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.
Animorphs, the Graphic Novel: The Invasion by K. A. Applegate, Michael Grant, and Chris Grine
Jake, Rachel, Cassie, Tobias, and Marco see a strange light in the sky one night. Then they encounter an alien. The friends learn that Earth is under a silent attack from a group of aliens known as the Yeerks, who take over humans as part of their strategy to rule the galaxy. To fight back, the friends are given the ability to morph into animals. Now they must wage war in a bid to save humankind.
Sklyan B. says: “I love the illustration! They were so animated. I would definitely recommend this book to sci-fi lovers!”
Swim Team by Johnnie Christmas
Bree is excited to start at a new middle school–until she realizes the only elective left for her to join is Swimming 101. And she doesn’t know how to swim! With the help of her elderly neighbor Etta, however, Bree starts practicing, and soon, she joins the school swim team. She and her teammates actually have a chance to bring home the state championship for the first time in years. But then friendship drama starts to unravel the team.
Ms. Krysta says: “Swim Team introduces readers to Bree, a relatable protagonist trying to navigate a new middle school while not embarrassing herself by revealing to her classmates that she does not know how to swim. Bree’s journey from reluctant swimmer to member of a winning swim team will draw readers in with its drama and suspense. However, the relationships Bree forms along the way, both with her elderly neighbor Edna and her teammates, are what make this story truly memorable. Perfect for fans of middle school stories such as Raina Telgemeier’s Smile, Jerry Craft’s New Kid, and Varian Johnson’s Twins.”
Zatanna and the House of Secrets by Matthew Cody
This title from DC’s lineup of superhero graphic novels features a young Zatanna–before she discovers her powers. When Zatanna’s father goes missing, she has to figure out why enemies want her house and think of a way to stop them.
Mr. Jude says: “This was a very good book. The art was wonderful. Zatanna is a great character, and it was a fun read.”
Amulet, Book One: The Stonekeeper by Kazu Kibuishi
After the death of their father, Emily and Navin move into their mother’s great-grandfather’s house. But the house is hiding secrets. When a monster lures their mother into the basement and kidnaps her, Emily and Navin follow–only to find themselves in a strange world full of robots and talking animals.
Ms. Faith says: “This was a really good story with great illustrations and an interesting plot that will, absolutely, make me read the next in the series. The characters were fun and relatable, the story was fast-paced and interesting, the dilemma is one that will get me to keep reading (I hope they can save their mom!), and the illustrations were engaging, detailed, and told the story amazingly well. Good stuff!
The Tea Dragon Tapestry by K. O’Neill
It’s been a year since Greta began caring for the tea dragon Ginseng, but Ginseng is still in mourning, and Greta cannot seem to help. Plus, she has to think of a blacksmith project remarkable enough to earn her a good apprenticeship. Meanwhile, Minette receives a package from her former monastery and begins to question her path in life.
Zoe B. says: “The art is good, but the plot is kind of pointless. The character design is good, as well.”
