Astonishing X-Men July 25, 2008

Title: Astonishing X-Men, volumes 1 - 4

Author: Joss Whedon

Illustrator: John Cassaday

Summary: This collection of four graphic novels (Gifted, Dangerous, Torn and Unstoppable) collects the outstanding story arc by Joss Whedon, who is most famous for creating the TV show Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The team, including Cyclops, Wolverine, Shadowcat, Beast, and Emma Frost, must stop Ord, an alien from the Breakworld, who has developed a ‘cure’ for the genetic mutation that gives the X-Men their powers. Why is Ord so determined to disable the mutants? Because it has been prophesied that a mutant will destroy his home planet.

Sounds complicated? It’s not really. This is a great comic for beginners and lifelong X-fans. Over the span of four short books, Whedon and Cassaday spin a complete story you can dive right into, with plenty of twists and turns, as well as visits from other favorite Marvel characters. These books are a perfect companion to all those superhero movies you’ve been watching this summer.

Who will like this book?: Fanboys…and girls. Whedon has quite a following from Buffy, Angel, and Firefly.

If you like this, try this: Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season Eight by Joss Whedon. Any of the Ultimate X-Men collections.

Recommended by: Nicole, Teen Librarian

Essex County: Tales from the Farm June 2, 2008

Title: Essex County: Tales from the Farm

Author: Jeff Lemire

Summer Reading List: Fairfield Ludlowe High

Summary: In this short, moving graphic novel, Lester learns about grieving, moving on, and the secrets we keep from the people we love. When his mom dies of cancer, Lester, a ordinary kid with a huge imagination, moves to his Uncle Ken’s farm, where he helps with chores and draws superhero comics to pass the time. One day at the gas station, Lester meets Jimmy, a local man who was a hockey star until an injury left him unable to play, and ‘touched,’ according to the locals. Where Uncle Ken is strict and distant,  Jimmy is a playmate and friend. But life is more than a little complicated, and Lester learns sometimes knowing the truth doesn’t always make things easier.

Who will like this book?: Fans of realistic graphic novels. Mature readers looking for a serious, short story. If you pretended to be a superhero when you were little, you’ll really get a kick out of Lester.

If you like this, try this: Other coming-of-age graphic novels like Stuck in the Middle or American Born Chinese. Also, look for the next volume in the series, Ghost Stories.

Recommended by: Nicole, Teen Librarian

Laika May 6, 2008

Title: Laika

Author: Nick Abadzis

Summary: This stunning graphic novel tells the true story of Laika, the first living being sent into space. After the launch of Sputnik, Soviet engineers are pressured to launch another satellite as soon as possilbe - this time, one that carries a passenger. High-spirited stray dog Kudryavka (Curly-Tail) is selected for the Soviet canine space program and becomes its star because of her ability to withstand the g-forces of liftoff and orbit, and her love of space gel ‘food.’ She is renamed Laika (Barker), and sent into space - but her satellite will never land.

You cannot help but fall in love with Laika. This heart-shattering book describes the Soviet story of the space race and the beginnings of the cold war, but it shows it’s true soul when telling the stories of the many people this scrappy little dog touched in her brief life: Her first owner, her sweet-natured trainer Yelena, and the chief of the Soviet satellite program - a complex man who was once a prisoner in a gulag, now a national hero. Recently a statue was dedicated to Laika in Moscow, a well-deserved tribute to an unforgettable dog.

Who will like this book?: People interested in the history of manned space flights. Animal lovers, if they are steely enough to make it all the way through…anyone who likes a book that makes them cry!

If you like this, try this: For another full-length graphic novel with a heart of gold (but with laughs instead of tears) try American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang. For another heartfelt (yet offbeat) tale of a dog and friendship, look at the wordless Robot Dreams by Sara Varon.

Recommended by: Nicole, Teen Librarian