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By: John Partick Green
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When we meet them, Hippo and Red Panda are feeling unfulfilled with their lives at the zoo, as it is old and no one visits anymore. So, they decide to enter the human world and get jobs so that they can lead more exciting lives. Throughout the novel, we see the pair working through a myriad of jobs. The reason? Red Panda is not so good at the work! Hippo, on the other hand, displays quite a knack for picking up skills and performing the tasks well! Red Panda continues to get the pair fired from jobs. Ultimately, they return to the zoo where Hippo uses skills that he has picked up to fix up the zoo. The overwhelming theme in the book’s resolution is that we can each use our different strong suits to contribute to the greater good for all! This graphic novel is a great introductory style for grades 1-3 students interested in the genre. It is such an easy read, presented with graphic illustrations that only serve to enhance the humorous experience!

*Graphic Novel | Fiction | Humor
*Target Audience: 3-5
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Teaching Points:
-Teamwork
-Perseverance
-Friendship

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By: Svetlana Chmakova
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This book is the graphic novel embodiment of all that encompasses the current climate of the tween existence! Chmakova accurately depicts the life of the jocks, the popular girls, the smart kids, the demeaned, and “the sheriff”. We are introduced to a group of friends that includes Jorge and Liv at the center of the dynamic circle. Liv is best friends with Jazmine, who Jorge has an instant crush on. As with modern day young adult culture, social media plays a large role in this book. An account is hacked, a reputation ruined, a friendship torn, a relationship broken. And all along the way, readers are taken for a roller coaster ride of tween nuisances and humor. Teachable moments about respect and social media safety are certainly ever present! It is a smash hit among tweens and  well worth the read!

*Graphic Novel | Fiction
*Target Audience: 4-8
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Teaching Points:
-Social Media
-Online Best Practices
-Relationships
-Friendships

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By: Jarrett J. Krosoczka
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This book details the life of the author, Jarrett Krosoczka. He was raised by his grandparents, who loved and supported him, encouraging his love for art and helping him to blossom. Throughout the novel, they are the important figureheads that guide him on his path into adulthood. Jarrett’s mother was an addict, and she was in and out of his life. His father was someone that he never knew. This young man had a rough life. He was dealt a sad hand. And unfortunately, he has a story that rings familiar tunes for many your readers. But, in spite of the darkness that can be overshadowing here, lies a tale of hope and strength. Jarrett was a talented artist. He includes real artwork in each chapter of the novel, and the reader is able to see the growth of his talent over time. When he initially applied to art school, he was rejected. But he persisted. He did not have the support and family upbringing that most would deem “traditional”, including supportive biological parents and a white picket fence. But Jarrett was loved, and he was shown love. This novel is so poignant and painfully expresses the naked honesty behind addiction, bullying, and a troubled upbringing. But it has the capacity to teach co much about empathy, compassion, and perseverance in the face of adversity. It is a must read for young adults!

*Graphic Novel | Nonfiction | YA
*Target Audience: 8-12
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Teaching Points:
-Addiction
-Loss
-Perseverance
-Family Dynamics

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By: Cece Bell
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Author Cece Bell takes readers on a harrowing and often times comical journey of her life as a child who lost her hearing. After contacting meningitis when she was just 4 years old, Bell lost her hearing. She was then given a Phonic Ear to wear, which she found very embarrassing. As the only deaf student in her school, she just knew that she would stand out. Unlike the more modern versions of hearing aid and cochlear devices, Bell’s device consisted of a large box that hung around her neck and connected the hearing aids via prominent cords. What she comes to learn, however, is that she can hear sounds amplified from farther away. When she shares this information with other students, she becomes something of a superhero to them, like superman with bionic hearing! Throughout the novel, bell is able to transport the reader into her story as if they are there. This is such a great read for elementary and middle grades students alike! It details many aspects of the life experiences of someone who feels different. And that is certainly a relatable concept!

*Graphic Novel | Autobiography
*Target Audience: 3-8
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Teaching Points:
-Inclusion
-Understanding
-Compassion
-Self-Confidence
-Deaf Culture

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By: Raina Telgemeier
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Smile follows the story of a girl named Raina who, just before beginning her life as a high school student, has to get braces! This all came about after an accident. After returning home from girl scouts, Raina and some friends were running and playing when suddenly, she falls and seriously injures her mouth. She knocks out one tooth, and the other becomes impacted in her gums. After getting the braces, she is really nervous as she is going to be trying to make new friends and is worried about the way that she will be perceived. Throughout the book, she deals with the impact of having braces as a high school student. She gets comments from “frenemies” about looking like a little girl, she misses classes and falls behind on assignments due to orthodontic visits. By the end, she is able to have her braces removed just in time for the school dance! I liked this book because it follows the changes and growth that young girls go through while transitioning at a critical age. I felt that the character was an example to readers of maturity, strength, and bravery in finding self-worth.

*Graphic Novel
*Target Audience: 3-6
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Teaching Points:
-Positive Self-Image
-Self-Esteem
-Friendship
-Bullying