Morning Glories: For a Better Future - Nick Spencer

Cover art from indiebound.org

Spencer, Nick and Joe Eisma. Morning Glories: For a Better Future (Vol. 1). Berkeley, CA: Image Comic, 2011. $9.99 Paperback (192 p) ISBN: 9781607063070.
Recommended for ages 14+.


Six teens from all different parts of the country are brought together as they gain acceptance into one of the most prestigious prep schools. This is an opportunity of a lifetime. Or is it? It doesn't take long to figure out that something is amiss. The teens soon discover that their admittance isn't only due to their academic achievements All six teens share the same birthday. What is the relevance of this discovery? When the teachers they admire try to drown them, escape becomes a top priority. But there is no way out of the tightly guarded Morning Glory Academy. Or is there? Home is not an option as none of their parents remember them. Who can they turn to? The secrets within these grounds are older than can be imaged. Things turn from strange to bizarre. Violence erupts. Betrayal happens. Is there any hope of survival?


So many questions, and only one place to discover the answers...within the pages of Morning Glories.

Awards
Eisner Award nominee  for Best New Series - 2011
Eisner Award nominee  for Best Continuing Series - 2011

Image from Comic Vine

American Born Chinese - Gene Luen Yang

Yang, Gene Luen. American Born Chinese. New York: First Second, 2006. $19.95. Hardcover. ISBN: 9781415688786.
Recommended for Grades 6 and up.

Do you enjoy graphic novels? Do you like funny stories with lots of action? Then American Born Chinese is for you!

This quick paced novel includes three separate tales. The first is the Chinese folklore of a monkey king who wishes to be powerful and in control of his destiny. The second is about a middle school Chinese boy who often finds himself the butt of his school mates' racial jokes. The third tale uses cultural stereotypes as one boy attempts to fit in at high school only to have his cousin from China come visit and embarrass him in front of his new friends. In the end these three stories are weaved together for a startling conclusion. A mixture of fantasy and realism, packed full of humor and action, American Born Chinese will not disappoint!


Awards/Honors
Young People's Literature National Book Award Finalist - 2006
Eisner Award for Best Graphic Album - 2007
Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year - 2007
ALA Michael L. Printz Award Winner - 2007
NPR Young Adult Fiction Finalist - 2012

Picture from The New York Times

Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic - Alison Bechdel

Cover art from indiebound.org

Bechdel, Alison. Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 2006. $19.95 Hardback (232p) ISBN: 9780618477944.
Recommended for ages 16+.

In Fun Home Alison Bechdel examines her father’s untimely death and her relationship with him from her childhood up through her early college years. The fun home refers to the funeral home owned by her father’s family, where her father worked part-time as an undertaker and she spent many hours of her childhood. Both of Alison’s parents were English teachers and the literary references found throughout this tale seem to demonstrate the form of communication used within the home, as well as the influence of books on Alison’s life. As Alison visits her past she pokes fun at her family and their dysfunctional situation yet raw, painful emotion is a constant – a comedy with its twin tragedy nearby at all times. Alison’s story is not told in chronological order but rather jumps from an incident in childhood to a related occurrence later in life or one from her father’s younger years. This allows the reader to come to revelations in much the same manner Alison most likely did, connecting one event to another. Alison blames herself for her father’s death but in the end comes to terms with who he was as a man and what he meant to her as a father.

The graphic novel format of this book may appeal to young adults and allows Alison to capture much more detail and emotion than words could have done alone.  However, part of the charm of this title lies in the graphical pictures that draw childhood memories from adult readers.  Due to the graphic nature of several illustrations and the complex verbiage used throughout the title, this book is recommended for those 16 and older. This engaging, thoughtful memoir crosses into LGBTQ and graphic novel genres.

Awards/Honors
Eisner Award for Best Reality-Based Work - 2007
Publishing Triangle Judy Grahn Award - 2007
ALA Stonewall Book Award Israel Fishman Nonfiction Award - 2007
Lambda Literary Award Lesbian Memoir/Biography - 2007
National Book Critics Circle Nominee for Memoir/Autobiography  - 2006

NPR interview with Alison Bechdel: