Back of Book:

An epic sci-fi graphic novel romance between two non-binary characters as they find one another through time, distance, and war. An amazing story that explores the complexity of human nature and what brings us together.

When they were kids, Fassen's fighter spaceship crash-landed on a planet that Lu's survey force was exploring. It was a forbidden meeting between a kid from a war-focused resistance movement and a kid whose community and planet are dedicated to peace and secrecy.

Lu and Fassen are from different worlds and separate solar systems. But their friendship keeps them in each other's orbit as they grow up. They stay in contact in secret as their communities are increasingly threatened by the omnipresent, ever-expanding empire.

As the empire begins a new attack against Fassen's people--and discovers Lu's in the process—the two of them have the chance to reunite at last. They finally are able to be together... but at what cost?

This beautifully illustrated graphic novel is an epic science fiction romance between two non-binary characters as they find one another through time, distance, and war. 

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Young Adult | Graphic Novel | Science Fiction | LGBTQIA+ 

Review: 🌟🌟

A space opera where two different people from distinct galaxies form an unlikely friendship that isn't limited by the distance that keeps them apart. 

Fassen and Lu met during a freak encounter when they were kids and now they are doing everything in their power to keep their relationship a secret. Fassen is constantly in danger of the ever-growing power of the Empire that wants to conquer their people. Lu is trying to stay out of the war, but their loyalty to Fassen is getting them swept up into messier and messier situations. 

This book fell into the same spot that ninety-nine percent of space operas fall into for me. I found it boring, I didn't connect to any of the characters, and I couldn't care less about the grand war that was happening across the galaxies. If space adventures are your cup of tea, I'm sure that this book would have been a decent read, but I just took nothing away from literally anything that was happening. 

It is kinda fun that all the characters in this book are nonbinary and transgender. Being trans caused some problems for Fassen due to the fact that they were competing for resources (such as testosterone shots) within the military forces. Even this though wasn't strong enough to have me truly interested in anything that was happening. 

Overall, I found "Across a Field of Starlight" to be just another space opera graphic novel that I couldn't bring myself to care about. In my brain, it was a boring story with a predictable plot and characters that never caught my eye. Fans of space adventures will have a better shot with this one, but I should really stop picking up books such as this one because they are always so lackluster reading experiences for me. 

Back of Book: 

Boetema suddenly develops the ability to astrally project to other worlds, unintentionally possessing the bodies of people light years away.

Inotu, her inquisitive brother with a penchant for trouble, finds himself on the run after he’s caught eavesdropping on an illegal business deal between small town business tycoons and their cyborg bodyguard. When Boetema accidentally gets someone hurt while in another girl’s body, the siblings are forced to work together to solve the problems they’ve created on their planet and others.

Book Number: Stand Alone

Genre: Young Adult | Graphic Novel | Science Fiction 

Review: 🌟🌟

A sci-fi graphic novel featuring a girl who can travel to other planets while she sleeps, a boy that has a nose for trouble, and a fantastical monkey creature that just might end up saving both of them. 

Boetema and Inotu only have each other after their parents suddenly decide to work as salt shepherds. Unfortunately, it isn't long before they are out of money and they are forced to leave town. But that's not the only reason they must leave: Inotu was caught eavesdropping on some shady business and now he is wanted. Boetema has her own fair of problems due to the fact that she's recently gained the ability to possess other creatures from distant planets while she sleeps. And she may have been the cause of someone's death while she was doing this. Now, the two siblings must put aside their differences and work together to see their way through their combined challenges. 

Honestly, "Afar" was better than I thought it would be, but this story still really didn't catch my interest. I mean, I'm not usually a huge fan of space adventures, so this wasn't exactly a surprise to me. I thought that Boetema's ability was fun and it was quite the journey following her across the universe as she projected herself to different planets. 

My favorite part about this graphic novel has to be all the strange creatures. From the alien monkey, to the four-eyed green tiger creatures, to the mysterious Agama Wanwitu, the fantastical creatures are all very unique and visually appealing to look at. The art most definitely elevates this story quite a bit and the detail in some of these panels is truly magnificent. 

On the flip side, I didn't find myself attached to any of the characters, I got a bit lost in the plot that Boetema was involved with on the other planet, and I found myself not really caring about anything that happened. It was a short read though, so it wasn't painful to slog through, by any means. 

Overall, "Afar" wasn't a book that I highly enjoyed, but I give it kudos for some of the unique things it explored. I wasn't really invested, but it wasn't a horrible read either. The art most definitely shone more than the writing, but I love the passion that I could feel went into this story on both the author and illustrator's parts. 

Back of Book: 

A graphic novel biography of the American legend who inspired the hit Broadway musical Hamilton.

Alexander Hamilton was one of the most influential figures in United States history—he fought in the Revolutionary War, helped develop the Constitution, and as the first Secretary of the Treasury established landmark economic policy that we still use today. Cut down by a bullet from political rival Aaron Burr, Hamilton has since been immortalized alongside other Founding Fathers such as George Washington and Thomas Jefferson—his likeness even appears on the ten-dollar bill. In this fully-illustrated and impeccably researched graphic novel-style history, author Jonathan Hennessey and comic book illustrator Justin Greenwood bring Alexander Hamilton's world to life, telling the story of this improbable hero who helped shape the United States of America.

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Young Adult | Graphic Novel | Nonfiction | Biography | Historical

Review: 🌟🌟

Alexander Hamilton is one of the most interesting figures in American history, yet I found this book to be relatively boring. I mean, I wasn't expecting it to be Lin-Manuel Miranda's "Hamilton," but come on.

This graphic novel outlines some of the most important parts of Hamilton's life, yet I feel that it presented them in the weirdest way possible. In my opinion, this graphic novel read like a wandering history book that told me random bits of history in almost chronological order. Something else that I found weird was for this being a graphic biography, I feel there were gigantic sections of the book in which Hamilton just disappeared and I didn't even know how he fit into the story. I think it would have made more sense to stick closer to Hamilton and everything that affected him personally rather than try to give a fuller picture of the American Revolution as a whole. The book began to pick up a bit more once it hit the Reynold's affair and the duel, but by that point the book was almost over and it didn't get enough pity points to redeem it.

I think what disappointed me the most was how little I learned about Hamilton from reading this. I am in no way an expert on Alexander Hamilton, yet I feel I was aware of most of the things covered in this book. One thing that I found really interesting were the eye witness accounts of people who witnessed the Burr-Hamilton duel. I found it super interesting to see the differentiating opinions on what actual went down, and I appreciate that this novel left some of these moments where no one is quite sure what actually happened up to interpretation.

Overall, "Alexander Hamilton: The Graphic History of an American Founding Father" was a bit wordy, dense, and hard for me to palate. It wasn't the worst book in the world, it just didn't keep me very interested either, which surprised me due to the subject matter. I'm sure this book could serve as a decent introduction to Hamilton if you are a teen who has never heard of him, but I feel in this day and age, that is rather unlikely. I'm not saying that the "Hamilton" musical is the only way to learn about Hamilton, but I just feel that this book is super lackluster compared to anything else I've ever experienced about Hamilton.

Back of Book: 

A teen graphic novel memoir about a Korean-born, non-English-speaking girl who is abruptly transplanted from Seoul to Huntsville, Alabama, and struggles with extreme culture shock and isolation, until she discovers her passion for comic arts.

For as long as she can remember, it’s been Robin and her mom against the world. Growing up in the 1990s as the only child of a single mother in Seoul, Korea, wasn’t always easy, but it has bonded them fiercely together.

So when a vacation to visit friends in Huntsville, Alabama, unexpectedly becomes a permanent relocation—following her mother’s announcement that she’s getting married—Robin is devastated. Overnight, her life changes. She is dropped into a new school where she doesn’t understand the language and struggles to keep up. She is completely cut off from her friends at home and has no access to her beloved comics. At home, she doesn’t fit in with her new stepfamily. And worst of all, she is furious with the one person she is closest to—her mother.

Then one day Robin’s mother enrolls her in a local comic drawing class, which opens the window to a future Robin could never have imagined.

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Young Adult | Graphic Novel | Memoir 

Review: 🌟🌟🌟

A graphic memoir telling the story of a young Korean girl and her mother as they move to the United States and have to deal with the repercussions of the move. 

The beginning of this one had me a bit confused. The panels had an interesting format, the use of footnotes was a unique choice, and the fact that Ha decided to put asterisks next to all Korean words that were in the glossary just kinda confused me. Interestingly enough, I feel like most of these things subsided after several chapters and it felt like I was reading a different book. 

I appreciated learning about Ha's experiences as an illegitimate child, which is heavily frowned upon in Korea and made many people hate on her and her mother. It was heartbreaking to see how one of her teachers treated her, as well as her mother's colleagues, and her peers. I also felt for Ha immensely when she had to move away from all her friends and the life that she'd known, despite the things she had to endure. The cultural aspects in this one was a highlight for me, especially because it delved into many of the things that Koreans consider taboo. 

Though I connected to Ha's story, the thing I related to the most from her memoir is how she used books (specifically manga/Korean comics) to escape reality and the harsh things she was going through. I also use books as an escape from life's cruelties. 

Overall, I found "Almost American Girl" to be an alright read. I've read similar stories that I have connected to more, so it wasn't the most unique or eye-opening story, but I still appreciate Ha sharing it. I know that there are many people who have gone through similar circumstances, who would relate to much of this memoir. I also like Ha's art style, so it was pretty enjoyable, just nothing amazing. I would still recommend this book though, especially if one has lived through similar life events as Ha. 

Back of Book: 

All Jin Wang wants is to fit in. When his family moves to a new neighborhood, he suddenly finds that he's the only Chinese American student at his school. Jocks and bullies pick on him constantly, and he has hardly any friends. Then, to make matters worse, he falls in love with an all-American girl... 

Born to rule over all the monkeys in the world, the story of the Monkey King is one of the oldest and greatest Chinese fables. Adored by his subjects, master of the arts of kung-fu, he is the most powerful monkey on earth. But the Monkey King doesn't want to be a monkey. He wants to be hailed as a god...  

Chin-Kee is the ultimate negative Chinese stereotype, and he's ruining his cousin Danny's life. Danny's a popular kid at school, but every year Chin-Kee comes to visit, and every year Danny has to transfer to a new school to escape the shame. This year, though, things quickly go from bad to worse... 

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Young Adult | Graphic Novel | Fantasy | Contemporary  

Review:🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Back of Book: 

Anya could really use a friend. But her new BFF isn't kidding about the "Forever" part.

Of all the things Anya expected to find at the bottom of an old well, a new friend was not one of them. Especially not a new friend who’s been dead for a century.

Falling down a well is bad enough, but Anya's normal life might actually be worse. She's embarrassed by her family, self-conscious about her body, and she's pretty much given up on fitting in at school. A new friend—even a ghost—is just what she needs.

Or so she thinks. Spooky, sardonic, and secretly sincere, Anya's Ghost is a wonderfully entertaining debut from author/artist Vera Brosgol.

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Young Adult | Graphic Novel | Horror | Contemporary | Fantasy 

Review: 🌟🌟🌟

A fast paced graphic novel featuring a vengeful ghost and a Russian American girl who is doing everything in her power to be seen as "normal."

Anya has put a ton of work into her cool kid persona, and despite this, she isn't seen as anything but normal. Being a Russian American girl, Anya is okay with just fitting in. One day, she falls into a well and finds a skeleton of a young girl that was murdered during World War One. Together, Anya and the ghost work towards honing Anya's image and trying to figure out who murdered the girl in the well. 

I appreciate the themes in this one that talk about what it's like being an immigrant and trying to fit among a crowd that does everything in its power to see people as different. It saddens me how often people are bullied for embracing their cultures and not assimilating into certain aspects of American society. It is nice to see how Anya evolves throughout the course of this novel when it comes to her own self-identity and her opinion on her fellow Russian Americans. 

I found the ghost in this story to be super creepy and I was trying to figure out its motives the entire time. Lo and behold, Anya's ghost had a ton of secrets and I was right to be wary of her. This book is super short, so I won't go into any details due to spoilers, but it is always nice when one's suspicions are validated during a book. 

The art style is simplistic and to the point, which I found very fitting for this story. It is also done in monochrome, which really enhanced the dreary/spooky vibe of the book. Brosgol's art style isn't my favorite, but it's still pleasing to the eye. 

I have heard so many amazing things about this book, which may have led to some disappointment I felt while reading this one. It also felt as though it does the exact same thing as "American Born Chinese" (which I love), so it just paled in comparison for me. 

Overall, I felt pretty mid about "Anya's Ghost," but there isn't anything wrong about it. I didn't connect to the characters very much, but I really enjoyed the themes presented by this story, especially when it comes to cultural identity. I'm sure many people really vibe with this book, though this was not the case for me. 

Back of Book: 

Ash has always felt alone.

Adults ignore the climate crisis. Other kids Ash’s age are more interested in pop stars and popularity contests than in fighting for change. Even Ash’s family seems to be sleepwalking through life.

The only person who ever seemed to get Ash was their Grandpa Edwin. Before he died, he used to talk about building a secret cabin, deep in the California wilderness. Did he ever build it? What if it’s still there, waiting for him to come back… or for Ash to find it? To Ash, that maybe-mythical cabin is starting to feel like the perfect place for a fresh start and an escape from the miserable feeling of alienation that haunts their daily life.

But making the wilds your home isn’t easy. And as much as Ash wants to be alone… can they really be happy alone? Can they survive alone?

From New York Times –bestselling author and illustrator Jen Wang comes a singularly affecting story about self-discovery, self-reliance, and the choice to live when it feels like you have no place in the world. 

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Young Adult | Graphic Novel | Contemporary | LGBTQIA+ 

Review: 🌟🌟🌟

A young teen flees to a remote cabin in the woods in the hopes of finding peace when their life becomes too overwhelming for them to bear any longer as it is.

Ash feels as though nobody prioritizes the right thing. When people should be standing up for the environment and the very Earth that sustains their life, they spend their time scrolling through social media and planning trips to Disneyland. The only person that has ever really understood Ash and their priorities is their grandpa, Edwin. Since he died, Ash has felt so alone. In a desperate effort to find solace and get closer to their grandfather, Ash sets out to look for Edwin's cabin that has long been abandoned in the woods of California.

This one is a cute story about finding oneself and discovering what one truly values most. It puts the environment first and begs its audience to do the same. It is pretty unlikely that a fifteen-year-old could set out into the woods and survive off a series of YouTube videos, but that doesn't keep the messages in this book from being a positive influence on a society that is overall determined not to care.

I didn't overly connect with Ash's character, but there were other parts of this graphic novel that I enjoyed immensely. The style that Wang used for this book is so picturesque and peaceful. Wang has never been my favorite artist, but the watercolor nature of the images is gorgeous.

I also thought that it is neat that Wang decided to write this story as though Ash was writing in their journal. I usually dislike when graphic novels have long strands of text like this one does, but I didn't mind when utilized in this way. This book would have been filled with at least a hundred pages of Ash sitting alone in the woods talking to themself if it wasn't told in a journal format, so I think this was a great choice on the author's part.

Overall, "Ash's Cabin" is a sweet graphic novel following a young teen's journey to acceptance. I like how this one is set up as Ash's journal; it really keeps the story moving. The watercolor painting style of the art has to be one of my favorite parts about this book. It also has some great themes about caring for the Earth and respecting nature. It isn't the most unique (most survival stories aren't) or the most action packed. It is rather a quiet reflection on one child's life that asks the reader to think about what is truly important to them. Not a bad read, but nothing to write home about either.

Back of Book: 

The Best We Could Do, the debut graphic novel memoir by Thi Bui, is an intimate look at one family's journey from their war-torn home in Vietnam to their new lives in America. Exploring the anguish of immigration and the lasting effects that displacement has on a child and her family, Bui documents the story of her family's daring escape after the fall of South Vietnam in the 1970s and the difficulties they faced building new lives for themselves. At the heart of Bui's story is a universal struggle: While adjusting to life as a first-time mother, she ultimately discovers what it means to be a parent—the endless sacrifices, the unnoticed gestures, and the depths of unspoken love. Despite how impossible it seems to take on the simultaneous roles of both parent and child, Bui pushes through.

With haunting, poetic writing and breathtaking art, she examines the strength of family, the importance of identity, and the meaning of home. The Best We Could Do brings to life her journey of understanding and provides inspiration to all who search for a better future while longing for a simpler past.

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Young Adult | Graphic Novel | Memoir | Contemporary  

Review: 🌟🌟🌟🌟 

Back of Book: 

When Hazel Johnson and Mari McCray met at church bingo in 1963, it was love at first sight. Forced apart by their families and society, Hazel and Mari both married young men and had families. Decades later, now in their mid-'60s, Hazel and Mari reunite again at a church bingo hall. Realizing their love for each other is still alive, what these grandmothers do next takes absolute strength and courage. 

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Young Adult | Graphic Novel | Contemporary | Romance | LGBTQIA+ 

Review: 🌟🌟🌟 

A sweet sapphic romance comic that shows how love always seems to prevail despite the obstacles it faces while also embracing love in all ages. 

In 1983, Hazel and Mari lock eyes while playing church Bingo with their grandmothers and it was love at first sight. Unfortunately, the world wasn't ready for their love and the two drifted apart into safer, more "traditional" lives. Decades later, Hazel and Mari reconnect at Mother's Day Bingo and the spark between them is stronger than ever. Now, these two grandmothers have to unravel the complicated threads of their lives in order to find true love at last. 

"Bingo Love" is a cozy comic that thrusts black, queer, elderly love onto a pedestal, which I found to be truly beautiful. I don't think I've read a romance with characters over sixty years old and I appreciate that this book portrays their love in such a positive way. And it doesn't shy away from the fact that elderly people still feel attraction and can be sexy when they want to be. Hazel and Mari are truly legendary in that regard. 

I didn't read the extended version of this book, so my copy doesn't have the multiple short stories that would have added more depth to this world. Despite this, I still found this graphic novel to be a quick read that was also quite fun. 

The writing in this book isn't the strongest and some of the dialog is straight up cringe, but it still tells a cute story of love's resiliency and how true love doesn't wither away no matter how much time passes. Yes, this book may be a little stereotypical in some ways, but other aspects make up for this fact (such as it being a romance featuring elders and starring Bingo). 

Overall, "Bingo Love" is a cozy sapphic romance graphic novel with some unique attributes that will make it stand out in my memory. The fact that it stars two strong women who are black, queer, and over sixty years old is pretty cool. If you want a quick romantic comedy with sweet messages and great art, "Bingo Love" may be worth checking out. 

Back of Book: 

A graphic guide to chest binding with real-life stories and research-backed advice from bestselling Gender Queer author Maia Kobabe and University of Michigan professor Sarah Peitzmeier.

Breathe arose from the need for an evidence-based resource for folks considering chest binding as gender-affirming care. Its original form was a 32-page digital-only 'zine, but Peitzmeier and Kobabe saw potential for reaching a wider audience with an expanded version with more art and more exploration of what the research really shows about binding, designed to be easily readable as a printed book. This is the result.

To create Breathe, Peitzmeier and her research team interviewed many people of different ages and backgrounds about their journeys with binding, and then she and Kobabe combined excerpts from those interviews with evidence-based resources on binding into this extremely accessible book. The result is both a practical resource for trans and nonbinary folks and an engaging and perspective-broadening read for anyone interested in what it means to be on a journey of expressing one's gender in ways that are joyful, healthy, and affirming. 

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Young Adult | Graphic Novel | Nonfiction | Self Help | LGBTQIA+ 

Review: 🌟🌟🌟🌟 

A short nonfiction guide to lead queer teens down their own pathway to healthy binding. 

This book is a compilation of stories featuring real people that have managed to find a method of binding that works well for them. It also features practical advice from Kobabe emself, as well as reflection questions, charts, and other resources for people who bind to reflect on their own experiences and health. 

I am so glad that a resource like this now exists. For young trans people who have questions about binding, this guide is priceless. Binding has definitely become more well known in recent years due to people such as Kobabe and eir memoir "Gender Queer," but little information is widely available about how exactly to bind healthily. This short graphic novel is very enlightening and answers many different questions that one could have about the act of binding. 

One of my favorite parts about this book is how it urges one to not settle for anything less than what makes one feel truly good. However, it also cautions one to get to know their body and its limits and give oneself breaks when needed. 

Overall, "Breathe" is a priceless guide for queer teens who are interested in the act of binding. It outlines healthy practices, gives practical advice, and does a great job of focusing on the individuality of each person's journey. I am so glad that this resource now exists, and I hope that it finds its way into the hands of all those who need it. 

Back of Book: 

Mississippi, 1930s. Magic simmering beneath the surface, kept in check by unjust laws and societal expectations. But for six extraordinary women, the roar of enchanted engines and the thrill of the forbidden broom race offer a chance to rewrite their destinies.

Meet Billie Mae, captain of the Night Storms racing team, and Loretta, her best friend and second-in-command. They’re determined to make enough money to move out west to a state that allows Black folks to legally use magic and take part in national races.

Cheng-Kwan—doing her best to handle the delicate and dangerous double act of being the perfect “son” to her parents, and being true to herself while racing.

Mattie and Emma—Choctaw and Black—the youngest of the group and trying to dodge government officials who want to send them and their newly-surfaced powers away to boarding school.

And Luella, in love with Billie Mae. Her powers were sealed away years ago after she fought back against the government. She’ll do anything to prevent the same fate for her cousins.

Brooms is a heart-pounding graphic novel soaring with magic, friendship, and rebellion. It's a Fast and the Furious with broomsticks instead of cars, a historical spotlight on struggles silenced by time, and a celebration of the indomitable spirit that dares to defy the odds. Buckle up, witches and dreamers, for this ride is about to take flight.

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Young Adult | Graphic Novel | Historical | Fantasy | LGBTQIA+ 

Review: 🌟🌟🌟 

A queer fantasy adventure that shines a light on some of the darker parts of American history.

In Mississippi during the 1930s, magic is only legally practiced by a certain type of people: the type of people that the nation's government deems worthy. And under no circumstances would the agency allow for broom racing among those that are black, indigenous, queer, or any people of color. That doesn't stop six daring girls from competing in these secret races and being their true selves away from the government's watchful eye. With the prize money and the thrill of the ride under close scrutiny, these women will do whatever it takes to race to their hearts' content.

I wish that I would have liked this one more, but so many things fell flat for me. Personally, I just didn't attach to any of the characters, which made it hard to care about this character driven story. Also, it took way too long for me to keep the characters straight, and I already don't remember most of the characters names directly after finishing it. It also took me a solid chunk of this book to deem the circumstances that this book was taking place in, such as the location and the time period. The art style also wasn't my absolute favorite, which didn't lean into this books favor.

I did appreciate the importance of family and friends in this tale. Despite all the sexism, racism, and homophobia the characters face, the support system they had to fall back on really softened the blow. This book takes place during a pretty yucky part of America's history, and I feel it did a good job of highlighting a ton of different marginalized people who were forced into unfair circumstances. It also touches on Indian Boarding Schools and the horrors that took place in them, which is something that many writers tend to avoid talking about.

The diversity in this book was quite extensive, but some of them didn't end up adding much to the story. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but my brain was a bit hung up on the fact that one of the characters was deaf and it felt a tad crunchy. I'm not trying to hate on the author or deaf people in any way, but I just think the way it was handled in this book could have been slightly better. Other diversity included people who are black, Choctaw, Mexican, and Chinese American (or a combination of many of these identities). Other people had chronic joint pain, glasses, and other such inclusive elements that made the people seem more authentic. However, I wish the characters would have had more personality to compliment their physical and ethnic identities.

Overall, I was a bit disappointed by "Brooms." For a witchy historical graphic novel, I just found myself not caring about pretty much anything that was happening. The characters were shallow, the art wasn't my favorite, and I didn't love the whole racing element of this book. There was quite a few things I appreciate about this book though, which made it a decent read, though not one I will probably hold onto in my head for too long.

Back of Book: 

Emsy has always lived in sunny California, and she'd much rather spend her days surfing with her friends or hanging out with her girlfriend than honing her powers as a fire elemental. But when members of her family's coven back east are murdered under mysterious circumstances that can only be the result of powerful witchcraft, her family must suddenly return to dreary upstate New York. There, Emsy will have to master her neglected craft in order to find the killer... before her family becomes their next target.

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Young Adult | Graphic Novel | Fantasy | LGBTQIA+ 

Review: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

A witchy adventure about finding out where you belong and the people that will truly support you. 

Emsy is a Cali girl and she loves nothing more than surfing with her best friend Garrett and spending time with her girlfriend, Joss. But when members of her family's coven are viciously murdered, her parents force her to move to New York to support their fellow witches. Esmy is dismayed; her entire life is in California! After she arrives, she meets Ben, the only surviving member of the murdered family. Esmy and Ben decide to team up, along with a couple of their other friends, to find out who (or what) is truly behind the murders. 

I must say, the thing I love most about this graphic novel is the art style. It reminds me of classic DC comics with superheroes. It was so fun (and a bit mindbending) to read a graphic novel about witches in this same style. I found the art in this book stunning, and it most definitely increased the overall enjoyment I got out of this book. 

The second thing I absolutely adored about this book was two of the supporting characters, Ben and Ashley. They are one of my favorite dynamics in literature with Ben being the quiet-moody one and Ashley being the bubbly-flirty one. Let's just say, I shipped it from their first interaction. :) 

Beyond that, I found most of the rest of the book to be good, but not phenomenal. The overall plot reminded me of a dozen other books I read, so it wasn't super original. It took a bit for the plot to really begin, and when the conflict occurred, it wrapped up rather quickly. It was also pretty predictable and I often had a hard time keeping the magic lore straight for the sole reason I didn't care all that much. I think the good things still outweighed the lackluster in this one, though. 

Overall, "Coven" wasn't anything overly special, but it is still a fun, witchy read that would be perfect for Halloween. It has some great messages about family and finding where you belong. The art is great and there is a wide, diverse cast of characters. Dugan has still yet to blow my socks off with her work, but she has yet to completely bomb either. I'm interested to check out more of her work and discover where on the scale her books averagely fall for me. 

Back of Book: 

Falling in love just got sweeter in this charming, romantic YA graphic novel from WEBTOON, the #1 digital comic platform. Ray, a young seer struggling with her powers, discovers first love and friendship in her town's magic bakery.

In a very special town, there’s an even more unusual bakery with a selection of baked treats hand-crafted to help your dreams come true. For Ray, a quiet young woman with special powers of her own, the order is always the same: a hot tea with a delicious side of romance.

When Ray meets Laurie, the kind barista who aspires to be a professional musician, she gets a real taste of love for the first time. But even with a spark of magic, romance isn’t so simple. Both Ray and Laurie are chasing their own dreams and even when Ray starts to see the future, she can’t predict her fate with Laurie.

Based on the beloved webcomic from WEBTOON, this sweet coming-of-age story of friendship and first love comes to life in graphic novel format with gorgeous illustrations and exclusive content.

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Young Adult | Graphic Novel | Fantasy | Romance | LGBTQIA+ 

Review: 🌟🌟🌟

A sweet graphic novel about the struggles of finding first love and overcoming career burnout. 

"Crumbs" follows a young seer named Ray as she navigates a magical world in which her dream is to become an elite Councilor, whose job it is to take care of the many undertakings that must be accounted for in the magical community. But her resolution is shaken when she meets Laurie, a young man who works at his aunt's bakery. With Laurie by her side, she learns the true value of having people in your corner and she begins to question if being a part of the Council is worth it. 

Personally, the thing I liked the most about this book is the themes. I can really relate to having big dreams and having to make sacrifices to get there. Also, I have been feeling a bit burnt out lately and have often thought to myself "Is this worth it?" or "Why am I still doing this?" so I really related to that aspect of the book and truly felt for the characters who were going through this struggle themselves with their career goals. 

The other part I really enjoyed is the fact that Ray and Laurie are trying to figure out how to keep their newfound relationship afloat. This is tumultuous at times due to the commute between their jobs and the long distance relationship aspect. But what I really felt akin to in their relationship is the fact that Laurie is an optimist who always tries to act as though everything is okay. When I struggle, I find solace in making sure that others are doing well and burying my own pain. This sounds a tad bit overdramatic, but it is true. The fact that Laurie kept secrets from Ray in order to avoid upsetting her is totally felt, because I also hate conflict. Fortunately, my honesty factory wins out most of the time in these situations and I just omit certain details rather than full out lie to people. 

This book highlighted some flaws that I need to work on in real life, which I feel took away a bit of the adorable romance vibes for me. I think that it was still cute, but I was most definitely along for the friendship part of the plot rather than the romance. 

Overall, I feel that "Crumbs" is a cute story that hits on some pretty important topics, namely burnout and the complexities of relationships (romantic and friendships). I enjoyed my time with the book, but I just feel that nothing really jumped out at me that made me love this books. The art was cute, the characters were fine, and the plot could have been stronger. There is more that I liked in this one rather than disliked, but it isn't anything to write home about, in my opinion. 

Back of Book: 

From Molly Knox Ostertag, writer-illustrator, comes a darkly beautiful story of identity, family, love, loss, and magic.

Everyone has secrets. Mags’s has teeth.

Magdalena Herrera is about to graduate high school, but she already feels like an adult with serious responsibilities: caring for her ailing grandmother; working a part-time job; clandestine makeouts with a girl who has a boyfriend. And then there’s her secret, which pulls her into the basement each night, drains her of energy, and leaves her bleeding. A secret that could hurt and even kill if it ever got out -- like it did once before.

So Mags keeps her head down, isolated in her small desert community. That is, until her childhood friend Nessa comes back to town, bringing vivid memories of the past, an intoxicating glimpse of the future, and a secret of her own. Mags won’t get attached, of course. She’s always been strong enough to survive without anyone’s help.

But when the darkness starts to close in on them both, Mags will have to drag her secret into the daylight, and choose between risking everything... or having nothing left to lose.

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Young Adult | Graphic Novel | Contemporary | Fantasy | Romance | LGBTQIA+

Review: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

An oftentimes dark graphic novel that explores themes of grief, self acceptance, and learning to fight one's own inner demons. 

Magdalena "Mags" Herrera is technically still a high school senior, but she feels like she grew up a long time ago. Between taking care of her abuela, working a part-time job, hooking up with a girl who's in another relationship, and the bloody secret she keeps hidden in the basement, there's not much childhood innocence left in this girl. That is, until her childhood best friend Nessa steps into the picture, bringing with her memories of happier times. Despite Mags' best efforts to keep her distance, she can't help but be attracted to Nessa's positive light. But every secret has its price, and Mag's doesn't want to put Nessa at risk with hers. 

Holy smokes, this book gets really intense and strays to some seriously dark places at time. Ostertag does a great job of channeling how Mags' is feeling at all times through her art style, creative usage of paneling, and insanely astute use of color. Her pain, sorrow, grief, happiness, hope, confusion, and so much more really bleeds off the page, which added such an intense undertone to this entire graphic novel. No really, the way Ostertag utilizes color is phenomenal and really showcases the power of using graphics to tell a story. 

I really didn't know what to expect going into this one, but there were many things that surprised me. I love the Spanish culture that is intermingled in this tale, and the fantastical elements that stem from it. I don't want to go into too many details due to the fact I wasn't expecting Mags' secret at all, so I want to keep it that way for other readers, too. The latine family also intensified some of the family dynamics, which added to the sharp nature of this story. The fact that Mags' abuela love telenovela's is also an added bonus. 

The casual inclusion of transgender, butch lesbian, and other inclusive identities was great to see. These characters know who they are at this point in their lives that this story takes place but we do get glimpses of their past selves. Seeing Mags and Nessa in the past really shows how far they've come with accepting themselves as they are, while also at the same time highlighting all of the personal growth they still need to go through over the course of this novel. 

The approach to romance in this story was also super cute, but really realistic. Both Mags and Nessa were in pretty toxic relationships at the start of this story. Them meeting up a decade after knowing each other really helped them get out of their toxic situations, which I was glad to see. The whole scene with Nessa's boyfriend was really intense and might have pushed things a little too far, but I'm glad it worked out for our main characters in the end. Mags and Nessa still have many things they need to work through, but I truly think we all need someone who is willing to feed even the darkest parts of ourselves. 

Overall, "The Deep Dark" is one fantastic graphic novel. The art is beautiful and really pushes the limits of graphic storytelling with the way that it uses color. The characters are realistic and all have their individual issues and flaws. The plot was super engaging, and many aspects of it took me by surprise. I really enjoyed my past experience with Ostertag's work, but "The Deep Dark"pushes her masterful storytelling to another level. I would highly recommend this one, but do note the darker vibes compared to the author's previous work. 

Back of Book: 

A heart-warming, supernatural slice-of-life graphic novel that gently weaves together tough, everyday themes of identity, grief, and accepting flaws in those we love the most.

Living with his grandfather and struggling in a new high school, Damian decides to summon his mother’s ghost so he can talk things out – but he blows it and summons Saskia, a scruffy, annoying kid. Trying to settle into his new life, Damian doesn’t need her hanging around trying to ‘help’ him with his crush – but Saskia’s suffering too, and everything they’re both hiding deep down might be just what they both need to get some peace. John Moore and Neetols paint a sweet and hilarious tale of young love amid grief, where someone’s flaws might be the reason you love them the most. 

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Young Adult | Graphic Novel | Contemporary | Fantasy | LGBTQIA+

Review: 🌟🌟🌟

A Studio Ghibli-esque paranormal graphic novel featuring a boy who accidently summons a stubborn young girl when he tries to communicate with the ghost of his mother. 

Between moving to a new high school and living with his evasive grandfather, Damian is desperate for someone to talk to. In a world in which magical flower can be used to summon ghosts, Damian decides that it's finally time that he has a chat with his mother. But when he accidently summons a rambunctious young girl by the name of Saskia, Damian finds that help sometimes arises in the least likely of forms. 

This is a cute graphic novel with some sweet messages, but unfortunately, it wasn't anything all that special. It definitely reminded me of watching a Stuido Ghibli movie, especially with all of Saskia's antics. Crazy young children are sort of a staple for their movies, after all. 

This novel is very much a slice of life novel that follows a boy named Damian who is trying to navigate life's obstacles. Between having a crush, being the new kid, and the void he feels due to his missing parents, Damian has a lot that he is dealing with. 

My favorite part about this one is definitely the illustrations. The art style is so cute, and some of the panels are so detailed. It's simple, yet detail orientated, which I found soothing to the eyes. 

I found Saskia to be cute, but she's also a tad annoying. Damian is super self-absorbed and doesn't always make the best decisions. None of the side characters are all that important or likable either, so I didn't connect heavily with anyone in this book. 

I think the ending was rather abrupt and didn't reconcile much. I'm glad that Damian learns to be a little less selfish, yet we don't get much of a resolution on anything, which can be a major problem with some slice of life tales. This one is just a little too brief for my liking and lacked the depth I desired. 

Overall, "Ditching Saskia" is a sweet read about a boy learning to discover himself while balancing the feelings of others. It's certainly a quick and easy read with merit, but nothing much stood out to me. The art is gorgeous, but the story is only fine. Fans of Studio Ghibli would probably enjoy this one. 

Back of Book: 

Being a teenage witch—or rock star—is tougher than it looks! But maybe enemies can become friends… or more? Flying brooms and electric guitars set hearts aflame in this fantastically fizzy graphic novel.

When Margot meets Elena, emotions run high, magic is in the air, and doughnuts... float? One is a stressed-out witch trying to get her potions business off the ground, the other is a struggling rock musician whose band is going nowhere. Neither of them are having a good time! No wonder things quickly escalate from words to literal sparks flying when they first meet. Could this be the start of a delicious new relationship... or is a bad-luck curse leading them to certain doom?

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Young Adult | Graphic Novel | Fantasy| Romance | LGBTQIA+  

Review: 🌟🌟

Back of Book: 

From the award-winning author of All The Birds, Singing, a deeply moving graphic memoir about family, love, loss, and the irresistible forces that, like sharks, course through life unseen, ready to emerge at any moment.

Ever since she was a little girl, passing her summers in the brutal heat of coastal New South Wales, Evie Wyld has been captivated by sharks—by their innate ruthlessness, stealth, and immeasurable power. Young Evie would listen intently as farmers and fishermen told stories about being alone on the water at dusk; she would lose herself in books about legendary shark attacks, mesmerized by the photos of the victims. And even though she returned to London at the end of each summer, Australia's sharks never released their hold on her imagination. Now, in this quietly penetrating narrative of personal memories, beautifully rendered by illustrator Joe Sumner, Evie Wyld lends her exceptional voice to the telling of a story all her own.

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Young Adult | Graphic Novel | Memoir 

Review: 🌟🌟

A graphic memoir about a young girl who both fears and obsesses over sharks. 

I didn't really get much out of this one. The plot is a bit meandering as it follows the author's life growing up around sharks and other sea life due to the fact that she grew up in Australia and was raised by a family of fishermen. 

About halfway through, I at least realized that one of the themes of this book is the conservation of sharks. I do think that this is a very important message, but I don't think it was super heavily touched upon. This story also talks about how life changes and that everything ends eventually, which is also legit, but nothing new and exciting. 

Overall, I can see how many people could find this book fun or interesting, but I mainly just found it grotesque and a bit odd. It didn't take long to read, but I didn't get much out of it. 

Back of Book: 

From N.D. Stevenson, the New York Times bestselling author-illustrator of Nimona, comes a captivating, honest illustrated memoir that finds his turning an important corner in his creative journey—and inviting readers along for the ride.

In a collection of essays and personal mini-comics that span eight years of his young adult life, author-illustrator N.D. Stevenson charts the highs and lows of being a creative human in the world. Whether it’s hearing the wrong name called at his art school graduation ceremony or becoming a National Book Award finalist for his debut graphic novel, Nimona, N.D. captures the little and big moments that make up a real life, with a wit, wisdom, and vulnerability that are all his own. 

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Young Adult | Graphic Novel | Memoir | LGBTQIA+ 

Review: 🌟🌟🌟

A memoir in pictures that dives into N.D. Stevenson's life as an artist and showcases the ups and down he has experienced throughout his career. 

As far as memoirs go, this one isn't all that in-depth. However, I think it is neat seeing a ton of N.D.'s blog pieces compiled together. Some of his comics are fantastic while others can be a tad confusing or boring, but they made for an interesting reading experience in the long run. 

I found it interesting to learn more about N.D.'s career as an artist. I guess I was aware that "Nimona" turned ten in 2025, so that obviously means that N.D. has been successful for a while. I didn't know that he was so young at the time that "Nimona" started to blow up or they fact that he was working on such prestigious projects with places such as DC and Marvel at the same time. 

The way that the author reflects on their life and shares it with their fans on a yearly basis is pretty neat. I've always thought it would be beneficial to make annual "years in review," so that it would be easier to look back on all of the things that I have accomplished. I think that these would especially help me out when I'm struggling with feelings of burnout or when I fear I'm not strong enough to achieve my dreams. 

I must say, this one does feel a bit discombobulated at times and could have been greatly improved with a few more things added. I get that it's a memoir and the author is allowed to share as much or as little as they want with their audience, but I feel that this one was really missing the oomph it needed to be a great read. 

Overall, "The Fire Never Goes Out" wasn't the strongest memoir I've ever read, but it was interesting to learn a bit more about the life of the creator of the iconic graphic novel/webcomic "Nimona." I will always love "Nimona" so getting a bit more insight on the man who made this beloved work was educational at the very least. 

Back of Book: 

I know I’m not gay. Gay boys like other boys. I hate boys. They’re mean, and scary, and they’re always destroying something or saying something dumb or both.

I hate that word. Gay. It makes me feel... unsafe.

It's the summer between middle school and high school, and Aiden Navarro is away at camp. Everyone's going through changes—but for Aiden, the stakes feel higher. As he navigates friendships, deals with bullies, and spends time with Elias (a boy he can't stop thinking about), he finds himself on a path of self-discovery and acceptance.

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Young Adult | Graphic Novel | Contemporary | LGBTQIA+ 

Review: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Back of Book: 

In 2014, Maia Kobabe, who uses e/em/eir pronouns, thought that a comic of reading statistics would be the last autobiographical comic e would ever write. At the time, it was the only thing e felt comfortable with strangers knowing about em. Now, Gender Queer is here. Maia's intensely cathartic autobiography charts eir journey of self-identity, which includes the mortification and confusion of adolescent crushes, grappling with how to come out to family and society, bonding with friends over erotic gay fanfiction, and facing the trauma of pap smears. Started as a way to explain to eir family what it means to be nonbinary and asexual, Gender Queer is more than a personal story: it is a useful and touching guide on gender identity—what it means and how to think about it—for advocates, friends, and humans everywhere.

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Young Adult | Graphic Novel | Memoir | LGBTQIA+ 

Review: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

A graphic memoir filled to the brim with personal details of one persons journey with gender, sexuality, and the struggles of being human. 

I must admit, "Gender Queer" is another one of those books that I wanted to read due to the amount of times I've seen it challenged in the bookish community. It is also another classic banned book that I loved reading and learned a bunch from. I'm so over books being banned/challenged due to their LGBTQIA+ themes and content. 

I really appreciate all the gender discussion in this book, which I guess is pretty obvious. This memoir dives into genderfluidness, gender dysphoria, adapting your pronouns (Kobabe uses Spivak pronouns now!), experimenting with romantic and sexual relationships, and so much more. I also love the look into being asexual and nonbinary and how the LGBTQIA+ community is always adapting and expanding. 

Something that I really enjoyed about this graphic novel is how many of the thoughts that Kobabe has had that I have also actively thought myself, especially eir early childhood thoughts. Things along the line of, "Why can guys take of their shirts in public?" and "Why are women (or those assigned female at birth A.F.A.B.) frowned upon for not shaving their legs, armpits, and privates?" There are so many things that society associates with gender that are plain illogical and/or highly unfair, and I'm glad to see that I am not the only one who has ever questioned things such as this. 

I also found the deep dive into trying to discover if oneself is aromantic or asexual to closely align with some thoughts I have previously had myself. Seriously, this book is a great one for anyone who just wants to be felt by a fellow human or learn more about how other people identify themselves. 

Overall, I really enjoyed reading "Gender Queer" and it really helped me learn more about the LGBTQIA+ community. I was already fairly knowledgeable about many of the terms that are associated with gender and identity, yet Kobabe did a great job of introducing me to more. I love learning, and I especially enjoy learning through other people's life experiences. I would most definitely recommend "Gender Queer" though I find it important to note that some things are better left to more mature audiences due to the sexual exploration that this book explores. A great read with valuable lessons, I can't thank Kobabe enough for sharing eir experiences! 

Back of Book: 

Ghost Roast delivers a paranormal adventure full of first crushes, lost histories, and the impossible task of fitting in when your dad is a professional ghosthunter. A stand-alone YA graphic novel from authors Shawneé and Shawnelle Gibbs and artist Emily Cannon!

For as long as she can remember, Chelsea Grant has tried everything she can think of to distance herself from the disastrous damage her father does to her social life. It's not easy to shake her reputation as Ghost Girl when Dad keeps advertising his business as a "paranormal removal expert" in big, bold, loud letters all over New Orleans!

This year, Chelsea's all grown up, attending one of the most prestigious high schools in the city, and she's finally made friends with the popular crowd. Things are looking up—until a night on the town backfires spectacularly, landing her in hot water at home. Her punishment? Working for her dad at Paranormal Removal Services. All. Summer.

Worst of all, her new job reveals an unexpected secret she has to keep: While Dad hunts ghosts with his own DIY tech, Chelsea can actually see them. And when she meets Oliver, a friendly spirit, at the fancy mansion her dad is getting a handsome fee to exorcize, she realizes she has to save his after-life, even if it risks everything her father's worked for.

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Young Adult | Graphic Novel | Contemporary | Paranormal 

Review: 🌟🌟🌟

"Ghost Roast" is a paranormal adventure featuring a Ghostbuster-esque company, a New Orleans plantation, and a mysterious boy that has entirely vanished from history's eye.

Chelsea Grant has spent a ton of effort trying to fit in with the other kids. She's always been known as the "Ghost Girl" because her dad owns a service that is dedicated to hunting paranormal entities and extracting them from people's premises. After a foolish mistake, Chelsea is forced to work with her dad over the summer. At first, she dreads it. Until she meets a mysterious ghost that goes by the name of Oliver. That causes Chelsea to become more invested in the gig and sparks a determination in her to figure out the secrets that the Harrington mansion is hiding.

My favorite part about this one has to be its deep dive into slavery and the legacy it has left to this day. The Harrington's once upon a time were slave owners that abused the power they had over humans to create a successful legacy for themselves. However, it was great to see how Oliver tried to flip the power he had for the better and work towards compensating past slaves both monetarily and with education. I don't want to go into much more details about how slavery is addressed due to the short nature of this book, but I found it's discussion of preserving history helpful.

The Ghostbuster-like company Ghost Roast was another fun element of this book. It's super quirky, but also realistic enough that it works for the story. It was also nice to see how Chelsea goes from absolutely hating and being embarrassed by her father's work to being really invested in it and passionate to learn the history behind the ghosts that her father works with.

Unfortunately, I didn't really like any of the characters, which made it harder to connect with this story. Chelsea is really self-centered and surrounds herself with toxic influences pretty much all the time. I hate the mean girls clique that she hangs out with; it disappointed me greatly that she didn't dump them by the end of the story. I did appreciate Oliver and the other ghosts; their stories are heart touching and they seemed like genuinely good people. However, I still didn't love them, which made it a bit hard to feel truly invested in the story.

I really enjoyed the art style. It is really clean and detailed, which makes it very pleasing to the eye. However, there was this one thing that really bothered me. At random moments, the artist decided not to draw the character's hair and other distinguishing features (presumably to highlight the facial expressions) which I found really odd. It always took me out of the story every time this happened, and I just couldn't get over it. There were some other design and artistic decisions that I found a tad odd or confusing, but none of them were as bad as the vanishing hair thing.

Overall, "Ghost Roast" is a short, fun read that tackles topics such as legacy, the value of the truth, and societal hierarchies. It puts a more cultural approach on the whole Ghostbusters vibe, which is cool. It did have several things that bothered me from an artistic standpoint and I didn't get attached to any of the characters. Not a bad story, it just didn't sink its talons into me either.

Back of Book: 

Fifteen-year-old Morgan has a secret: She can't wait to escape the perfect little island where she lives. She's desperate to finish high school and escape her sad divorced mom, her volatile little brother, and worst of all, her great group of friends... who don't understand Morgan at all. Because really, Morgan's biggest secret is that she has a lot of secrets, including the one about wanting to kiss another girl.

Then one night, Morgan is saved from drowning by a mysterious girl named Keltie. The two become friends and suddenly life on the island doesn't seem so stifling anymore.

But Keltie has some secrets of her own. And as the girls start to fall in love, everything they're each trying to hide will find its way to the surface... whether Morgan is ready or not. 

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Young Adult | Graphic Novel | Fantasy | Romance | LGBTQIA+ 

Review: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Back of Book: 

In kindergarten, Jarrett Krosoczka's teacher asks him to draw his family, with a mommy and a daddy. But Jarrett's family is much more complicated than that. His mom is an addict, in and out of rehab, and in and out of Jarrett's life. His father is a mystery—Jarrett doesn't know where to find him, or even what his name is. Jarrett lives with his grandparents—two very loud, very loving, very opinionated people who had thought they were through with raising children until Jarrett came along.

Jarrett goes through his childhood trying to make his non-normal life as normal as possible, finding a way to express himself through drawing even as so little is being said to him about what's going on. Only as a teenager can Jarrett begin to piece together the truth of his family, reckoning with his mother and tracking down his father.

Hey, Kiddo is a profoundly important memoir about growing up in a family grappling with addiction, and finding the art that helps you survive. 

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Young Adult | Graphic Novel | Memoir | Contemporary  

Review: 🌟🌟🌟🌟 

Back of Book: 

Living in a new country is no walk in the park.

When Nao returns to Tokyo to reconnect with her Japanese heritage, she books a yearlong stay at the Himawari sharehouse. There she meets Hyejung and Tina, two other girls who came to Japan to freely forge their own paths. The trio live together, share meals, and even attend the same Japanese-language school, which results in them becoming fast friends. But will they be able to hold one another up as life tests them with new loves, old heartbreaks, and the everyday challenges of being fish out of water?

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Young Adult | Graphic Novel | Contemporary 

Review: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

A touching graphic novel that follow five young people living in a sharehouse together as the cope with their culture, homesickness, and their own identities.

"Himawari House" is a graphic novel that showcases love of culture as the reader follows three foreign exchange students. Nao returns to the land of her birth, Japan, for one year before going to college in the Midwest. Tina is from Singapore and is looking to find herself in a new country. Hyejung is a Korean women trying to flee her past mistakes and tread her own path free from her parent's overbearing willpower. The three girls end up in a sharehouse with two guys, Masaki and Shinsan. The group comes to realize that many difficulties must be overcome when they speak four different languages, are far from home, and aren't quite sure where they belong in the world.

I love all the characters in this novel. They are all so unique with extensive familial and cultural histories that I found fascinating. Nao and Masaki were my two favorites to read about, but everyone else was super interesting too. Nao is heavily affected with "living on the border." She feels super Japanese in America and super American in Japan. This makes her feel a bit like a fish out of water no matter where she is. I thought it was cool to see Nao struggle with the guilt of hashing her culture in the past and now having to play catch-up while in Japan. Masaki is super quiet and seems kind of moody, but in reality he's such a sweet boy. I thought that the relationship that Nao and Masaki have going throughout this book is very wholesome and I enjoyed the scenes with them in it immensely.

I love how many cultures we dived into with this one. The residents of the sharehouse celebrate traditions from all their cultures. It was fun to see them all support each other's cultures and be so engaged in each other's lives. I feel this graphic novel perfectly shows how fast one can develop strong relations and how sometimes change can be for the better.

It would be amiss if I didn't take some time to chat about the illustrations. This is the second novel I've read that has been illustrated by Becker, and I fell in love with her art style even more this time around. This graphic novel is another with unhinged character expressions that remind me of anime, which is made to feel even more prominent because the story takes place in Japan. Becker made all the characters look very different, which made it easy to tell them apart and to keep their stories straight in my noggin.

Overall, I really enjoyed "Himawari House." It may not be the most action filled book ever, but it really touched my heart. These five humans have all been through a bunch in their lives, and meeting each other was a great experience for everyone involved. I hope that they all keep in contact with each other in the future! Each of their stories is full of heart and they all spend time trying to find their true selves throughout this novel. If you are a culture buff like me, have an interest in Japan, or just wants to read about some wholesome platonic relationships (with a little bit of romance thrown in), please check out this beautiful graphic novel!

Back of Book: 

A beautiful and heart-wrenching young adult graphic novel takes a look at eating disorders, family dynamics, and ultimately, a journey to self-love.

Valerie Chu is quiet, studious, and above all, thin. No one, not even her best friend Jordan, knows that she has been binging and purging for years. But when tragedy strikes, Val finds herself taking a good, hard look at her priorities, her choices, and her own body. The path to happiness may lead her away from her hometown and her mother's toxic projections―but first she will have to find the strength to seek help.

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Young Adult | Graphic Novel | Contemporary 

Review: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

An emotional graphic novel delving into heavy topics such as eating disorders, generational trauma, and the loss of a loved one. 

Valerie Chu is a studious, obedient Taiwanese girl who will go to extreme lengths to be beautiful. And what does American society consider beauty to be? Thin. So thin is what Val will be. No one knows her biggest secret: she has been bingeing and purging for years to achieve this standard of pretty. And that still doesn't seem to be good enough to meet her mother's unrealistic expectations. Val must confront the many toxic aspects of her life and work towards growth and loving herself.

I haven't read many books surrounding eating disorders, so my interest was perked when I learned of this one. I love the fact that it is a YA graphic novel; the simplistic nature of the art is quite beautiful and does a great job of not distracting from the story. 

This book covers many heavy topics including generational trauma, eating disorders, fatphobia, the loss of a loved one, and toxic beauty standards, to name a few. In my opinion, it was a bit ambitious to try to tackle this many things in such a short graphic novel. I just feel that it led to many of these issues being semi-unresolved, which can be quite tragic when it comes to such heavy topic matters. I'm glad that Val is heading towards the path of recovery, but I wish that she would have talked a bit more with both her friend Jordan (they did have a pretty horrible fight and I wish they would have discussed a bit about the fatphobia present in Val's life) and her mother (who has always forced crazy unrealistic expectations on this girl). I just feel that both of these conversations really needed to happen to tie up some loose ends. 

I have never had extreme issues with my self-image or about my physical body, and for that I am super grateful. The entire idea of hating food and thinking about its toxicity is completely foreign to me, but I feel like that makes it all the more important for me to read stories such as this. The fact that Val was Taiwanese made my interest in the story go up even more. That being said, I haven't went through any such events myself, so I can't speak to whether this book is triggering or completely authentic to the experience of having an eating disorder. I just know that everyone's life experiences are different and I'm sure that Ms. Ying showcased her experiences as best as she could in the hopes of helping others. 

Overall, I believe that some technical elements of "Hungry Ghost" could have been better, but the content present was good. There is a bunch to be learned from a book like this, and I'm hoping it helps others feel seen. I think if it would have been a little longer it could have been phenomenal, but it was pretty good for what it was. 

Back of Book: 

George has major problems: They’ve just inherited the failing family estate, and the feelings for their best friend, Eleanor, have become more complicated than ever. Not to mention, if anyone found out they were secretly dressing in men’s clothes, George is sure it would be ruination for the family name.

Eleanor has always wanted to do everything "right," including falling in love—but she’s never met a boy she was interested in. She’d much rather spend time with her best friend, George, and beloved cousin Charlotte. However, when a new suitor comes to town, she finds her closest friendships threatened, forcing her to rethink what "right" means and confront feelings she never knew she had.

Inspired by Jane Austen and queer history, I Shall Never Fall in Love shines a light on what it means to be true to yourself and rewrites the rules for what makes a happily ever after. 

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Young Adult | Graphic Novel | Historical | Romance | LGBTQIA+ 

Review: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

A regency romance in which three young people are trying to find true happiness despite the pressures that society presses upon them to act differently. 

George has a lot on their plate. After inheriting their family's failing estate, they are thrust into the spotlight like they've never been before. Keeping the fact that they dress in men's clothes despite their assigned gender a secret is hard enough, but keeping their romantic feelings from their best friend Eleanor is near impossible. Eleanor feels the pressures of being a proper woman in high class society, but men have never interested her. Who wants to marry when she can spend her free time with her best friend George and her cousin Charlotte? George, Eleanor, and Charlotte are all forced to face their feelings and defy the expectations of the society that they live in if they truly want to find their happily ever after.

I've heard good things about this graphic novel, so I was happy to see that it panned out well for me. The characters are fully fleshed, the art style is both refined and hilarious, and the exploration of race, class, and sexuality during the 1800s are immaculate. 

I'm gonna say that my favorite thing about this one is the art. The facial expressions are really fun and constantly had me laughing aloud. Looking at all the resplendent clothing of the era was also quite a joy. I really dig the skirt, suit jacket, and top hat look that George has going on throughout this book. The colors are also so vibrant in this one, which makes it really pleasant to look at. 

The way that this book helpfully points out that members of the LGBTQIA+ community have always existed is awesome. Regency romances featuring characters that are transgender is rapidly starting to become my favorite type of historical fiction, and I am honored to add this one to the list of books I love. 

Not only does it deep dive into gender and sexuality, it also takes a look at other biases that are present throughout society. Looking down on people who are of different ethnicities, race, or financial standing still happens to this day, so I'm glad that authors are using their platforms to examine these topics through a historical lens. Eleanor tries her best, but she definitely looks down at her servants. On top of that, she also doesn't understand how hard it can be for her cousin Charlotte, who is black, to do the exact same activities that she does. The growth that Eleanor goes through in this book is an arc that many people themselves need to experience, so hopefully books like this make readers more empathetic. 

The romantic buildup in this graphic novel is done so well. It is quite obvious from the start that George loves Eleanor, and Eleanor gets so jealous when anyone wants to spend time with George. Seeing them both fall harder and harder for one another until their hilarious confession is priceless, and I'm glad that the author took a bit of a humorous approach when it comes to George and Eleanor's relationship. 

Overall, I found "I Shall Not Fall in Love" to be a ridiculously cute graphic novel that had me laughing aloud. It has great art, characters, and messages. The way that this story examines gender norms, sexuality, classism, and racism is outstanding. This book is similar in ways to "The Prince and the Dressmaker" as well as "The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich." If you are a fan of one of these, I'm sure you'll be a fan of all three. I'd definitely recommend if you like cozy regency romances with diverse characters and graphic novels with incredible art!

Back of Book: 

Momo Gardner is the kind of friend who’s always ready to lend a helping hand. She’s introverted, sensitive, and maybe a little too trusting, but she likes to believe the best in people. PG, on the other hand, is a bit of a lone wolf, despite her reputation for being a flirt and a player. Underneath all that cool mystery, she’s actually quick to smile, and when she falls for someone, she falls hard. An unexpected meet-cute brings the two together, kicking off the beginning of an awkward yet endearing courtship—but with their drastically different personalities, Momo’s overprotective friend, and PG’s past coming back to haunt her, Momo and PG’s romance is put to the test.

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Young Adult | Graphic Novels | Contemporary | Romance 

Review: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

A sapphic romance featuring a nerdy gal and the flirt that steals her heart brought to life with colorful illustrations that are sure to make one smile. 

Momo has always been the girl you can depend on. Whether it's helping with homework, letting you borrow her flashcards, or giving relationship advice, she's always willing to lend a hand. When she lends her notes to a friend of a friend, she ends up meeting PG, a flirtatious women who is know for sleeping around town. Against all odds, Momo finds herself falling for PG, but she keeps telling herself that PG cannot possible be interested in her as a person. As Momo and PG start to spend more and more time together, Momo becomes more and more confused about how she should act upon her feeling towards the known skirtchaser. 

The first thing that jumps out for me is the art style. I mean, the colors are so vibrant and pretty and the art itself is so cute and precious. This is another graphic novel with wonderful facial expressions, and I adore the character designs throughout. 

Though many people scream about how cute this book is, I more appreciate the serious topics surrounding romance it tackles. Momo has never been in a relationship before and it is hard to see her fall for someone who she believes is a relentless womanizer. The fact that she has also been used by women in the past for her knowledge and smarts is also heartbreaking to see. Momo is such a precious little bean and I think the power of the romance is only amplified by the struggles she has been through in the past. PG struggles with being misunderstood; there is much more to her than just her sex life. It can't imagine what it would be like to fall in love over and over again only for the other people to think that you aren't serious or that you only want them for their sex appeal. That would truly be a brutal thing to live through. I am glad that both of these gals had legit issues; it made the romance feel more nuanced and real. This book may not of had me kicking and squealing in delight, but I greatly appreciate the characters and the depth that they each have. 

I also really like Momo's best friend, Kayla. She is such a good ally for Momo and the concern that she feels for her best friend is so wholesome and amazing. Everyone needs a few good friends like Kayla in their corner, and I loved seeing Kayla pop up throughout the story. 

The last thing I want to comment on is how realistic the author writes first crushes and the early stages in a relationship. Also, consent is sexy, my friends, and I am so glad that the author always had the characters communicate what they wanted to do and then had them back off if the other wasn't one hundred percent comfortable with what was happening. I love how the relationship developed slowly and sweetly, and that Momo and PG spent a bunch of time together as friends before it evolved into more. I feel like in this day and age there are too many romance books that just charge ahead, so it was refreshing to read how their friendship slowly developed. 

Overall, I found "If You'll Have Me" to be a fun graphic novel that exhibits the beginning stages of romance wonderfully which was accompanied by fantastic imagery. If one is a fan of graphic novels, sapphic romances, or heartfelt tales of friendship, I would give this one a go! 

Back of Book: 

When his younger siblings and parents begin to irritate him on vacation, Jordan tries to get some space. But instead of wandering around the museum, he finds himself dropped in a fantasy world of magic where he can finally have some fun and train to become a knight. Except Prince Astel and Sir Griffith are about to uncover a sinister secret kept hidden by the Queen that'll thrust Jordan in the middle of a magical battle he never could have anticipated.

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Young Adult | Graphic Novel | Fantasy | Romance | LGBTQIA+  

Review: 🌟🌟🌟

A short, sweet fantasy graphic novel about a young boy who discovers purpose and love in a fantasy world parallel to his own.

"In the Shadow of the Throne" follows a lad named Jordan who is fed up with his family after being forced to babysit his pesky little brothers for the millionth time. Wouldn't it be nice if he was whisked away to a magical world where all of his worries fade away? Well that's exactly what happens! Soon after his arrival he meets Prince Astel, whom he saves from a dangerous wolf. He is then brought back to the castle and begins to train as a knight. But soon Jordan and Astel learn of a deadly secret hidden within the folds of this fantasy realm. . . and it is up to Jordan to save it.

The premise of this book isn't very original, but I still feel like it was interesting to read. None of the characters are too fleshed out, so they are rather flat, but that's not surprising given the length of the story. Luckily, Jordan and Astel are pretty much the only characters that matter and they have several tidbits that make them interesting characters.

Most of the problems in this book pretty much come down to the lack of development. The lore of the world seems pretty cool and I would love to learn more about it. If this book was the first installment in a longer series (maybe with a story arc similar to "The Chronicles of Narnia?"), I'd say this was a great start to a series that could end up being awesome. But as a stand alone? This isn't the most memorable story.

Overall, the romance was cute, the world was intriguing, and the art was good, but it wasn't anything phenomenal. This book most definitely could have benefited from more content, but I still enjoyed reading it. If one loves high fantasy stories with creatures such as elves and is willing to give this cute story a read, I'd say go for it!

Back of Book: 

Don “TheDragonWilson” Jones is the finest fighter Benjamin Harrison High School has ever produced. But when he enters the ring against Lincoln High’s Sam Steadman, it’s love at first knockout.

Unfortunately, Sam has a jerky ex-boyfriend…and Don has a seriously terrifying ex-girlfriend. Like, “global crime cartel” terrifying. From prom to the after-party to graduation, Don and Sam―and an increasingly eclectic cast of supporting oddballs―will have to fight their way through a gauntlet of opponents, all in the name of love (and punching). Did we mention the punching?

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Young Adult | Graphic Novel | Contemporary | Adventure 

Review: 🌟🌟

A silly, over the top graphic novel about a bunch of high schoolers that seriously like to punch stuff. 

I must admit, I only read this book because my sister jokingly picked it out for me when we were at the library. I must say, it met my expectations pretty much perfectly. The art style isn't my jam, the majority of the book was just about beating up stuff, and everything was so over the top unrealistic. I'm not saying that this is exactly bad, just not my cup of tea at all. It also feels really juvenile, even though it follows high schoolers and is centered around prom. 

Honestly, the whole way that this book approaches prom kinda felt icky to me. I seriously didn't like how much the typical prom night was pushed with a bunch of kids checking out hotels for the night and initiating in "kissing shenanigans" as the book puts it. I feel like this really helps fed the negative prom culture and we should work towards setting up new norms in media. I was also so concerned that there was zero adult supervision around; I mean, people were literally trying to kill each other and their were no supervisors to do anything about it. I just feel this book paints prom in a really weird way, especially for the fact that it is in the title. 

Overall, "Karate Prom" is not my cup of tea in any way and was only something I'd read due to the fact that it is a really short graphic novel. 

Back of Book: 

Once dubbed the Queen of Balance as her school’s top rock climber, Kirby Tan suffers an injury that sidelines her for the rest of the season. Now she’s forced to join the newspaper club for some desperately needed extra credit. Worse, she’s recruited by crystal-wearing, tarot-reading Bex Santos for her astrology-based love advice column. As Kirby reluctantly agrees to orchestrate “matches made in heaven” with Bex, she begins to wonder if their own stars could be aligned. But loving who she wants isn’t so easy when her family and church community are on the line. Can Kirby pull off her greatest balancing act yet?

From Laura Gao, the acclaimed creator of Messy Roots, comes an authentic slow-burn romance and coming-of-age story perfect for fans of Heartstopper, lovers of astrology and tarot, and anyone looking for answers on the right way to fall (in love).  

Book Number: Stand Alone

Genre: Young Adult | Graphic Novel | Contemporary | Romance | LGBTQIA+ 

Review:  🌟🌟

A graphic novel starring a young rock climber who is learning how to fall, both physically and emotionally.

After suffering from an injury that has Kirby out of rock climbing for several months, Kirby finds herself enrolled in the Newspaper Club instead. There, she meets a group of rambunctious kids who aren't afraid to be their authentic (and queer) selves. Kirby soon finds herself paired up with another girl, Bex, and they soon find themselves offering a matchmaking service which gets them into more trouble than they anticipated.

I'm sorry, but I just didn't connect with this one at all. I recognize that this story has great themes about identity, learning to trust, dealing with grief, pushing through setbacks, and so much more, but it felt too disjointed for me to really grasp any one message in any powerful way.

The parts that explore Kirby's Chinese history are fine and Bex is Latine, which is also great, but nothing is too terribly in depth, which just felt like a waste of potential to me. However, I did appreciate how this one talks about super religious families reacting in different ways when their kids come out as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Reading this book felt like trying to connect a bunch of dots that are scattered all around. I found the paneling difficult to follow, the art style to be a bit too erratic, and the plot to be all over the place. This book is written in a series of lessons more than anything else, which could have been a neat reading experience, but only had me confused.

Overall, I was very disappointed with "Kirby's Lessons for Falling (In Love)." It was extremely disjointed, and I found myself bored or confused (or both) for the majority of my time reading this one. I can say with certainty that I won't remember having read this book in a few weeks; that's how little of an impact it had on me. There are some great messages scattered throughout this novel, but there isn't enough to back them up. Very mid, very skippable, in my opinion. 

Back of Book: 

All Freddy Riley wants is for Laura Dean to stop breaking up with her.

The day they got together was the best one of Freddy's life, but nothing's made sense since. Laura Dean is popular, funny, and SO CUTE. . . but she can be really thoughtless, even mean. Their on-again, off-again relationship has Freddy's head spinning—and Freddy's friends can't understand why she keeps going back.

When Freddy consults the services of a local mystic, the mysterious Seek-Her, she isn't thrilled with the advice she receives. But something's got to give: Freddy's heart is breaking in slow motion, and she may be about to lose her very best friend as well as her last shred of self-respect. Fortunately for Freddy, there are new friends, and the insight of advice columnist Anna Vice, to help her through being a teenager in love.

Mariko Tamaki and Rosemary Valero-O'Connell bring to life a sweet and spirited tale of young love that asks us to consider what happens when we ditch the toxic relationships we crave to embrace the healthy ones we need.

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Young Adult | Graphic Novel | Contemporary | LGBTQIA+ 

Review: 🌟🌟

I think "Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me" marks the end of my relationship with Mariko Tamaki. This is my third book I've read of hers that I've given a two star to. As they say, three strikes and your out.

This book addresses many complex ideas about how complicated and toxic relationships can be, and I respect it for that. But on the other hand, all the relationships are so toxic that it wasn't exactly enjoyable to read in any way, shape, or form. Even the side characters in relationships seemed to have a bunch of issues.

Something about Tamaki's characters really rub me the wrong way. I think I just find their way of thinking totally illogical and unrealistic. They all make horrible decisions pretty much all the time and it super annoying to read about. Take this story. The fact that Freddy is so desperate to stay with Laura Dean that she puts up with all of her toxic behavior, nonchalant flirtatiousness, and overall grossness is so sad. I understand that love can make people act weird and think illogically, but this was a whole different issue. Also, she acts like a total jerk to her friends which is completely uncalled for.

Overall, this book just isn't it for me. I appreciate how it tackles gender identity, sexual relations, healthy vs toxic relationships, the unrealistic expectations of others, how members of the LGBTQIA+ community have been treated poorly for years, and how horrible high school can be for teens. However, I think these topics have all been addressed in better books and in healthier ways. "Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me" is not the book for me, and Tamaki is not an author that I can keep investing my time in. I hope that those who enjoy Tamaki's work can appreciate and relate to this graphic novel, but I personally didn't glean anything from it.

Back of Book: 

With a beautiful art style and a swift sense of humor, Lavender Clouds is breakthrough work from a leading voice in mental health comics.

Eisner Award nominated author Bex Ollerton—known as @Schnumn to her thousands of followers—is a talented comic artist who feels energized and courageous on some days and exhausted and emotionally depleted on others. In Lavender Clouds, she translates her experiences with autism, ADHD, and mental health into a series of colorful, emotionally resonant comics that tell stories of neurodiversity and resilience.

With a tone that is sharp but always sensitive, this debut book collection describes the many insights and strategies the author has learned on her journey to self-acceptance. Among the many topics addressed in the book are the folly of "foolproof" organization strategies, the perils of burnout, the joy of small hopes, and the importance of growing at your own pace and on your own path.

Breathtaking in its artistic range and emotional truth, Lavender Clouds offers an enlightening and uplifting read for anyone struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, burnout, or other issues.  

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Young Adult | Graphic Novel | Nonfiction | Memoir 

Review: 🌟🌟🌟

A collection of comics that highlights the struggles people have with mental health and shines a light on neurodiversity.

This collection was often super relatable, but it also had me zoning out from time to time and reading whole comics without absorbing what happened. This left me feeling rather nixed about the whole thing, though this isn't uncommon with novels written in short featurette format.

When it came to the comics about depression, social anxiety, and feeling guilt for not accomplishing the things that you want, I was right there alongside the author. Heck, today I have a towering checklist of things I want to do, but I'm feeling sorta crappy, so I decided that I'm just going to plow through as many books as I can. Not the most productive, but not NOT productive either. The thing is, I know that as soon as I feel better, I'll be kicking myself for being lazy and unproductive even though I feel like absolute garbage right now. So yeah, I can definitely relate to much of the author's headspace in a bunch of these comics.

The author of these comics is autistic and has ADHD, which is abundantly clear in many of these short features. She fights to fit in with others, struggles to communicate, and hyperfixates on things quite frequently. I think these comics are a great resource for those who aren't on the neurodivergent spectrum to learn while those who are can feel immensely seen.

Also, I found it a tad odd that almost this entire collection from front to back focused on the negative aspects of being neurodivergent and coping with mental health. I think that if more messages filled with hope and inspiring tales would have been woven throughout this collection would have been stronger.

Overall, "Lavender Clouds" is a solid collection of comics that showcases neurodivergence and mental health quite splendidly. Some parts of this book are so relatable to me, and I hope that others can see themselves in the narrator, too. I struggle with social anxiety, being a general worrywart, depression, and overachiever tendencies quite frequently, so I saw myself in many of these shorts. However, I wasn't overly invested in a bunch of them, which has me leaving this one with mixed reviews. It was certainly worth reading, but not the most memorable graphic novel either. 

Back of Book: 

Two (supernatural) men and a baby. 

A human child abandoned in the woods is discovered by an unlikely pair: Razzmatazz, a fairy godfather, and Bon, a beast man. After quarreling over the best way to handle the child, they finally agree to co-parent in the human world—at least, for now. What the two men don't expect is this little arrangement will push them to discover more about themselves... and more about each other, which might result in love. 

In this charming LGBT+ romcom, one "temporary" magical family might just become real. 

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Young Adult | Graphic Novel | Fantasy | Romance | LGBTQIA+ 

Review: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

When a fairy and a beast encounter a baby in the woods and each want to have it as their own, they embark on a less than amicable arrangement in which they pretend to be a married human couple in this cozy, queer fantasy graphic novel. 

Razzmatazz is a fairy, and fairies are tasked with making fairy tales come true. However, he is not the greatest at his job and has failed to do so thus far. Desperate to succeed, Razzmatazz decides that he is going to raise a human child in the hopes that he'll be there for them whenever their story needs fixing. What he didn't expect was to meet a grumpy beast by the name of Bon who also wants to get his hands on the same baby. Razzmatazz and Bon embark on a reluctant partnership where they pretend to be a human couple so that they can raise the human child together and both achieve their goals. However, it's hard to keep feelings at bay when one is involved in a fake marriage and the two soon find that they have bitten off more than they originally anticipated. 

I didn't have high expectations going into this one, but it ended up being a really cute read that was actually quite funny. Razzmatazz and Bon have such fun exchanges of dialogue, and it is so hilarious following their misadventures as new parents that are also trying to blend into the human realm. Razzmatazz's eccentric nature pairs quite well with Bon due to the fact that he is a very down-to-earth kind of guy, which leads to them having great chemistry together. 

The world building isn't the most in depth, but it is easy to follow regardless of this. This book reads like a rom com that just happens to feature a fairy and beast, which adds to the comedy immensely. Watching these two pretend to be human is quite comical (though honestly, Razzmatazz is the one that struggles with this fact), and I found myself giggling constantly. 

I honestly didn't feel any attachment to Melody herself, but I was totally willing to watch her goofy parents learn to grow to tolerate (and then love) one another. This is certainly a feel-good comedy featuring two mythical gay dads doing their best to raise a human baby. 

Overall, "Life of Melody" wasn't that special of a graphic novel, but it is certainly funny and sweet. Watching Razzmatazz and Bon interact was so wholesome and hilarious; it's truly the reason to read this book. I wasn't the most invested in the other aspects of this story, but this novel is truly just a feel-good, queer romantic comedy that gives a quick dose of dopamine for those who indulge in it. 

Back of Book: 

Graphic novel superstars Gene Luen Yang and LeUyen Pham join forces in this heartwarming rom-com about fate, family, forgiveness, and lion dancing.

Valentina Tran was named after Valentine's Day, which used to be her favorite holiday. But when Val learns the truth behind what happened with her parents and why she's being raised by a single father, she realizes true love is a lie. This is reinforced when she meets the spirit of Saint Valentine, who tells her she and her family are cursed to always be unlucky in love. Val is ready to give into her fate, until one Lunar New Year festival, where a mysterious lion dancer hands her a paper heart, and ZING. Val becomes determined to change her destiny, prove Saint Valentine wrong, and give her heart to the right person.

Meanwhile, lion dancing is the only thing that has given Jae peace after his dad passed away. It's also what keeps him connected to his father's side of the family. Both Jae and his cousin Leslie notice Val at the Lunar New Year festival, and for some inexplicable reason, Jae hands Val a paper heart. But it's Leslie, with his K-Pop good looks, who starts to date Val. Jae still feels this connection with Val and feels it's somehow tied to how he feels about losing his father.

Both Val and Jae struggle with the spirits who haunt them as they are inextricably brought together in a love story that is satisfying, sweet, and moving. 

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Young Adult | Contemporary | Romance | Magical Realism 

Review: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Falling is love is scary, but it feels impossible when you are haunted by Saint Valentine and your family is cursed to always have their hearts broken. 

Valentina "Val" Tran was named after Valentine's Day and she loves the holiday dearly. That is, until she learns how the holiday ripped her family apart, and she comes to realize that true love is a hoax. Haunted by the spirit of Saint Valentine, Val works relentlessly to try to prove that true love is indeed real. Unfortunately, a series of events go down that have her doubting if it is possible to find love that is real. Can she heal her heart before it's too late or is her family destined to be heartbroken forever? 

This is such a cute, sweet story that is immensely relatable. As a kid, we are often told that people find their happily ever afters and that love is a fairy tale-esque experience that we all should strive for. However, we soon learn that none of this is accurate and that all relationships are quite complicated. Despite this fact, this book is mostly a fluffy good time, with more serious elements sprinkled in here and there. 

Val absolutely adores the notion that her parents are each other's true loves, but her worldview is soon shattered by the truth. Children hate to think that their parents don't love each other or can't be happy together, but that is sadly the truth of the matter all too often. This is definitely an experience that I can relate to, and I'm sure that many others can too. 

The lion dancing and other Vietnamese elements strewn around this book were really neat to see and read about. I know very little about lion dancing, so it was fun to learn more about this unique art form. The way that people have to work in tandem to control the lion is quite cool, and this was a great way to reflect how Val felt about both Leslie and Jae in turn as the story progressed. 

I think that everyone can relate to the fear of giving pieces of your heart to another. Humans are vulnerable creatures and we want to trust others, but this comes with a huge risk of getting hurt in the end. Giving your entire heart to another person is a terrifying experience, but this book captured so beautifully why in the world a person would want to take that risk in the hope that they can find happiness for a lifetime. 

This isn't the first time I've seen Pham's work, but it is the first time I've seen her work in color. Her art style is so sweet and precious; it fits such a cute love story perfectly. 

Overall, "Lunar New Year Love Story" is a sweet, heartfelt love story that showcases the lengths we all go to find love. Everyone has childhood notions of love that they have to get over in order to embrace love in the real world. Seeing Val grapple with all stages of her relationship with the concept of love was relatable and heartwarming. The art is glamourous; the images and words work in tandem to tell an amazing story about finding true love, growing up, and learning to forgive. I hope that this duo continues to work with one another in the future! 

Back of Book: 

Tiến loves his family and his friends… but Tiến has a secret he's been keeping from them, and it might change everything. An amazing YA graphic novel that deals with the complexity of family and how stories can bring us together.

Real life isn't a fairytale.

But Tiến still enjoys reading his favorite stories with his parents from the books he borrows from the local library. It's hard enough trying to communicate with your parents as a kid, but for Tiến, he doesn't even have the right words because his parents are struggling with their English. Is there a Vietnamese word for what he's going through?

Is there a way to tell them he's gay?

A beautifully illustrated story by Trung Le Nguyen that follows a young boy as he tries to navigate life through fairytales, an instant classic that shows us how we are all connected. The Magic Fish tackles tough subjects in a way that accessible with readers of all ages, and teaches us that no matter what—we can all have our own happy endings.

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Young Adult | Graphic Novel | Contemporary | Fantasy | LGBTQIA+ 

Review: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

I knew next to nothing going into this one despite its popularity. I must say the hype around this one is one hundred percent valid. 

I really love fairy tales. Mystical fairy tales. Dark fairy tales. Fairy tale retellings. If its a fairy tale, I'm down to read it. So when I dove into this one and realized that Trungles uses fairy tales to portray important messages about immigration and identity, I instantly fell in love with this story. 

"The Magic Fish" follows a young boy named Tiến and his mother, who is an refugee from Vietnam. To practice her English, Tiến reads her fairy tales from the library. Through their shared love of these magical stories, Tiến and his mother come to understand each other, even if they don't possess the words to tell each other how they feel. 

I love how the fairy tales told within this one reflect the lives and struggles of the characters within the story. The different stories are woven together flawlessly in a way that makes it both easy to follow and makes the intent behind the individual tales more clear. The illustrations were done in different colors, which made it abundantly obvious when perspectives were shifting, which I found incredibly helpful. The twists on all the fairy tales was nice to see and I love how the illustrations reflected the minds of the person telling the story, as well as the culture that they are familiar with. 

Something that I appreciate about "The Magic Fish" is how it is a slice of life story that showcases a single struggle amongst a sea of troubles that refugee families often encounter. It made the messages of communication, accepting one's self-identity, and adapting to a new life while retaining one's culture that much more pertinent. 

I also love how this book preaches the importance of stories. Some stories are known by practically everyone. Yet the nature of stories is that they shift and change without a moment's notice. I think this was a beautiful tribute to the importance of stories and showcased how they can change to adapt to the circumstances that they are presented within. 

Overall, this is a fantastic graphic novel that combines difficult reality and the splendor of fairy tales. It hits on some important topics that makes me just want to reach into the book and hug all the characters. The illustrations were well done, and the text did a great job at supporting the words. A top tier book that I would most definitely recommend. I'm interested to see what else Trugles comes up with! 

Back of Book: 

The graphic novel debut from rising star ND Stevenson, based on his beloved and critically acclaimed web comic, which Slate awarded its Cartoonist Studio Prize, calling it "a deadpan epic."

Nemeses! Dragons! Science! Symbolism! All these and more await in this brilliantly subversive, sharply irreverent epic from N.D. Stevenson. Featuring an exclusive epilogue not seen in the web comic, along with bonus conceptual sketches and revised pages throughout, this gorgeous full-color graphic novel is perfect for the legions of fans of the web comic and is sure to win Noelle many new ones.

Nimona is an impulsive young shapeshifter with a knack for villainy. Lord Ballister Blackheart is a villain with a vendetta. As sidekick and supervillain, Nimona and Lord Blackheart are about to wreak some serious havoc. Their mission: prove to the kingdom that Sir Ambrosius Goldenloin and his buddies at the Institution of Law Enforcement and Heroics aren't the heroes everyone thinks they are.

But as small acts of mischief escalate into a vicious battle, Lord Blackheart realizes that Nimona's powers are as murky and mysterious as her past. And her unpredictable wild side might be more dangerous than he is willing to admit.

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Young Adult | Graphic Novel | Fantasy | LGBTQIA+ 

Review: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

The classic graphic novel adventure that flips the script on heroes and villains. 

Nimona is a mysterious young shapeshifter with an uncanny knack for devilish deeds. Lord Ballister Blackheart is a villain who isn't all that villainish. Together, they make the oddest pair of super villains the world has ever seen. With their dastardly deeds, Nimona and Ballister are determined to show society that their supposed saviors, Sir Ambrosius Goldenloin and the Institution of Law Enforcement and Heroics, aren't the heroes the world thinks they are. 

"Nimona" was a jolly good time full of quirky characters, elements that flip-the-script on classic hero and villain stories, and some of the strangest (yet effective) humorous moments I've seen in a while. I'm obviously quite late to the party when it comes to reading this book, but I'm glad that I finally carved out some time to give this one a read.

This book wouldn't nearly be as fun if the main characters weren't so awesome. Nimona is seriously unhinged and she has zero respect for anyone else. She goes through life with a reckless abandon and is much more "evil" than the greatest villain of our story, Sir Ballister, ever could be. The banter between Nimona and Ballister feels very authentic, and I love the "reluctant roomies that secretly love each other" vibe they have going on. Ballister never wanted to be a villain, so the evil deeds he does really aren't all that notorious. The fact that his "archnemesis" is his old knight in arms Sir Ambrosius is also hilarious. These two have a complicated history (especially because one blew the other's arm off; oops), but you can tell from the get-go that they are the best of friends. This creates a really funny dynamic and paints a scene in which the villain doesn't want to be the villain and the hero is only playing at being a hero, not actually the real thing. 

The ending of Nimona was complex and filled with nuance I wasn't exactly expecting from a book that is so lighthearted and funny. In truth, the trio endeavors to take down the Institution takes some rather sad turns and goes deep into Nimona's tragic backstory. The very end of this story was quite intense and I was scared that Stevenson was going to leave the reader with tons of unanswered questions. Luckily, the epilogue rushes in and reassures the audience of several things. I actually really like how open-ended the conclusion is; I feel it adds more of a sense of reality to the story while also leaving hope still alive. 

I still cannot get over the panels where Nimona randomly shapeshifts into a shark just to give Ballister a heart attack. I found this to be absolutely hysterical and know that there are a couple panels in this one that will live rent free in my head for the foreseeable future. 

The artstyle in this one isn't my absolute favorite and the font was a tad hard to read at times (mostly due to the size of the panels, I think), but I feel that they both fit the vibe of this story perfectly. I can also understand the appeal of this story as a webcomic, because as a reader, I would always be curious to see what unhinged thing Nimona was going to do next. 

Overall, "Nimona" was a funny read filled with interesting characters and an engaging plot. I also liked how some classic tropes involving heroes and villains are really mixed up with this one, giving it a fresh feel. It by far isn't my favorite graphic novel, but I really enjoyed my time with it and I can see it's appeal to the general public. I would recommend this one to people who like their fantasy adventures with a good dose of humor. 

Back of Book: 

The last thing on Soup's to-do list is to make waves at the restaurant she works at, but when she discovers her boss's villainous grip over her beloved town, she decides it's time to dismantle his power--and what better way than a cooking competition? This graphic novel is an empowering story about taking risks, finding your voice, and being brave enough to stand up for friends.

At seventeen, Soup is at a crossroads, eager to make her mark on the world, yet reluctant to leave the restaurant she calls home--the place where she was found as a baby, the place where she grew up, the place where she learned to cook. It's only when her elven boss snaps at her that she begins to see his pattern of abuse, starting in the kitchen and extending all across town. Something's got to give, and the answer is simple: a cooking competition for the restaurant.

If Soup wins, she'll claim the business and protect her village from destructive expansion. But if she loses, she'll have to leave her home and stand by as the food community she loves is razed to the ground. With friends and chosen family rallying around her, Soup has a chance to win. Yet, everyone knows villains don't fight fair, and this restauranteur is not going to give up his throne so easily...

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Young Adult | Graphic Novel | Fantasy | LGBTQIA+ 

Review: 🌟🌟

A cozy, queer graphic novel about a girl learning to overcome her abusive boss and unite her community in their love of cooking. 

Soup is less than satisfied with her life as a chef at the Brazen Manticore. Her boss, Trysil Heldritch, is abusive both to his staff and the entirety of the town that he bribes, coerces, and rules with an iron fist. Soup doesn't want to stir up trouble, but she feels obligated to do something to help her people and will stop at nothing to take the tyrant down. 

This one has a decent premise, but the execution wasn't all that good. A young girl who was raised in a restaurant by the name of the Brazen Manticore stands up against her cranky boss who treats his staff as less than human. The story isn't all that unique, and it sorta feeds into a ton of different stereotype-esque tropes involving mystical creatures. The fae are magic beings in the woods that lash out at people. Their boss is a stuck-up elf-like being who only cares about himself. The satyr is a semi-erratic sidekick whose main purpose is to support the protagonist, who (wait for it) loves to eat. I wish that this narrative would have strayed a bit more from common stereotypes and made the different creatures featured their own in some way. 

The overarching theme of the book is also a bit weird. I totally support standing up to those who are oppressive, but it made me sad that Soup only saw her worth through the act of being a better chef. She felt obligated to beat Heldritch in a cook off, and I think this story would have benefited if Soup would have realized her own self-worth rather than strove for the approval of others. 

The art style also isn't my absolute favorite, and I found it slightly annoying how often this story told the reader things rather than let them figure it out for themselves. One of my biggest pet peeves in graphic novels is when they over explain themself through text rather than let the images and dialogue speak for themselves. 

Overall, I was hoping that "Off Menu" would be a super cutesy story about finding your people and feeling confident in oneself. Unfortunately, this novel took a very cliche approach to the entire storyline and the magical setting. This wasn't a horrible read, but I found myself growing bored about halfway through and a few of the elements in it are just plain icky. Not bad, but not great either. 

Back of Book: 

In the days leading up to Samhain, the veil between the world of the dead and the living is at its thinnest.

One day, everything was exactly as it was supposed to be. And the next, the closest thing Abby ever had to a sister, Noreen, was just... gone.

Distracted by the annual preparations for the Samhain festival, Abby’s classmates are quick to put Noreen’s disappearance aside. The Coven will find her, Abby’s friends say. They have it under control.

But Abby can’t let it go. Soon a search for answers leads her down a rabbit hole that uncovers more secrets than Abby can handle. As mounting evidence steers her toward the off-limits woods that surround the academy, she begins to see that Noreen’s disappearance mysteriously has a lot in common with another girl who went missing all those years ago...

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Young Adult | Graphic Novel | Fantasy | LGBTQIA+  

Review: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Back of Book: 

Long ago, in a small village in the middle of a deep, dark forest, there lived a lonely, deaf girl named Maggie. Shunned by her village because of her disability, her only comfort comes from her vivid imagination. Maggie has a gift for inventing stories and dreams of one day finding her fairy-tale love.

When Maggie meets the mysterious Piper, it seems that all her wishes are coming true. Spellbound, Maggie falls hard for him and plunges headfirst into his magical world. But as she grows closer to the Piper, Maggie discovers that he has a dark side.

The boy of Maggie's dreams might just turn out to be her worst nightmare. . . 

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Young Adult | Graphic Novel | Fantasy | Romance 

Review: 🌟🌟

Back of Book: 

Paris, at the dawn of the modern age:

Prince Sebastian is looking for a bride―or rather, his parents are looking for one for him. Sebastian is too busy hiding his secret life from everyone. At night he puts on daring dresses and takes Paris by storm as the fabulous Lady Crystallia―the hottest fashion icon in the world capital of fashion!

Sebastian’s secret weapon is his brilliant dressmaker, Frances―his best friend and one of only two people who know the truth: sometimes this boy wears dresses. But Frances dreams of greatness, and being someone’s secret weapon means being a secret. Forever. How long can Frances defer her dreams to protect her friend?

Jen Wang weaves an exuberantly romantic tale of identity, young love, art, and family. A fairy tale for any age, The Prince and the Dressmaker will steal your heart.

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Young Adult | Graphic Novel | Historical | Romance | LGBTQIA+ 

Review: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

A cute, cozy graphic novel featuring an aspiring dressmaker and a genderfluid prince. 

Prince Sebastian is in need of a tailor—and fast. His parents' top priority is finding him a proper princess to wed, but he's more concerned about finding someone who can procure the dresses from his wildest dreams. When a girl arrives at his ball clad in the most unique gown he's ever seen, he knows that he has found just the dressmaker. Frances gets fired for her bold choices at the ball, which gives her the perfect opportunity to accept a job as Sebastian's private dressmaker. With bigger and bolder dresses, Frances begins to attract more attention, leaving Sebastian's secret more vulnerable. Can the two conceal the prince's alternate ego, or will the kingdom come to accept Sebastian just as he is? 

My favorite part about this graphic novel has to be the fairytale-esque vibes that it has going on. It takes place in France at the dawn of the modern age, which perfectly blends classic fairy tale vibes (kings and balls) with modern society (department stores). I really enjoy settings like this; it reminds me of "The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich" by Deya Muniz in this regard. 

The art style also is very fitting of a fairy tale, though I did feel slightly crazy the entire time I was reading this book. I kept thinking to myself, "This girl looks really familiar," only to find out that Jen Wang is also the illustrator of "In Real Life" by Cory Doctorow. I'm glad to know that I'm not insane due to the fact that I have indeed also read that book. Seeing all the pretty dresses throughout the story was also pretty enjoyable. 

I would be totally remiss if I didn't talk about the themes in this one. Some of the big topics are self-acceptance, genderfluidness, accepting others, and going against the tide to do the things that you want to do rather than what society thinks you should do. 

Overall, "The Prince and the Dressmaker" is a cute graphic novel with fairy tale vibes and great lessons. I thought it was cute, but it wasn't my favorite ever. I would still most definitely recommend this title, though! 

Back of Book: 

What if the Rainbow Bridge was the Bifrost?

ANDY’s parents rescued ROCKET when Andy was just a toddler, and they grew up together, with Rocket serving as Andy’s guardian through every one of childhood's ups and downs. So when Rocket passes away right before Andy’s 14th birthday, he's rudderless. High school is coming soon and he can't imagine making that transition without Rocket at his side. The day before school starts, when Andy is at his lowest, he visits Rocket’s grave, and unexpectedly summons the RAINBOW BRIDGE, a gateway to a fantasy world where pets discover their afterlife.

One part heaven and one part limbo, this is a final resting place for pets – but also a realm where any unfinished business must be completed, before restless pet souls twist into bizarre, seemingly malevolent wraiths that haunt the periphery of this otherwise splendid paradise. It’s extremely rare for a human to visit this realm, but Rocket and Andy find each other again in this wondrous pet Valhalla to go on one last epic adventure to help Rocket reunite with his lost littermate, fulfilling Rocket’s last wishes. Here, the roles are reversed, as Andy has to be the strong one and support Rocket in his quest for closure. By adventure's end, Andy finally gains the confidence to let go of his childhood and enter the next phase of his life, starting his first day of high school.

RAINBOW BRIDGE is aimed primarily at younger readers, on the border of middle grade and YA, but should resonate with anyone who has ever had to say goodbye to a beloved pet – or anyone who greeted growing up with nervousness and anxiety. Like JOE THE BARBARIAN before it, RAINBOW BRIDGE can address the lines between reality and fantasy (although everything in the book is portrayed as actually happening), wish fulfillment and personal growth, childhood and young adulthood. There are also themes of overcoming trauma, and of compassion for animals. The Realm Beyond the Rainbow Bridge is shaped by its inhabitants, and contains vast fantasy vistas inspired by the adventures pets and their owners, especially kids, imagine for themselves. 

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Young Adult | Graphic Novel | Fantasy 

Review: 🌟🌟🌟 

A delightful comic that explores the grief of losing a pet through a magical adventure set across the Rainbow Bridge! 

Andy's life has felt pretty empty after he lost his best friend, Rocket. Despite the fact that his parents constantly foster other animals, Andy still misses Rocket dearly. Just as Andy is supposed to be attending Freshman orientation, he visits Rocket's grave and is whisked across the Rainbow Bridge into the afterlife for beloved pets. Elated for the chance to see Rocket one last time, Andy sets off on an adventure of a lifetime. 

This is a cute graphic novel that explores a topic very near and dear to many people's hearts: what happens to our pets after they leave our world? This is a concept that has been done time and time again, but I still felt that this book executed this theme well. 

My favorite part about this book is definitely the imagery. The full color illustrations are lovely and truly depict this story in such a powerful way. The backgrounds are gorgeous, the details are stunning, and the characters are done with such skill. 

Unfortunately, I feel as though this book ends rather abruptly. There is a major conflict that remains entirely unresolved with one character pretty much saying to another, "Don't worry; I got this, bro!" This wasn't a satisfying ending in any means, and the time jumps that the book uses at the end seem a bit lazy. This book isn't very long, so this was quite a blow to it. 

Overall, "Rainbow Bridge" is a heartwarming graphic novel that explores grief, growing up, and moving on. It isn't the most in-depth or original, but the story is pretty solid. The art is also stunning, which is certainly the highlight of this graphic novel. 

Back of Book: 

"Speak up for yourself—we want to know what you have to say." 

From the first moment of her freshmen year at Merryweather High, Melinda knows this is a big fat lie, part of the nonsense of high school. She is friendless—an outcast—because of something that happened over the summer. Now nobody will talk to her, let alone listen. So what's the point of talking? Through her work on an art project, Melinda is finally able to face what really happened that night. But before she can make peace with the ghosts of the past, she has to confront the reality of the present—and stop someone who still wishes to do her harm. Only words can save her. She can't stay silent. Not anymore. 

With powerful illustrations by Eisner Award-winning artist Emily Carroll, Speak: The Graphic Novel comes alive for new audiences and fans of the original. 

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Young Adult | Graphic Novel | Contemporary | Mental Health   

Review: 🌟🌟🌟🌟 

Back of Book: 

Pretty Little Liars meets Teen Wolf in this fast-paced, sharply funny, and patriarchy-smashing graphic novel from author Maggie Tokuda-Hall and artist Lisa Sterle. When the new girl is invited to join her high school’s most popular clique, she can’t believe her luck—and she can’t believe their secret, either: they’re werewolves. Fans of Mariko Tamaki and Elana K. Arnold will devour the snappy dialogue, vivid artwork, and timely social commentary.

When Becca transfers to a high school in an elite San Francisco suburb, she’s worried she’s not going to fit in. To her surprise, she’s immediately adopted by the most popular girls in school. At first glance, Marley, Arianna, and Mandy are perfect. But at a party under a full moon, Becca learns that they also have a big secret.

Becca’s new friends are werewolves. Their prey? Slimy boys who take advantage of unsuspecting girls. Eager to be accepted, Becca allows her friends to turn her into a werewolf, and finally, for the first time in her life, she feels like she truly belongs.

But things get complicated when Arianna’s predatory boyfriend is killed, and the cops begin searching for a serial killer. As their pack begins to buckle under the pressure—and their moral high ground gets muddier and muddier—Becca realizes that she might have feelings for one of her new best friends.

Lisa Sterle’s stylish illustrations paired with Maggie Tokuda-Hall’s sharp writing make Squad a fun, haunting, and fast-paced thriller that will resonate with fans of Riverdale, and with readers of This Savage Song, Lumberjanes, and Paper Girls.

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Young Adult | Graphic Novel | Fantasy | Horror |  LGBTQIA+ | Contemporary

Review: 🌟🌟🌟

A feminist horror graphical novel pushing the limits of how far one is willing to go to belong.

Becca has always been an outcast, and she figured that moving to an elite San Franciscan suburb wouldn't change this fact. Except upon arriving in Piedmont, she gets drawn into the popular girl's circle. She adores belonging to a group, being a part of a pack, if you will. She soon come to realize that the girls have a deadly secret—they're werewolves, and they're ready to kill. Becca is conflicted about the new gig she acquires practically against her will, but she has never felt more loved than she has hanging out with Marley, Arianna, and Amanda. Thrust into a dangerous situation, Becca will be lucky to make it out of this group unscathed.

I must say this book was brutal. Between the "mean girls" attitudes, the graphic brutality of the creepy boys and the werewolves, and the overall homophobic, fatophobic, and other negative comments from a wide variety of the cast, this book is often hard to digest. I didn't love RiRi or Mandy's attitudes, and therefore, I was quite divided on the group. I do think that Marley is a cutie though, so I like the relationship that she has with Becca.

The feminist themes in this graphic novel is most definitely one of its highlights. The squad preys on creepy boys who try to prey on young women at parties, which doesn't make what they are doing any less disturbing, but it does bring this problem to life and completely flips the script. The fact that menstruation is also so freely talked about (like on literally page one), was also refreshing.

The LGBTQIA+ themes in this book are also cool, from the sapphic romance, one of the teachers being a Mx, and so on. I love seeing massive amounts of diversity in books, so I appreciate that within the squad that they are all of different ethnicities.

Overall, "Squad" is a grotesque graphic novel with an interesting feminist side and a diverse cast. I thought it was fun to read, but I feel that many of the themes that were trying to be expressed in this book often got thrown to the wind for various reasons. The ending was bizarre (in a good way?), but also extremely brutal and unexpected. I think this is the first story I have read with female werewolves, so that is also great. I would totally recommend checking this one out if it sounds like something you would read. It isn't flawless, but it does have much to offer.

Back of Book: 

Aiza has always dreamt of becoming a Knight. It's the highest military honor in the once-great Bayt-Sajji Empire, and as a member of the subjugated Ornu people, Knighthood is her only path to full citizenship. Ravaged by famine and mounting tensions, Bayt-Sajji finds itself on the brink of war once again, so Aiza can finally enlist in the competitive Squire training program.

It's not how she imagined it, though. Aiza must navigate new friendships, rivalries, and rigorous training under the unyielding General Hende, all while hiding her Ornu background. As the pressure mounts, Aiza realizes that the "greater good" that Bayt-Sajji's military promises might not include her, and that the recruits might be in greater danger than she ever imagined.

Aiza will have to choose, once and for all: loyalty to her heart and heritage, or loyalty to the Empire.

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Young Adult | Graphic Novel | Fantasy 

Review: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Back of Book: 

Blue is having a hard time moving on. He's in love with his best friend. He's also dead. Luckily, Hamal can see ghosts, leaving Blue free to haunt him to his heart's content. But something eerie is happening in town, leaving the local afterlife unsettled, and when Blue realizes Hamal's strange ability may be putting him in danger, Blue has to find a way to protect him, even if it means... leaving him. 

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Young Adult | Graphic Novel | Fantasy | Romance | LGBTQIA+ 

Review: 🌟🌟🌟

A cute, queer paranormal graphic novel featuring a ghost who falls in love with the one person that can see him. 

Blue is a ghost and he is having a hard time moving on. He's in love with his best friend, Hamal, who happens to still be alive. When strange things start happening around town, Blue starts to worry for Hamal's safety. Blue will do anything to keep Hamal safe. . . even if it means losing him forever. 

This one was sweet. Unfortunately, it lacks much more depth than that. Blue and Hamal's connection is cute and the fact that they work in a flower shop is quite wholesome. The conversations between Blue and Hamal are pretty funny, which is definitely a plus. The little found family of ghosts that Hamal has surrounding him is also pretty neat. This is about the extent of the entire graphic novel, though. 

Overall, "Taproot" is a queer graphic novel about the balance between life and depth. It is short and sweet, but lacks depth in pretty much every aspect. The art is cute, and the characters are likable. This is about the extent of the novel though. It's pretty cozy, but mostly forgettable. 

Back of Book: 

Every summer, Rose goes with her mom and dad to a lake house in Awago Beach. It's their getaway, their refuge. Rosie's friend Windy is always there, too, like the little sister she never had. But this summer is different. Rose's mom and dad won't stop fighting, and when Rose and Windy seek a distraction from the drama, they find themselves with a whole new set of problems. It's a summer of secrets and sorrow and growing up, and it's a good thing Rose and Windy have each other.

In This One Summer two stellar creators redefine the teen graphic novel. Cousins Mariko and Jillian Tamaki, the team behind Skim, have collaborated on this gorgeous, heartbreaking, and ultimately hopeful story about a girl on the cusp of her teen age—a story of renewal and revelation.

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Young Adult | Graphic Novel | Contemporary 

Review: 🌟🌟

Back of Book: 

WOE! SCREAM! MEOW! ...PURR? Join the hilarious and of course dramatic world of Linney the House Cat, as her webcomic antics are gathered into graphic novel for the very first time! This collection is perfect for cat lovers and Linney fans alike.

What if our cats could talk? Would they ask endless questions about why we haven't given them wet food... again? Would they scream greetings at the first sign of life before the sun even rises? Linney certainly will.

Have you met Linney yet? If not, prepared to be blessed! Lucy Knisley's online Linney comics are collected for the very first time in this gifty hardcover featuring the internet sensation, Linney. With all-new comics, this collection shows us just how amazing, and what a true gift, all cats are. 

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Young Adult | Graphic Novels | Nonfiction 

Review: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

A goofy collection of mini comics starring a moody ball of fluff by the name of Linney.

This one is a quick read that's made up of a series of mini comics showcasing average days living alongside a housecat with an attitude. I think any cat owner or cat lover can relate to much of this book and will see parts of their own cats in Linney and their antics.

The beginning in which Lucy talks about the challenges that humans face artistically depicting cats resonated strongly with me. If you've ever been to an art museum, you've probably came across a dozen weird cat paintings that depict our feline companions in the most unrealistic ways. But sometimes, skewing reality lets us better capture the essence of our furry friends, and that is definitely the case with Linney.

I must admit, though this book is mostly a goofy good time, I did find myself tearing up at the end. Anyone who has ever lost a pet probably will too; it's a feeling that hits hard and never seems to let go.

Overall, "Woe" is a fun collection of mini comics about a colorful housecat by the name of Linney. I think all animal lovers would get a kick out of this short graphic novel. If watching cat videos, cuddling with a furry companion, or reminiscing about your past pets are all activities that you enjoy, I feel like this book will resonate well with you. 

Back of Book: 

When an unlikely pair of female samurai join forces, what begins as your run-of-the-mill quest for glory and revenge evolves into something much more complicated. Turns out fighting actual demons doesn’t mean you’re not running from your own internal ones. Nimona meets Attack on Titan in this edgy, unexpectedly hilarious, genre-defying young adult graphic novel.

Being a samurai isn’t easy. Sixteen-year-old Chihiro Ito knows that more than anyone. Her father is renowned among the samurai, but the only thing Chihiro is known for is spending way too much time on her phone obsessing over Tatsuo Nakano, Chihiro’s idol and the first woman to be accepted into Kesi Academy, a prestigious samurai school.

So, when Chihiro’s father is conscripted for service and the opportunity arises to work with Tatsuo in his stead, Chihiro jumps at the chance to prove that she’s worthy of a spot at Kesi Academy and the samurai title. Their mission: kill the yamauba demon terrorizing a village. With a legendary samurai like Tatsuo by her side, Chihiro is convinced victory is inevitable. But Tatsuo isn’t at all like the hero Chihiro imagined. Foulmouthed, quick tempered, and a terrible drunk, Tatsuo completely turned her back on the samurai way and is now a ronin working for hire as a means of escaping the grief that haunts her. Forced to work together, the two are thrust on a treacherous journey filled with epic battles and twisted conspiracies as they must put aside their differences to save the village and face the demons of the past.

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Young Adult | Graphic Novel | Fantasy 

Review: 🌟🌟🌟

A graphic novel that showcases what life could have been like if samurai had modern technology and presents the fact that there is more to life than honor and justice. 

Chihiro is the daughter of a retired samurai, but obviously she is following in his footsteps. She may not be the best warrior, but she is training hard everyday to be like her biggest role model, Tatsuo Nakano, the first woman samurai to be accepted into the Kesi Academy. When her father is suddenly called back to active duty, Chihiro goes in his stead to carry out the mission. With the help of her idol Tatsuo, Chihiro will finally get the chance to prove that she is a true samurai warrior. 

This is a fun, quirky play on ancient Japanese life and what it could have been like if modern technology was blended with ancient magic. It is funny how addicted Chihiro is to her phone; she is such an average sixteen year old. The feminist elements in this story are strong, with the push that women can be samurai too, and that women can thrive on their own without having to serve some prestigious lord. 

My favorite part of this story is how comical it is. It isn't the most funny tale I've ever read, but it often made me chuckle. It is great how humorous the facial expressions are in this story. Chihiro and Tatsuo both have some golden expressions throughout this graphic novel, but my favorite faces by far were the ones made by the horse. That horse was seriously judgemental, and I found it amusing that the horse had such expressive emotions. 

The themes in this one are nice. Between the feminist angles, the "be careful about meeting your heroes" trope, and the look into grief and how justice doesn't fill the void, this book is packed with interesting themes and messages from start to finish. 

Overall, "The Worst Ronin" was a comical, quick adventure story with quirky characters and an interesting blend of history and the modern age. I enjoyed my time with this one, but in the long run didn't find it to be anything too amazing. A fun read for sure, though. 

Back of Book: 

When Kay reluctantly agreed to join the youth group at Stone Mission Church in Orange County California, she expected the Jesus talk and the dorky singalongs and the colorful posters about dodging temptation. What she didn’t expect was to stumble on her youth group leaders, Meg and Cortland, in the middle of a real-deal exorcism. Turns out they’re both soldiers in a secret organization of demon hunters in a war that’s heating up, and even if Kay wanted to stay on the sidelines, she doesn’t have a choice– she’s a “Blight,” a human who demons can’t possess, and apparently that’s made her a target.

Will Kay find her place in a world that’s so much more God-fearing and monster-fighting than what she’s used to? Will the Stone Mission youth group find common cause with their badass peers of other faiths? Or will a pack of small-time demons use Blights like Kay as the key to starting some real big trouble? 

Book Number: Stand Alone 

Genre: Young Adult | Graphic Novel | Fantasy | LGBTQIA+ 

Review: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

An urban fantasy graphic novel dealing with the complexities of religion while fighting demons along the way. 

After Kay reluctantly agrees to join the youth group at her mother's church, she finds that her youth group leaders are more than what first meets the eye. Meg and Cortland are real life demon hunters who are fighting in a war against satanic creatures. At first, Kay wants nothing to do with it, but she finds herself caught up in the middle of everything when she discovers that she has unique powers that put her in extreme danger. Now, it's time to use the Holy Ghost to make some Holy Roast as Kay and the rest of the group kick some demon butt together. 

This one is a really fun graphic novel with a unique premise. It's not terribly often that one comes across books that focus so heavily on religion, so I thought that was a fun tidbit. And the way that the youth group leaders act is pretty funny; it truly felt like stepping into a Bible camp for a bit with all their weird songs and group activities. Meg is especially pure, and it was so cute seeing her do things such as trying to make name tags with people at a rager of a party. 

Another religious aspect that I'm glad this book explored is religious intolerance of different sectors. Almost every church in the city has their own group of demon hunters, but most of them refuse to do anything with one another due to the minor differences in the practices they use while hunting monsters. This is a great allusion to religious intolerance and showcases how different groups can't seem to play nice with one another despite how similar the messages they preach are. I am glad to say that exorcist groups of Orange County eventually start to learn to work together, but they (and religion in general) still have a long way to go before true acceptance is reached.

The art in this graphic novel is so stunning and truly adorable. Kay's and Meg's expressions were some of my favorite parts of reading this book. The art style was truly to my liking, and I appreciate all the colors that grace this one's pages. 

The humor in this one is very strong. The way that it softly rips on religion while also praising it at the same time is peak and made me giggle so many times throughout the course of this book. The way that Meg speaks is also real adorable, which had me smiling to myself constantly. 

Overall, "Youth Group" is a quick read that brings many discussions about religion and religious intolerance to the table in a fun urban fantasy setting. The use of smart allusions to talk about real world issues is much appreciated and super slick. The art style is gorgeous and I totally ate up all the facial expressions. This one also made me laugh, which is certainly an added bonus. Fans of urban fantasy, comical graphic novels, or books that bring up issues about religious politics will probably find this one to be an interesting read.