September brings a lot of things: cooler temperatures, pumpkin everything, the start of a new school year, Library Card Sign-up Month, and Banned Books Week, to name just a few. This year, Banned Books Week is focusing on comics and I thought I would share some contemporary, realistic graphic novels. What other recommendations do you have?
Seconds by Bryan Lee O’Malley
Katie’s life was going pretty well– until it wasn’t. She soon discovers a way to do things over… and soon Katie can’t stop redoing anything that goes wrong.
This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki and Jillian Tamaki
Rose and her family spend their summers at Awago Beach. This summer is different. Her parents won’t stop fighting and she and her friend get tangled up in some local drama.
The Plain Janes by Cecil Castellucci and Jim Rugg (2008 Great Graphic Novels for Teens)
Jane moves from a big city to suburbia and thinks life is over. Then she meets some other Janes and they start a secret art gang.
Relish: My Life in the Kitchen by Lucy Knisley (2014 Great Graphic Novels for Teens)
Knisley’s autobiographical graphic novel detailing her upbringing with foodie parents with a few recipes thrown in.
I Think I Am in Friend Love With You by Yumi Sakugawa
Cute tale of a friendly admirer who wants to make friends.
-Faythe Arredondo
Given the focus on both contemporary graphic novels and banned books, I would recommend Americus by MK Reed (http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/681499683). It is all about a teen who fights to prevent his favorite fantasy series from being banned at his local public library.