July 12, 2018

The American Association of Librarians has posted a list of the 2018 top ten graphic novels for youth in Booklist Online. Three from The Center for Cartoon Studies made the list!

Melanie Gillman ′13 already won the Stonewall Award from ALA for As the Crow Flies Vol. 1 (Iron Circus Comics), so it comes as no surprise that this comic is also in the top ten YA graphic novels. From the ALA post:

Lush, warm colored-pencil artwork relates the story of 13-year-old Charlie, a queer black girl who struggles with her faith—as well as outdated concepts and whitewashed history—on an all-girls hiking trip.

Good Night, Planet (Toon Books) by Liniers is also on the list is also up for an Eisner. Liniers was the 2016/17 CCS Fellow. From the ALA post:

There are plenty of books about what toys get up to at night, but this quiet, beautifully executed comic, starring a fawn-like stuffed animal and a playful dog, is particularly enchanting.

And the list includes Spinning (First Second) by Tillie Walden ’16, which is also up for two Eisners.  From the ALA post:

Walden’s childhood in the competitive figure-skating world is the backdrop for this memoir of her coming-out and coming-of-age. Gorgeous, elegant artwork adds even more depth to her already-stirring story.

Booklist is the book-review magazine for ALA and has been published for more than 100 years. The reviews help libraries decide what to buy and help library patrons and students decide what to read.