Graphic novels are one of my favorite genres to read. They cover several themes and ages. Currently middle and young adult graphic novels have several being published. Most of the middle readers are nice, not too in-depth but have a good message. They are fun and relatable without being too heavy for the (strong) 8-9 to (younger) 13-14. Two of those books are reviewed below.
Over a weekend that was cold, I found a quick graphic novel that I hoped wouldn’t go too deep into the mind of a pre-teen/teen. And On Guard!: A Marshall Middle School Graphic Novel by Cassidy Wasserman turned out to be just that. It is a solid story, but as an adult, I didn’t have to think too hard. And because of that, I enjoyed reading it and look forward to recommending it to those aged 10 to 13. Younger could do, but a few concepts might be intense for the sensitive or too young reader. It is a fun coming of age story that has the usual coming of age goodies, but adds fencing, modern characters and a mother/daughter relationship that is nothing like June and the Bev Cleaver! Overall, a good graphic novel that is relatable and fresh. I read via a physical reader’s copy and it is due June 2025.
Then at the end of lunch one day, looking through my online reader copies, I found Swing by Audrey Meeker and Sarah Davidson. I didn’t have time to start it, so a few days later I started and finished it in one sitting. It was also a fun story about expectations of others and what we put on ourselves. True friendship comes to light with some courage, self-esteem and popsicles. The two main characters do a little gender bending with clothing, and dance leading (male usually leads, but what if the “bossy gal” is better at it?) in a sweet and not overly pushy way. There is bullying (the friend of one kid is not a good person and tries blackmailing our main characters doing “girly things” with the “weirdo girl.”) This has a modern tone and keeps the classic formula we know and love with coming of age stories.
Both books were in black and white, but will have full color when they are out (which Swing already is). What was shown as a preview looked like good colors and minimal details. They are not lacking but might be a bit “flat” and less “glossy” than other graphic novels.
