Evanston Public Library’s 101 Great Books for Kids 2024: Graphic Novels & Comics for Kids!

October 21, 2024

Graphic Novels & Comics for Kids

Each year Evanston Public Library decides on the 101 Great Books for Kids. These comics include everything from flying bunnies and talkative ants to serious memoirs and glimpses into our difficult past. Enjoy!


66. Alterations by Ray Xu

“Sometimes you have to take risks … and DEAL with the consequences!” When Kevin Lee brings a century egg to lunch, he has no idea the chaos he’s about to unleash (or the nickname he’s about to acquire). A hilarious tale of owning who you are. Call Number: JGraphic Xu.R


67. Ant Story by Jay Hosler

Rubi’s always been a lonely little ant in a colony of leafcutters, but that’s before she meets Miranda. Now the question is, can your greatest enemy also be your greatest friend? Call Number: JGraphic Hosle.J


68. Bunnybirds by Natalie Linn

Why are all the bunnybirds missing? Princess Aster seems to be the only one who cares, and finding the rest of her people will mean pairing with exiled thief Carlin and the many footed dog Feet. Adventure awaits! Call Number: JGraphic Linn.N


69. Continental Drifter by Kathy Macleod

Kathy may live in Thailand but her heart is filled with a love of America. When her family, including her Thai mom and American dad, visit Maine for the summer, will it live up to her expectations? Call Number: JGraphic Macle.K


70. The Girl Who Sang: A Holocaust Memoir of Hope and Survival by Estelle Nadel with Bethany Strout, ill. Sammy Savos

The gripping true-life story of Enia/Estelle and her family’s struggles. It’s 1939 Poland and when the Nazis invade, it means that she and her loved ones must go into hiding for several years. A harrowing and ultimately triumphant tale. Call Number: JGraphic x940.5318 Nadel.E


71. K Is in Trouble by Gary Clement

It doesn’t really matter how nice and polite K is, because he is always getting into trouble. Is it his fault? No! Three stories follow his adventures in a world that never makes sense but is always interesting. Call Number: JGraphic Cleme.G


72. Plain Jane and the Mermaid by Vera Brosgol 

In danger of being removed from her home upon the death of her parents, Jane proposes to good-looking Peter as a marriage of convenience for both of them. But when Peter is kidnapped by an amorous (and hungry) mermaid, it’s up to Jane to become a hero. Call Number: JGraphic Brosg.V


73. Puzzled: A Memoir of Growing Up with OCD by Pan Cooke

When the intrusive thoughts first appeared in Pan’s mind when he was ten, he had no idea what they were. Now they’re taking over his entire life. A smartly rendered memoir on the puzzle that is OCD. Call Number: JGraphic Cooke.P


74. Sky and Ty: Howdy, Partner! by Steve Breen

Sky needs a worthy steed and Ty, the T.rex, wouldn’t mind helping her out. However, this dynamic duo is going to have to learn how to work together if they’re going to be the best delivery service in the west. Call Number: JGraphic Breen.S


75. Upstaged by Robin Easter

Drama’s perfect for the stage, and this summer Ash is dealing with it offstage as well. At their favorite theater camp they can’t wait to spend time with their crush Ivy. But when the summer goes in another direction, will they still have a good time? Call Number: JGraphic Easte.R


76. Weirdo by Tony Weaver, Jr., ill. Jes & Cin Wibowo

After dealing with some truly horrifying bullying, Tony shuts down and refuses to let the world know who he is. But a new school, new friends, and counseling help him to understand when it’s important to be yourself. Call Number: JGraphic Weave.T


Find the full list of 101 Great Books for Kids here.

Committee Members: Patrizia Alm, Karina Andrus, Stephen Barnes, Betsy Bird, Lisa Dallas, Kyria Dickerson, Betsy Haberl, Jessica Iverson, Kennedy Joseph, Taylor Keahey, Leigh Kennelly, Martha Meyer, Jeny Mills, Olivia Mo, Katrina Moravec, Bill Ohms, Bridget Petrites, Julie Rand, Jennifer Shreve, Robin Sindelar, Elizabeth English Steimle, Kasandra Trejo, Lulu Tripp, Michael Warren, and Brian Wilson 


Evanston Public Library’s 101 Great Books for Kids 2023: Comics and Graphic Novels

October 30, 2023

Graphic Novels

 

64. Eerie Tales from the School of Screams by Graham Annable

Davis and Emily’s teacher asks her students to tell her the creepiest stories they know. Buckle up as you read through this array of scary, gross, and occasionally terrifying tales! Call Number: JGraphic Annab.G


 

65. A First Time for Everything by Dan Santat

What happens when a group of middle schoolers are given free rein to explore Europe in 1989? Dan Santat takes a page out of his own life to tell this story of romance, uncertainty, and a LOT of Fanta. Call Number: JGraphic Santa.D


 

66. Global by Eoin Colfer and Andrew Donkin, ill. Giovanni Rigano

Two kids in two completely different countries do battle with nature. Sami’s fishing village is dealing with rising tides and less fish. Yuki is trying to help a grolar bear, but finds its hungry belly a threat. A book of environmental activism and our connected world. Call Number: JGraphic Colfe.E


 

67. Gnome and Rat by Lauren Stohler

Join best friends Gnome and Rat as they engage in small adventures that all involve hats in some way. Easy reading comics with a chapeau theme! Call Number: JGraphic Stohl.L


 

68. Grace Needs Space! by Benjamin A. Wilgus, ill. Rii Abrego

Grace cannot wait to space travel to Titan where her mom works hard on a ship. But things don’t go as planned when Mom won’t stop working. So Grace decides to choose her own adventure…with dangerous results. Call Number: JGraphic Wilgu.B


 

69. Mexikid: A Graphic Memoir by Pedro Martín

Meet Pedro, the seventh of nine kids, as he and his family take an epic trip to Mexico to fetch his Mexican Revolution-era Abuelito back to America. A hilarious graphic memoir full of raw milk, snotty Pop Rocks, family, and heart. Call Number: JGraphic Marti.P


 

70. Otis & Peanut by Naseem Hrab, ill. Kelly Collier

Meet Otis and Peanut, two best friends in three small adventures. From haircuts to swings to making a house feel like a home, they’re always there for one another. Call Number: JGraphic Hrab.N


 

71. Parachute Kids by Betty C. Tang

When Feng-Li gets to go to Disneyland for the first time she’s thrilled! Then her parents reveal that America is their new home now AND mom and dad have to go back to Taiwan. How will she and her siblings survive without them? Call Number: JGraphic Tang.B


 

72. Saving Sunshine by Saadia Faruqi, ill. Shazleen Khan

After a big argument, battling twins Zara and Zeeshan have their phones taken away while traveling to the Florida Keys with their parents. Soon they discover they must reconcile their differences and work together when a crisis arises. Call Number: JGraphic Faruq.S


 

73. Squire & Knight by Scott Chantler

A knight and squire are headed off to defeat a deadly dragon! But when the knight disappears it’s up to the squire to determine who the true culprit is, while solving a couple mysteries along the way. Call Number: JGraphic Chant.S


 

74. Super Pancake by Megan Wagner Lloyd

Peggy Pancake’s always been stuck in her perfect brother’s shadow, until the day that an accidental mixup grants her superhero abilities. Can Peggy harness her new powers and save all that is dear? Find out in: SUPER PANCAKE! Call Number: JGraphic Lloyd. M


 

75. Survival Scout: Lost in the Mountains by Maxwell Eaton III

Scout has ended up abandoned in the wilderness, all alone with a snarky skunk. What to do? Find out how to find shelter, make a fire, signal for help, and more with this fun and funny guide to survival. Call Number: JGraphic Eaton.M.


 

76. Things in the Basement by Ben Hatke, colors by Zack Giallongo

Dive, down, deep deep down, into the basement with Milo. He’s on a quest to get his baby sister’s sock, but what he finds instead is the adventure of a lifetime. Call Number: JGraphic Hatke.B

 

Return to the full list of 101 Great Books for Kids here.


Evanston Public Library’s 101 Great Books for Kids 2022: Comics and Graphic Novels

October 21, 2022

Graphic Novels

  1. The Flamingo by Guojing

While visiting her grandmother, a child hears story after story about a girl long ago that raised a flamingo chick from an egg. An artful, nearly wordless tale with the feel of a Miyazaki film. Call Number: JGraphic Guojing

  1. Freestyle by Gale Galligan

It’s bad enough that Cory can’t join his dance crew because he’s been grounded but now he’s being tutored by Sunna, his seemingly uncool lab partner? But when Cory learns Sunna’s yo-yo secret, he discovers talents he never knew he had before. Call Number: JGraphic Galli.G

  1. Frizzy by Claribel A. Ortega, ill. Rose Bousamra

Marlene loves a lot of things in life. But hair-straightening weekly visits to the salon–not so much. Why must everyone pick on her beautiful curly hair? Call Number: JGraphic Orteg.C

  1. Little Monarchs by Jonathan Case

In a future where very few mammals have survived, a girl and her guardian fight to find a vaccine that will save the human race. The secret ingredient? Monarch butterflies! Just watch out for the very people you’re trying to save… Call Number: JGraphic Case.J

  1. Miss Quinces by Kat Fajardo

Sue’s dream is to go camping with her friends for the first time ever. Instead, she’s being packed off to Honduras with her family where she’ll endure mad turkeys, fire, waterlogged manga, and (worst of all) a quinceañera party she never wanted. How can she make it her own? And does she want to? Call Number: JGraphic Fajar.K

  1. Paws: Gabby Gets It Together by Nathan Fairbairn and Michele Assarasakorn

Three girls. Zero dogs. Gabby, Priya, and Mindy are all desperate to pet and play with dogs of every kind, but their families are strict about not having them in the home. Enter PAWS! But who knew a dog walking service could be this much work? Call Number: JGraphic Fairb.N

  1. Ride On by Faith Erin Hicks

Who is the mysterious new girl at Edgewood Stables? When Victoria shows up one day to ride the horses she tells the others there that she does not need new friends. But why is she here? And what happened at her stable before? Call Number: JGraphic Hicks.F

  1. Santiago! Santiago Ramón y Cajal – Artist, Scientist, Troublemaker by Jay Hosler

Santiago just can’t seem to keep out of trouble. His father just wants him to stop drawing and study. A fiery look at the life of a mischievous kid who went on to become the father of modern neuroscience. Call Number: JGraphic Hosle.J

  1. Scout Is Not a Band Kid by Jade Armstrong

Scout’s mission is clear. To get to see her favorite author she must join . . . band! But can this trombone faker convince her new uptight seat leader that she’s worthy enough to stay? Call Number: JGraphic Armst.J

  1. Sir Ladybug by Corey R. Tabor

Evildoers and hungry chickadees beware! Whenever there’s trouble, he’s there on the double. He’s… Sir Ladybug! Call Number: JGraphic Tabor.C

  1. Swim Team by Johnnie Christmas

Oh no! Bree ends up in a swimming class at her new school but hates being in a pool. Will she learn to love the sport? This immensely enjoyable and emotionally satisfying story makes a splash! Call Number: JGraphic Chris.J

  1. Your Pal Fred by Michael Rex

Post-apocalyptic adorableness! Meet Fred. He wants to be your friend, even if you happen to be a killer robot, a warlord, or entirely covered in spikes. Resist his charm if you dare! Call Number: JGraphic Rex.M

 

Return to the full list of 101 Great Books for Kids here.


Evanston Public Library’s 101 Great Books for Kids 2021: Comics and Graphic Novels

October 18, 2021

Comics and Graphic Novels

66. Artie and the Wolf Moon by Olivia Stephens

When Artemis discovers that she and her mom come from a long line of werewolves, she also finds a family she never knew she had. But what’s hunting Artie and her family? And will they be strong enough to survive? JGraphic Steph.O

67. Borders by Thomas King, ill. Natasha Donovan

A boy and his mother end up caught between the American and Canadian border when they refuse to deny their Blackfoot citizenship. A powerful story of identity and standing up for yourself. JGraphic King.T

68. Chunky by Yehudi Mercado

What do you do when your parents push you to try out for sports? If you’re Yehudi, the only Jewish-Mexican kid in your neighborhood, you create Chunky: A personalized mascot. But what happens when Yehudi stops listening to Chunky’s advice? JGraphic Merca.Y

69. Garlic and the Vampire by Bree Paulsen

In Witch Agnes’s village of vegetable people, there’s little to fear. So when a vampire moves into a nearby castle, will timid Garlic have the guts to face him alone? JGraphic Pauls.B

70. The Girl From the Sea by Molly Knox Ostertag

Morgan Kwon should never have kissed that girl. Now she has a lovestruck selkie hanging around when all she wants to do is disappear. But maybe stepping out of her comfort zone is exactly what Morgan needs. JGraphic Oster.M

71. Katie the Catsitter by Colleen AF Venable, ill. Stephanie Yue

Katie needs a job to save up money for summer camp. But can she handle catsitting 200 mysterious, mischievous kitties? A clever and whimsical romp with felines, superheroes, supervillains and lots of laughs. JGraphic Venab.C

72. The Leak by Kate Reed Petty, ill. Andrea Bell

Something’s rotten in Ruth’s town and this young reporter is out to get to the bottom of it. A rollicking kid-friendly examination of corruption and freedom of the press. JGraphic Petty.K

73. Other Boys by Damian Alexander

Why would a kid take a vow of silence upon entering his new school? For Damian, nothing in 7th grade is easy. Can he take a risk and start talking again? A stunning memoir that ends on a note of hope. JGraphic Alexa.D

74. Power Up by Sam Nisson, ill. Darnell Johnson

In a virtual world, Miles and Rhys make up the amazing team of Gryphon and Backslash. In real life though, Miles doesn’t know that Rhys is the quiet, friendless new kid in class. Will they discover their friendship can exist IRL? JGraphic Nisso.S

75. Saving Sorya: Chang and the Sun Bear by Trang Nguyen, ill. Jeet Zdung

Gorgeous art accompanies the story of Chang, a 12-year-old rescue center volunteer in Vietnam. Her mission? To return the sun bear cub Sorya successfully to the wild. A lushly illustrated environmental tale. JGraphic Nguye.T

76. Shark Summer by Ira Marcks 

It’s summer on Martha’s Island and a big Hollywood film crew has come to shoot a blockbuster movie. Meanwhile Gayle and her friends investigate rumors of a creepy cult leader from a century ago. Turns out, some secrets should definitely stay buried. JGraphic Marck.I

77. Simon and Chester: Super Detectives by Cale Atkinson

Simon’s a ghost, Chester’s a human, and they’re both seriously bored. When Simon decides they should open a detective agency, they never expect to encounter a real mystery involving a mysterious, rather cute, pug. JGraphic Atkin.C

 

Return to the full list of 101 Great Books for Kids here.


Translate »