Middle Grade Can Be For Anyone!

By Emma Tippen

Middle grade books are often recommended to children ages 8-12, but it’s one of my favorite categories! I am a firm believer that even teens and adults can enjoy middle grade level books, and here are some of my favorites!

Featured Book One

Sisters: A Graphic Novel

Title

Sisters: A Graphic Novel

Price

$12.99

Available In Store

Raina Telgemeier's #1 New York Times bestselling, Eisner Award-winning companion to Smile!

Raina can't wait to be a big sister. But once Amara is born, things aren't quite how she expected them to be. Amara is cute, but she's also a cranky, grouchy baby, and mostly prefers to play by herself. Their relationship doesn't improve much over the years, but when a baby brother enters the picture and, later, something doesn't seem right between their parents, they realize they must figure out how to get along. They are sisters, after all.

Raina uses her signature humor and charm in both present-day narrative and perfectly placed flashbacks to tell the story of her relationship with her sister, which unfolds during the course of a road trip from their home in San Francisco to a family reunion in Colorado.

SKU

9781338801880

Sisters: A Graphic Novel

$12.99

Available In Store

Description

Raina Telgemeier's #1 New York Times bestselling, Eisner Award-winning companion to Smile!

Description

Raina Telgemeier's #1 New York Times bestselling, Eisner Award-winning companion to Smile!

ISBN

9781338801880

Raina Telgemeier

Publisher

Graphix

Publication Date

April 5, 2022

Binding

Paperback

Item Condition

New

Illustrator

Raina Telgemeier

Language

English

Ages

8-12

Pages

208

Keywords

Sisters by Raina Telgemeier

Calling all who grew up with siblings! Raina Telgemeier recalls all of the wacky, annoying, and hilarious moments from growing up with her sister.Raina had always wanted a sister, but when baby Amara comes home, it’s not what she expected. Raina dreamed of playing, laughing, and becoming best friends with her sister, all Amara does is cry and keep to herself. Their relationship doesn’t seem to improve over the years, but they have no choice but to try and get along for the sake of everyone around them.

I grew up with an older sister, and although I hate to admit it, I was such an annoying baby sister! Molly, my sister, did not want a sibling like Raina did, but she was stuck with me! Reading this reminds me so much of the relationship I have with my sister, it’s like looking into a window of my childhood home. If you have annoying siblings or want to know what it’s like, Sisters is perfect for you!

Featured Book Two

Sheets, 1: Collector's Edition

Title

Sheets, 1: Collector's Edition

$Sheets, 1: Collector's Edition by {$author_formatted} by Brenna Thummler$

Price

$24.99

Available In Store

SKU

1620109743

Sheets, 1: Collector's Edition

$24.99

Available In Store

Description

The brand-new deluxe hardcover edition of Sheets features never-before-seen content from the beloved graphic novel from Brenna Thummler.

A 2018 Barnes & Noble Best Book A 2021 Amazon Teacher's Pick

For Marjorie Glatt, being thirteen years old isn't quite the same as it is for everyone else. Responsible for running her family's laundromat while trying to survive middle school, Marjorie's daily struggles include persnickety customers, snippy classmates, agonizing swim lessons, and laundry... always, always laundry.

Wendell is a bit different, too. Wendell is a ghost. His daily struggles include Dead Youth support groups and unavoidable stains. But when he escapes from the Land of Ghosts and bumbles into Marjorie's laundromat--the perfect ghost playground--his attempts at fun and friendship begin to harm the family business.

Sheets is a powerful story about a young girl's perseverance, even when all the odds are stacked against her. It shows that forgiveness and second chances can result in unlikely friendships. Above all, it is an invitation into an unusual, haunted laundromat that brings family, friends, and--yes--sheets to life.

ISBN

1620109743

Brenna Thummler

Publisher

Oni

Publication Date

October 12, 2021

Binding

Hardcover

Item Condition

New

Language

English

Ages

12-17

Pages

288

Series

Sheets

Series Number

Keywords

Juvenile Fiction | Comics & Graphic Novels | Paranormal; Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Emotions & Feelings

Sheets by Brenna Thummler

After losing her mother, Marjorie has no choice but to run her family business, a laundromat, on her own. Her life gets shaken up when Wendell, a ghost, decides to use her laundromat as a new home. These two become unlikely friends, even when he leaves horrible messes for Marjorie to clean up in the morning.

I loved Brenna Thummlers take on the classic white-sheet ghost. I was used to apparitions and spirits, the white sheets made the idea of ghosts much less scary. Her art style is one of my favorites, it reminds me of classic newspaper comics. If you end up enjoying Sheets and want more, there are two other books in the series: Delicates and Lights!

Featured Book Three

Go with the Flow by Lily Williams & Karen Schneeman

Go with the Flow follows four highschool girls navigating crushes, gender injustice, friendship, and periods. Sasha, a new student, unexpectedly gets her first period, she is left helpless with no free supplies in the bathrooms. Her new friends, Abby, Brit, and Christine, are determined to ensure that this won't happen again. When they present the idea of free period supplies in the restrooms, their principal shuts them down because of their budget. What will they do to fight for equality and free supplies?

The best part about Go with the Flow is that it doesn't just represent a single period experience, these girls each have very different life and menstrual struggles. Christine is showing early signs of a menstrual disorder, making her miss school due to intense pain and sickness. Sasha navigates starting her cycle later than the others and

learning what this means for her. This is a great way to relate to others experiencing menstruation and learn more about period equity!

Go with the Flow

Title

Go with the Flow

Price

$14.99

Available In Store

High school students embark on a crash course of friendship, female empowerment, and women's health issues in Lily Williams and Karen Schneemann's graphic novel Go With the Flow.

Good friends help you go with the flow.
Best friends help you start a revolution.

Sophomores Abby, Brit, Christine, and Sasha are fed up. Hazelton High never has enough tampons. Or pads. Or adults who will listen.

Sick of an administration that puts football before female health, the girls confront a world that shrugs--or worse, squirms--at the thought of a menstruation revolution. They band together to make a change. It's no easy task, especially while grappling with everything from crushes to trig to JV track but they have each other's backs. That is, until one of the girls goes rogue, testing the limits of their friendship and pushing the friends to question the power of their own voices.

Now they must learn to work together to raise each other up. But how to you stand your ground while raising bloody hell?

SKU

9781250143174

Go with the Flow

$14.99

Available In Store

Description

High school students embark on a crash course of friendship, female empowerment, and women's health issues in Lily Williams and Karen Schneemann's graphic novel Go With the Flow.

Good friends help you go with the flow.
Best friends help you start a revolution.

Sophomores Abby, Brit, Christine, and Sasha are fed up. Hazelton High never has enough tampons. Or pads. Or adults who will listen.

Now they must learn to work together to raise each other up. But how to you stand your ground while raising bloody hell?

Description

High school students embark on a crash course of friendship, female empowerment, and women's health issues in Lily Williams and Karen Schneemann's graphic novel Go With the Flow.

Good friends help you go with the flow.
Best friends help you start a revolution.

Sophomores Abby, Brit, Christine, and Sasha are fed up. Hazelton High never has enough tampons. Or pads. Or adults who will listen.

Now they must learn to work together to raise each other up. But how to you stand your ground while raising bloody hell?

ISBN

9781250143174

Schneemann Kare

Publisher

First Second

Publication Date

January 1, 2020

Binding

Paperback

Item Condition

New

Language

English

Ages

11-14

Pages

336

Keywords

Featured Book Four

Drama: A Graphic Novel

Title

Drama: A Graphic Novel

Price

$12.99

Available In Store

From Raina Telgemeier, the #1 New York Times bestselling, multiple Eisner Award-winning author of Smile, Sisters, and Guts!

Callie loves theater. And while she would totally try out for her middle school's production of Moon over Mississippi, she can't really sing. Instead she's the set designer for the drama department's stage crew, and this year she's determined to create a set worthy of Broadway on a middle-school budget. But how can she, when she doesn't know much about carpentry, ticket sales are down, and the crew members are having trouble working together? Not to mention the onstage AND offstage drama that occurs once the actors are chosen. And when two cute brothers enter the picture, things get even crazier!

Raina Telgemeier once again brings us a funny and charming exploration of friendship, crushes, and all-around drama!

SKU

9781338801897

Drama: A Graphic Novel

$12.99

Available In Store

Description

From Raina Telgemeier, the #1 New York Times bestselling, multiple Eisner Award-winning author of Smile, Sisters, and Guts!

Callie loves theater. And while she would totally try out for her middle school's production of Moon over Mississippi, she can't really sing. Instead she's the set designer for the drama department's stage crew, and this year she's determined to create a set worthy of Broadway on a middle-school budget. But how can she, when she doesn't know much about carpentry, ticket sales are down, and the crew members are having trouble working together? Not to mention the onstage AND offstage drama that occurs once the actors are chosen. And when two cute brothers enter the picture, things get even crazier!

Raina Telgemeier once again brings us a funny and charming exploration of friendship, crushes, and all-around drama!

Description

From Raina Telgemeier, the #1 New York Times bestselling, multiple Eisner Award-winning author of Smile, Sisters, and Guts!

Raina Telgemeier once again brings us a funny and charming exploration of friendship, crushes, and all-around drama!

ISBN

9781338801897

Raina Telgemeier

Publisher

Graphix

Publication Date

December 7, 2021

Binding

Paperback

Item Condition

New

Illustrator

Raina Telgemeier

Language

English

Ages

10-14

Pages

240

Keywords

Drama by Raina Telgemeier

One thing theatre kids know how to do is cause lots and lots of drama! Cassie prefers being backstage, but that doesn’t exempt her from the chaos of middle school drama. This year, she is in charge of set build and design and is ready to prove she has what it takes to be the next stage manager. Another bonus of reading Drama is that it is a widely banned book across America for its queer themes!

Raina Telgemeier is (in my eyes) the queen of middle grade graphic literature. For many, including myself, she was their first introduction to the wonderful world of graphic novels! No matter how old you are, Raina’s stories stand the test of time and continue to be loved by all!

Featured Book Five

Tea Dragon Society, 1

Title

Tea Dragon Society, 1

$Tea Dragon Society, 1 by {$author_formatted} by K O'neill$

Price

$19.99

Restocking

SKU

1620104415

Tea Dragon Society, 1

$19.99

Restocking

Description

The Tea Dragon Society is the two-time Eisner Award-winning gentle fantasy that follows the story of a blacksmith apprentice, and the people she meets as she becomes entwined in the enchanting world of tea dragons.

Winner of the 2018 Eisner Award for Best Publication for Kids
Winner of the 2018 Eisner Award for Best Webcomic
ALA Rainbow List (2018)
2018 Dwayne McDuffie Award for Kids Comics Winner
Amazon.com's Best Comics & Graphic Novels (2017)
School Library Journal's Top 10 Graphic Novels (2017)

"A manga-flavored fairy tale just the right length to pair with a cup of tea." -- Hope Larson (A Wrinkle in Time: The Graphic Novel)

"Undeniably whimsical and extremely cute." -- Kirkus

From the award-winning author of Princess Princess Ever After comes THE TEA DRAGON SOCIETY, the beloved and charming all-ages book that follows the story of Greta, a blacksmith apprentice, and the people she meets as she becomes entwined in the enchanting world of tea dragons. After discovering a lost tea dragon in the marketplace, Greta learns about the dying art form of tea dragon care-taking from the kind tea shop owners, Hesekiel and Erik. As she befriends them and their shy ward, Minette, Greta sees how the craft enriches their lives--and eventually her own.

BONUS CONTENT: Included in this gorgeous, oversized hardcover is "Extracts from the Tea Dragons Handbook", explaining more about the creatures with illustrations of all the dragon breeds not seen in the graphic novel.

And don't miss Aquicorn Cove, K. O'Neill's adorable follow-up to The Tea Dragon Society.

ISBN

1620104415

K O'neill

Publisher

Oni

Publication Date

October 31, 2017

Binding

Hardcover

Item Condition

New

Language

English

Ages

9-12

Pages

Series

The Tea Dragon Society

Series Number

Keywords

The Tea Dragon Society by K. O'Neil

This beautiful fantasy feels like stepping into a classic story book! Rinn is growing up to become a blacksmith when she discovers a lost dragon alone on the street. When she goes to find its owner, she learns about the magical world of tea dragons. These are special dragons with the power to grow tea leaves from their horns that aren’t only delicious, but also hold magical properties. Rinn is invited to learn more, but must balance her time between blacksmithing and tea dragon training.

I love a good soft fantasy graphic novel, they are always so comforting and magical. Each tea dragon is so adorable, all named after the tea leaves they grow. I’ve heard that there's a Tea Dragon Society card game, I’ll have to convince my roommates to play with me!

Featured Book Six

New Girl: A Graphic Novel (the New Girl #1)

Title

New Girl: A Graphic Novel (the New Girl #1)

Price

$12.99

Available In Store

Instagram sensation and Tapas webcomic superstar Cassandra Calin makes her long-form debut with this funny, feel-good middle-grade graphic novel about change.

Goodbye, old life...

Lia and her family are waiting to board a flight across the Atlantic, leaving behind family, friends, and Romania -- the only home Lia has ever known. But Lia's heartache is overshadowed by the discomfort of her first period. As if things weren't difficult enough! Now Lia is thrust into a world where everything is different: her home, her language, and even her body. With so many changes happening at once, Lia struggles with schoolwork, has trouble communicating with classmates, and has no idea how to manage her unpleasant periods. Will she ever feel like herself again?

Inspired by the author's own immigration experience, The New Girl is a comically charming story about change and acceptance.

SKU

9781338762457

New Girl: A Graphic Novel (the New Girl #1)

$12.99

Available In Store

Description

Instagram sensation and Tapas webcomic superstar Cassandra Calin makes her long-form debut with this funny, feel-good middle-grade graphic novel about change.

Goodbye, old life...

Inspired by the author's own immigration experience, The New Girl is a comically charming story about change and acceptance.

Description

Instagram sensation and Tapas webcomic superstar Cassandra Calin makes her long-form debut with this funny, feel-good middle-grade graphic novel about change.

Goodbye, old life...

Inspired by the author's own immigration experience, The New Girl is a comically charming story about change and acceptance.

ISBN

9781338762457

Cassandra Calin

Publisher

Graphix

Publication Date

June 4, 2024

Binding

Paperback

Item Condition

New

Illustrator

Cassandra Calin

Language

English

Ages

9-12

Pages

272

Keywords

Juvenile Fiction | Comics & Graphic Novels | Humorous; Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Emigration & Immigration

The New Girl by Cassandra Calin

Being the new kid at school is hard enough, but Lia must also learn a new language and navigate the new reality of having her monthly period. She misses Romania, her best friend, the snacks, and her beloved family. Will she be able to adjust and make friends? If you love fashion, art, comedy, and a good friendship story, you'll love The New Girl!

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Middle Grade Can Be For Anyone!

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