Top 10 Graphic Novels of 2017

10 Nightlights by Lorena Alvarez

I was really excited for Nightlights when I first saw a preview, and the art was certainly not a disappointment. Beautiful colors, fantastical creatures, and a character whose love for art will certainly resonate with readers are all highlights of the text. For me, though, the plot was a bit of a miss- perhaps because of the Catholic School setting and the protagonist's precociousness, or maybe I just read it too quickly without giving it a second chance. Either way, I would suggest reading before purchasing if you're considering this one.

9 Spinning by Tilly Walden

Tillie Walden's youth and incredible talent remind me that it's never too early to start realizing your passion (and serves to make me feel old, of course). Her art is the perfect tool for her to tell her story, and she does a beautiful job showing and telling her emotions throughout the memoir. Some of the books strengths include the insight it gives to the world of figure skating and the struggles of being a queer adolescent, but it also gives a glimpse into the real-life drudgery of an all-consuming extracurricular forced by parents. Obviously Walden's artistic talent didn't suffer, and she even gained a story to tell, but I wish the message to kids was clearer to put time and effort into things about which you're passionate.

8 Water Memory by Mathieu Reynès, illust. Valérie Vernay

Speaking of incredible talent, I was humbled to read a graphic novel authored by someone who's traditionally a visual artist, and drawn by someone who's traditionally an author. (Here are the rest of us, probably never getting published in the realm we actually believe ourselves to have talent in.) As a Miyazaki fan, it's hard not to love the imagery and strong young female protagonist at the center of the story, and I will admit those were my favorite things. Other details, like the "don't judge a book by its cover" message and the focus on community, were nice additions to the book. Overall, I think it's a nice text in translation- a fact which could have been its downfall, but suits this work just fine.

7 Hostage by Guy DeLisle

While it seems like the length would be the hardest thing to get through, the book was a quick read and well-paced, and I honestly felt as if I had been isolated in a room by kidnappers after reading the whole thing in one sitting and coming up for air. Guy Delisle abandons his traditional drawing style for something a bit sketchier and better suited for this story, the visuals and colors of which work really well. Most impressive is Delisle's ability to tell another's tale, something which is also not the norm for him. While I think Christophe's experience may not be incredibly mind-blowing, it warrants reading and thinking about how quickly normalcy can be shattered.

6 Fish Girl by Donna Jo Napoli, illust. David Wiesner

While I decided to read Fish Girl despite its art, the illustrations grew on me as I read through the story, and in hindsight they seem perfectly suited to the text. Unlike Spinning, this fantasy offers an inspiring message to break free and live the life you want to lead. I was reminded a bit of The One and Only Ivan, but this tale's captor is a bit more sinister, and the hero is a bit more relatable for kids. My library owns two copies (an ordering mistake) and we've seen kids really enjoy the story, and as far as righting some of the wrongs of "The Little Mermaid" go, I think Napoli does a good job.

5 Anne of Green Gables

I haven't revisited Anne of Green Gables since my mother read it to me as a child, and I was so pleasantly surprised that I may watch the new Netflix series, too. The art was a pleasurable addition to a familiar story, and I found Anne's precociousness endearing where I found Sandy's (Nightlights) irritating (could be the familiarity aspect, I suppose). My favorite part was the details- I don't remember how well the pastoral landscape was described in the original, but thanks to Thummler's illustrations, it's now on my bucket list to drive to rural Canada for a weekend visit.

4 The Tea Dragon Society

I actually drove to a nearby suburb to check this out the day that I realized that it was already published and in libraries. I love the color palette and art of the book, and the tea dragons are so cute that I would probably purchase any affiliated merchandise like a stuffed toy or game app. The book has such a heartfelt, artisanal message and is perfect for today's "maker culture"- sure, you can get lots of things easily because of mass production, but wouldn't it be nice to create or nurture something of your own?

3 Pashmina

The first graphic novel wholly created by an Indian American*, Nidhi Chanani lets the groundbreaking fall to the side for a lovely plot full of rich details. Priyanka is a liminal character who doesn't fully identify with Indian or American culture, and seeks to educate herself while bringing readers with her. Importantly, representation and assurance are provided for children, and less importantly, readers will be inspired to look up the nearest Indian restaurant and eat several samosa.

2 The Witch Boy

Molly Knox Ostertag makes a stunning debut for her first self-authored graphic novel. The message Aster sends is so important for children and adults alike- suppressing who you are does harm, and celebrating who you are can make all the difference. With strong, diverse characters, and beautiful art, the only complaint that students and I have had is that there isn't enough.

1 Everyone's a Aliebn When Ur a Aliebn Too by Jonny Sun

It's hard to know whether Sun's book is for everybody, but I have a hard time picturing a world where I get along with those who it isn't for. The charming illustrations so perfectly accompany the text, and the messages they send are both huge and universal and tiny and personal. If all that had happened in the book was an interview with a snail, I would have been happy, but there is so much more. It warrants reading, re-reading, and gifting to everyone you know.

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