New Graphic Novels
Haven’t seen a graphic novel yet? Go get one from your library or bookstore NOW. There’s a whole new world of storytelling out there. They used to be comic books. Now, you can find those great characters, riveting adventures and poignant endings in full-length volumes. With the recent movie based on mega-graphic-novel-hit Diary of a Wimpy Kid, these are sure to become the big thing!
The Whole World’s Crazy (Amelia Rules! Series), Vol. 1 by Jimmy Gownley (Simon & Schuster). Amelia has burst onto the scene with a wonderful array of new characters to love in the style of Charles Schulz’ Peanuts. With comic timing akin to Calvin and Hobbes, Gownley deserves all the praise he receives. The topic? Life when your parents are divorced. It is funnier than you think. (Ages 7 and up)
Malice by Chris Wooding (Scholastic). Seth and Kady have heard all the rumors about the comic book world of Malice. But then they see a friend lost in the pages and decide to get to the bottom of all the disappearing kids. Part horror book, part fantasy, the graphic format heightens an already intense story line. (Ages 10 and up)
Rapunzel’s Revenge by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale, illus. by Nathan Hale (Bloomsbury). Shannon Hale is author of the award winning The Princess Academy and the hit series begun with The Goose Girl. She has teamed up with her husband, Dean, and illustrator Nathan (no relation) to create a new story about Rapunzel. This fairy tale princess is actually witty and tough and travels an incredible road to save someone dear to her. Don’t miss this one. (Ages 10 and up)
Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute (Lunch Lady Series) by Jarrett Krosoczka (Alfred Knopf Books for Young Readers). For fans of Captain Underpants, the mild mannered Lunch Lady becomes a superhero! Armed with chicken nugget bombs and lunch tray laptop, she rules the cafeteria and so much more. A terrific introduction to mysteries. (Ages 7 and up)
Julie Hubble admits that a graphic novel is sometimes her favorite thing to read in Leawood.