graphic novel – She Eats Books

Sunny afternoon

Last Sunday was sat curled up in a chair with the sun streaming, reading graphic novels. I was particularly taken with these.

The true story of Omar Mohamed’s time in a refugee camp in Kenya, Victoria Jamieson’s beautiful illustrations work brilliantly to convey what he and his brother experienced, along with thousands of others.

**When Stars Are Scattered** by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed

This book is based on the juvenalia of the Brontes, focussing mainly on the world developed by Charlotte Bronte.

A fantastic children’s book about a boy of mixed heritage moving to private school where most of the teachers and students are white (and rich). This made me think about how I treat people and the ways I may accidentally discriminate against others.

A book about the Polish Resistance during World War 2.

**I Survived the Nazi Invasion, 1944** by Lauren Tarshis and Alvaro Sarraseca

The Prince and the Dressmaker

I read about this book on a list of the best graphic novels of 2018 and immediately wanted it. Sadly the library couldn’t purchase it as it doesn’t appear to be available in this country (except on amazon.co.uk) so I just had to buy it for myself. How terrible…

I found the art work stunning and now want to read more of Jen Wang’s work. Universal Pictures bought the film rights within a few months of this being published.

**The Prince and the Dressmaker** by Jen Wang

Go Graphic

If you think graphic novels are only about superheroes I’m here to tell you that you are wrong. Graphic novels come in all shapes and sizes and are written for every age group. I’m pretty sure there is a graphic novel for everyone. Here are a few I have enjoyed recently.

Bunny Vs Monkey

This series (currently on book 5) is aimed at young readers. This is one of many fantastic graphic novels published by The Phoenix Presents. They also publish a weekly comic for 6-12 year olds. More info can be found on their website.

El Deafo

Ok, so this is about a superhero but one created by a young girl who is dealing with hearing loss and the way this makes her different. One to make you consider how you treat those with hearing impairments.

Lumberjanes

A set of books about a group of girls at a very unusual summer camp, Lumberjanes is currently up to volume 11. Devoid of bad language, this is aimed at teenagers and adults.

Paper Girls

This ongoing series revolving around time travel is aimed at older teens and adults.

Fables

This set of 26 books centres on the characters of our favourite fairy tales, who have fled the homelands and are living secretly in New York, governing themselves and trying to stop the mundies (humans) from finding out about them. Aimed squarely at adults due to content.

Rivers of London

Rivers of London is a popular series of novels written by Ben Aaronovitch. Instead of adapting the books already written into graphic novels, Aaronovitch has written original stories that run alongside the novels, with both formats referencing each other while not forcing the fans of the books to read the graphic novels or vise versa.