Books Like...

Always Human by Ari North is a graphic novel that follows the relationship between two young women, Sunati and Austen, set in a sci-fi world. The story delves into the challenges and changes they face in their relationship, including hurdles, open communication, and major life decisions. The book also explores themes of friendship, character development, and world-building, all while showcasing vibrant artwork and a heartwarming narrative.

"This One Summer" is a graphic novel that follows the summer adventures of two girls, Rose and Windy, as they spend time at their family cottages by the lake. Rose is navigating the complexities of adolescence, from dealing with her parents' strained relationship to developing new interests and friendships with the local teenagers. The story captures the essence of growing up, exploring themes of family dynamics, friendship, teenage restlessness, and the challenges of transitioning from childhood to adolescence. The illustrations, printed in navy blue ink, create a nostalgic and raw feel, resembling a hand-drawn summer notebook, and perfectly complement the masterful pacing of the narrative.

The book delves into the personal dramas unfolding within Rose's family and the local teenage community, as she grapples with the realities of adulthood encroaching on her carefree summer days. Through the lens of Rose and Windy's friendship, the graphic novel sensitively portrays the emotional turmoil, awkward moments, and poignant realizations that come with the tumultuous phase of early adolescence. The narrative captures the bittersweet essence of a summer marked by growing pains, friendship dynamics, and the exploration of deeper, sometimes unsettling, themes of life and relationships.

Raina Telgemeier's 'Drama' is a graphic novel that follows the story of Callie, a middle school girl who is passionate about technical theater. As Callie gets involved in the school's production of a play, she navigates through typical middle school drama while trying to make the production a success. The book captures themes of friendship, budding love interests, and self-discovery, all set against the backdrop of a school musical. Telgemeier's storytelling is dynamic, funny, and relatable, making it an engaging read for students not typically interested in novels.

The book delves into various aspects of Callie's life, from her experiences with the stage crew to her relationships with her peers. It portrays the challenges and triumphs of adolescence, including crushes, friendships, and the ups and downs of teenaged love. Telgemeier's vibrant illustrations and well-rounded characters add depth to the story, creating a narrative that is both entertaining and insightful for readers of all ages.

'The Prince and the Dressmaker' by Jen Wang is a delightful graphic novel that tells the heartwarming tale of Prince Sebastian and Dressmaker Frances. The story revolves around the struggles of balancing one's true identity with societal expectations, as the prince enjoys cross-dressing in beautiful gowns designed by Frances. The book is set in a historical, fairy tale-like version of Europe, where themes of friendship, acceptance, and self-discovery are beautifully portrayed through the unique relationship between the prince and the dressmaker. The writing style is described as adorable, sweet, and emotional, with luscious illustrations that bring the characters and their journey to life.

'The Girl from the Sea' by Molly Knox Ostertag is a coming-of-age story that follows Canadian Korean teen Morgan as she navigates her island life, family secrets, and her desire to escape. When Morgan is saved by a girl named Keltie, she discovers a deep connection and shared secrets that they've both been hiding. The book beautifully weaves in themes of self-acceptance, building relationships, and embracing one's true identity, all set against the backdrop of selkie mythology and a heartwarming romance.

This book tells the story of Cece, a young girl who becomes hard of hearing at a young age due to meningitis. It follows her journey through school, friendships, and self-acceptance while dealing with her hearing loss. The graphic novel format, combined with the author's personal experiences, provides insight into the challenges faced by those who are hard of hearing, offering a relatable and educational narrative for readers.

Cece's character development as she navigates her disability, finds true friendships, and embraces her unique abilities is a central theme in the book. Through Cece's story, readers are introduced to the complexities of living with a hearing impairment, the importance of inclusivity, and the power of self-acceptance. The book effectively blends personal narrative with informative content, making it a valuable resource for both children and adults to understand the experiences of those who are deaf.

Mooncakes by Suzanne Walker is a graphic novel that follows the story of Nova, a young witch who lives with her lesbian grandmas in a New England town. Nova works at her grandmothers' bookshop where she sells magic books and investigates supernatural disturbances in the town. One night, she encounters a white wolf that turns out to be her childhood friend Tam, a non-binary werewolf. Together, they must work to solve a magical mystery and stop a cult from taking over the forest. The book seamlessly weaves in themes of found family, love, and magic, offering a heartwarming and inclusive story that resonates with diverse readers.

The book features diverse representation, including characters who are hard of hearing, non-binary, lesbian, and witches. The story explores themes of identity, family diversity, and acceptance, with a focus on LGBTQ relationships. The art style is praised for its beauty and engaging nature, capturing the magical elements of the story and enhancing the reader's experience.

'Kristy's Great Idea' is the first in the 'Baby-Sitters Club' series by Ann M. Martin, adapted into a graphic novel by Raina Telgemeier. It follows the story of Kristy, along with her friends Mary Anne, Claudia, and Stacey, as they come together to form a babysitting club. The girls face various challenges such as dealing with family issues, friendships, and personal struggles while navigating the ups and downs of starting their own business. The plot revolves around the girls' adventures in babysitting, their bond of friendship, and the life lessons they learn along the way.

is written in a way that resonates with readers, capturing the essence of the original series while adding a modern twist through the graphic novel format. The characters are relatable, the storyline is engaging, and the illustrations by Raina Telgemeier bring the story to life, making it an enjoyable read for both young readers and adults who have fond memories of the original series.

In 'Nimona' by Noelle Stevenson, readers are introduced to a whimsical and witty graphic novel that follows the story of Evil Villain Lord Ballister Blackheart and his uninvited sidekick, Nimona, a shapeshifter with amazing magical abilities. The plot revolves around their attempts to defeat their nemesis, Sir Ambrosious Goldenloin, and challenge the status quo in a world filled with stereotypes and questions about good and evil. The writing style seamlessly blends humor, friendship, love, and dark themes, creating a unique and engaging narrative that explores the complexities of morality and heroism.

The book delves into themes of friendship, loyalty, and the blurred lines between good and evil, offering a fresh take on classic fantasy tropes. Through the character development of Nimona, Blackheart, and Goldenloin, the story unfolds to reveal deeper layers of complexity and emotion, culminating in a poignant exploration of identity and the consequences of one's actions. The art style complements the storytelling, adding depth and charm to the narrative, making 'Nimona' a captivating and thought-provoking read for fans of graphic novels and fantasy tales.

'Beware the Kitten Holy' in the 'Lumberjanes' series by Noelle Stevenson follows the adventures of five Lumberjanes pals - Jo, April, Mal, Molly, and Ripley - as they attend a camp for hardcore lady types. Each chapter showcases their quest to earn various Lumberjane badges, such as the Robyn Hood Badge and the Everything Under the Sum Badge. The story is filled with humor, friendship, and quirky wilderness adventures where the girls face challenges like statues and wolves while always having each other's backs. The writing style is described as funny, vibrant, and appealing to both young readers and adults alike.