The best graphic novels that tackle tough topics

Who am I?

I’ve always enjoyed reading true stories and stories that feel like they could be true. I enjoy learning about other people’s lives and experiences. If a character’s life experiences have been very different than my own, it is eye-opening and informative. If we’ve had similar experiences it helps me feel less alone. When writing, I usually draw inspiration from my own life experiences. With AWOL, I wanted to share military family culture and help readers affected by PTSD feel less alone. 


I wrote...

AWOL

By Marla Lesage,

Book cover of AWOL

What is my book about?

As a military child, eleven-year-old Leah moves... a lot. But this summer she will be the one left behind when her best friend’s family is reassigned. To make matters worse, her mother will be away for training, leaving Leah at home with her father, who has just returned from deployment. When a new girl moves into her neighborhood, Leah must navigate the ups and downs of making a new friend while avoiding her father’s unpredictable mood swings.

AWOL explores the realities of PTSD from a kid's perspective.

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The books I picked & why

Sunny Side Up

By Jennifer L. Holm, Matthew Holm (illustrator),

Book cover of Sunny Side Up

Why did I love this book?

I love books that feel real and offer a glimpse at the lives of others. Sunny’s story about spending a summer in Florida with her grandfather at his retirement residence is realistic but definitely not boring! There’s a missing cat to find, a snapping alligator, and a mystery – why did Sunny’s parents send her to Florida by herself & what’s up with her brother? This graphic novel tackles the topic of substance abuse and its effect on families in a subtle manner perfectly suitable for a young audience. And if it leaves you wanting to read more – there’s a whole series!  

By Jennifer L. Holm, Matthew Holm (illustrator),

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked Sunny Side Up as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Sunny Lewin has been packed off to Florida to live with her grandfather
for the summer. At first she thought Florida might be fun
-- it is the home of Disney World, after all. But the place where
Gramps lives is no amusement park. It's full of . . . old people.
Really old people.
Luckily, Sunny isn't the only kid around. She meets Buzz, a boy who
is completely obsessed with comic books, and soon they're having
adventures of their own: facing off against golfball-eating alligators,
runaway cats, and mysteriously disappearing neighbors.
But the question remains -- why is…


Pilu of the Woods

By Mai K. Nguyen,

Book cover of Pilu of the Woods

Why did I love this book?

Mai K. Nguyen pairs really tough topics: grief, loss, and overwhelming emotions with beautiful and soothing artwork and a little bit of magic. When Willow gets upset and runs off into the woods she meets Pilu, a lost wood sprite. Together, Willow and Pilu help each other learn to deal with their emotions and find their way home. I love that the reader can learn alongside the characters without feeling like they are being taught a lesson.

By Mai K. Nguyen,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Pilu of the Woods as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A heartwarming story of friendship, loss, and finding your way home from debut author/illustrator Mai K. Nguyen!

Willow loves the woods near her house. TheyaEURO (TM)re calm and quiet, so different from her own turbulent emotions, which she keeps locked away. When her emotions get the better of her one day, she decides to run away into the woods.

There, she meets Pilu, a lost tree spirit who canaEURO (TM)t find her way back homeaEURO"which turns out to be the magnolia grove WillowaEURO (TM)s mom used to take her to. Willow offers to help Pilu, and the two quickly become…


Living with Viola

By Rosena Fung,

Book cover of Living with Viola

Why did I love this book?

Rosena Fung pairs the tough topics of mental health and anxiety with delightfully whimsical and colorful illustrations. Livy is trying to fit in at a new school while navigating the pressure she feels as a child of Chinese immigrants. Viola is Livy’s anxiety personified. I live with my own version of Viola, so I found the story especially relatable. As Livy learns to deal with Viola, we also learn some great tips on dealing with our own anxieties.

By Rosena Fung,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Living with Viola as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

"unforgettable . . . will shake middle grade readers to the core"-School Library Journal, starred review


"Beautifully illustrated, relatable, and genuine." -Molly Brooks, creator of Sanity & Tallulah


"Everyone needs to buy this book now. Seriously. Buy it, read it, share it."-Colleen Nelson, author and teacher


Honest and funny, this award-winning graphic novel from a debut creator is a refreshingly real exploration of mental health, cultural differences, and the trials of middle school.

Livy is already having trouble fitting in as the new girl at school-and then there's Viola. Viola is Livy's anxiety brought to life, a shadowy twin that…


Stargazing

By Jen Wang,

Book cover of Stargazing

Why did I love this book?

I love Stargazing! On its surface, Stargazing is about friendship and family but it has many layers, making it the perfect book to read again and again. The story of Christine and Moon touches on the diverse experiences of growing up Asian in America, jealousy & conflict, social expectations & feeling comfortable in your own skin, and a little bit of magic. Except the magic turns out to be symptoms of a serious medical condition. With writing as beautiful as the art, this is a story not to be missed! 

By Jen Wang,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Stargazing as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Moon is everything Christine isn't. She's confident, impulsive, artistic . . . and though they both grew up in the same Chinese-American suburb, Moon is somehow unlike anyone Christine has ever known.

But after Moon moves in next door, these unlikely friends are soon best friends, sharing their favorite music videos and painting their toenails when Christine's strict parents aren't around. Moon even tells Christine her deepest secret: that she has visions, sometimes, of celestial beings who speak to her from the stars. Who reassure her that earth isn't where she really belongs.

Moon's visions have an all-too-earthly root, however,…


Snapdragon

By Kat Leyh,

Book cover of Snapdragon

Why did I love this book?

I love books that have a touch of magic yet still feel realistic. And I think Snapdragon gets the balance just right. Snapdragon is the story of unexpected friendships. The main character, Snapdragon, is lonely until she befriends the town witch and Lu. Kat Leyh has done a wonderful job weaving LGBTQ themes into the story in a way that is natural and meaningful for younger audiences. 

By Kat Leyh,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked Snapdragon as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Snap's town has a witch.

And when Snap's dog goes missing, the first place she looks is the witch's house. She finds her dog there, recovering from being hit by a car, in the care of a woman named Jacks. She is a crocks-wearing, internet-savvy older woman who's collects roadkill, put their spirits to rest, and cleans and sells their articulated skeletons online.

They make a deal: If Jacks teaches Snap how to take care of a crate of orphaned baby opossums that Snap rescued, Snap will assist Jacks with her work. But as Snap starts to gain an appreciation…


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The Rosewood Penny

By J.S. Fields,

Book cover of The Rosewood Penny

J.S. Fields

New book alert!

What is my book about?

The dragons of Yuro have been hunted to extinction. 

On a small, isolated island, in a reclusive forest, lives bandit leader Marani and her brother Jacks. With their outlaw band, they rob the rich to feed themselves, raiding carriages and dodging the occasional vindictive pegasus. Thanks to Marani’s mysterious invulnerability, this mostly works out well…until Marani and her quirky band of outlaws plunder the carriage of the very bossy princess Nuria.

The princess’s carriage contains not just gold, but a dragonscale comb that belonged to Marani’s murdered mother. Worse yet, Princess Nuria seems to know exactly who Marani is, maybe more than Marani herself.

The Rosewood Penny

By J.S. Fields,

What is this book about?

The dragons of Yuro have been hunted to extinction.

On a small, isolated island, in a reclusive forest, lives bandit leader Marani and her brother Jacks. With their outlaw band they rob from the rich to feed themselves, raiding carriages and dodging the occasional vindictive pegasus. Thanks to Marani’s mysterious invulnerability, this mostly works out well…until Marani and her quirky band of outlaws plunder the carriage of the very bossy princess Nuria.

The princess’s carriage contains not just gold, but a dragonscale comb that belonged to Marani’s murdered mother. Worse yet, Princess Nuria seems to know exactly who Marani is,…


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