Great Graphic Novels - Recommendations from the Ottawa Public Library

Ottawa Public Library is back to share some great graphic novels books with us. This month’s post is by Lise Dumas, Supervising Librarian, Children's and Teen Services at the Greely, Metcalfe, Osgoode and Vernon Branches of Ottawa Public Library.

The graphic novels for kids I have read have been surprising, informative, entertaining, and beautiful. Many have been based on the author’s own experiences, which open a window into other kids’ lives. This may also allow a child to recognize similar experiences they have encountered in their own life. Other favourites have been pure fantasy, which is a wonderful way to escape into another world altogether.  

For those of you who love graphic novels, Ottawa Public Library has a wonderful collection for all ages.  Here are some of my favourite children’s selections this year:  

Parachute Kids by Betty C. Tang

Ages 9—12

Ten-year-old Taiwanese Feng-Li, with her two older siblings, is left by their parents in America when their visas expire. The children are undocumented and must live without drawing undo attention to themselves, all while trying to learn a new language and culture. They must deal with frightening obstacles, racist bullying, finding one’s own identity and making friends. The author uses beautiful vibrant colours for the images. The texts are either in white balloons when they are speaking English or Yellow balloons when speaking in Chinese.

Squished by Megan Wagner Lloyd and Michelle Mee Nutter

Ages 8-12

Avery, an eleven-year-old who is feeling sleep deprived and squished in a house with six other siblings. She is vying for her own room and concocts a scheme to make money to convert the basement into another bedroom. It is a heartwarming tale about the importance and the love of family. The images on the page are large, easy to follow and beautiful.

Picture Day by Sarah Sax

Ages 8-12

Seventh-grader, Viv is tired of the same look and routine. On picture day, she cuts her own hair and becomes a school style influencer. In doing so, however, she starts to lose sight of the most important people in her life: her mom and her best friends. The drawings are simple, fun and expressive.

Four Eyes by Rex Ogle and Dave Valeza

Ages 8-12

Sixth-grader Rex must not only contend with being one of the only boys at school who has not undergone a growth spurt, but also weak eyes that require dreaded glasses and a best friend who decides to hang out with the class bully. Rex must find a new way to fit in at school and learn to ask and accept help. Fans of Jerry Craft and Raina Telgemeier will appreciate this book.

Pearl of the Sea by Anthony Silverston, Raffaella Delle Donne and Willem Samuel

Ages 10-13

This beautifully rendered graphic novel is about making unlikely friends, such as sea monsters, and recovery after experiencing loss and grief. This story is about how teenage diver Pearl and sea creature Otto heal each other, while battling outside forces. This graphic novel is located in our teen collection.

Clementine Fox and the Great Island Adventure by Leigh Luna

Ages 9-15

Fantasy graphic novel for young readers, Clementine Fox has some exciting adventures with her friends and family. Vivid colours and fun extras at the end of the book will delight younger readers.

Cat’s Cradle: The Mole King’s Lair by Jo Rioux

Ages 8-12

This sequel to Cat's Cradle: The Golden Twine (2022) is full of action and adventure as Suri, imp Caglio and monstrously large dog Byron, continue their quest to locate Monster’s Cradle. The trio end up in a cave with a troll king, and with the assistance of a thief named Kolya, will attempt a daring escape with a treasure of gold.

Scurry by Mac Smith

10+

Stunning webcomic that is now in print, animal lovers will be mesmerized by the movie-like images. In this story, humans have disappeared from the earth, leaving the animals that depended on them to fend for themselves. House mice Wix and friends are desperately looking for food and ways to survive, while being hunted by feral cats and other predators. They are helped in their struggles by animals of all kinds. Fans of the Redwall books by Brian Jacques will love this tale.