If you're looking for great comic books and graphic novels to share with kids, definitely check out the Eisner Awards, the most prestigious comic book award in the industry. Named in honor of the pioneering writer and artist Will Eisner, voted on by comic book professionals and presented at the annual San Diego Comic-Con. I pay particular attention to three categories: best comics for Early Readers (up to age 8), for Kids (ages 9–12), and for Teens (ages 13–17). Here are this year's winners (check out the
full list here):
Early Readers (up to age 8):
Johnny Boo and the Ice Cream Computer, by James Kochalka. Energetic little ghost Johnny Boo creates an incredible Ice Cream Computer that turns anything into ice cream -- but what happens when Johnny's best friend Squiggle decides to turn into ice cream?!? He pops out with hundreds of Squiggle clones, only to have the Mean Little Boy try to capture him for his butterfly collection. With simple dialog and goofy plot twists, young readers will eat this up.
Kids (ages 9-12):
The Nameless City #3: The Divided Earth, by Faith Erin Hicks. This is an exciting conclusion to a terrific series -- the series opener (The Nameless City) is a favorite at my school. In an ancient city, Kaidu, son of the ruling army Dao, and a native city girl named Rat form an unlikely friendship and alliance. In the series conclusion, Rat and Kai must infiltrate the rogue ruler's palace and steal back the deadly weapon of mass destruction. With action-filled battle scenes, a complex fantasy world and strong friendships, this series appeals to a wide range of readers.
Teens (ages 13-17):
The Prince and the Dressmaker, by Jen Wang. Prince Sebastian feels comfortable identifying both male and female, often wearing dresses and going out as his alter ego, Lady Crystallia. When he hires Frances, a young seamstress, to make him a wardrobe of boldly beautiful, dazzling dresses, Frances hesitates at first, but they soon discover a shared passion for fashion. Incorporating the feel of classic fairytales, Wang creates a story that revolves around friendship, following your dreams and speaking your truth.
I especially happy that Jen Wang also won the Eisner Award for Best Writer/Artist. The Prince and the Dressmaker is an outstanding book that draws readers in with its beauty, heart-felt characters and coming-of-age story.
One of the interesting things I find is how graphic novels can appeal to a wider age range than publishers and reviewers often note. For example,
The Nameless City series is very popular in my high school. I'd also highly recommend
The Prince and the Dressmaker for ages 11 and up.
For more outstanding graphic novels, explore
previous winners of the Eisner Award (by category, via Wikipedia). The review copies came from my school library. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases if you make a purchase using the Amazon links on this site.
©2019 Mary Ann Scheuer, Great Kid Books
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