Gresham Library has graphic novels to bust the ‘back-to-school blues’

Published 9:14 am Monday, August 21, 2023

Ghost detectives; an adventure in the backyard, another in Beijing; batcats, elephants and dragons; wrestlers and superheroes; decadent desserts; stargazing; being “invisible” and displaced; and what it’s like as a seventh-grade lizard boy.

These are just a few of the amazing graphic novel stories that local librarians think can help kids shake any “back-to-school blues.”

“Books have always been other worlds, places I could find people like me,” said Gresham Librarian Chloë. “You learn about other perspectives and opens your world.”

Chloë, and fellow librarians Emily and Jeannine, put together the reading list of graphic novels that have options for all levels of readers. And that list, which can be found online at bit.ly/3QKiWDU, represents so much more than what folks typically think when they hear “graphic novel.”

“Yes they are a great transition to chapter books, and helps latch onto those reluctant readers,” Jeannine said.

“But they also have amazing artwork and stories,” Emily added. “I always tell people to look at the cover, read the jacket, and then flip through to see if the story and art style connects with you.”

“It’s beyond just comic-strips,” Jeannine said.

All of the graphic novels on the book list are amazing reads, with unique art styles and storylines. Some of the local librarians’ favorites on the list include:

The Ojja-Wojja, written by Magdalene Visaggio and illustrated by Jenn St-Onge: a story about the power of friendship and an immortal demon trying to take over the world.

Little Monarchs, by Jonathan Case: in a post-apocalyptic future where the sun has killed all mammals on the surface of the planet, a young girl follows the migration pattern of butterflies, which may lead to survival answers.

Simon and Chester Super Detective, by Cale Atkinson: a boy and a ghost team-up to find the owner of a missing pug, named Roy aka “Von Curly Tail,” after putting on detective outfits.

Twins, by Varian Johnson: two sisters run against one another for class president, putting their close bond to the test.

Stargazing, by Jen Wang: two friends, who are opposites in nearly everything, are confronted with visions of celestial beings, with both having their own interpretation of what it all means.

“Graphic novels also allow kids to read at higher levels, because with the images you get context clues for words you don’t know,” Chloë said.

To celebrate the reading list, there will be a series of “book clubs” at local libraries. The meetings, which don’t require any registration, will include activities, snacks, and lots of conversations about amazing graphic novels. At the Gresham Library, 385 N.W. Miller Ave., there will be a pair of kick-off events. From 4:30-5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 12, Grades 4-5 will meet; then from 5-6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 19, Grades 6-8 will meet. At both kids will vote on what graphic novels to read each month.

Grades 2-3 will have a first meeting from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 13, at the Rockwood Library, 17917 S.E. Stark St.

And kids who aren’t able or don’t want to take part in the official graphic novel club can still check out any of the books on the list.

After being closed during the pandemic, the Gresham Library’s Teen Lounge is back open. The space is a corner only for teenagers, where they can hang out, chat with friends, read or work on homework, play boardgames, access other resources, or just decompress.

The lounge can be used for free, no questions asked, for youths ages 12-18.