YA Graphic Novels

 

Title: Hey, Kiddo

Author: Jarrett J. Krosoczka

Publisher: Graphix

Copyright & Publishing Date: 2018

Audience: Ages 14 and up

Lexile: HL510L

Awards: ALA Notable Children's Books (2019), YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Your Adults nominee (2019), National Book Award Finalist (2019)

Starred Reviews: Booklist (09/15/18), Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (11/01/18), Horn Book Magazine (09/01/18), Kirkus Reviews (07/15/18), Publishers Weekly (07/30/18), School Library Journal (08/01/18), Voice of Youth Advocates (12/01/18)

Summary:  In this graphic novel memoir, author Jarrett J. Krosoczka tells about growing up with his grandparents because his mom, who was in and out of his life,  was a heroin-addict.  Art was something that Jarrett turned toward during his youth and his grandparents were very supportive of him pursuing his art.  Krosoczka uses drawings that he made as a child in this book and also photo and letters from his mom to help add more to the story.  

Catergories/Genre: YA, graphic novel, memoir.  This is a YA book because of the mature themes of the book with the drug addiction of his mother.  There is also language that is more for the mature audience than for elementary students.  It is a memoir because Jarrett J. Krosoczka is telling about his early life through teenage years.  This book was a great way to have a window into what it is like to live with a family member who struggles with addiction.  I am sure it will be a mirror to many who read it.

Teaching Resources from CBLDF

Title: The Prince and the Dressmaker

Author: Jen Wang

Publisher: First Second

Copyright & Publishing Date: 2018

Audience: Ages 12 and up

Lexile: GN360L

Awards: ALA Notable Children's Book (2019)

Starred Reviews: Booklist (01/01/18), Horn Book Guide (11/01/18),  Horn Book Magazine (03/01/18), Publishers Weekly (12/11/17), School Library Connection (05/01/18), School Library Journal (12/01/17)

Summary: Set in 19th century Paris, Frances is a seamstress who dreams of making it big in the fashion scene.  When she is almost fired from her job for making a risqué dress for Prince Sebastian's 16th birthday party.  But that dress catches the eye of a mysterious client who wants Frances to design gowns for them exclusively.  It turns out that the client is Prince Sebastian who has a secret alias as Lady Crystallia.  When Lady Crystallia becomes the talk of high society, it becomes harder for the secret of who Lady Crystallia is to be kept and the growing friendship between Frances and Prince Sebastian becomes strained.

Catergories/Genre: YA, graphic novel, historial fiction.  This book is considered Young Adult because the two main characters of the book are both sixteen.  It could be considered historical fiction because it takes place in Paris at the turn of the century.  I included this book because the illustrations are beautiful and the positive portrayal of LGBTQ characters.

Teaching Guide from CBLDF