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.
Estranged by Ethan M. Aldridge
The Childe was switched with a fairy at birth, and now Edmund lives his human life in his stead. But when an evil sorceress takes the throne of the World Below, Edmund and the Childe will have to work together to defeat her.
Mr. Jude says: “The art is great. I love the details on the armor and the underworld. It looks very much like a Guillermo del Toro movie. A boy stolen by fairies teams up with the changeling who replaced him to save the magical underground world.”
Clock Striker, Vol. 1 by Issaka Galadima and Frederick L. Jones
Cast dreams of becoming a SMITH, one of the legendary warriors who used science to defend the world. Unfortunately, they have all disappeared. Until now. Ms. Philomena Clock takes on Cast as an apprentice, and suddenly she’s battling villains and trying to piece together what really happened to the SMITHs.
Skylan B. says: “Clock Striker is really good! There are plot twists and some funny parts to it. I would recommend it to manga fans.”
So I’m a Spider, So What!? (vol. 1) by Asahiro Kakashi
A teenage girl is reincarnated as a spider in a magical world. As one of the weakest creatures in the dungeon she now inhabits, she must use her human intelligence to overcome obstacles and gain power–all to stay alive.
Ms. Faith says: “I liked this one more than I thought I would. It’s very video game-ish, with leveling up and gaining powers and the spider needing to figure things out, like how to fight and save her powers. I’m confused as to how a teenage girl ended up becoming said spider…and clearly, she is, too. For that reason alone, I would continue reading. But I probably won’t because it’s too sci-fi for me. All in all, if you like sci-fi, spiders, video games, and manga, you will probably like this series. It’s easy to read and follow, and the plot thickens as you go, so you will always want to continue reading.”
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers/ Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles by Ryan Parrott & Simone di Meo
The Power Rangers arrive in New York City, seeking their friend, the Green Power Ranger. But it looks like he has joined forces with Shredder and the Foot Clan!
Mr. Jude says: “It’s a fun, easy-to-jump-into crossover between the Power Rangers and the Turtles. The artist, Simone di Meo, is one of comics’ absolute best. Shredder kidnaps Tommy the Green Ranger to steal his power, only to meet with the Rangers and Ninja Turtles in an all-out brawl.”
Parachute Kids by Betty C. Tang
It’s 1981, and Feng-Li thinks she’s just on an amazing vacation to the U.S. But then her parents leave her and her siblings behind! The family’s visas have expired, and their mother explains that their parents want the best for their children–political safety and good schooling–but their father must keep his job in Taiwan to support them. Now Feng-Li and her siblings must navigate middle school while also learning a new language and figuring out how to run a household by themselves.
Ms. Krysta says: “Parachute Kids is an emotional roller coaster of a book. Feng-Li and her siblings find themselves on their own in the U.S. after their parents’ (and their) visas expire. They must learn to work together to survive but struggle as they try to navigate a new school and a new life while learning a new language. Though at times, their lives seem overwhelming, the book balances the sad parts with moments of humor and familial love. Recommended for fans of New Kid, Front Desk, and Swim Team.”
The Maze of Bones: A Graphic Novel by Ethan Young & Rick Riordan
Minutes before dying, matriarch Grace Cahill changed her will to offer her heirs a choice: one million dollars or a clue. The clues will lead her descendants, Dan and Amy, to the source of the family power. But others are seeking it, as well. Adapted from the novels.
Skylan B. says: “Brother and sister Dan and Amy are part of the Cahill family, full of famous and powerful people. They are related to people such as Benjamin Franklin and Harry Houdini. Amy and Dan’s grandmother has died, leaving her descendants two choices: one million dollars or a clue. When they choose the clue, it leads them on a wild ride from discovering their family history to finding out what really happened to their parents. There is suspense and betrayal in this thrilling graphic novel as they try to find out a family secret that could change the world forever.”
