peter Pan story as a touchstone, Peter Panzerfaust reinvents familiar character and plot elements in a unique and creative way. This book is recommended for teens and adults.
X-O Manowar Vol. 1: By the Sword by Cary Nord (Artist); Robert Venditti
Call Number: X-O G VEN
ISBN: 0979640946
Publication Date: 2012-12-18
The beginning of the all-new Valiant Universe starts here! Aric of Dacia is a brash warrior and heir to the throne of the Visigoth people. He has lived his life under the heel of the Roman Empire, but now a far more terrible enemy has come to subjugate him. Taken from his home and family, Aric is enslaved aboard a starship belonging to a brutal race of alien colonizers known as The Vine. If he is to have any hope of escaping and returning to Earth, he will have to steal the Vine’s most powerful weapon – a sentient suit of indestructible armor – and become X-O Manowar! This book is recommended for teens and adults.

2012 Shortlist

The books on the Excelsior Award shortlst for 2012 were designated as suitable for children aged 11-16

Green Lantern Vol. 6: Secret Origin by Geoff Johns; Ivan Reis (Artist, Cover Design by); Oclair Albert; Eddie Berganza (Editor); Dan DiDio (Editor-In-Chief); Julio Ferreira; Randy Mayor
Call Number: GREEN LANTERN G JOH V. 6
ISBN: 140121990X
Publication Date: 2008-12-10
Witness the beginning of the career of the bravest Green Lantern who's ever lived as the "secret origin" of Hal Jordan is revealed. Discover how and why Hal received the power ring that changed his life forever. Uncover the mystery of the death of Jordan's predecessor, Abin Sur. Find out why Jordan's teacher and mentor, Sinestro, became obsessed with the prophecy of the apocalyptic end of the universe "the Blackest Night". This book is recommended for teens and adults.

2011 Shortlist

The books on the Excelsior Award shortlst for 2011 were designated as suitable for children aged 11-16

Black Butler Volume 1 by Yana Toboso (Created by)
Call Number: BLACK BUTLER YAG TOB V. 1
ISBN: 0316080845
Publication Date: 2010-01-26
In the Victorian ages of London The Earl of the Phantomhive house, Ciel Phantomhive, needs to get his revenge on those who had humiliated him and destroyed what he loved. Not being able to do it alone he sells his soul to a demon he names Sebastian Michaelis. Now working as his butler, Sebastian must help the Earl Phantomhive in this suspenseful, exciting, thriller manga. This book is recommended for older teens.
Twilight: The Graphic Novel Volume 1 by Stephenie Meyer; Young C. Kim (Artist)
Call Number: TWILIGHT YAG MEY V. 1
ISBN: 9780759529434
Publication Date: 2010-03-16
When Isabella Swan moves to the gloomy town of Forks and meets the mysterious, alluring Edward Cullen, her life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn. With his porcelain skin, golden eyes, mesmerizing voice, and supernatural gifts, Edward is both irresistible and impenetrable. Up until now, he has managed to keep his true identity hidden, but Bella is determined to uncover his dark secret...This book is recommended for teens and adults.
Batman and Robin Vol. 1: Batman Reborn by Frank Quitely (Illustrator); Philip Tan (Illustrator); Grant Morrison
Call Number: Available on Hoopla
ISBN: 1401225667
Publication Date: 2010-04-13
"Batman Reborn" begins here with the reunited team of Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely (All-Star Superman, We3, New X-Men). The new Dynamic Duo hit the streets with a bang in their new flying Batmobile as they face off against an assemblage of villains called the Circus of Strange. They also tackle their first mission investigating a child who's been abducted by the mysterious Domino Killer. But will everything go smoothly? And who exactly are the new Batman and Robin? The newest era of The Dark Knight begins here! This book is recommended for teens and adults.