Our Middle Grade book spotlight this week is focused on graphic novels!!! Graphic novels are incredibly visual stories that can feature pretty much anything fiction and nonfiction. Done in the style of comic books, there is a huge variety of choices; literally something for everyone so even if you have never read one before, you will definitely be able to find something. For our talk this week, we have a great selection of retellings, fantasy, historical, humor, and realistic to get you started. These books and more can be found by searching the catalog using the search tag #youthgreatgraphicnovels as well as on Libby and Hoopla. Check back next week for a new Middle Grade book spotlight and if you have any book suggestions, please let us know!!
Maze of Bones by Rick Riordan--When siblings Dan and Amy attend their grandmother Grace's funeral, their lives are turned upside down after they are selected to be a part of the will reading. They learn that their family, the Cahills, is the most powerful family in the world, and Grace has left thirty-nine clues in hidden locations that will reveal a long-lost family secret and possibly save the world. Dan and Amy soon find themselves embarking on a perilous globe-trotting adventure that pits them against their own family members.
Anne of West Philly by Ivy Noelle Weir--In this modern "Anne of Green Gables" retelling, Anne is fostered into the West Philly home of siblings Marilla and Matthew, and while she initially has a hard time at school, she ends up joining the robotics team and competes for a spot in an elite STEM program.
Realm of the Blue Mist by Amy Kim Kibuishi--In this first volume of the middle-grade graphic novel series, Tabby Simon sets out to uncover the truth about her father's death after he researched a tree in their neighborhood that is emitting a strange mist. She stumbles upon Rema, a magical world frequently raided for its resources. There Tabby meets a blue-haired boy named Philip who promises to help her return home. In the process, Tabby learns more about her wondrous destiny.
Ride On by Faith Erin Hicks--Middle school competitive horse rider Victoria tries explaining to her best friend Taylor that she doesn't want to do competitive horse riding anymore; she just wants to ride for fun. But Taylor sees it as a betrayal and their friendship ends on a sour note. Switching to the more low-key and less expensive Edgewood Stables, Victoria decides she just wants to focus on riding and stay away from friends. When her new stablemates try to reach out to her, she cuts them off and they think she's stuck up. Later, when she learns they like the same sci-fi show she does, she apologizes to them and explains her friendship breakup with Taylor. Getting to know new friends Norrie, Hazel, and Sam gives a boost to Victoria's confidence, which took a hit after her fight with Taylor and she in turn learns to be a good friend to them.
Next Stop by Debbie Fong--Middle schooler Pia is still grieving the loss of her younger brother, so her father signs them up to go on a bus tour of weird and wacky roadside attractions. But when her father breaks his leg and is unable to go on the trip, Pia must go by herself with family friends. The tour's final stop is at a mysterious underground lake that supposedly has magical powers, and although Pia won't admit it, she wonders if it could help heal her broken family.
Swim Team by Johnnie Christmas--Bree is looking forward to her first day at her new middle school, Enith Brigitha, home of the Mighty Manatees, but she's disappointed when the only elective that fits into her schedule is Swim 101. Swimming is one of her greatest fears, and she's less than enthusiastic about diving in, especially at a school that is deeply invested in its swim team. Luckily, Etta, an elderly neighbor in her apartment building and former swim team captain, is happy to help Bree, and she's surprised to suddenly find herself on the school's swim team thanks to her newfound water skills. As Bree makes friends on the team, she must deal with the town's expectations and help the Manatees beat their rival, the prestigious Holyoke Prep.