Our Middle Grade book spotlight this week is focused on graphic novels!!! Graphic novels are incredibly visual stories that can feature pretty much anything and this week we are focusing on 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 are exploring events in history, memoirs, and more! 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!!
Flying Machines by Alison Wilgus--Presents in comic-book form the story of the Wright Brothers and how they invented their famous flying machine.
Cold War Correspondent by Nathan Hale--Investigates the life and reporting career of Marguerite Higgins, who was in Seoul, South Korea, when North Korean Communist forces invaded in 1950. She became trapped when the communists blew up the Han River bridges, but that didn't stop her from reporting and showing great bravery.
In the Shadow of the Fallen Towers by Don Brown--This graphic novel recounts the events that followed the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, describing the personal stories of those who survived, were rescued, and died saving lives. Recounts the Herculean efforts of the clean-up crew, the resulting wars and capture of enemy combatants, and reverberating anti-Muslim sentiments in the United States.
D-Day: The Liberation of Europe Begins by Doug Murray--Explores the largest seaborne invasion in history and the resulting liberation of Paris from Axis forces.
George Washington: The Life of an American Patriot by David West--A graphic novel that profiles the life of George Washington. Covers colonial America, the French and Indian War, the American Revolution, and Washington's role as a patriot and America's first president. Also features Martha Custis Washington, General Benedict Arnold, William Howe, Henry Clinton, and Charles Cornwallis.
El Deafo by Cece Bell--This graphic novel memoir chronicles the author's humorous and sometimes difficult childhood experiences after she loses most of her hearing ability from an illness and must wear a large hearing aid on her chest.