Graphic Novels
Recommended titles for a culturally responsive collection.
“Those stories [graphic novels and comics] have room for everyone, regardless of their race, gender, religion, or color of their skin. The only things we don’t have room for are hatred, intolerance, and bigotry.” --Stan Lee
ELEMENTARY READS
THE BREAKAWAYS BY CATHY G. JOHNSON
Available in Sora.
Quiet, sensitive Faith starts middle school already worrying about how she will fit in. To her surprise, Amanda, a popular eighth grader, convinces her to join the school soccer team, the Bloodhounds. Having never played soccer in her life, Faith ends up on the C team, a ragtag group that's way better at drama than at teamwork. Although they are awful at soccer, Faith and her teammates soon form a bond both on and off the soccer field that challenges their notions of loyalty, identity, friendship, and unity.
The Breakaways from Cathy G. Johnson is a raw, and beautifully honest graphic novel that looks into the lives of a diverse and defiantly independent group of kids learning to make room for themselves in the world. -- Publisher
AKISSI TALES OF MISCHIEF BY MARGUERITE ABOUET
Inspired by her childhood on The Ivory Coast, writer Marguerite Abouet takes readers on even more hilarious adventure in Akissi: Volume 2. Lessons learned along the way include being friends with people you don't like, standing up for yourself, and dealing with the consequences of your actions. --Publisher
HICOTEA: A NIGHTLIGHTS STORY BY LORENA ALVAREZ
On a school field trip to the river, Sandy wanders away from her classmates and discovers an empty turtle shell. Peeking through the dark hole, she suddenly finds herself within a magical realm. Filled with sculptures, paintings and books, the turtle's shell is a museum of the natural world. But one painting is incomplete, and the turtle needs Sandy's help to finish it. --Publisher
MIDDLE SCHOOL READS
NEW KID BY JERRY CRAFT
Available in Sora.
Seventh grader Jordan Banks loves nothing more than drawing cartoons about his life. But instead of sending him to the art school of his dreams, his parents enroll him in a prestigious private school known for its academics, where Jordan is one of the few kids of color in his entire grade.
As he makes the daily trip from his Washington Heights apartment to the upscale Riverdale Academy Day School, Jordan soon finds himself torn between two worlds--and not really fitting into either one. Can Jordan learn to navigate his new school culture while keeping his neighborhood friends and staying true to himself? --Publisher
ILLEGAL BY EOIN COLFER
Available in Sora.
Ebo is alone.His brother, Kwame, has disappeared, and Ebo knows it can only be to attempt the hazardous journey to Europe, and a better life--the same journey their sister set out on months ago.
But Ebo refuses to be left behind in Ghana. He sets out after Kwame and joins him on the quest to reach Europe. Ebo's epic journey takes him across the Sahara Desert to the dangerous streets of Tripoli, and finally out to the merciless sea. But with every step he holds on to his hope for a new life, and a reunion with his family. --Publisher
THE CROSSOVER BY KWAME ALEXANDER
Available in Sora.
"With a bolt of lightning on my kicks . . . The court is SIZZLING. My sweat is DRIZZLING. Stop all that quivering. 'Cuz tonight I'm delivering," raps twelve-year-old Josh Bell. Thanks to their dad, he and his twin brother, Jordan, are kings on the court. But Josh has more than basketball in his blood--he's got mad beats, too, which help him find his rhythm when it's all on the line. --Publisher
HIGH SCHOOL READS
THIS PLACE: 150 YEARS RETOLD BY ALICIA ELLIOT
ANIMUS BY ANTOINE REVOY
Available in Sora.
ARCHIVAL QUALITY BY IVY NOELLE WEIR
As Cel attempts to learn more about the woman, she begins losing time, misplacing things, passing out--the job is becoming dangerous, but she can't let go of this mysterious woman. Who is she? Why is she so fixated on Cel? And does Cel have the power to save her when she's still trying to save herself? --Publisher
Need more resources for finding recommended Diverse graphic novels?
American Indians in Children's Literature's Best Graphic Novels by Native Writers
American Library Association's YALSA's 2019 Best Graphic Novels for Teens
Diverse Comics for Classrooms and Libraries: Race (article)
No Flying No Tights' Browse by Race/Ethnicity and more
Social Justice Books' Diverse Graphic NovelsVirginia Library Association's Graphic Novel Diversity Award Winners
Denver Public Schools Library Services
Email: libraryhelpdesk@dpsk12.org
Website: etls.dpsk12.org/library_services
Location: 1617 S Acoma St., Denver CO
Phone: 7204231842