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.

Zatanna and the House of Secrets by Matthew Cody and Yoshi Yoshitani

This new 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.

Ms. Faith says, “Zatanna is a normal kid who lost her mother and lives with her father. Her father is a magician with a fun little pet rabbit named Pocus who, as it turns out, can talk. When evil comes into their house, Zatanna realizes that her house is special and her father is not the keeper of the house. It’s up to her to find out the secrets that lie inside the walls of her not-so-normal house and she soon discovers that nothing in her life is normal, not even her.”

The second book in the Surfside Girls series follows Jade and Sam as they try to help another ghost at Danger Point.  Although Maria died many years ago, she keeps insisting that she sees her father walking around the beach.  Now, it’s up to Jade and Sam to discover the truth.  Tracking down clues in museums and old archives, they begin to piece together a part of California’s history that has been lost to the past.  In the process, they may also be able to right an old wrong.  Though technically a sequel, the book can be read as a standalone.  Read book one, The Secret of Danger Point.

Ms. Krysta says:The Mystery at the Old Rancho drew me in immediately with its promise of friendship, adventure, mystery–and ghosts!  The story is sort of what would happen if you mixed the Nancy Drew stories with the Baby-Sitters Club and set it at the beach.  Two best friends have to investigate an old mystery, sneaking into forbidden areas and even discovering secret passages!  But they still have time to flirt with the cute boys at the surfing competition.  This is only the second book in the series, but I hope there are many more!”

Mighty Jack by Ben Hatke

Jack dreads a summer where his mom is working all the time and he is left to care for his sister Maddy.  But, when Maddy insists they buy a packet of seeds, trading their mother’s car in the process, a new adventure begins.  The seeds are magical, and, soon, Jack and Maddy’s afternoons are spent discovering new creatures and fighting rogue plants.  But is the magical garden secretly dangerous?  And, even if it is, can the siblings bear to give it up?  This is the first book in the Mighty Jack series.

Ms. Krysta says:Mighty Jack is a riveting read full of action and adventure!  I was totally engrossed in the story, eager to find out what new creature Jack would encounter each day.  Readers who enjoy heroic stories full of knights and magic, dragons and giants, will love the Mighty Jack series!”

Seeking employment, Barbie decides to try the world of fashion.  But what role should she play in the fashion world?  And is someone trying to sabotage her career before it begins?

Skylan B. says, “Barbie has always wanted to be a fashion designer and her dreams are coming true when she gets picked to be famous fashion designer Whitney Yang’s assistant!  Whitney is showing her latest designs at her fashion show, but then Jess can’t find her shoes, and the most important look is ruined!  Can Barbie fix everything before it’s too late?  I like this book because it’s fashion-related and because of the fashion designs, which I draw sometimes.”

The Big Nate series by Lincoln Peirce

Originally a cartoon, the Big Nate series follows sixth-grader Nate Wright as he experiences mishaps in life and school.  Fans of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books will enjoy the similar format and the humor of the Big Nate books.

Liam A. says: “It was very funny and I could not stop laughing sometimes.  I really loved it.  Once or twice I felt like I was going to die laughing.  The main character is Nate.”

Previous Recommendations: