Some of my favorite graphic novels …
Recommended graphic novels
Recently, I was at a lunch where a retired elementary school teacher and a professor asked me for some of my favorite graphic novels. Both were curious about the genre and didn’t know where to start. I had fun putting together a list for them. Here it is, along with my personal notes. Happy reading!
By Gene Luen Yang …
- The Secret Coders series (computer programming in comic form! My kids loved this series.)
- American Born Chinese (This one has become required reading in my son’s high school freshman English class alongside To Kill a Mockingbird)
- Boxers and Saints (about the Boxer Rebellion — done VERY well and tells the story from two different perspectives)
- Dragon Hoops (for basketball lovers, but I couldn’t get into this one as much)
El Deafo by Cece Bell
SO GOOD! I read it in one sitting, could not put it down. This book really got me into the graphic novel format. It is a memoir about growing up deaf.
New Kid by Jerry Craft.
This one won a Newberry. Set in NYC and explores race and class and trying to fit in a private school. So so good.
When Stars are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson
About a kid’s experience waiting in a refugee camp — based on a true story. (Also by Victoria Jamieson is Roller Girl, a graphic novel about roller skating and girl relationships. I enjoyed that one, too.)
Chaffinch Island State Park
A favorite spot to run around and enjoy an ice-cream cone: Chaffinch Island State Park in Guilford.
The Dudley Farm in Guilford
The Dudley Farm in Guilford, Connecticut: farm, museum, farmer’s market, and home to these barnyard friends.
Strawberry Season
It’s summertime, which means strawberries.
A summertime tradition: strawberry picking at Bishop’s!
Guilford Lobster Pound
Guilford Lobster Pound
Classic New England … fresh lobster rolls with water views at the Guilford Lobster Pound