Graphic Novels

I Survived the Shark Attacks of 1916

Chet Roscow is finally feeling at home in his uncle’s little New Jersey town.  He has three new friends and they love cooling off in the creek on hot summer days.  The townsfolk are terrified by the shocking and unexpected news of a massive shark which has been attacking swimmers in the ocean along the Jersey shore not far from where Chet is staying.  When Chet spies a gray fin in the creek, he wonders if it is a figment of his imagination or if he is about to come face-to-face with a killer shark.   Based on the real-life events of the Jersey Shore shark attacks of 1916, this graphic novel brings the I Survived title of the same name to life.  Combining historical facts with fast-paced action, this illustrated title also includes a nonfiction section at the back with photos and facts about the real-life shark attacks!

Dog Man: Grime and Punishment

The Supa Buddies bamboozled the bad guys but all is still not right in the world.  Dog Man has a new problem to pound, and he’s going to need his entire pack to help him.  Can they come out ahead once again or is Dog Man barking up the wrong tree?  The ninth volume in this favorite graphic novel series will keep lovers of this mischievous canine laughing all the way to the end!

New Kid

Jordan Banks is anxious about being the new kid at Riverdale Academy, especially since he wanted to attend an art school instead.  He’s even more nervous when he realizes that, unlike his school in Washington Heights, this new one at the other end of Manhattan has very few students of color.  Riverdale may have a beautiful campus, rigorous academics, and a wide offering of extracurriculars, but it is distinctly lacking in diversity. He sees white administrators mistake a veteran African-American teacher for the football coach, hears white classmates use black slang in an attempt to seem cool, and notices that the teachers often mistake the few minority students for each other, evidence of the racism that is invisible to many of his teachers and classmates.  Told in graphic novel format, this story is about much more than being a new kid at school. Exploring the many ways in which racism manifests itself in even the most “enlightened” environments, this Newbery and Coretta Scott King award winner, is a must-read for readers committed to transforming their worlds into ones where diversity is lauded and intentional.  

Dog Man Fetch-22

Petey the Cat is out of jail, and has a brand-new lease on life.  While he has taken a new look at what matters most in life, Li’l Petey is struggling to find the good in the world.  Can Petey and Dog Man stop fighting like cats and dogs long enough to put their paws together and work as a team? They need each other now more than ever – Li’l Petey and the world are counting on them!  This favorite series will keep kids reading with this new graphic novel adventure.

I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic, 1912

Faithfully following the storyline of the original story, this tale of George, an American boy traveling first-class on the Titanic with his aunt and sister, is brought to life with full-color scenes that will appeal to readers of the original book and those yet to discover it.  When the luxury liner collides with an iceberg, the mischievous boy finds himself separated from his family and the friends he has made onboard. Loaded into a lifeboat, he and other passengers spend fear-filled hours waiting for help to arrive. Newly added historical facts, photographs of key persons and the ship’s interior, and wordless panels that spotlight the tensions of this horrific tragedy at sea combine to make this first in a new series a must-have title for students and classrooms. 

Just Jaime

As the school year comes to an end, Jaime knows something is going on with her friend group.  They’ve started to exclude her and make fun of the way she dresses and the things she likes. Even the best friend she’s had since kindergarten, Maya, is annoyed with her, telling Jaime she is babyish and just doesn’t fit in with the circle of popular girls any longer.  Celia, the most controlling member of the group, seems to be firmly in charge and insists that Maya sever all ties with Jaime. Can the advice of a favorite teacher help Jaime deal with this all-too-common friendship challenge or will she have to adjust to the loss of a lifetime friend?  A very realistic portrayal of tween friendship challenges that will resonate with young readers.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Wrecking Ball

When Great Aunt Reba dies and leaves some money to the Heffley family, they get the chance to make some much needed home improvements.  After unsuccessfully attempting to do some of the maintenance and repairs themselves, Greg’s parents realize it’s time to bring in the professionals.  The problems continue to multiply, however, as rotten wood, toxic mold, and unwelcome critters are uncovered. When permitting issues threaten to put a hold on the renovations, moving may be the best option for the Heffleys.  When the dust finally settles, will Greg and his best friend Rowley be separated for good?  

Camp

Best friends, Olive and Willow, are excited to go away to their first sleepaway camp together, even sharing a bunk bed in their cabin.  Initially, they are inseparable, always together during camp activities. As Olive begins to make new friends and enjoy all that camp has to offer, however, Willow is increasingly reluctant to join in.  Jealous of her friend’s new pals, Willow wants Olive to stay by her side at all times. At first, Olive feels obligated to take care of Willow, but soon grows increasingly resentful of these demands. When a giant argument breaks out, the girls face the very real possibility that their friendship may have come to an end.  Can they find a way to avoid a massive camp disaster and find a way to restore their broken ties? A graphic novel about blending old friendships with new experiences and having fun along the way!

Baby-Sitters Club: Boy-Crazy Stacey

 Stacey and Mary Anne are baby-sitting for the Pike family for two weeks at the New Jersey shore.  There’s a great house right on the beach, a boardwalk, and plenty and sand and sun. Unfortunately, Stacey seems to only be interested in Scott, the new lifeguard they’ve met.  She isn’t doing her share of watching the kids so Mary Anne has to do the job of two sitters. How can Mary Anne convince Stacey that Scott really isn’t interested in her without breaking their friendship and her heart?  The newest tale in this favorite series.

Guts

Based on the true experience of the author of Smile and Sisters, Raina wakes up one night with a terrible upset stomach.  Her mom isn’t feeling well either so both assume they’ve come down with a virus. When Raina returns to school and her tummy problems don’t go away, however, could it be that her worries about food, school, and changing friendships are really to blame?  An honest look at a common result of stress in the lives of kids today, this book is a great basis for family and school discussions about handling the ups and downs of growing up. 

Diary of an Awesome Friendly Kid: Rowley Jefferson’s Journal

 Wimpy Kid addicts are well-acquainted with the antics and opinions of star character, Greg Heffley, but now it’s time for Rowley Jefferson, Greg’s best friend, to tell his own story.  What begins as Rowley’s journal, however, soon becomes the sidekick’s biography of Greg. After all, Greg is sure that one day he’ll be rich and famous with everyone clamoring to know his life story, so who better to take a first crack at writing it?  A hilarious new look at the Wimpy world fans won’t want to miss.

Dog Man: For Whom the Ball Rolls

The Supa Buddies have been working hard to help Dog Man overcome his bad habits.  But when his obsessions turn to fears, Dog Man finds himself the target of an all new supervillain!  Meanwhile, Petey the Cat has been released from jail and starts a new life with Lil Petey. But when Petey’s own father arrives, Petey must face his past to understand the difference between being good and doing good.  The newest in this hilarious favorite series!