Book Finder

When 13-year-old Tai Pham inherits his grandmother’s jade ring, he soon finds out it’s more than it appears. Suddenly he’s being inducted into a group of space cops known as the Green Lanterns, his neighborhood is being overrun by some racist bullies, and every time he puts pen to paper, he’s forced to confront that he might not be creative enough or strong enough to uphold his ba’s legacy.

Fiction and fact combine as a young beaked whale shares information about his pod, whales, and other aspects of marine biology as he talks to other ocean inhabitants. Backmatter includes additional source notes, a whale glossary, and a human impact glossary. Altogether, this is an unusual approach to a key environmental issue. (Part of the Science Comics series)

An accident puts an end to Jordan’s basketball playing but after she finds wounded white elephant, things change. Jordan names him Marshmallow and helps her discover a new sport. The lush Indonesian setting comes alive in charismatic, sprightly illustrations.

Hudi’s dad is athletic, but Hudi is not. Hudi is funny and well, chunky. In this fictionalized memoir, Hudi confronts his family’s expectation, school bullies, and how to be true to his real interests. The graphic format captures the tone, tensions, and wit of the story.

A small shell-less slug wants a shell like a snail. The slug and a kindhearted snail share an adventure and find friendship in this early graphic novel just right for newly independent readers. Humorous art of comical critters populates the pages for a lighthearted look at camaraderie.

Haylee wishes on a falling star for a friend and finds one when she catches Comet. Together Comet, a yellow coma shaped celestial being, and Haylee make a Friend Ship to celebrate. Simple shapes in comic book format depict the warmth of their unique but recognizable friendship in short chapters.  

This story is “that of honey bees, CLAN APIS.” Nyuki is the newest honeybee in the hive and full of questions. Readers will delight in the handsomely illustrated story as well as learn a great deal about clan apis, how they live and work. Any remaining questions are likely answered in the extensive backmatter. Interestingly, the author is a biology professor who is also a cartoonist.

Can winning a cooking contest allow 12-year-old Cici to bring her Taiwanese grandmother to the U.S. for her 70th birthday? Will it interfere with her parents’ inviolable motto of “good grades, good college, good job”? Readers are sure to see themselves and their families in this engaging graphic portrait of an immigrant family and an aspiring chef who is bridging two cultures.

Katie longs to go to summer camp with her friend and takes odd jobs to earn the money. When she starts catsitting for a neighbor, she doesn’t realize that she’ll be taking care of 217 felines, each exceptional. Katie wonders if the cats’ owner is really a supervillain who goes out each night to do dastardly deeds. Fun and fantasy abound in the first of a new graphic series with a likeable heroine.

Backyard play seems quite real to three sisters as they dodge a dragon, find a pocket-sized gorilla and more in their jungle. Inspired by a visit to the Yucatan with his own daughters, Linier’s easier to read graphic novel combines art and text to create tension, movement, and imaginative drama.

What can Kooky Dooky do help to inspire El Toro to train as a luchador for his next wrestling match? The first in a lively new series features animated characters and Spanish words for a fun romp. After the match, El Toro and his friend Oink Oink clean up in El Toro’s next adventure in Tag Team (opens in a new window).

Popcorn is a healthy snack, right? Not if you’re Ellis. She’s banned from having her daily portions of popcorn, so she secretly tries to pop some. One kernel, however, comes alive to upset her life in this very funny (and a bit peculiar), illustrated novel that was first published in the Netherlands. This is likely to be the first in a series, so stay tuned for more about cowboy-hat-wearing (Popcorn) Bob!

Can a solitary alligator and an extroverted and nosey bird become friends? Ally doesn’t think so since Beak will not take no for an answer! The friendship will likely endure as this is the first in a humorous new early graphic novel series.

The story of one of the most famous events in U.S. history, focusing on the role of Samuel Adams. Considered the leader of the protest movement against Britain’s authority in Massachusetts, Samuel Adams convinced many people to join the Sons of Liberty. Presented in graphic novel format.

Meet colorful characters of the Wild West including a cigar-chewing stagecoach driver named Mary as well as other formerly enslaved people. The comic book format provides a brief but factual introduction to the period, to spark young readers’ interest in learning more about lesser known people of the Old West.

Nobody knows comics trivia like Stanley knows comics trivia. It’s what he takes comfort in when the world around him gets to be too much. And after he faints during a safety assembly, Stanley takes his love of comics up a level by inventing his own imaginary superhero, named John Lockdown, to help him through. Help is what he needs, because Stanley’s entered Trivia Quest — a giant comics-trivia treasure hunt — to prove he can tackle his worries, score VIP passes to Comic Fest, and win back his ex-best friend. See our interview with the author, Sally J. Pla ›

Omar and his younger brother, Hassan, flee Somalia’s war to become refugees in a United Nations camp in Kenya. Based on Omar’s life, this riveting story is honestly told yet conveys a clear sense of hope. The graphic format provides an entry into the sights, sounds, and challenges of living in a sprawling camp. Back matter provides additional information and detail about Omar and his life story.

Though identical twins, Francine and Maureen Carter couldn’t be more different. And their close relationship is changing drastically as they start 6th grade. Siblings will see themselves in this realistic, engaging, and colorfully illustrated graphic novel as the twins compete for student council president.

Olive decides to act when she disagrees with a school policy that prevents some kids from going on a field trip. Humor and activism combine for a plausible, engaging middle school tale.

What is that dreadful smell in New Mouse City? Not to worry — Geronimo Stilton is on the job! In this first graphic version featuring the rodent star of many books, cartoon illustrations and over-the-top silliness are sure to please young graphic aficionados.

Rich in folklore and local culture, this graphic novel aimed at emergent readers offers a window into the world of Arctic First Nations families and legends. The two protagonists have a typical sibling dynamic as younger brother Putuguq tags along and annoys his older sister Kublu. On the way to meet a friend near the ocean, the duo run into their grandfather. He warns them to steer clear of the shoreline, lest they become victims of the Qalupalik, a nightmarish, mermaidlike creature who captures those who wander too close to the water. A map orienting readers to Putuguq and Kublu’s snow-covered village showcases an array of homes on stilts, many with snowmobiles (and sled dogs) outside.

Based on the true stories of the Native American Code Talkers this graphic novel features nine original stories by Native American artists and writers documenting the heroic tales of Code Talkers from World War I through Korea. The graphic novel also features a history of the Code Talkers and a lesson plan for teachers who wish to use the book to teach students about the struggle and accomplishments of these Native American heroes.

A boy is not happy about moving but while exploring his new home, he finds a large roll top desk. There he discovers imaginative, surprising stories. The Argentinian author/illustrator has created a memorable fantasy juxtaposing the real world and extraordinary adventures held in the found journal. Surreal illustrations are presented in sequential art, calling to mind a graphic novel.

Mango and Brash right the wrongs created by “crime, corruption, and confusion.” They are the InvestiGators, with an emphasis on gators, for Mango and Brash are alligators. Fast-paced and slightly goofy, this clever tale is sure to delight graphic novel and mystery aficionados alike.