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: STUCK! (HELP PLEASE)

STUCK! (HELP PLEASE) by Karol Ruth Silverstein
(Charlesbridge, Oct 2022)

Grandma Ferret warns her grand-kits about the play tunnels at the Critter Family Gym--they are getting too big for the smallest tunnels.

But the twin ferret kits are just too excited to listen to all the good advice, and they of course get STUCK! Can they listen long enough to get unstuck?

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Babies imparts good values through heartwarming and humorous stories to help little ones put their best foot forward. This light-hearted board book humorously addresses the need to listen well. Good listeners are rewarded!

Select praise for STUCK! (HELP PLEASE!):

• Kirkus review: “Silverstein’s rhyming text gives the book a zippy cadence ideal for read-alouds”

New Release: MY AUNT IS A MONSTER

MY AUNT IS A MONSTER by Reimena Yee
(RH Graphic, Oct 2022)

Safia thought that being blind meant she would only get to go on adventures through her audiobooks. This all changes when she goes to live with a distant and mysterious aunt, Lady Whimsy, who takes Safia on the journey of a lifetime!

While the reclusive Lady Whimsy stops an old rival from uncovering the truth behind her disappearance, Safia experiences parts of the world she had only dreamed about. But when an unlikely group of chaotic agents comes after Whimsy, Safia is forced to confront the adventure head-on. For the first time in her life, Safia is the hero of her own story, and she must do what she can to save the day…and maybe find some friends along the way.

Select praise for MY AUNT IS A MONSTER:

• Booklist starred review: “Gorgeous artwork tidily carries the plot through, and the plot is packed."

• Publishers Weekly starred review: “Heartwarming to the very last page.”

• Kirkus review: “Adorable and diverting.”

• School Library Journal review: “A heartfelt, high-energy, richly inked caper with plenty of pauses for legend-building, and a multi-faceted, fun read.”

New Release: TELL THE TRUTH, PANGOLIN

TELL THE TRUTH, PANGOLIN by Melinda Beatty and Paola Escobar
(Anne Schwartz Books, Oct 2022)

In this delightful, thoroughly entertaining picture book about the importance--and difficulty--of telling the truth, the queen's trusty servant, a pangolin, breaks the royal swing and doesn't know what to tell her!

Pangolin is enjoying himself on the royal swing in the bright summer sunshine when suddenly, the ropes break and--OW!--he falls to the ground. What will I tell the queen?! Pangolin worries. He races to the stables to ask his friend Badger. "Tell her the musicians needed the swing's rope for their lutes!" the stablemaster advises. Fox, the castle guard, has a different idea: "Might you say that the King needed to repair his royal jump rope?" Pug, Cat, and Goose all have suggestions, too. But which story will Pangolin tell the queen?!

Select praise for TELL THE TRUTH, PANGOLIN:

• Booklist review: “…bustle(s) with whimsical details that will capture young readers’ hearts.”

• Kirkus review: “A noble look at the courage needed for honesty.”

New Release: INVESTIGATORS: HEIST AND SEEK

INVESTIGATORS: HEIST AND SEEK by John Patrick Green
(First Second Books, Sept 2022)

New York Times bestsellers and sewer surfing super-sleuths Mango & Brash are back in INVESTIGATORS: HEIST AND SEEK, the sixth volume in John Patrick Green's smash hit series.

When rare paintings go missing, the InvestiGators are called on the scene...the ART SCENE!

Mango and Brash go undercover and under canvas as internationally renowned painters to expose a crook who has truly mastered the art of CRIME! Can they recover the missing masterpieces and save the city art museum’s fundraising gala before it's too late...and they run out of appetizers? Find out in this latest pièce de résistance of action-packed illustrated fun.

Select praise for INVESTIGATORS: HEIST AND SEEK:

• Kirkus review: "Green’s latest offering is a fun mystery with the series’ trademark puns and bright illustrations and enough red herrings to keep readers riveted. This is a must-read for fans of Dav Pilkey’s Dog Man books wondering what to pick up next... A winner."

New Release: OTHER EVER AFTERS

OTHER EVER AFTERS by Melanie Gillman (RH Graphic, Sept 2022)

Once upon a time . . . happily ever after turned out differently than expected.

In this new, feminist, queer fairy-tale collection, you’ll find the princesses, mermaids, knights, barmaids, children, and wise old women who have been forced to sit on the sidelines in classic stories taking center stage. A gorgeous all-new collection in graphic novel format from a Stonewall Honor-winning author and artist.

What if the giant who abducted you was actually thoughtful and kind? What if you didn’t want to marry your handsome, popular, but cold-inside suitor? What if your one true love has all the responsibilities that come with running a kingdom? Award-winning author Melanie Gillman’s phenomenal colored-pencil art creates another "ever after" for the characters who are most worthy of it.

Select praise for OTHER EVER AFTERS:

• Booklist review: “A work of fresh twists and many queer happily-ever-afters for all lovers of fairy tales.”

• Kirkus review: “Fresh and exciting; sure to delight and surprise.”

• The Bulletin review: “These inspiring, brief stories will especially resonate with readers who have always felt underrepresented or absent entirely in fairy tales, romance novels, or even their own lives.”

New Release: WHO WAS A DARING PIONEER OF THE SKIES? AMELIA EARHART

WHO WAS A DARING PIONEER OF THE SKIES? AMELIA EARHART
written by Melanie Gillman and illustrated by A.C. Esguerra
(Penguin Workshop, August 2022)

Discover the story behind aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart's mysterious and fatal second trip around the world in this captivating graphic novel -- written by Stonewall Award Honoree Melanie Gillman and illustrated by Eighty Days creator A.C. Esguerra.

Explore the story of Amelia Earhart, as she embarks on her second and final journey around the globe. A story of determination, heart, and courage, this graphic novel invites readers to immerse themselves into the daring grit of the aviation pioneer -- brought to life by gripping narrative and vivid full-color illustrations that fly off the page.

Select praise for WHO WAS A DARING PIONEER OF THE SKIES?

• Kirkus review: “A suspenseful, well-researched story that captures the drama of Earhart’s life and last flight.”

• School Library Journal review: “A must purchase for libraries, this book (and this series) will certainly be a big hit with middle grade readers.”

New Release: WASH DAY DIARIES

WASH DAY DIARIES by Jamila Rowser and Robyn Smith
(Chronicle Books, July 2022)

Wash Day Diaries tells the story of four best friends—Kim, Tanisha, Davene, and Cookie—through five connected short story comics that follow these young women through the ups and downs of their daily lives in the Bronx.

The book takes its title from the wash day experience shared by Black women everywhere of setting aside all plans and responsibilities for a full day of washing, conditioning, and nourishing their hair. Each short story uses hair routines as a window into these four characters' everyday lives and how they care for each other.

Jamila Rowser and Robyn Smith originally kickstarted their critically acclaimed, award-winning slice of life mini comic, Wash Day, inspired by Rowser's own wash day ritual and their shared desire to see more comics featuring the daily lived experiences of young Black women. Wash Day Diaries includes an updated, full color version of this original comic—which follows Kim, a 26-year-old woman living in the Bronx—as the book's first chapter and expands into a graphic novel with short stories about these vibrant and relatable new characters.

In expanding the story of Kim and her friends, the authors pay tribute to Black sisterhood through portraits of shared, yet deeply personal experiences of Black hair care. From self-care to spilling the tea at an hours-long salon appointment to healing family rifts, the stories are brought to life through beautifully drawn characters and different color palettes reflecting the mood in each story.

At times touching, quiet, triumphant, and laugh out loud funny, the stories of Wash Day Diaries pay a loving tribute to Black joy and the resilience of Black women.

Select praise for WASH DAY DIARIES:

• Publishers Weekly starred review: “The motif of wash day— as the women wash their own hair and others', go to the salon, and get braids—invites the reader into the rhythm of their lives, with welcome inclusivity of queer romance, as well as non romantic story lines. This subtle but heartwarming homage to friendship, feminism, and reconciliation sings.”

• Polygon review: “Smith's charming and inviting art invites comic book readers old and new to lose themself in this joyful and touching celebration of Black joy and sisterhood that cements the duo of Rowser and Smith as one of comics most powerful creative teams.”

New Release: SLIP

SLIP by Marika McCoola and Aatmaja Pandya
(Algonquin Young Readers, June 2022)

From Eisner-Award nominated writer Marika McCoola and debut artist Aatmaja Pandya, an emotional coming-of-age graphic novel for fans of Bloom and Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me.

Right before Jade is about to leave for a summer art intensive, her best friend, Phoebe, attempts suicide. How is Jade supposed to focus on herself right now?

But at the Art Farm, Jade has artistic opportunities she’s been waiting for her whole life. And as she gets to know her classmates, she begins to fall for whimsical, upbeat, comfortable-in-her-own-skin Mary. Jade pours herself into making ceramic monsters that vent her stress and insecurities, but when she puts her creatures in the kiln, something unreal happens: they come to life. And they’re taking a stand: if Jade won’t confront her problems, her problems are going to confront her, including the scariest of them all—if Jade grows, prospers, and even falls in love this summer, is she leaving Phoebe behind?

Select praise for SLIP:

• Kirkus review: “A fierce, transformative graphic novel about art and relationships.”

• School Library Journal review: “This graphic novel successfully brings the story to life via symbolism and figurative language coupled with deeply developed characters…With themes ranging from mental health to self-discovery, this ­art-infused text will entice graphic novel fans and art students and leave them wanting another installment of Jade’s ­story.”

New Release: INVESTIGATORS: BRAVER AND BOULDER

INVESTIGATORS: BRAVER AND BOULDER by John Patrick Green
(First Second Books, Feb 2022)

The InvestiGators’ latest case has our sewer-loving secret agents between a rock and a hard place in INVESTIGATORS: BRAVER AND BOULDER, the latest chapter in the hilarious New York Times bestselling adventure graphic novel series from John Patrick Green.

The InvestiGators are having a hard time keeping a low profile with their new headquarters being a giant robot towering over the city! How can they be SECRET agents if everyone recognizes them?

But with their ears to the ground, Mango and Brash hear mysterious rumblings about BOULDER BUDDIES...are they just the latest fad or part of a mob-run scheme? And could a rocky relationship from the InvestiGators’ past be trembling beneath the surface? Find out in their most stone-cold dangerous mission yet!

Praise for the series:

• “Ridiculous, absurd, and completely delightful – that’s my five-word review of the first InvestiGators book. I don’t know of any better book to hand to a fan of Dav Pilkey.” —Travis Jonker, 100 Scope Notes (exclusive excerpt)

• "…a very entertaining read. The fast-paced tale of a missing baker, a helicopter turned "were-copter," and a vat of radioactive cracker dough has heaping helpings of surreal alligator action and wordplay gags to keep new readers bent on solving the mystery. And the sharp illustration line, color and movement really pop." —Jon Scieszka, The New York Times Book Review

New Release: ACROSS A FIELD OF STARLIGHT

ACROSS A FIELD OF STARLIGHT by Blue Delliquanti
(Random House Graphic, Feb 2022)

When they were kids, Fassen’s fighter spaceship crash-landed on a planet that Lu’s survey force was exploring. It was a forbidden meeting between a kid from a war-focused resistance movement and a kid whose community and planet are dedicated to peace and secrecy.

Lu and Fassen are from different worlds and separate solar systems. But their friendship keeps them in each other’s orbit as they grow up. They stay in contact in secret as their communities are increasingly threatened by the omnipresent, ever-expanding empire.

As the empire begins a new attack against Fassen’s people--and discovers Lu’s in the process--the two of them have the chance to reunite at last. They finally are able to be together...but at what cost?

Select praise for ACROSS A FIELD OF STARLIGHT:

• Kirkus review: “Charming, kinetic, and colorful in more ways than one.”

• Publishers Weekly review: "In jewel-toned art that foregrounds figures and technology, Delliquanti’s tropey comic offers a variously inclusive cast, including incidental nonbinary representation, and explores themes of nationalism, imperialism, and revolution."

New Release: THE GREATEST THING

It’s the first day of sophomore year, and now that Winifred’s two best (and only) friends have transferred to a private school, she must navigate high school on her own.

But she isn’t alone for long. In art class, she meets two offbeat students, Oscar and April. The three bond through clandestine sleepovers, thrift store shopping, and zine publishing. Winifred is finally breaking out of her shell, but there’s one secret she can’t bear to admit to April and Oscar, or even to herself―and this lie is threatening to destroy her newfound friendships.

With breathtaking art and honest storytelling, rising star Sarah Winifred Searle delivers a heartfelt story about love, friendship, and self-acceptance.

Select praise for THE GREATEST THING:

• "Raw and beautiful. A story that finds the tiny holes in your heart, tears them wide open, and puts in hope. Searle's art and mastery of the medium shines. I wish I had this book as a teen." — Colleen AF Venable, author of Kiss Number 8

• "Sarah Winifred Searle's comics look the way I wish the world did. She combines raw emotions with gorgeous artwork to create stories full of feeling, intention, and heart. Give this book to the teens in your life." —Tillie Walden, author of Spinning and Are You Listening?

• Girl’s Life review: “This graphic novel will give you serious feels... You'll cry, laugh, and smile through this slice-of-life read.”

• Kirkus review: “A poignant, honest, and deeply engaging work.”

THE GREATEST THING by Sarah Winifred Searle (First Second Books, Feb 2022)

• Booklist review: “In her crisp, precise art, Searle deftly depicts the emotions of her characters, largely through their expressive body language; Winifred’s slumped shoulders as she curls into herself are easily worth a thousand words... this is a sensitive, compassionate portrayal of teenage mental health struggles that emphasizes the importance of community, self-acceptance, and finding the courage to ask for help.”

• Publishers Weekly review: "Searle’s semi-autobiographical graphic novel covers teen relationships, mental health... and disordered eating with crackling specificity...a visually and emotionally satisfying read about escaping depression and loneliness through art-making."

• School Library Journal review:"...a lovely graphic novel that takes an honest look at how easy it is for teenagers to get lost in despair...This sensitive read is a must-have on library shelves."

New Release: WHO WAS THE GIRL WARRIOR OF FRANCE? JOAN OF ARC

WHO WAS THE GIRL WARRIOR OF FRANCE? JOAN OF ARC
written by Sarah Winifred Searle and illustrated by Maria Capelle Frantz
(Penguin Workshop, Jan 2022)

Presenting Who HQ Graphic Novels: an exciting new addition to the #1 New York Times Best-Selling Who Was? series!

Follow Joan of Arc on her journey to convince the Dauphin to let her lead the French army in the Battle of Orleans and win the Hundred Years' War. A story of faith, courage, and determination, this graphic novel invites readers to immerse themselves in the life of the teenage French heroine -- brought to life by gripping narrative and vivid full-color illustrations that jump off the page.

Select praise for WHO WAS THE GIRL WARRIOR OF FRANCE?

• Booklist review: "Joan of Arc’s faith and determination shine through in WHO WAS THE GIRL WARRIOR OF FRANCE?, which gives readers background on the Hundred Years War and shows Joan of Arc’s challenging journey to help end it. All the [Who HQ Graphic Novels] showcase the passions and urgency or risks behind their headline-making events and humanize the people who made them possible."

New Release: GRAVENEYE

GRAVENEYE, written by Sloane Leong, illustrated by Anna Bowles
(TKO Studios, Nov 2021)

What if a haunted house was not the horror, but the people who dwell within it?

Isla lives alone in a large mansion deep in the woods. She has hired the young Marie to help her keep the big house tidy, but Marie brings demons of her own into Isla's domain.

Her house has seen its share of blood, horror, and the depths of the human soul. Cursed with sentience, it is destined to observe the terrors that lurk inside each and every one of us.

Select praise for GRAVENEYE:

• "GRAVENEYE is a lush, bloody, gothic feast. A kaleidoscopic mix of desire, hunger and revenge. Home is where the transformed heart is." — Paul Tremblay, multiple award-winning author of the national bestseller The Cabin at the End of the World and A Head Full of Ghosts.

• Comics Beat review: “Leong and Bowles have crafted an unforgettable piece of horror fiction that easily stands as one of the best of the year. Like the mansion in the story, Graveneye offers readers multiple doorways into its narrative. They each carry a forbidden sense of danger to them, as if you were intruding on a life that’s excruciatingly private. And yet, the invitation to intrude is there, and you should.”

New Release: THE SHORT WHILE

THE SHORT WHILE by Jeremy Sorese (Archaia, Nov 2021)

After a party, two men accidentally swap their jackets and are thrust into a most opportune meeting.

In each other they find what they’ve been missing. Love. Companionship. Trust. Honesty. Vulnerability. And they find everything they feared. Tragedy. Loss. Loss of self. Loss of freedom. Loss of each other.

Acclaimed cartoonist Jeremy Sorese presents a tragic but redemptive love story about two men who meet, quickly fall in love, and then find themselves falling apart when an unexpected event changes both their lives forever.

Select praise for THE SHORT WHILE:

• “THE SHORT WHILE is a thrilling triumph that poignantly conveys how queer people experience trauma and how new events can cause eruptions that heal old wounds. It is a spiritually transformative sci-fi thriller that proves Sorese's artistry is boundless.” — Sasha Velour

• Publishers Weekly review: “…A bravely messy story about dealing with trauma, on a personal and a societal level, and searching for happiness in an imperfect world.”