Great Graphic Novels 2020
/The Ottawa Public Library is back to share some great graphic novels books with us. This month’s post is by Lise Dumas, Supervising Librarian, Children's and Teen Services at the Main Branch of the Ottawa Public Library.
For those who love graphic novels, the Ottawa Public Library has some new and exciting reads for all ages. Here are some of the most interesting graphic novels for kids that have come out so far in 2020:
Trespassers by Breena Bard.
This story follows Gabby and her family on their summer vacation at their lake home. Gabby, a voracious reader, would prefer to spend her time reading during her vacation, but her parents have decided she should spend some time with Paige, the daughter of the family next door. Although reticent at first, Gabby befriends Paige and the two decide to write a story about an unsolved real-life mystery at one of the empty homes on the lake. This mystery involves the disappearance of the homeowners one night after a party. The two girls, with the help of their younger brothers, will try to uncover the lake house mystery and overcome hurdles in their friendship over the course of their vacation. The characters are simply drawn and the art will likely appeal to young readers. For ages 8-12.
The Big Break by Mark Tatulli
Middle schoolers Andrew and Russ who are trying to win a video contest by making a movie about the legendary Jersey Devil. Their long-term friendship is tested when Russ begins a romance with Tara, a cool girl at school. While Russ is ready to grow up, Andrew is not; he still loves drawing and his action figures. This story reflects the trials of growing up and how even a great friendship can be strained - but also, that it’s okay to have new friends and have separate interests. With an engaging cast of characters including a very adventurous librarian, Andrew, Russ and Tara embark on an exciting escapade to find the Jersey Devil and finish their movie. The drawings are very expressive and the colours are vivid. For ages 8-12.
The Okay Witch by Emma Steinkellner
For ages 8-14, this story is about thirteen-year old Moth Hush, who lives in Founder’s Bluff Massachusetts. Moth is obsessed with all things “witchy” and is pleased to find out that she is from a family of witches. Moth discovers she has powers on Halloween but unfortunately, her mother forbids her from practicing witchcraft, as the family has a dark past involving witch hunts and family drama. Moth is pushed to choose between her Mother’s rejection of witchcraft and her Grandma’s encouragement to embrace her powers and leave to the human world. Moth must find her own way and bring her family together again in this fun, exciting adventure. The autumn colours, the setting and the subject make it a great Halloween read.
Go With The Flow by Lily Williams and Karen Schneemann
This graphic novel speaks of the trials and tribulations of periods in high school. Sasha Chen worries that she will be known throughout high school as ‘period girl’ when she gets her first period the day she wears white pants. With the help of Brit, Abby, Christine and Sasha, they take on the school administration to get the school to stock the bathroom hygiene dispensers to destigmatize periods. When the school administration refuses to address this woman’s health issue citing budget cuts, all while funding new football uniforms, the girls decide to campaign for change. The book addresses first love, political activism, and the power of friendship. The images are all drawn in black and white and fittingly coloured in pink and red. For ages 10-14.
Operation: Hat Heist! By Jason Platt
This is the second book in the Middle School Misadventures series. Newell is a huge fan of a TV series called The Captain and watches the show with his Dad. The show is about a WWII Captain who gets sucked through the Bermuda triangle into another dimension. Newell’s Dad goes to great lengths to obtain an authentic captain’s hat for him only to have the hat stolen from Newell’s backpack at school and then confiscated by the principal. With the help of his friends and an eight-grader named Ethan, Newell concocts a heist to retrieve his hat before his Dad finds out it is missing. The results are unexpected and hilarious. The artwork is eloquent, and a variety of techniques are used such as monochromatic flashbacks and full-page scenes. This book will appeal to fans of Big Nate and Diary of Wimpy Kid. For ages 8-12.
