Check It Out Category: Staff Picks

Are you longing for story but finding it difficult to sink into a full-length book? You might find what you are looking for in comics and graphic novels! Drama, action, history, humor, fantasy, memoir, and romance are all on offer in a medium that combines art and language to deliver absorbing tales. Today our readers’ advisory staff spotlight their favorite selections available to you through the Library’s digital services, so you can sample without delay. Don’t forget to visit previous staff recommendations for what to read, watch, or listen to from home, and you are enthusiastically invited to request customized suggestions for titles in OverDrive or Hoopla might be a perfect match for your current mood.

New Kid by Jerry Craft
This tender-hearted graphic novel will touch anyone who has had to start over somewhere. 7th grader Jordan is forced to go to a new private school instead of art school like he so desires. During his first year at the school, he has to figure out ways to fit in, combat prejudice, and continue with art. This is a poignant, piercing story with amazing artistry, totally able to be binged in one sitting. ~Al N.  (also recommended by Kelda and Cathleen)

Available both on Hoopla as ebook and e-audio and on OverDrive as ebook and e-audio

Saga by Brian K. Vaughn, illustrated by Fiona Staples

A series to get hooked on and there are plenty of volumes to keep you going. Get lost in the chase to hunt down these outlaws: a couple of star-crossed lovers (and baby makes three). Many adventures and thrills across various worlds in this literal sweeping saga. ~Chelsea

Nine collected volumes available on Hoopla or on OverDrive

Sugar Falls: A Residential School Story by David Alexander Robertson, illustrated by Scott B. Henderson

A vivid narrative of abuse, survival, and resilience, this is one woman’s story of her experience with and survival of the Canadian residential schools that First Nations children were forced to attend. ~Allison L.

Access on Hoopla or on OverDrive

The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl by Ryan North, illustrated by Erica Henderson

Unrelenting optimism, faith in the goodness of others, healthy body positivity, and a cheerful sense of duty. This series is more than a bit silly, but that’s part of its charm – and all the more welcome in days such as these. ~Cathleen

Access multiple collected volumes via Hoopla

Super Late Bloomer: My Early Days in Transition by Julia Kaye

The succinct writing and illustrations puts a spotlight on Kaye’s vulnerability in sharing her transition in this illustrated memoir. Her focused chronicles of such a personal experience offer a chance to relate and/or bear witness to another person’s trials and happy moments during a pivotal period. ~Jenny

Access on Hoopla

Backstagers by James Tynion IV, illustrated by Rian Sygh

The stories and friendships of the behind-the-scenes crew of a high school drama club with touches of magic. ~Emily

Access multiple collected volumes and single issues on Hoopla

Buffy the Vampire Slayer by Jordie Bellaire, illustrated by Dan Mora and Matt Taylor

The scooby gang reinvented and enjoying present day thrills and the usual chills. ~Chelsea

Access on Hoopla

Daytripper by Fábio Moon and Gabriel Bá

As one of the characters testifies, this is a story “about life…but death has a big part in it,” but don’t let that keep you away. It is fantastical, heart-wrenching, and surprisingly uplifting, and the ethereal, meditative nature needs to be experienced to be truly appreciated. ~Cathleen

Access on Hoopla

Man-Eaters by Chelsea Cain, illustrated by Kate Niemczyk

One of my favorite satirical comics, Man-Eaters turns young women into cats, cats that men greatly fear. If you like satire and content that at the same time doesn’t take itself too seriously while also revealing more serious lessons about society, give this a try! ~Al N.  (also recommended by Chelsea)

Access multiple collected volumes on Hoopla

Hey Kiddo by Jarrett J. Krosoczka

A wonderful memoir confronting the topics of addiction in the family and using what one loves to find a way through it. ~Emily

Available both on OverDrive as ebook and e-audio and on Hoopla as e-audio

Royal City by Jeff Lemire

There are times when we read for escapism, but there is equal interest in reading to help make sense of the unexpected in life, of what doesn’t turn out as we believe it might when we are children. This is one of those stories. ~Cathleen

Access three collected volumes on Hoopla

Moonstruck by Grace Ellis, illustrated by Shae Beagle and Kate Leth

Magic, cute werewolves, baristas, and more encase this bubbly book. Join for the laughs and the many pals. ~Chelsea

Access two volumes on Hoopla

Chelsea recommends
Fun Home
by Alison Bechdel

Denise recommends
Archie Christmas Classics
by Bob Bolling, Frank Doyle, George Gladir and Al Hartley
illustrated by Dan DeCarlo, Stan Goldberg and Bob White

Chelsea recommends
March, Book One
by John Lewis and Andrew Aydin
illustrated by Nate Powell