In case you missed my post earlier in December, I discussed how in late November, early December, those “Best Lists” roll in, and yes, I admitted to looking at them, but it was more to see what I may have missed rather than see what others have deemed “best.” Since I am always on the lookout for new books to read, enjoy and share with others the past few posts, I have shared books that perhaps you may have missed and can add to your reading stack. I am trying my best to include 12 – one for each month of the year but, admittedly, I am not always successful.
Today I am sharing graphic novels. I decided to separate the middle-grade graphic novels into genres and then added the young adult section. I provided details about the two Canadian titles that I read. Clearly, I need to read more Canadian graphic novels in 2021!
So here are the graphic novels that Maybe You Missed…
Middle Grade Animals & Fantasy
Kodi by Jared Cullum
Mellybean and the Giant Monster by Mike White
Lightfall: The Girl and the Galdurian by Tim Probert
Snapdragon by Kat Leyh
Bear by Ben Queen, illustrations by Joe Todd-Thanton
Middle Grade: Realistic, Historical and Biographical
Class Act by Jerry Craft
Trespassers by Breena Bard
When Stars are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed
Cub by Cynthia L. Copeland
Measuring Up by Lily LaMotte and Ann Xu
Twins by Varian Johnson and illustrated by Shannon Wright
I Survived The Sinking of the Titanic of 1912 by Lauren Tarshis and art by Haus Studio
Young Adult
As promised, here is some further details on the two Canadian graphic novels that in my opinion should be in every YA classroom and library.
If I Go Missing is the one title not published in 2020 but released in December of 2019. A haunting, powerful book to hiFrom the Roots Up is the second in the Surviving the City series by Tasha Spillet. It begins where Surviving the City left readers off, with Dez grieving over her grandmother, trying to adjust to life in a group home and living life as an Indigenous Two-Spirit person. From the Roots Up focuses on Dez and her struggles to be accepted. From her best friend Miikwan not fully understanding what Dez is experiencing to Elder Linda still following protocols from when she was young, readers see the challenges as Dez goes about daily life. Vibrant colours and the inclusion of elder spirits complement the storyline as those connected to Dez work together to make the world more inclusive. Having a Two-Spirit person as the main character and tackling the issues they face and resolving them provides mirrors and windows on a neglected but relevant issue. Everyone needs to see themselves in stories, and From the Roots Up is the first of its kind that I have read to share and inform readers about Two-Spirited people in a caring and informative manner. ghlight again, so more readers become aware of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG). The book contains excerpts from the letter sent by 14-year-old Brianna Jonnie to the Chief of Police in Winnipeg in 2016, who ponders why the police and media are slower to react when Indigenous females go missing versus white individuals. The novel with few lines outlining who she is as an individual and the many societal stereotypes she is not. With shades of black, grey and white with splashes of red, acknowledging the Red Dress movement, this graphic novel adds to the sombre tone of the sparse but powerful text. The ending drives home the inequities Jonnie feels. “If I go missing and the [Winnipeg Police Service] has not changed the behaviours I have brought to your attention, I beg of you, do not treat me as the Indigenous person I am proud to be.” If you are not familiar with this title, I urge you to read it and include it in your classrooms and libraries.
From the Roots Up is the second in the Surviving the City series by Tasha Spillet. It begins where Surviving the City left readers off, with Dez grieving over her grandmother, trying to adjust to life in a group home and living life as an Indigenous Two-Spirit person. From the Roots Up focuses on Dez and her struggles to be accepted. From her best friend Miikwan not fully understanding what Dez is experiencing to Elder Linda still following protocols from when she was young, readers see the challenges as Dez goes about daily life. Vibrant colours and the inclusion of elder spirits complement the storyline as those connected to Dez work together to make the world more inclusive. Having a Two-Spirit person as the main character and tackling the issues they face and resolving them provides mirrors and windows on a neglected but relevant issue. Everyone needs to see themselves in stories, and From the Roots Up is the first of its kind that I have read to share and inform readers about Two-Spirited people in a caring and informative manner. Another must have book for classrooms and libraries.
If I Go Missing by Brianna Jonnie with Naheni Shingoose, Art by Nshannacappo
Go With the Flow by Lily Williams and Karen Schneeman
Superman Smashes the Klan by Gene Luen Yang, Art by Gurihiru
Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds, Art by Danica Novgorodoff
Dragon Hoops by Gene Luen Yang
Flamer by Mike Curato
From the Roots Up (Surviving the City Vol.2) by Tasha Spillett and illustrations by Natasha Donovan
Some of you may not agree with the placement of some titles in Young-Adult, feeling that perhaps you would have them as middle-grade or upper middle grade. I placed them here as the libraries I borrowed from or other libraries I checked placed them as young-adult. It would make for some interesting conversations – are there any you remove from the young-adult?
Next Thursday, I look forward to sharing the Middle-Grade books that Maybe You Missed. Til then, happy reading.
Laurie
