When she was little, Ruka saw a ghost at the aquarium—a fish that disappeared in a wave of light—but no one would believe her. Now that she is a teenager, fish are disappearing from aquariums all over the world and mysterious children are found living in the oceans. Will Ruka be able to figure out what is happening and solve the mystery? The simple, vivid illustrations in this graphic novel series are beautifully rustic and match the intriguing story perfectly.

-Miriam

A delightfully entertaining, escapist series about one lunch lady's adventures. She is an unusual superhero as she solves many mysteries along with the Breakfast Bunch.

-Bartan

Coraline

by Neil Gaiman

J GRAPHIC NOVEL GAIMA

Upon moving into her new home, inquisitive young Coraline finds more than just eccentric neighbors and a lot of new places to explore. . . This is a graphic novel adaptation of Gaiman's original story. It's truly a timeless piece that can be enjoyed by anyone who appreciates a nice, dark bedtime story!

-Noreen

The Legend of Hong Kil Dong, the Robin Hood of Korea

by Anne Sibley O'Brien

J GRAPHIC NOVEL OBRIE

Set in early 17th century Korea, this is a classic story of the son of a powerful minister and a lowly maidservant. The son, Hong Kil Dong, was never allowed to call the minister "father," which greatly distressed him. So he studied martial arts, swordplay, and the I Ching, eventually leading a band of men to battle the injustices shown to peasants and thereby claiming his rightful role. This graphic novel pays tribute to the adventure tale that was the first novel written in the Korean language. The attractive illustrations are done in ink and watercolor.

-Susan

Sidekicks

by Dan Santat

J GRAPHIC NOVEL SANTA

Captain Amazing, hero of Metro City, is so busy catching criminals that he rarely has time for his pets. He doesn't even notice when they begin to develop super powers of their own. When he announces he needs a sidekick, his dog, hamster, and chameleon each decide to audition. Then archvillain Dr. Havoc returns to town, and suddenly the Captain is in serious trouble. Can his warring pets put their squabbles aside and work as a team to save their master?

-Vicky

by Kathryn Lasky

J GRAPHIC NOVEL LASKY

Everybody knows about the Pilgrims-- pious, sober voyagers who sought new lives in the New World. But this book is about two very bad Pilgrims-- real-life boys who wreaked havoc wherever they went. The author and illustrator reveal tons of fascinating Pilgrim facts, accompanied by kid-friendly humor and energetic comic book–style art.

-Mariana

Pandemonium

by Chris Wooding

J GRAPHIC NOVEL WOODI

As captain of the local skullball team, Seifer Tombchewer is the envy of his peers. But Seifer's always dreamed of more-- of leaving his tiny, remote village for a new life beyond the mountains. He just never dreamed it would happen like this. Knocked unconscious and abducted, Seifer awakens in the royal palace to learn that Prince Talon Pandemonium has gone missing. And since Seifer is a ringer for Talon, it's his duty to replace the missing royal in his roles of diplomat, warrior, and Lord Defender of the Realm. He might fool Talon's sisters. He might fool Talon's army. But Seifer has little hope of fooling Talon's enemies. . .

-Vicky

A cupcake named, uh. . . Cupcake owns his own bakery in Brooklyn and is in a band with his best friend, an eggplant named Eggplant. When Eggplant decides to visit family in Turkey, he asks Cupcake along so that his friend can meet the famous baker, Turkish Delight. But when a problem arises, Cupcake has to decide what’s more important-- friendship or a chance to meet his idol. Delicious!

-Kathy

Babymouse (ongoing series)

by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm

J GRAPHIC NOVEL HOLM

A popular series that takes you into the life of Babymouse, who deals with many of the same things in life as we do.

Also, check out the Holms' new series, SQUISH, about the adventures of an amoeba!

-Barbara

Goosebumps: Creepy Creatures (ongoing series)

by R.L. Stine

J GRAPHIC NOVEL STINE

Each of these spooky tales is illustrated by a different acclaimed comic artist. Spine-tingling fun that will inspire you to sleep with the lights on.

-Tamberly

Ichiro

by Ryan Inzana

J GRAPHIC NOVEL INZAN

Ichiro lives in New York City with his Japanese mother. His father, an American soldier, was killed in Iraq. When Ichiro's mom gets a teaching opportunity in Japan, she and Ichiro go to stay with his grandfather. Grandfather becomes Ichi's tour guide, taking him to temples as well as the Hiroshima Peace Park, where Ichi starts to question the nature of war. After a supernatural encounter with the gods and creatures of Japanese mythology, Ichi must face his fears if he is to get back home. In doing so, he learns about the nature of man, of gods, and of war. This interesting graphic novel mixes and melds history, mythology, and two very different cultures.

-Vicky