Graphic novels continue to be extremely popular at my library. Here are a few of my favorites from this year.

Big Apple Diaries by Alyssa Bermudez

Published by Roaring Brook Press

Alyssa Bermudez used her real diaries from seventh and eighth grade to write this memoir about her life in New York City from 2000 to 2002. The events of 9/11 as well as family difficulties forced her to grow up quickly during those years.

A Shot in the Arm by Don Brown

Published by Harry N. Abrams

Lady Mary Wortley Montagu narrates this timely history of vaccination, including her own role in bringing the smallpox vaccine to England. The narrative ends in November 2020, just before the Covid vaccine was released, concluding “The world holds its breath…and hopes.”

The Legend of Auntie Po by Shing Yin Khor

Published by Kokila

This National Book Award finalist covered topics that included 19th-century logging camp history, LGBTQ issues, anti-Asian racism, white privilege, and folklore. This could just as easily have been on my Newbery contenders list and may also be considered for the Printz award.

Pawcasso by Remy Lai

Published by Henry Holt and Co.

Awww! Pawcasso is so cute! Can you blame Jo for pretending he’s her dog, even if it gets her into some trouble and almost costs her her new friends?

Allergic by Megan Wagner Lloyd

Published by Graphix

And then there’s Maggie, whose excitement about getting a new dog for her tenth birthday is quickly dampened when she discovers her allergies to anything with fur or feathers.

December 30, 2021 at 04:06PM Janet Dawson