Tween Comic Club is a place for comic lovers ages 9-14 to discuss what they are reading each month.  Here is the latest list of the books we’ve been talking about and that our tween readers recommend!  Follow the links to check out a copy for yourself.  And don’t forget to join a Tween Comic Club meeting if you would like to learn how you can submit your own recommendations to our feature!  We typically meet on the third Tuesday of each month.  Find our next meeting on the events calendar.

Enemies by Svetlana Chmakova

Felicity’s sister Letty is the perfect one, but Felicity is ready to show her family that she can be amazing, too.  So she enters a contest for entrepreneurs, along with one of her best friends.  As the pressure starts to get to her, however, Felicity’s relationships start to fracture.  Does she really have friends?  Or are they all her enemies?

Ms. Krysta says: “Svetlana Chmakova depicts all the drama of middle school with her signature heart and humor in the fifth installment of the Berrybrook Middle School series.  This story focuses on Felicity, who is determined to prove to her family–and herself–that she has the ability to see a project through to completion.  The emphasis on entrepreneurship feels timely and relevant, while the emotive art style will appeal to readers.”

Stick and Stone Explore and More by Beth Ferry & Kristen Cella

Stick and Stone from the popular picture book series star in two new adventures in this graphic novel perfect for beginner readers.  The first story features the two as they embark on a scavenger hunt and explore nature.

Ms. Faith says: “I love the Stick and Stone books in the children’s picture book section of the library. This one is in the J Graphic section and it was just as good, only longer and with more adventures, friendship, and that ornery pine cone. I loved it!!”

The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen

Tiến and his family are struggling.  His mother worries about her aging mother, still in Vietnam, while Tiến wonders how to tell his parents, separated from him by a language barrier, that he’s gay.  They turn to fairy tales to help them make sense of life–and give them the hope of a happy ending.

Ms. Faith says: The Magic Fish is a story inside of a story inside of another story, but it isn’t confusing. The author/illustrator flows the story elements together in beautiful harmony and tells all the stories in a very memorable way. The backmatter is full of history, the illustrations are beautiful, and the story made me sob, in a good way. A must read for all ages.”

Frizzy by Claribel A. Ortega

Every week, Marlene’s mother makes her go to the salon to make her curly hair “presentable.”  But Marlene does not feel like herself.  Don’t adults always say that it’s what’s on the inside that counts?  What’s wrong with her hair?  With the help of her Tía Ruby, Marlene will learn to love her curls–and get others to see how awesome they are, too.

Ms. Krysta says:Frizzy takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster as it chronicles Marlene’s attempts to be heard by her family.  All she wants is to be loved and accepted for who she is–but all her family seems to care about is how she looks.  Readers will root for Marlene as she finds her voice and changes her family in the process.  Five stars for a sensitively-told story about an emotionally difficult topic.” 

Scary Godmother by Jill Thompson

The Scary Godmother Omnibus collects four of Jill Thompson’s Scary Godmother stories.  The stories feature the Scary Godmother helping a young girl overcome her fear of Halloween–and show just how entertaining the spooky can be!

Jude says: “The artwork is beautiful and I love the watercolor paints.  I love the mix of kids’ book format to comic.  The designs of the monsters and settings are fantastic and fun.”

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