graphic novels

Newbery Roundup 2: Mexikid, The Swifts, and Shira and Esther’s Double-Dream Debut

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 16, 2024

This is second of our roundup series of possible Newbery contenders for 2024. See the first roundup here. Mexikid: A Graphic Memoir by Pedro Martin. ...

Newbery Roundup 1: Jawbreaker, When Sea Becomes Sky, Duel

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 12, 2024

Two weeks from now (January 22), the American Library Association will announce their Youth Media Award winners, including the Newbery and Caldecott. We’ve kept an ...

Family Style by Thien Pham

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 4, 2024

In Family Style, cartoonist Thien Pham recalls his escape from Vietnam and growing up in America through a series of meals. Family Style: Memories of ...

2024 Newbery Buzz #1: A First Time for Everything by Dan Santat

By Betsy Farquhar | Jan 3, 2024

A First Time For Everything has already won the National Book Award for Young People's Literature. Could it also win the Newbery? We're kicking off ...

*Saving H’Non: Chang and the Elephant by Trang Nguyen

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 12, 2023

Saving H'Non beautifully employs a graphic-novel format to tell the true story of an animal rescue and faithful human stewardship. *Saving H’Non: Chang and the ...

Hidden: A Child’s Story of the Holocaust by Loic Dauvillier

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 5, 2023

Hidden: A Child’s Story of the Holocaust is a suitable introduction for grades 2-4 to this terrible chapter in history. Hidden: A Child’s Story of ...

*Watership Down: The Graphic Novel by Richard Adams, James Sturm, and Joe Sutphin

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 2, 2023

The graphic-novel version of Watership Down combines the dramatic force of the original story with winning art. *Watership Down: The Graphic Novel by Richard Adams, ...

Bea Wolf by Zach Weinersmith & Boulet

By Hayley Morell | Nov 30, 2023

Calvin and Hobbes meets the Nickelodeon channel to retell Beowulf in a colorful, creative, graphic novel. Bea Wolf by Zach Weinersmith & Boulet. First Second, ...

*The Miracle Seed by Martin Lemelman

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 30, 2023

The Miracle Seed tells the amazing story of how a tree extinct for a millennium came back to life. *The Miracle Seed by Martin Lemelman. ...

Things in the Basement by Ben Hatke

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 28, 2023

Ben Hatke’s graphic novel Things in the Basement takes an intrepid protagonist through centuries of art and symbolism. Things in the Basement by Ben Hatke. ...

YA Graphic Novels: Graceling, Cheshire Crossing & Lore Olympus

By Hayley Morell | Sep 21, 2023

A rapid fire round up of three YA graphic novels for mature teen readers. Graceling by Kristin Cashore, adapted and illustrated by Gareth Hinds. Clarion ...

American Born Chinese by Gene Yuen Yang

By Betsy Farquhar | Jun 5, 2023

American Born Chinese is a coming-of-age story with great spiritual insight in graphic novel format. American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang. FirstSecond, 2021 (reprint). ...

School Trip by Jerry Craft

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 13, 2023

School Trip, a companion novel to Newbery-winning New Kid, launches the Riverdale Academy students on a tour of Paris. School Trip by Jerry Craft. Quill ...

Victory, Stand! by Tommie Smith and Derrick Barnes

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 15, 2023

Victory, Stand!, this year's ALA YA nonfiction award winner, tells the story of the notorious "Olympic fist" from a point of view that makes it ...

2023 Newbery Buzz Roundup #2: Frizzy, How to Build a Human, and Attack of the Black Rectangles

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 24, 2023

The American Library Association will announce the winners of its very influential Youth Media Awards, headed by the Newbery and Caldecott. Since we can't help ...

Newbery Roundup #1: Freestyle, Swim Team, and Maizy Chen’s Last Chance

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 17, 2023

Three novels for middle-grades that may be under consideration for this year's top prize Freestyle by Gale Galligan. Graphix; (Scholastic), 2022, 322 pages. (Ages 10-14) ...

The Holy Ghost by John Hendrix

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 1, 2022

In The Holy Ghost, author/illustrator John Hendrix freely exercises his imaginative powers while contemplating the third Person of the Trinity. The Holy Ghost: A Spirited ...

Ride On by Faith Erin Hicks

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 15, 2022

Ride On is an equestrian graphic novel that horse aficionados will devour. Ride On by Faith Erin Hicks. First Second, 2022, 218 pages. Reading Level: ...

Hummingbird by Natalie Lloyd

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 13, 2022

Hummingbird features a plucky protagonist with a debilitating bone disease—who doesn’t see herself as debilitated. Hummingbird by Natalie Lloyd. Scholastic, 2022, 348 pages. Reading Level: ...

Graphic-Novel History: History Comics and Who HQ

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 20, 2022

Telling history and science through pictures is an obvious way to teach, but watch out when a series attempts to do more than communicate the ...

Your Pal Fred by Michael Rex

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 28, 2022

A fun graphic novel for young middle-graders, Your Pal Fred pictures a dystopian world startled by kindness. Your Pal Fred by Michael Rex. Viking, 2022, ...

The Aquanaut by Dan Santat

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 23, 2022

The Aquanaut packs unexpected heart into a fantastical story from the ocean depths. The Aquanaut by Dan Santat. Scholastic Graphix, 2022, 243 pages Reading Level: ...

Cat Kid Comic Club by Dav Pilkey

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 13, 2022

The Cat Kid Comic club, a spinoff of the popular Dog Man series, invites young readers to experiment with their own comic stories and styles. ...

Dog Man Series by Dav Pilkey

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 13, 2022

Dav Pilkey’s Dog Man series, while reveling in underwear and potty humor, still manages to be loveable. And even funny. Dog Man: a Graphic Novel ...

Fun with Words and Stories: Otto: A Palindrama and The Ice Cream Machine

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 19, 2022

Otto tells an extended story with pictures and palindromes, while The Ice Cream Machine spins six stories off one title prompt. Otto: A Palendrama by ...

Church History from Kingstone

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 19, 2021

Three publications by Kingstone Media inform readers about Luther, Vladimir, and Martyrs of the 1st-3rd centuries. Luther by Dr. Rich Melheim, illustrated by various artists. ...

Friends Forever by Shannon Hale

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 29, 2021

Shannon Hale wraps up her "Friends" trilogy with a heartfelt graphic memoir of eighth grade anxiety. Friends Forever by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham. First ...

9/11 for Middle Graders: Ground Zero and In the Shadow of the Fallen Towers

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 7, 2021

Novelist Alan Gratz and graphic artist Don Brown offer views of 9/11 accessible to middle-grade readers. In The Shadow of the Fallen Towers: The Seconds, ...

The Way of the Hive by Jay Hosler

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 14, 2021

The Way of the Hive follows the life of a honeybee in clever graphic-novel style. The Way of the Hive: A Honey Bee’s Story by ...

A Shot in the Arm! by Don Brown

By Janie Cheaney | May 31, 2021

A Shot in the Arm traces the history of vaccination in graphic-novel format, from the 18th century to the present day. A Shot in the ...

The Great Gatsby in Graphic Novel Form

By Betsy Farquhar | May 26, 2021

Hayley and Betsy discuss the excellent, new graphic novel adaptation of The Great Gatsby adapted by K. Woodman-Maynard (Candlewick, 2021). First Impressions of The Great ...

Class Act by Jerry Craft

By Betsy Farquhar | Feb 15, 2021

Class Act picks up right where New Kid left off, offering insight with humor and great art. Class Act by Jerry Craft. Quill Tree Books, ...

Black Heroes of the Wild West by James Otis Smith

By Betsy Farquhar | Feb 10, 2021

Black Heroes of the Wild West introduces young readers to three exciting and legendary figures in this graphic novel style history for middle grades. Black ...

*Catherine’s War by Julia Billet

By Hayley Morell | Feb 3, 2021

An excellent new graphic novel translated into English, Catherine's War tells the story of one Jewish girl’s life in occupied France, often through the lens ...

Dancing at the Pity Party by Tyler Feder

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 26, 2021

Raw, funny, and honest, Dancing at the Pity Party is a close look at grief after the loss of a mother. Dancing at the Pity ...

The Epic Bible

By Janie Cheaney | Dec 12, 2020

The Epic Bible tells the entire story of the Bible in graphic format and dramatic style, with some embellishment. The Epic Bible: God’s Story from ...

The Best of Iggy by Annie Barrows

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 17, 2020

Iggy learns not all bad deeds are created equal in this humorous tour of relative morality. The Best of Iggy by Annie Barrows, illustrated by ...

Fly on the Wall by Remy Lai

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 17, 2020

The hero of Fly on the Wall hatches a daring scheme to remake his self-image. Fly on the Wall by Remy Lai. Henry Holt, 2020, ...

Superman Smashes the Klan by Gene Luen Yang

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 5, 2020

This latest iteration of the Superman legend by Gene Luen Yang includes familiar faces, social commentary, and historical context--also one big misstep. Superman Smashes the ...

Shirley & Jamila Save Their Summer by Gillian Goerz

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 13, 2020

Shirley & Jamila are an odd couple who learn a lot about friendship while solving neighborhood crimes. Shirley & Jamila Save Their Summer by Gillian ...

*When Stars Are Scattered by Omar Mohammed

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 28, 2020

The new graphic novel When Stars Are Scattered brings the refugee experience into sharp yet sympathetic focus. *When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and ...

The Asterix Series, American-style

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 24, 2020

The now-classic Asterix comic series receives an American gloss in a new edition. Astrix Omnibus #1, 2, and 3 by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo. ...

Dragon Hoops by Gene Luen Yang

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 10, 2020

Dragon Hoops turns a high-school basketball championship season into a close-up look at life's changes and choices. Dragon Hoops by Gene Luen Yang. First Second, ...

Two Graphic Novel Memoirs: Cub and Best Friends

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 10, 2020

Shannon Hale continues her middle-grade memoir with Best Friends; Cynthia Copeland tells how she became a writer in Cub. Cub by Cynthia Copeland. Algonquin, 2020, ...

Fever Year by Don Brown

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 5, 2020

Don Brown tells the story of Spanish Influenza in three acts in this graphic novel format nonfiction book for young teens. Fever Year: The Killer ...

Everything Awesome about Dinosaurs by Mike Lowery

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 22, 2020

A fact-packed and tongue-in-cheek resource for dinosaur fans, with a distinct evolutionary slant. Everything Awesome about Dinosaurs and Other Prehistoric Beasts by Mike Lowery. Orchard ...

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 16, 2020

Continuing our roundup of possible contender for the 2020 Newbery Medal All the Greys on Greene Street by Laura Tucker. Viking, 320 pages. Olympia’s artist ...

2020 Newbery Buzz #2: New Kid and Guts

By Betsy Farquhar | Jan 13, 2020

Every January, we love to discuss the merits (or demerits) of books we’ve seen getting “Newbery buzz” in the broader children’s literature world. The actual ...

By Betsy Farquhar | Jan 8, 2020

The true story of John Wesley Powell, "Major Impossible" who mapped the Grand Canyon, told in graphic novel format. Major Impossible (Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales ...

White Bird by R. J. Palacio

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 30, 2019

In White Bird, a graphic novel, the best-selling author of Wonder traces the holocaust history of a Wonder character's grandmother. White Bird (a Wonder Story) ...

*Bolivar by Sean Rubin

By Betsy Farquhar | Sep 19, 2019

This large-format graphic novel brings to life a new, lovable dinosaur while simultaneously nudging readers to be more perceptive. *Bolivar by Sean Rubin. Archaia, 2017. ...

Queen of the Sea by Dylan Meconis

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 6, 2019

An alternate version of English history drives Queen of the Sea, a lively graphic novel of political intrigue and warm personal relationships. Queen of the ...

Rocket to the Moon! by Don Brown

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 17, 2019

Graphic artist Don Brown give us a comprehensive visual account of the Apollo space program. Rocket to the Moon! (Big Ideas that Changed the World ...

Pilgrim’s Progress Roundup

By Megan Saben | May 29, 2019

When you are ready to introduce your family to a classic edition of Pilgrim’s Progress, two simplified versions complement each other beautifully, providing solid familiarity ...

Are Graphic Novels “Literature”?

By Janie Cheaney | May 24, 2019

When I was a kid, back in the day, “comic books” did not have a great reputation. In fact, in 1949 a book called Seduction ...

The Odyssey: a Graphic Novel by Gareth Hinds

By Janie Cheaney | May 22, 2019

This graphic-novel adaptation of The Odyssey has some beautiful panels and a few problems. The Odyssey: a Graphic Novel by Gareth Hinds. Candlewick, 2010, 248 ...

The Iliad: a Graphic Novel by Gareth Hinds

By Janie Cheaney | May 22, 2019

Gareth Hinds' adaptation of The Iliad is an excellent introduction to Homer's classic for middle graders and teens. *The Iliad: a Graphic Novel Adaptation by ...

Graphic Novel Roundup: The Giver and A Wrinkle in Time

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 12, 2019

Two recent graphic-novel adaptations of classic stories have their strengths, but overall demonstrate the adage, "the book is better." A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine ...

New Kid by Jerry Craft

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 11, 2019

New Kid offers a fresh and funny graphic-novel take on the middle-school blues. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: ages 8-14 From Washington ...

Hey Kiddo by Jarrett J. Krosoczka

By Betsy Farquhar | Mar 11, 2019

Krosoczka, author of the Lunch Lady graphic novels, tells his own story in Hey Kiddo, a graphic novel memoir that is by turns harsh and tender. ...

2019 Newbery Buzz #6: Cardboard Kingdom

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 22, 2019

Cardboard Kingdom (Knopf, 2018) bounced to the top of the book-review radar the moment it was released, and soon after tallied an impressive 5 starred ...

2019 Newbery Buzz #4: The Faithful Spy

By Janie Cheaney | Jan 15, 2019

Janie and Megan talk over one of the most impressive books we read this year: The Faithful Spy: Dietrich Bonhoffer and the Plot to Kill ...

The Books Worth a Library Fine

By Hayley Morell | Dec 20, 2018

This post really happened. It was written at the library with a stack of books and without coffee. It has been left close to its ...

*The Faithful Spy by John Hendrix

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 17, 2018

*The Faithful Spy is an outstanding biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer—and one of the best biographies for kids ever. The Faithful Spy: Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the ...

Illegal by Eoin Colfer and Andrew Donkin

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 4, 2018

Illegal, a graphic novel, puts readers into the perils of a refugee from Africa while stimulating important questions about refugees worldwide. Ages 12-15 Illegal by ...

Multicultural Graphic Novels: Akissi and the Dragon Slayer

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 24, 2018

Two graphic novels give readers a glimpse of life and culture in Africa and South America. Ages 7-12 Akissi: Tales of Mischief by Marguerite Abouet ...

Can You Identify the Five Nonfiction Categories?

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 21, 2018

The Juvenile nonfiction designation has exploded, especially since the push for Common Core standards was supposed to increase factual reading. Common Core seems to be ...

*New Shoes by Sara Varon

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 27, 2018

A delightful journey into the jungle awaits Francis the Donkey on his quest to make new shoes for his favorite Calypso singer. *New Shoes by ...

2018 Newbery Buzz #5: Real Friends and All’s Faire in Middle School

By Betsy Farquhar | Feb 9, 2018

It's our final Newbery Buzz of the 2018 season. Betsy and Alysha discuss two graphic novels for this last round. Graphic Novels as Newbery Winners? ...

Poe: Stories and Poems: A Graphic Novel Adaptation by Gareth Hinds

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 11, 2017

Poe: Stories and Poems is just as gripping, psychological, and scary in this well done graphic novel format as it is in the original prose. ...

All’s Faire in Middle School by Victoria Jamieson

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 12, 2017

An unusual setting makes this graphic novel a worthwhile perspective on navigating the treacherous waters of those middle years. All’s Faire in Middle School by ...

Real Friends by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 16, 2017

Newbery-honor author Shannon Hale’s graphic memoir charts the ups and downs of elementary- age friendship. Real Friends by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham. First Second, ...

Mighty Jack by Ben Hatke

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 4, 2017

This exciting graphic-novel series opener pits a fatherless boy and an adventurous home-schooling girl against aggressive garden vegetables. Mighty Jack by Ben Hatke. First Second, ...

The Bad Guys by Aaron Blabey

By Janie Cheaney | Apr 3, 2017

This light, quick series-opener will keep reluctant readers reading between the laughs. The Bad Guys by Aaron Blabey. Scholastic, 2015, 137 pages Reading Level: Picture ...

Don’t Take Yourself (or Your Reading) Too Seriously!

By Betsy Farquhar | Apr 1, 2017

Today, in my leisure reading, I came across some good "fifty cent" words: pandemonium, benefactors, stratosphere, maligned, facilitate, photons,... I also noticed some terrific literary ...

March, Books One and Three by John Lewis

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 17, 2017

John Lewis recounts his role in the Civil Rights struggle in this series of graphic nonfiction histories that vividly portray the difficulty, agony, and ultimate ...

*Zita the Spacegirl Series by Ben Hatke

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 29, 2016

Zita the Spacegirl and her intrepid friends battle the forces of evil in extra terrestrial dimensions in this lively graphic novel series. a review from ...

Snow White: a Graphic Novel by Matt Phelan

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 3, 2016

In this fairy-tale retelling, Snow White is updated to the late 1920s, with the stock-market crash and the early days of the Great Depression shaping ...

Ghosts by Raina Telgemeir

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 29, 2016

A much-acclaimed graphic novel by Raina Telgemeir pokes below the surface creepiness of "hauntings" to explore how we feel about death. Ghosts by Raina Telegemeir. ...

*The Book of God by Ben Avery

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 19, 2016

This comprehensive, accessible guide to the history of the Bible in graphic-novel format will have young readers referring to it again and again. *The Book ...

Kid Beowulf by Alexis Fajarda

By Janie Cheaney | Sep 14, 2016

A venerable legend gets a total makeover with this new graphic-novel series that does for early Europe what the Astrix series did for Rome. Kid ...

Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson

By Janie Cheaney | Aug 6, 2016

The rough, tough world of girls' roller derby is the setting for this surprisingly sweet depiction of friendship, breakup, and change. Roller Girl by Victoria ...

Hilo: Saving the Whole Wide World by Judd Winick

By Janie Cheaney | Jul 15, 2016

The exuberant boy-robot Hilo is back from “the void,” pursuing his mission to destroy his arch-enemy Razorwark and discover his own origin and purpose. Hilo ...

Little Dee and the Penguin by Christopher Baldwin

By Janie Cheaney | Jun 15, 2016

Sunny and warm, this graphic novel combines a wildly implausible plot with distinct personalities—and lots of laughs. Little Dee and the Penguin by Christopher Baldwin. ...

Sunny Side Up by Jennifer Holm

By Janie Cheaney | May 11, 2016

In this graphic novel with a bittersweet twist, Sunny's disappointing “vacation” in her grandfather’s retirement community conceals some family secrets. Sunny Side Up by Jennifer ...

By Betsy Farquhar | Dec 29, 2015

Continuing our series of discussions about "buzz" books, this time Janie and Betsy look at a nonfiction work in graphic novel format. Betsy: Drowned City: Hurricane ...

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 27, 2015

The Action Bible Study Bible ESV, edited by Catherine deVries, illustrated by Sergio Cariello. David C. Cook, 2015. 1248 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages ...

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 6, 2015

The American Library Association (ALA) stages a huge event every winter when it names the winners of its coveted John Newbery and Randolph Caldecott awards. ...

El Deafo by Cece Bell

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 4, 2014

El Deafo by Cece Bell. Amulet, 2014. 241 pages Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 Maturity Level: 3 (ages 8-10) Bottom Line: Author/illustrator Cece Bell ...

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 9, 2014

Shackleton: Antarctic Odyssey by Nick Bertozzi. First Second, 2014. 125 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Maturity Level: 4 (ages 11-12) and up This ...

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 7, 2014

Treaties, Trenches, Mud, and Blood by Nathan Hale. Amulet, 2014. 128 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12Maturity Level: 4 (age 10 and up) This ...

The Forgotten Man by Amity Shlaes

By Janie Cheaney | Oct 7, 2014

The graphic edition of Amity Shlaes' acclaimed history presents a different view of the effectiveness of government action during the Great Depression. The Forgotten Man: ...

*Tommysaurus Rex by Doug TenNapel

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 11, 2014

Tommysaurus Rex by Doug TenNapel. Scholastic (Graphix), ask 2013. 238 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 8-10 Maturity Level: 3 (ages 8-10) and up Bottom ...

Classics in Comics

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 26, 2013

We round out Picture-book month at Redeemed Reader with a look at some recent comic-book adaptations of enduring literary works--even though graphic novels, technically speaking, ...

By Janie Cheaney | Nov 19, 2013

Jane, the Fox, and Me by Fanny Britt and Isobelle Arsenault (translated from the original French). Groundwood, 2014, 101 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ...

History in Graphic Format

By Betsy Farquhar | Oct 31, 2013

As we conclude our History Month here at RedeemedReader, I hope you've enjoyed learning about historical fiction, church history, picture book biographies, general history, and ...

Beowulf: Legend, Worldview, and Contemporary Narratives

By Betsy Farquhar | Aug 19, 2013

When I used to teach high school British Literature back in the day, Beowulf was always our first big study. It's first chronologically, and it's ...

Two Books about China

By emily | Jul 24, 2013

Little White Duck: A Childhood in China by Na Liu, Illustrated by Andres Vera Martinez. Graphic Universe TM, 2013. 96 pgs. Grades 4-7. When I ...

By Janie Cheaney | Mar 8, 2013

Zeus, King of the Gods, (#1 in The Olympians graphic-novel series) by George O’Connor. First Second, 2012, 80 pages. Reading Level: Picture books (graphic novel), ...

Words and Pictures: a Talk with Doug TenNapel

By Janie Cheaney | Feb 20, 2013

Yesterday we reviewed two graphic novels by a rising star in the world of "comics" who also happens to be a Christian and a homeschooling ...