Tween Comic Club is a place for comic lovers ages 9-14 to discuss what they are reading each month. Here is the latest list of the books we’ve been talking about and that our tween readers recommend! Follow the links to check out a copy for yourself. And don’t forget to join a Tween Comic Club meeting if you would like to learn how you can submit your own recommendations to our feature! We typically meet on the third Tuesday of each month. Find our next meeting on the events calendar.
Witches of Brooklyn by Sophie Escabasse
After the death of her mom, Sophie must move to Brooklyn to live with aunts she has never met. It turns out that they’re hiding a secret. They’re not really herbalists, but witches! When Effie’s celebrity idol shows up on their doorstep seeking help, Effie gets to lend a hand and work on unlocking her own magic. The first in a trilogy.
Ms. Faith says: “This was a fun story and, likely, every tween’s wish to find out that they’ve been a witch all this time. There was just enough background teasing to make me want to continue the series (like what happened to Effie’s mother?). The characters were fun and diverse. And, best of all, it ended nicely with just enough questions left to continue with the series.”
Nightwing Series by Tom Taylor, et al
Nightwing has adopted the city of Blüdhaven as his home. So when a new mayor appears with the same last name as the man who murdered his parents, Nightwing enlists the aid of Batgirl to help him solve the mystery.
Alaia C. says: “It was great. It felt like it was real. I loved the art, and the idea.”
Dog Man: Fetch 22 by Dav Pilkey
In the eighth installment of the popular Dog Man series, Dog Man and his old nemesis Petey must work together to save the world–and Li’l Petey.
The Unknown Writer says: “The Fair Fairy and the dialogue were especially funny, and I loved the illustrations! Dog Man for life!”
Beauty and the Beast: Belle’s Tale by Mallory Reaves
This manga-style graphic novel explores Belle’s inner thoughts as she adjusts to live in the Beast’s palace and makes friends with the enchanted objects within. Based on the live-action Disney movie.
Zoe B. says: “I liked the illustrations, the characters, and the plot.”
Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell and Faith Erin Hicks
Deja and Josiah have worked every year together at the same pumpkin patch. This year will be their last. And Deja is determined that Josiah has to talk to the cute coworker he has had a crush on for ages. So starts a wild night of adventure as the two abandon their jobs to find Josiah’s crush before the pumpkin patch closes.
Mr. Jude says: “It’s a hysterical story filled with food you are dying to eat the whole time. Faith Erin Hicks’ art is awesome, as always. I recommend it if you are looking for more autumn books.”
Batman: Zero Year by Scott Snyder
Before he was Batman, Bruce Wayne was a faceless vigilante, attempting to save his city from control by the Riddler. Discover a new origin story in this collection from Scott Snyder!
Amirah C. says: “I like the interpretation of the Riddler. The art was also really nice. The entire Batman Snyder series was fun. I would recommend it to anyone who’s a fan of Batman.”
The Tryout by Christina Soontornvat and Joanna Cacao
Christina is one of the only Asian American students in her school and when she first sees the middle school cheerleaders, she immediately wants to be one, thinking that it will make her fit in. But the tryouts are challenging, and they end with a performance in front of the entire grade. Her best friend Megan, an Iranian American, joins her in the quest to make the squad. But will earning a uniform also gain them acceptance? And will their friendship survive the pressures of the tryouts?
Ms. Krysta says: “Newbery Honoree Christina Soontornvat draws on her own middle school experiences to tell an engrossing and sympathetic coming-of-age story. Young Christina dreams that becoming a cheerleader will gain her the acceptance and popularity she has always longed for in a town where not many people look like her, but not everything turns out the way she imagines. Her struggles and triumphs will resonate with any reader who has ever wanted to belong. A sure winner for fans of Twins, Swim Team, and Real Friends.”
