Graphic Novels for the Win
2007 was the breakthrough year with graphic novels capturing the Printz Award and a Sibert Honor. There followed an eight-year gap (EIGHT YEARS!) before graphic novels began to pop up on award lists. Two titles each were awarded in 2015 and 2016. In 2017 one book, March: Book Three garnered top honors with four ALA awards, in addition to the National Book Award for Young People's Literature and an Eisner Award. That's a lot of stickers on one cover! The momentum built in 2019 with four comics winning awards and The Unwanted received two awards. This year New Kid earned the covetous Newbery Award. Graphic novels for the win. Huzzah! |
Worth Noting
Young California surfer Trot and her one-eyed cat discover a fantasy underwater world. Inspired by Vietnamese folktales and Frank Baum, they are brimming with stunning design and nouveau style art. | Historical fiction chronicling the life and legacy of African legend Shaka with fascinating insights into Zulu history. Explores the complex role of leadership and chronicles the expanded the role of women in this society. The second of two volumes. | Middle grade tale of witchcraft and magic. It's also a story of three generations of women. Thoughtful contemplation of identity with a unique twist. Bonus: sparkles with wit and visual humor. |
A well-researched account of Brontë's struggle to become an author is featured in The Center for Cartoon Studies reality-based series. An independent woman living in the 1880's and supporting herself is a compelling story. | This hybrid combines distinct first person narrative text with emotion-packed images which give life to this story of immigration and sibling rivalry. Bonus: amazing mouth-watering cakes described in each chapter. | Big Ideas That Changed the World recounts this significant historical event in graphic novel format. Excellent pacing enhances the tension culminating in the successful lunar landing of Apollo 11. |