New Release: DUNGEON CLUB: ROLL CALL

D&D: DUNGEON CLUB: ROLL CALL by Molly Knox Ostertag and Xanthe Bouma
(HarperAlley, Nov 2022)

Middle school is a dungeon… At least, that’s how Jess sees it.

Luckily, she and her best friend Olivia know how to escape into the sprawling worlds of their own imaginations. The two friends have always loved making up stories, first with little kid games of make-believe, and more recently with the fantasy roleplaying game, Dungeons & Dragons. When they play, Olivia runs the game as Dungeon Master and Jess is the solo party member, playing a take-no-prisoners, lone-wolf fighter of her own design named Sir Corius.

But when Olivia wants to add new players to their group, Jess finds herself struggling to share their game—and her best friend. Will their epic campaign withstand all this change, or has their adventure—and their friendship—finally come to an end?

Select praise for DUNGEON CLUB: ROLL CALL:

• “What Molly Ostertag and Xanthe Bouma pull off in Dungeon Club is nothing short of astounding… this book will be a treasured artifact for years and years to come!”
  — Brennan Lee Mulligan, creator of Dimension 20

• “An absolutely wonderful story that exemplifies the joys, challenges, and lifelong memories forged between friends in the creative furnace of roleplaying games... I absolutely loved it.” — Matthew Mercer, creator of Critical Role

• “A thrilling and gorgeous adventure that goes straight for your heart.” — ND Stevenson, NYT-bestselling author of Nimona

New Release: THE GIRL FROM THE SEA

THE GIRL FROM THE SEA by Molly Knox Ostertag
(Scholastic, June 2021)

Fifteen-year-old Morgan has a secret: She can't wait to escape the perfect little island where she lives.

She's desperate to finish high school and escape her sad, divorced mom, her volatile little brother, and worst of all, her great group of friends...who don't understand Morgan at all. Because really, Morgan's biggest secret is that she has a lot of secrets, including the one about wanting to kiss another girl.

Then one night, Morgan is saved from drowning by a mysterious girl named Keltie. The two become friends and suddenly life on the island doesn't seem so stifling anymore.But Keltie has some secrets of her own. And as the girls start to fall in love, everything they're each trying to hide will find its way to the surface...whether Morgan is ready or not.

Select praise for THE GIRL FROM THE SEA:

• Kirkus review: “Selkie lore is enchantingly interwoven in this light fantasy tale… the romance is charming and tender. Sweet, fun, Sapphic fluff.”

• Publishers Weekly starred review: “This endearing and often funny graphic novel cohesively combines queer teen romance, realism, and fantasy.”

• School Library Journal starred review: “Adorable and authentic, this coming-out story is a must-purchase”

New Release: THE MIDWINTER WITCH

THE MIDWINTER WITCH by Molly Knox Ostertag
(Scholastic, November 2019)

Magic has a dark side…

Aster always looks forward to the Midwinter Festival, a reunion of the entire Vanissen family that includes competitions in witchery and shapeshifting. This year, he's especially excited to compete in the annual Jolrun tournament - as a witch. He's determined to show everyone that he's proud of who he is and what he's learned, but he knows it won't be easy to defy tradition.

Ariel has darker things on her mind than the Festival - like the mysterious witch who's been visiting her dreams, claiming to know the truth about Ariel's past. She appreciates everything the Vanissens have done for her. But Ariel still craves a place where she truly belongs.

The Festival is a whirlwind of excitement and activity, but for Aster and Ariel, nothing goes according to plan. When a powerful and sinister force invades the reunion, threatening to destroy everything the young witches have fought for, can they find the courage to fight it together? Or will dark magic tear them apart?

Select praise for THE MIDWINTER WITCH:

• Booklist starred review: "The craftwork is on- point...with smooth pacing, endearing characters, gripping plots, and clean, colorful, expressive artwork."

• Kirkus review: "This solid addition to the series should please fans and newcomers alike."

• School Library Journal review: "A heartwarming, wintry adventure."

New Release: THE HIDDEN WITCH

Every witch needs a family…

Aster's parents have finally agreed that he can learn witchery with the girls, but he has a lot of catching up to do. So when Grandmother offers her tutoring in exchange for a favor, Aster jumps at the chance, until she asks him to help his great-uncle, Mikasi. Family or no, Aster isn't ready to face the beast who nearly destroyed him and his cousins.

Across town, dark magic has attached itself to Aster's friend Charlie. Witches are taught never to create a "Fetch," a cruel shadow form that does only harm. But the thing following Charlie is a clear sign that someone is breaking the rules.

With the help of his family, Aster does everything he can to protect Charlie. But to discover who's making the Fetch, and to put a stop to it, he'll need darker, more powerful magic, from the most dangerous witch he knows...

Select praise for THE HIDDEN WITCH:

• Kirkus starred review: "Ostertag’s sophomore effort is every bit as wonderful as its predecessor, with continued strong worldbuilding, lovely large and bright illustrations, and its approachable and diverse cast that runs a true-to-life spectrum encompassing white-, tan-, and dark-skinned characters as well as same-sex relationships... An absolutely bewitching sequel."

• School Library Journal review: "An exciting continuation of Aster's supernatural journey, whose coming-of-age messages will resonate with middle graders."
  
  

THE HIDDEN WITCH by Molly Ostertag (Scholastic, October 2018)

Awards!

AS THE CROW FLIES by Melanie Gillman won the 2018 EGL Best of Middle Grade Award and is on the shortlist for the 2018 Dwayne McDuffie Award for Kids' Comics.

ELEMENTS: FIRE, edited by Taneka Stotts, won the 2018 Eisner Award for Best Anthology.

MONSTER SCIENCE, illustrated by Phil McAndrew (and written by Helaine Becker), was named a 2018 Forest of Reading Silver Birch Honor book.

O HUMAN STAR by Blue Delliquanti won a 2018 Prism Award in the Webcomics category.

THE CARPET MERCHANT OF KONSTANTINIYYA by Reimena Yee was nominated for a 2018 Eisner Award in the Best Digital Comic category.

THE WITCH BOY by Molly Ostertag won the 2018 EBSCO SEE-IT Award, won a 2018 Prism Award in the Mainstream Comics and Graphic Novels category, and is on the shortlist for the 2018 Dwayne McDuffie Award for Kids' Comics.

Awards and Nominations round-up!

AGENTS OF THE REALM by Mildred Louis was nominated for the 2018 Slate Cartoonist Studio Prize for Best Webcomic of the Year.

AS THE CROW FLIES by Melanie Gillman was named a 2018 Stonewall Honor Book, is a 2018 EGL finalist in both the Best of Middle Grade and Mosaic Award categories, and is one of YALSA's 2018 Great Graphic Novels for Teens.

ELEMENTS: FIRE, edited by Taneka Stotts, won a silver medal in the 2018 Independent Publisher Book Awards in the Graphic Novel / Drawn Book category and was nominated for two 2018 DINKy Awards. Shivana Sookdeo's contribution "Breath, Plucked From Heaven" was nominated for the 2018 Slate Cartoonist Studio Prize for Best Print Comic of the Year. 

FULL CIRCLE by Taneka Stotts and Christianne Goudreau was named a 2018 Dwayne McDuffie Award for Diversity nominee.

THE HAUNTED HOUSE PROJECT by Tricia Clasen is a 2017 Voya Top Shelf Fiction selection for middle grade readers. 

NO BETTER WORDS by Carolyn Nowak was nominated for a 2018 DINKy Award.

O HUMAN STAR by Blue Delliquanti made the 2017 James Tiptree Jr. Award longlist.

POCKETS by Melanie Gillman was nominated for two 2018 DINKy Awards and won in the Best Mini Comic category.

THE PRICE OF ACCEPTANCE by Sarah Searle was nominated for the 2018 Slate Cartoonist Studio Prize for Best Webcomic of the Year.

THE WITCH BOY by Molly Knox Ostertag is a 2018 EGL finalist and one of YALSA's 2018 Great Graphic Novels for Teens.

New Release: THE WITCH BOY

THE WITCH BOY by Molly Knox Ostertag (Scholastic, Oct 2017)

Even magic has rules...

In thirteen-year-old Aster's family, all the girls are raised to be witches, while boys grow up to be shapeshifters. Anyone who dares cross those lines is exiled. Unfortunately for Aster, he still hasn't shifted . . . and he's still fascinated by witchery, no matter how forbidden it might be.

When a mysterious danger threatens the other boys, Aster knows he can help -- as a witch. It will take the encouragement of a new friend, the non-magical and non-conforming Charlie, to convince Aster to try practicing his skills. And it will require even more courage to save his family . . . and be truly himself.

Select praise for THE WITCH BOY:
- Kirkus starred review: "With charming artwork, interesting supporting characters, natural-feeling diversity, and peeks of a richly developed world, this book leaves readers wishing for more."
- School Library Journal starred review: "Ostertag’s bright, gentle, cartoonlike artwork brims with life and adds extra appeal to this fast-moving story."

New Release: SHATTERED WARRIOR

SHATTERED WARRIOR
by Sharon Shinn, illustrated by Molly Ostertag (First Second, May 2017)

It is eight years after Colleen Cavanaugh's home world was invaded by the Derichets, a tyrannical alien race bent on exploiting the planet's mineral resources.

Most of her family died in the war, and she now lives alone in the city. Aside from her acquaintances at the factory where she toils for the Derichets, Colleen makes a single friend in Jann, a member of the violent group of rebels known as the Chromatti. One day Colleen receives shocking news: her niece Lucy is alive and in need of her help. Together, Colleen, Jann, and Lucy create their own tenuous family.

But Colleen must decide if it's worth risking all of their survival to join a growing underground revolution against the Derichets.

Select praise for Shattered Warrior:

-Booklist review: "Perfect for fans of dystopian sci-fi and books with strong female leads."
-School Library Journal review: "Ostertag’s art supports Shinn’s storytelling beautifully. ...This is a strong choice for sci-fi graphic novel collections, especially those seeking representation in genre fiction."

Deal Announcement: THE WITCH BOY

Molly Knox Ostertag

Amanda Maciel at Scholastic Press has acquired Molly Knox Ostertag's THE WITCH BOY, a middle-grade graphic novel about a young boy growing up in a magical community where all men are trained as shapeshifters and all women as witches. When a mysterious foe from his family's past reappears, Aster is the only one who can help them - but to do so, he'll have to reveal he's broken with tradition and learned witch magic in secret. Publication is set for 2018. Jen Linnan negotiated the deal for world rights.

Molly Knox Ostertag grew up in the forests of upstate New York. She studied cartooning at SVA in New York City and now lives in Los Angeles, where she enjoys the beach year-round but misses good bagels. She has a perfect tiny cat and draws the webcomic Strong Female Protagonist.

PW Rights Report: Week of July 18, 2016.

2016 YALSA Great Graphic Novels for Teens nominations!

BABA YAGA'S ASSISTANT and STRONG FEMALE PROTAGONIST (VOL. 1) have been nominated for the 2016 YALSA Great Graphic Novels for Teens list in the Fiction category.

The list presents graphic novels published in the past 16 months that are recommended reading for teens aged 12-18. It is a general list of graphic novels, both fiction and nonfiction, selected for proven or potential appeal to the personal reading tastes of teens.

The committee will meet, discuss nominations, and select the final list at the at the ALA Midwinter conference (January 2016). 

View the full list of nominees: http://www.ala.org/yalsa/ggnt/nominations

Shortlisted: 2015 Autostraddle Comic + Sequential Arts Awards!

This week, Autostraddle announced their nominations for the 2nd Annual Autostraddle Comic and Sequential Arts Awards, which celebrate positive representation for queer women and feminist issues in comics, webcomics and graphic novels. 

I'm OVER THE MOON to see some familiar (client) faces amongst the nominees - and they are in incredible company. Shout-outs commence:

Favorite All-Ages Comic:
Help Us! Great Warrior by Madeleine Flores (Boom Studios) - her colorist, Trillian Gunn, is also nominated in the Best Colorist category.

Favorite Webcomic - Serial: 
Strong Female Protagonist by Brennan Lee Mulligan and Molly Ostertag

Favorite Webcomic - Episodic:
Emily Carroll’s online comics (“When the Darkness Presses,” “All Along the Wall” and “The Groom“)
Annie Mok’s work for Rookie (“The Delaney Comets,” “No, No, No: A Guide to Girling Wrong” and “Florals“)

Favorite Graphic Novel / Book:
Baba Yaga’s Assistant by Marika McCoola and Emily Carroll
Dear Amanda by Cathy G. Johnson

Favorite Writer / Artist:
Emily Carroll (online work)
Annie Mok (work on Rookie)