Children's
Core Collection

 

 

Public Library
Core Collection:
Fiction

 

 

Middle & Junior
High Core Collection

 

 

Public Library
Core Collection:
Nonfiction

 

 

Senior High
Core Collection
 

 

 

 
Home

 

Graphic Novels

Current Picks for October 2007
 

 
  A Most Highly Recommended Title  
Title:   Robot dreams. 1st ed.
Personal Author:    Varon, Sara
Publisher:   First Second
Publication Year:   2007
Pages:   205
Physical Description:    Illustration
ISBN:   978-1-59643-108-9 (paperback), $16.95
1-59643-108-3 (paperback)
Abstract:   The enduring friendship between a dog and a robot is portrayed in this wordless graphic novel.
"Varon's drawing style is uncomplicated, and her colors are clean and refeshing. Although her story seems equally simple, it is invested with true emotion." (Booklist)
Subject(s):    Graphic novels; Dogs/Fiction; Robots/Fiction
Dewey Decimal Classification:   741.5
Reading Level:   6 7 8 9 10 11 12

 
  Core Collection  
Title:   The cartoon history of the modern world: Part 1: from Columbus to the U.S. Constitution
Personal Author:   Gonick, Larry
Publisher:   Collins
Publication Year:   2007
Pages:   259
Physical Description:   Illustration
ISBN:    978-0-06-076004-5
0-06-076004-4 (paperback), $17.95
Abstract:   The book begins with a "15-page distillation of pre-Columbian America; and while Europe and North America receive most of the attention, Gonick does include at least some highlights from other parts of the world. Covering such topics as the Protestant Reformation, the British defeat of the Spanish Armada, the Copernican model of the universe, and the American Revolution, he writes and draws with considerable wit and authority, and is obviously well versed in his subject." (SLJ)
Subject(s):   Graphic novels; Modern history/Graphic novels
Dewey Decimal Classification:   909.08
Reading Level:   9 10 11 12
Review(s):   Booklist v. 103 no. 9/10 (Jan. 1-15 2007). Olson, Ray, reviewer

School Library Journal v. 53 no. 1 (Jan. 2007). Saunderson, Robert, reviewer [with full text]

 
  Core Collection  
Title:   Journey into Mohawk Country
Personal Author:   Bogaert, Harmen Meyndertsz van den; O'Connor, George, il
Publisher:   First Second
 
Publication Year:   2006
Pages:   144
Physical Description:    Illustration
ISBN:   1-59643-106-7 (paperback), $17.95
Abstract:   In 1634, young Dutch trader Harmen Meyndertsz van den Bogaert, several companions, and some native guides traveled deep into what is now New York State, trading tools and weapons and trying to establish new tribal friendships to bolster Dutch trade. van den Bogaert kept a journal throughout his journeys. O'Connor has kept the original text and conducted extensive research in order to make his illustrations as authentic as possible.
Subject(s):   Graphic novels; United States/History/1600-1775, Colonial period/Graphic novels; New York (State)/History/1600-1775, Colonial period/Graphic novels
Dewey Decimal Classification:   973.2
Reading Level:    8 9 10 11 12

 
  Core Collection
Title:   Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji swordsman romantic story. vol. 1
Personal Author:    Watsuki, Nobuhiro; Jones, Gerard, adapter
Publisher:   Viz Comics
Publication Year:    2003
Pages:   196
Physical Description:   Illustration
ISBN:   1-59116-220-3 (paperback), $7.95
Abstract:   "The story of a young wandering samurai--who bears a reverse blade sword and strives not to kill after seeing and committing much bloodshed in the battles to bring the Emperor back to power in 1868--becomes much more than mere historical saga. Kenshin's relationships with new and old friends and enemies makes compelling storytelling." (Voice Youth Advocates)
Subject(s):   Graphic novels; Manga; Shonen manga
Note(s)   Volume one of an ongoing series
Series: Shonen Jump graphic novel
  Core Collection
Title:   Gothic sports, Vol. 1
Personal Author:   Hage, Anika
Publisher:   Tokyopop
Publication Year:   2007
Pages:   176
Physical Description:   Illustration
ISBN:   978-1-59816-992-8 (paperback), $9.99
Abstract:   When Anya starts at Lucrece High, she wants to join one of the sports teams for which the school is famed. Since she's never played on a school's team before, she gets rejected. But this time, she's determined to succeed, so she joins with some of the other school misfits and they form their own soccer team. And with the help of a Goth-Lolita classmate, they have fantastically fashionable Goth-Lolita uniforms (even for the boys!). This is the first volume of a series translated from German, making it a global manga title.
Subject(s):   Manga; Soccer/Graphic novels; High school students/Graphic novels
Dewey Decimal Classification:   741.5
Reading Level:   8 9 10 11 12

 

 

  A Most Highly Recommended Title
Title:   Kampung boy
Personal Author:   Lat
Publisher:   First Second
Publication Year:   2006
Pages:   141
Physical Description:   Illustration
ISBN:   1-59643-121-0 (paperback), $16.95
Abstract:   "Malaysian cartoonist Lat uses the graphic novel format to share the story of his childhood in a small village, or kampung. From his birth and adventures as a toddler to the enlargement of his world as he attends classes in the village, makes friends, and, finally, departs for a prestigious city boarding school, this autobiography is warm, authentic, and wholly engaging." (Booklist)
Note(s):   First published 1979 in Malaysia with title: Lat, the kampung boy
Subject(s):   Malaysia/Graphic novels; Family life/Graphic novels; Muslims/Graphic novels; Graphic novels
Dewey Decimal Classification:   741.5
Reading Level:   8 9 10 11 12

 

 

  Core Collection
Title:   The Plain Janes
Personal Author:   Castellucci, Cecil; Rugg, Jim, il
Publisher:   DC Comics/Minx
Publication Year:   2007
Pages:   un
Physical Description:   Illustration
ISBN:   978-1-4012-1115-8 (paperback), $9.99
Abstract:   After a bomb attack in Metro City, Jane's parents move to suburban Kent Waters, where Jane feels lost. Then she meets three other Janes at the "reject" table in the high school lunch room, and she convinces them to help her form their own secret club: P.L.A.I.N.--People Loving Art in Neighborhoods. However, their "art attacks" cause the authorities to think that P.L.A.I.N. is a terrorist group.
Note(s):   This is the first book in a new line of comics being written for and marketed to teen girls.
Subject(s):   Graphic novels; Friendship/Graphic novels; Art/Graphic novels; High school students/Graphic novels
Dewey Decimal Classification:   741.5
Reading Level:   7 8 9 10 11 12

 

 

  Core Collection
Title:   Manga Shakespeare: Romeo and Juliet
Personal Author:   Appignanesi, Richard; Shakespeare, William; Leong, Sonia, il
Responsibility:   by William Shakespeare; adapted by Richard Appignanesi; illustrated by Sonia Leong
Publisher:   Amulet Books
Publication Year:   2007
Pages:   195
Physical Description:   Illustration
ISBN:   978-0-8109-9325-9
0-8109-9325-2 (paperback), $9.95
Abstract:   Shakespeare's classic play of star-crossed young lovers gets the manga treatment. Set in modern Tokyo with rival yakuza gangs, and using somewhat abridged text from the play for the dialogue, the story becomes an accessible, action-packed read most teens will like.
"Although the richness of the language may be lost, the script keeps the spirit of the story intact, hitting all the major speeches." (Booklist)
Note(s):   First published in the United Kingdom
Subject(s):   Graphic novels; Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616/Adaptations
Dewey Decimal Classification:   822.3
Reading Level (Grade):   9 10 11 12

 

   

Previous Picks

 

   
Title:   Aya
Personal Author:   Abouet, Marguerite; Oubrerie, Clement, il
Publisher:   Drawn & Quarterly
Publication Year:   2007
Pages:   96
ISBN:   1-894937-90-2
978-1-894937-90-0, $19.95
Abstract:   In Ivory Coast of 1978, nineteen-year-old Aya and her friends Adjoua and Bintou live in an oasis of peace and prosperity. Studious Aya wants to become a doctor, but her friends just want to have a good time and enjoy nights with handsome lovers. Soon enough, Adjoua finds out she's pregnant, and she says the father is Moussa, Bintou's boyfriend and the young man Aya's parents were hoping to get for her husband. Moussa's rich parents agree to a wedding, but they show their prejudice against poor townspeople in their arrangements.
Note(s):   2006 award for Best First Album at the Angouleme International Comics Festival
Subject(s):   Graphic novels; Friendship/Graphic novels; Ivory Coast/Graphic novels
Dewey Decimal Classification:   741.5
Reading Level:   10 11 12 Adult
Review:   Booklist v. 103 no. 11 (Feb. 1 2007). Goldsmith, Francisca, reviewer

 

 

   
Title:   L. Frank Baum's The Wizard of Oz: the graphic novel
Personal Author:   Cavallaro, Michael; Baum, L. Frank
Publisher:   Puffin Books
Publication Year:   2005
Pages:   176
ISBN:   0142404713 (paperback), $9.99
Abstract:   This graphic novel adaptation remains true to the story by Baum: Dorothy and her dog Toto are whisked to Oz, where they meet the Tin Woodsman, the Cowardly Lion, and the Scarecrow and they all journey to find the Wizard to grant their desires.
"The black-and-white illustrations are action packed, and the characters, with their Bazooka Joe eyes, combine classic comic touches with the popular manga style. Reluctant readers will gravitate toward the cartoon cover." (SLJ)
Note(s):   "A Byron Preiss book"
Subject(s):   Graphic novels
Dewey Decimal Classification:   741.5
Reading Level:   3 4 5

 

 

 

Core Collection
Title:   Gothic sports, Vol. 1
Personal Author:   Hage, Anika
Publisher:   Tokyopop
Publication Year:   2007
Pages:   176
ISBN:   978-1-59816-992-8 (paperback), $9.99
Abstract:   When Anya starts at Lucrece High, she wants to join one of the sports teams for which the school is famed. Since she's never played on a school's team before, she gets rejected. But this time, she's determined to succeed, so she joins with some of the other school misfits and they form their own soccer team. And with the help of a Goth-Lolita classmate, they have fantastically fashionable Goth-Lolita uniforms (even for the boys!). This is the first volume of a series translated from German, making it a global manga title.
Subject(s):   Manga; Soccer/Graphic novels; High school students/Graphic novels
Dewey Decimal Classification:   741.5
Reading Level:   8 9 10 11 12

 

 

 

A Most Highly Recommended Title
Title:   Kampung boy
Personal Author:   Lat
Publisher:   First Second
Publication Year:   2006
Pages:   141
ISBN:   1-59643-121-0 (paperback), $16.95
Abstract:   "Malaysian cartoonist Lat uses the graphic novel format to share the story of his childhood in a small village, or kampung. From his birth and adventures as a toddler to the enlargement of his world as he attends classes in the village, makes friends, and, finally, departs for a prestigious city boarding school, this autobiography is warm, authentic, and wholly engaging." (Booklist)
Note(s):   First published 1979 in Malaysia with title: Lat, the kampung boy
Subject(s):   Malaysia/Graphic novels; Family life/Graphic novels; Muslims/Graphic novels; Graphic novels
Dewey Decimal Classification:   741.5
Reading Level:   8 9 10 11 12
Review:   Booklist v. 103 no. 2 (Sept. 15 2006). Goldsmith, Francisca, reviewer
Review:   Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books v. 60 no. 5 (Jan. 2007). Stevenson, Deborah, reviewer [with excerpt, full text]
Review:   School Library Journal v. 52 no. 11 (Nov. 2006) [with full text]

 

 

 

Core Collection
Title:   The Plain Janes
Personal Author:   Castellucci, Cecil; Rugg, Jim, il
Publisher:   DC Comics/Minx
Publication Year:   2007
Pages:   un
ISBN:   978-1-4012-1115-8 (paperback), $9.99
Abstract:   After a bomb attack in Metro City, Jane's parents move to suburban Kent Waters, where Jane feels lost. Then she meets three other Janes at the "reject" table in the high school lunch room, and she convinces them to help her form their own secret club: P.L.A.I.N.--People Loving Art in Neighborhoods. However, their "art attacks" cause the authorities to think that P.L.A.I.N. is a terrorist group.
Note(s):   This is the first book in a new line of comics being written for and marketed to teen girls.
Subject(s):   Graphic novels; Friendship/Graphic novels; Art/Graphic novels; High school students/Graphic novels
Dewey Decimal Classification:   741.5
Reading Level:   7 8 9 10 11 12

 

 

   
Title:   Manga Shakespeare: Romeo and Juliet
Personal Author:   Appignanesi, Richard; Shakespeare, William; Leong, Sonia, il
Publisher:   Amulet Books
Publication Year:   2007
Pages:   195
ISBN:   978-0-8109-9325-9
0-8109-9325-2 (paperback), $9.95
Abstract:   Shakespeare's classic play of star-crossed young lovers gets the manga treatment. Set in modern Tokyo with rival yakuza gangs, and using somewhat abridged text from the play for the dialogue, the story becomes an accessible, action-packed read most teens will like.
"Although the richness of the language may be lost, the script keeps the spirit of the story intact, hitting all the major speeches." (Booklist)
Note(s):   First published in the United Kingdom
Subject(s):   Graphic novels; Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616/Adaptations
Dewey Decimal Classification:   822.3
Reading Level:   9 10 11 12

 

© 2007 The H.W. Wilson Company®