My 10 Favorite Graphic Novels from 2013
—Jenny McCluskey

The Big Wet Balloon is another adorable title from Toon Books, great as an intro to comics for those little ones. Sisters Matilda and Clemmie have fun in the rain on a Saturday. With a pretty palette, the art captures the atmosphere of the two girls at play.

Odd Duck is a fun story about two ducks, Theodora and Chad, who learn to love that they are different. It’s light-hearted fun AND it has an uplifting message! The art has a retro feel. Very popular, make sure you have this title for your younger readers.

Town monster, Rayburn, is depressed and a disappointment. He goes on a mission to become scary and ends up having to save his town when an evil monster threatens. Hilariously British, Monster on the Hill is a fun story with art that pops.

Bluffton: My Summers with Buster is a charming read about a fictional boy whose life is changed by a young Buster Keaton who comes to town every summer with his traveling vaudeville act. Phelan (Storm in the Barn) has a great story here coupled with the lightly sketched, soft-hued watercolor art that we know and love. Definitely don’t pass this one up.

The Great American Dust Bowl gives us an informative look at the effects of the dust storms of the 1930's. The art is especially effective at portraying the fear and suffering of the people as well as the barren, frightening physical atmosphere.

In Boxers, the first of two volumes in Boxers & Saints, Yang (American Born Chinese) tells the story of the Chinese Boxer rebellion through the eyes of Bao, a boy who grows up to lead a rebel force against the foreign Christian influence which is seen as a threat to the Chinese religion and way of life.

In Saints, the second volume of Boxers & Saints, the story of Four Girl who grows up to become a Christian is presented as the other side of the conflict. A finalist for the 2013 National Book Award, Boxers & Saints is a masterfully done piece of storytelling with vibrant, expressive art. These are a must-have for any YA or high school collection.

Nothing Can Possibly Go Wrong is just a lot of fun. The jock and the geek are friends and set out on a mission to win money for a robotics competition while evil cheerleaders attempt to thwart them. Faith Erin Hicks’ art is as always super expressive and really cool. This is sure to be popular with your YA/high school crowd.

Gareth Hinds' Romeo & Juliet hardcover and paperback is an excellent graphic adaptation of Shakespeare. The lovers are multiracial to emphasize the universality of the tale. The art has a slightly modern feel to it.

March, Book One, the first in a trilogy, follows the experiences of civil rights leader and congressman John Lewis starting as a boy on the family farm and then as a young man becoming part of the movement. A landmark title, the story really gets into Lewis' head. The black and white art makes good use of dark and light. This title is integral to any YA/high school collection.