The weekly post where I recap some of the KidLit books I’ve been reading. Ocasionally, I’ll also talk about some adult fiction books as well.
Be sure to check out Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers to see what other Kidlit readers are reading. Because, you know, we can never have too many books in our TBR piles.
So I’ve been MIA a bit as I have been feverishly reading graphic novels for the Cybils. There are SO many good books–I have no idea how we will whittle them down to just a few finalists. I’m only about half way through the nominations and they really are fantastic.
I have learned something really cool–my local library has a TON of graphic novels available in digital format. I had no idea. I have an iPad, and it is actually quite nice reading them on the the larger screen.
And because of the Cybils, I’m picking up books that normally wouldn’t be on my radar. I am normally not a super hero comic fan. Like at all. Or at least I thought. Apparently, I really enjoy DC comics. I don’t know if it is because they’re really good at doing the anti-hero trope, the fact that they pull in a good bit of science fiction, or how diverse the books I’ve read have been, but I am digging all the DC graphic novels that I’ve checked out thus far. Below are a few of them.
Just Finished
written by Jennifer Muro & Thomas Krajewski
illustrated by Gretel Lusky
(DC Comics, 2020)
I loved the cover of this book. It was actually on my TBR before Cybils, so I was super stoked to pick this one up. I had no idea what it was about and was thrilled to see how clever the premise was. They definitely set it up for a sequel, so I’m hoping that they make it.
written by Kate Karyus Quinn & Demitria Lunetta
illustrated by Maca Gil
(DC Comics, 2020)
I had this book checked out months ago for my daughter, but I didn’t read it then. I’m glad that I got a chance to read it now, though! Without giving anything away, I love how the science fiction aspect of this one kind of switches things up. Super fun.
written by Sarah Kuhn
illustrated by Nicole Goux
This is another one I wasn’t excited for but ended up loving. Cassandra Cain is such a compelling character and it is fun to see her go through her character arc in this one. And her secret hideout is the library attic? How cool is that? I am hoping to see another one with her in it because this one was that good.
written by Kami Garcia
illustrated by Gabriel Picolo
(DC Ink, 2020)
My daughter loved the TV show Teen Titans Go. She also enjoyed the previous book in this graphic novel series, Raven. After reading Beast Boy, I am definitely going to need to check the other one out. This is another one that uses science to drive the story and it is a lot of fun.
by Stjepan Šejić
(DC Black Label, 2020)
OK. So I have mixed feelings on this one. It is a beautiful graphic novel. And I loved the writing. Harleen’s story is so frustrating and sad and this book did a fantastic job of capturing this. I loved this graphic novel. But I have such beef with the Joker and Harlequin’s relationship. Its so toxic and unhealthy, and that is the point. But sometimes I wonder if it is romanticized so much that people kind of swoon and say “if only I had that kind of relationship.” I felt the same way about Bella and Edward in Twilight. Except Harlequin is a much more interesting character.
Added to My TBR
A quick note: Clarinet & Trumpet is my illustrator husband’s debut picture book! it is available for request over on Edelweiss if you’re interested in checking out an ARC. I am so excited and so proud of him.
Sloth Reads 
Aw, you’re very sweet. Great post!
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Congratulations on your husband’s debut picture book! I’m sure you have been able to give him lots of good advice. Good luck on your Cybils reading. It’s such fun, but the last few weeks of December are stressful! I always have trouble understanding the DC ones, and never know if there’s back story I should already know!
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This is my first time being a first round panelist (usually do the 2nd round). It has been super fun so far, but I know its going to get crazy towards the end!
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Well, I like graphic novels so bookmarked these, Becky. And how wonderful that your husband has his first book out! Congratulations to him!
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Thanks, Linda!
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Clarinet and Trumpet looks fun. Sounds like one to check out!
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Thanks for stopping by, Lisa.
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After your comments on the relationship in Harleen, I think I’m going to have to read this one. I’ve been struggling to understand why our society is so attracted to toxic relationships and have wondered if it’s the element of needing to “fix it.” I don’t know, but we seem to want some level of unhealthy attraction and it’s more noticeable to me now that I have an older teen daughter (and who I hope won’t look for that in her relationships). The books all added to your TBR list look so adorable and I haven’t read any of them, yet. Thanks for all these wonderful shares, Becky!
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I agree, Shaye. It’s something I worry about as my daughter gets older as well. I think Harleen does a great job of presenting the origin story for what it is. Often in this storyline, we see their relationship much further along and don’t get to see how it all started. I’m curious to see what you think. Have a great week!
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Wait—you have to decide the best of the Cybils graphic novel nominees? That’s an impossible task—the graphic novels this year have been incredible! Primer and Antihero sound excellent! I appreciate your point about the whole Joker thing as well. Thanks for the wonderful post!
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There are SO MANY great graphic novels! I am loving reading them all, but it will be a challenge to narrow it down.
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I enjoyed reading about all these graphic novels. I’m a second round judge in this category and am looking forward to seeing what you folks will end up choosing for us.
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There are so many good graphic novels this year that it is going to be tough to narrow it down!
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Wow! I grew up on DC Comics, but I haven’t read much in the way of graphic novels. You’re amazing. I’m intrigued by the idea of a secret hideout in the Library attic in Shadow of the Batgirl!
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