"Yummy: The Last Days of a Southside Shorty" by G. Neri

In 1994, Robert "Yummy" Sandifer, received national attention when he made the cover of TIME magazine. Nicknamed Yummy for his love of candy and sweets, he was just 11 years old when he shot and killed a 14-year-old girl. He became a poster child for youth gang violence and drew attention to this heartbreaking problem in his Chicago neighborhood.

This graphic novel illustrates Yummy’s involvement with the Black Disciplines gang, and how he may have joined forces with these criminals in order to escape his sordid home life and absent parents. Told through the narrator’s Robert’s eyes, he explores what may have drawn Yummy into this violent life, and what (if anything) could have been done to avoid such tragedy. This is an excellent, quick read for middle school and higher.

"Ivy" by Sarah Oleksyk

Ivy is so ready to be done with high school. She longs for escape and hopes to get accepted into an art school, far away from her small town in Maine. She's been raised by her single mom, and lately it seems everyone is against her. Her friends don't want to hang out as much, her teachers are giving her detention, and her nemesis in art class is driving her insane. But when Ivy meets a cute guy at an art school convention, things look like they're picking up, until they fall apart again. Quirky and sincere coming-of-age graphic novel. Mature subject matter, so probably best for older teens.

"Wonderstruck" by Brian Selznick

Even better than Hugo Cabret! Masterpiece work of art and story perfect for all generations. Two stories are told, one in print, the other in gorgeous black and white drawings. Ben lives with his aunt and uncle after his mom dies. They live on Gunflint Lake in Minnesota in 1977. Rose is obsessed with a famous actress. She lives with her dad in a beautiful mansion in Hoboken, New Jersey, overlooking the city skyline of New York City. Rose is living in 1927. Ben is determined to find the father he has never known. Rose is determined to find the actress who influences her life in powerful ways. Both Rose and Ben run away to New York City to look for missing clues, each trying to piece together their own puzzles. Selznick seamlessly intertwines their stories with compassion, curiosity and a sense of true wonder. I loved "The Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler" when I was young. This book almost made me cry with its references to this classic tale about running away, hiding out in your favorite museum, and trying to make sense of it all.

"Maus I: A Survivor's Tale" by Art Spiegelman

Art Spiegelman interviews his dad, Vladek, to try to piece together his father's experiences with the Holocaust during World War II. Vladek recalls how he and his wife were constantly either on the run, or in hiding, in order to avoid getting arrested by the Germans for being Jewish. Many Jews were sent to concentration camps, and few managed to escape the horrors of these camps, and were murdered while in captivity. Spiegelman illustrates his father's past, alongside his modern existence in New York State. The Nazis are drawn as cats, and the Jews mice. This story captures the tragedy of the Holocaust, not only for the survivors, but also for the families of those who experienced the terror of war. Spiegelman won the Pulitzer Prize in 1992 for this masterpiece.

"Twilight : The Graphic Novel, Vol. 1" by Stephenie Meyer

For those who are looking for more "Twilight," here you go! This is the first volume in a new graphic novel series by Stephenie Meyer. Illustrated by Young Kim

"The Arrival" by Shaun Tan

With the current immigration legislation in Arizona, I was feeling inspired to re-read “The Arrival.” This book can transport you to a place that is truly magical, mysterious and enticing, all without using any words. In my mind, this is a true work of genius. A man packs up everything his owns, leaves his home and family, and takes a voyage to a new place. The trip is long, noisy and crowded. He’s alone and facing a strange and uncertain place, filled with mystical creatures and strange landscapes. Language barriers pose challenges with communication and finding work. He attempts to make a new life, aided by the support of new friends. This simple story about finding your place in the world holds true for anyone who has left home in search of a new life. Shaun Tan is one of my favorite illustrators and I consider this his magnum opus. Although I love "Tales from Outer Suburbia" and its take on current urban dwellings and the aliens who habitat them.

"Calamity Jack" by Shannon and Dean Hale

Jack (of beanstalk fame) is always trying to set things right, even when it involves stealing from the rich and powerful to teach them a lesson. He’s been in his fair share of trouble, especially when he decides to break into a certain giant’s house and steal some golden eggs. One tiny bean turns into a giant green tower, and Jack turns into a wanted man. He’s forced to leave his hometown, his mother, and ventures into the Wild West, where he joins forces with Rapunzel. Years pass, and Jack returns home, only to find the giant has taken over the town, and is holding his mother prisoner. Jack and Rapunzel join forces, and with the help of magic pixies, justice may finally be served.

This is a great retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk, with an added punch of adventure and a surprising love triangle. Shannon and Dean Hale also wrote Rapunzel’s Revenge, another awesome fairy tale twist.

"The Storm in the Barn" by Matt Phelan

It hasn't rained in years. The fields are dried up, crops are ruined and people are starting to leave town. The year is 1937, and Jack's family is living in the middle of the Dust Bowl. Jack can't tell if he's going crazy, or experiencing "dust dementia" when he discovers a mysterious creature living in the neighbor's barn. This book won the Scott O'Dell award for Historical Fiction.

"The Color of Earth" by Kim Dong Hwa

This is the first in a trilogy from Kim Dong Hwa (Color of Earth and Color of Heaven are 2 & 3). Each chapter corresponds to a year in young Ehwa's adolescence in rural Korea. Ehwa lives with her widowed mother who runs a modest, but successful tavern. The story follows Ehwa and her explorations in lust and love as she navigates puberty. This elegant manhwa (Korean comic) details two women's relationships with men, and the gossip and attention they draw in their small village. Delicate drawings and elegant language work to make this a beautiful story. With all of the story's feminine characteristics, it was surprising to learn the author is a man. Good for 8th grade and up.

"A.D. New Orleans After the Deluge" by Josh Neufeld

On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina hit land, causing over 1,800 deaths in Louisiana and Mississippi. The devastation from this storm, in conjunction with the breaks in the levees, continues to impact the South, and especially New Orleans.

In A.D. New Orleans After the Deluge, Josh Neufeld tells the true story of 7 individuals who were there to witness the events that took place during this disaster.

Some evacuated. Some stayed. Some survived. Some didn't. Some returned home. Some never did.

Neufeld's brilliant cartoons illustrate a city that is under attack, and its citizens under siege. A wonderful snapshot into the lives of true survivors, and their attachment to the people and city they love.

Some language, good for high school and up.

"Rapunzel's Revenge" by Shannon and Dean Hale

Rapunzel discovers her stepmother’s evil powers after sneaking over the village’s walls. As punishment, she is imprisoned in a tree tower, and must use her long locks to escape. Told in graphic novel fashion, this rebellious cowgirl is ready to take on the Wild West.

"Pride of Baghdad" by Brian Vaughn

When the United States bombed Iraq in 2003, civilians weren't the only casualty. This graphic novel is based on the true story of 4 lions that escaped captivity from the Baghdad zoo, and were loose on the streets of Baghdad. For the first time, these domesticated animals must find their own food and defend themselves against predators. The illustrations showcase the harsh, violent realities of a city caught in the mist of war. This book is not intended for weak stomachs. War is violence, and this book emphasizes how it affects all members of a society, including the animal world.

Vaughn has proven himself as an emerging talent in the comic industry. He's the author of the popular Runaways series and won the Eisner Award for his work Y: The Last Man.

"Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw" by Jeff Kinney

Greg Heffley is back, and he's wimpy as ever. His dad Frank is ready to turn Greg into a man, but that's proving harder than it looks. Is military school the solution? Greg is the king of laziness and will do anything to get out of real work. All my favorite characters make an appearance in this edition - Rowley, Rodrick and Manny. This series continues to crack me up! Will Greg be the star on his soccer team? Will he get a new girlfriend? The movie is coming out soon, so now's a good time to get caught up on this hilarious series.

"Skim" by Mariko Tamaki

Skim, a.k.a. Kim, struggles to fit in at her private Catholic high school. Skim and her best friend Lisa are considered goth, spending their free time on Wicca, tarot cards, smoking and hanging out in coffee shops. Drama teacher Ms. Archer becomes an infatuation for Skim, making her question her crush and her own sexuality. When a classmate commits suicide, Skim finds herself befriending his popular ex-girlfriend. She discovers grief is universal and most teenagers yearn for acceptance. Mariko's cousin, Jillian Tamaki, superbly illustrates Skim's depressive state in her wispy pencil lines and muted calligraphy.

"Life Sucks" by Jessica Abel

Life really sucks for Dave. He works nights at an L.A. convenience store. Years ago, his boss, Radu, bit Dave and turned him into a vampire - enslaving Dave to an eternity of mean customers and rotating hot dogs. Dave is too much of a wuss to kill his own victims, so he drinks plasma from the blood bank to stay alive. But when creepy vampire Wes goes after Dave's crush, will Dave find the courage to fight for the girl? Super cool illustrations, a great read for any goth vampire.

"Blankets" by Craig Thompson

There is something satisfying about finishing a 582 page book in 2 days. I love graphic novels! This is Craig Thompson's autobiography about growing up in a strict, Christian home in rural Wisconsin. He meets Raina, and immediately falls in love. He's feeling conflicted about his new feelings and the teachings of his church. Craig's illustrations are absolutely gorgeous and the scenes in the Wisconsin snow are magical and surreal. Craig and Raina's love story is beautifully told, but not sappy, and I only wish I had read this book years ago.

"Stuck in the Middle: Seventeen Comics from an Unpleasant Age" edited by Ariel Schrag

17 professional comics confess their painful memories from their time in middle school. From the inside cover - "Have you ever been called one of the following - Freak, Loser, Weirdo, Alien, Sucker, Slut, Skank, New Girl, Goth Boy, Crater Face? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you have experienced the joys of middle school." These stories can help you feel that you're not alone, and most everyone has awkward moments and tries to fit in. Some stories made me crack up, others made me sad...but everyone has to go through it, whether you like it or not! Some "mature" situations and language, be warned.

"Diary of a Wimpy Kid" by Jeff Kinney

Greg Heffley is keeping a diary. But it's really more of a journal, cause Greg wouldn't be caught dead in middle school with a diary. Greg's into weight lifting, video games, cartooning, and hanging out with his weirdo best friend, Rowley. This quirky book is pretty funny and has lots of tips on how to avoid getting your butt kicked by big 8th graders.

"The Wall: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain" by Peter Sis

Illustrator Peter Sis grew up behind the Iron Curtain in Czechoslovakia during the Cold War. Communists take control of the whole country, telling people what they can learn in school, and limiting freedom of speech, including art! Peter draws in secret, and is inspired by Western imagery (the Beatles, blue jeans, Coca-Cola). He dreams of a day where he can draw in freedom. Caldecott Honor Book 2008. Recommended for 6th grade and up. Great for school projects.

"Re-Gifters" by Mike Carey

Jen Dik Seong (her friends call her "Dixie") is getting ready to enter the biggest hapkido tournament in LA's Koreatown. Dixie is fiesty! Practicing this martial art gives her courage to cope with life in high school. She needs this strength to deal with her traditional parents, her crush, Adam, and some of the rough characters in her neighborhood. A surprise gift makes Dixie realize she is capable of independence and standing up for herself. Girl power!