Calling all readers! Join Youth Services librarians Ashley and Kat in reading and discussing some truly awesome graphic novels. This summer, we're kicking off a mini-series of graphic novel book discussions for grades 4 through 8. Below, you'll find information about the July and August editions of the series. Note: you must have a Zoom account to attend these programs; sign up for a free account here.

In July, we'll meet on Wednesday, July 7th at 4:30 p.m. We will be reading Guts by Raina Telgemeier! Guts is the third installment in a series graphic novels based on Raina Telgemeier's childhood, but you don't have to read Smile and Sisters to enjoy and appreciate Guts. In this book, Raina shares her experience in fifth grade, when social anxiety, phobias, and an upset stomach combined to give her a particularly tough year in school.

Please use this link to register for the book discussion. You can place a hold on the print book using our catalog here. If you prefer the eBook, you can find it in on OverDrive. Both sources offer the book in English or Spanish.

If you like Guts, you may also enjoy these graphic novels:

Real Friends by Shannon Hale
Library Catalog / Hoopla / OverDrive
A semi-autobiographical tale about the stress of navigating friendships and cliques.

Invisible Emmie by Terri Libenson
Library Catalog / OverDrive
A day in the life of two very different middle schoolers.

In August, we'll be meeting on Wednesday, August 4th at 4:30 p.m. We will be reading The Witch Boy by Molly Knox Ostertag. It's the first in a series (followed up by The Hidden Witch) about a world where boys learn shape-shifting magic while girls practice witchery. When 13-year-old Aster is drawn to witchery, he's not permitted to study along with the girls. When the young shape-shifters begin mysteriously disappearing, Aster has a hard choice to make.

Please use this link to register for the book discussion. You can place a hold on the print book using our catalog here. If you prefer the eBook, you can find it on OverDrive.

If you're looking for more witchy fun after finishing The Witch Boy, here are some more graphic novels to check out:

The Okay Witch by Emma Steinkellner
Library Catalog / OverDrive
Moth is surprised to learn she's inherited her family's magic… but how can she use her new powers if her mom won't teach her?

Princess Princess Ever After by Katie O'Neill
Library Catalog / Hoopla
A fun twist on the classic fairy tale dilemma of the princess locked in a tower.