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.
The Enola Holmes Graphic Novels by Serena Blasco, Nancy Springer
On her fourteenth birthday, Enola Holmes discovers her mother is missing, leaving only a trail of clues behind her. But Enola’s brothers Mycroft and Sherlock are determined to ship her off to boarding school! Enola runs away, but can she stay one step ahead of her brothers? The graphic novels are based on the books by Nancy Springer. Book one is The Case of the Missing Marquess.
Skylan B. says, “Enola Holmes runs away from boarding school and becomes Ivy Meshle, but her older brother, Sherlock, is trying to find her. Can she keep hidden? I LOVE this series! Perfect for mystery readers!”
Maker Comics: Grow a Garden! by Alexis Frederick-Frost
Will, Violet, and Basil are excited to join the Garden Gnome Academy. But while their classmates get to learn about cool plants, they are stuck learning about soil and other boring things. But when the academy is in trouble, their new knowledge might just help them save the day. Other titles in the series include Create a Costume! and Draw a Comic!
Ms. Krysta says: “This entertaining comic combines a story about a group of gnomes attending gnome school with fun facts about how to grow a garden! Readers can learn everything from how to make their own compost bin and seed pots to how to start a container garden! Learning how to grow a garden has never been so much fun!”
Twins by Varian Johnson, Shannon Wright
Maureen and Francine have always done everything together, but, when they enter six grade, Francine suddenly becomes “Fran” and only wants to share a few classes with her sister. Then Francine decides to run for class president. But Maureen wants to run, too. Will the campaign trail tear the two apart–for good?
Ms. Krysta says: “Twins is a delightful story about the changes that happen in middle school, such as making new friends, trying to fit in, and finding the things that make each individual unique. Plenty of middle grade graphic novels focus on changing friend groups, but this one stands apart with its emphasis on family. Perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier and Shannon Hale.”
Adventure Time: Marcy and Simon by Olivia Olson, et al
This mini series follows Marceline and Simon after the events of the Adventure Time series finale as they journey into the Nightosphere. Written by the voice actor for Marceline.
The Doctor says: “It’s a very good comic, even though I’ve only read the first one. In it, Simon and Marceline travel all around together, and talk about what happened in the past. (It’s less boring than it sounds.”
Lightfall: The Girl and the Galdurian by Tim Probert
Long ago, the sun set on the world of Irpa and now it is lit only by globes of light. But an ancient evil is stirring that wants to plunge the world into darkness. Can the young human girl Bea, along with her new friend Cad, member of a long-gone civilization, find a way to save the world?
Ms. Krysta says: “When Bea’s grandfather, the Pig Wizard, goes missing, she sets out to find him. She never expects, however, to meet the last of the Galdurians or to draw the attention of an ancient evil intent on plunging the world into darkness. This whimsical fantasy invites readers into a magical world where it feels like anything could happen. It has a dreamlike, Studio Ghibli-esque feel, even as the stakes get higher and Bea and her allies must fight for survival. Perfect for fans of fantasy quests, detailed worldbuilding, and unexpected friendships. The first in a series.”