After the success of graphic novels, such as the Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney, publishers responded with other series geared toward younger readers. During last week’s visit to an elementary school, I spotted kids with their noses buried in Wimpy Kid and Lincoln Peirce’s Big Nate books. so I’ve listed some recent graphic novel releases to whet young readers’ appetites.
The latest books in these two series include Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Old School and Big Nate Blasts Off.
When his town decides to unplug the electronics, Greg Heffley isn’t sure he’ll survive. Adding to that, his problems at school and home give him a heap of trouble.
Nate has a crush on Ruby, but that makes Randy, the school bully, upset. While Nate struggles to deal with Randy, he faces problems at his house and the Mud Bowl annual frisbee tournament.
Award-winning graphic novels published since late 2015 include:
The Stratford Zoo Midnight Revue Presents Romeo and Juliet by Ian Lendler
When the zoo closes at night, the animals come out of their cages to put on dramatic retellings of famous plays. Part of a series that includes Macbeth, these books cleverly hit the important points of Shakespeare’s stories in a unique way, simplifying them and adding touches of humor that will keep kids giggling while they’re learning.
Illustrated by Zack Giallongo
Written and Drawn by Henrietta by Liniers
Using her colored pencils, Henrietta draws pictures of a brave girl’s encounter with a three-headed monster.
Hereville: How Mirka Caught a Fish by Barry Deutsch
The tagline “Yet Another 11-Year-Old Time-Traveling Orthodox Jewish Babysitter” is the first introduction to the humorous story within. In this installment, Mirka battles an angry, magical fish that has a connection to Mirka’s stepmother. Part of the Hereville series that includes How Mirka Got Her Sword and How Mirka Met a Meteorite.
Two Junior Library Guild selections to watch for this summer:
Rutabaga, the Adventure Chef: Feasts of Fury by Eric Colossal
In Book 2 of this series, Rutabaga and Pot encounter giant killer spiders and a gang of hungry gubblins. Are their wits and cooking skills enough to save them? Coming July 2016
Dinosaurs in Space: Out of This World! By Pranas T. Naujokaitis
Inhabitants of Planet Meatball and Planet Lettuce travel to Planet Earth. Another space dinosaur story in the Balloon Toons series. Releases August 2016.
For previous lineups of graphic novels, check out posts by Brian Kell and Yolanda Ridge.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A former teacher and librarian, Laurie J. Edwards is the author of more than 2200 articles and 30 books in print or forthcoming under several pen names. As Erin Johnson, she writes the WANTED series, set in the Wild West. Reviewers called her heroine, Grace, the “Katniss of the Wild West.” Visit Laurie at www.lauriejedwards.com.
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My youngest (7) is insane about Big Nate. Graphic novels, and comic compilations, are especially great for those quick trips in the car, or for something to read after dinner at a restaurant, because they tend to have simpler plot lines (at least that’s the case for most kids’ graphic novels), and kids can just jump right into it without too much mental effort.
Great selection. If they get kids reading I’m all for the graphic novels. My library has a special display to show them off and entice readers. Thanks for the useful post.