New Graphic Novel Roundup

 We have a fresh batch of manga and graphic novels that has just arrived, and is ready for you to request through Curbside Pickup from any of our participating branches. Here are some of the highlights of what we have just received. (Click the covers or book titles to place the books on hold today!)

Last Pick by Jason Walz: In this new dystopian, science fiction Trilogy series, Aliens invaded earth three years ago and abducted people who were deemed "useful." The only ones spared were those who were either too young, too old, or considered too “disabled” to be of value. Living under the aliens authoritative rule, the aliens do not see the human rejects as threat…until twins Sam and Wyatt start a revolution to fight against them! Find out what happens in this action-packed graphic filled with relatable characters and great world-building.

The PLAIN Janes by Cecil Castellucci and Jim Rugg: For teens who have a passion for art, this one is for you! After a horrific terrorist attack, artsy misfit Jane Beckles is forced to move to a small town and leave everything she loves about the bit city behind. At her new school she surprisingly finds where she belongs: the reject table in the cafeteria along with three other girls: Brain Jayne, Theater Jane, and sporty Polly Jane. The girls become fast friends united by their shared name and their frustrations with the adults that surround them. The girls start a secret club dedicated to fighting suburban apathy with fun, guerrilla works of art (like putting bubbles in the town fountain). For Jane Beckles, this movement is to prove to herself that she is not going to let fear run her life like it has her parents. Armed with her sketchbook and a mission of resistant, The PLAIN Janes are out to prove that passion, bravery, and a group of great friends can save anyone in their high school. (This is an omnibus edition that included the previously published The PLAIN Janes, Janes in Love and a never-before released 3rd volume Janes Attack Back)

Banned Book Club by Kim Hyun Sook, Ko Hyung-Ju and Ryan Estrada: This true story is based on the author’s real-life experience of joining a secret high school club which read books banned by South Korea’s Fifth Republic in 1983. During this time, the military regime held power through censorship, torture and murder.  Kim finds solace and refuge from the violence through reading books. Approached by the handsome young school editor of the newspaper, to join a reading group, Kim thinks she is going to discuss favorite classic literature like Moby Dick or Hamlet. Instead, she finds herself hiding in the school basement as the youngest member of a banned book club, and finds a thrill and joy in reading illicit literature that are quickly overshadowed by fear and violence.

Blackbird: Book 1 The Great Beast by Sam Humphries and art by Jen Bartel: Nina Rodriguez has always known about a hidden magical world in Los Angeles that is run by ruthless "cabals" - secret political groups. When a giant beast crosses over from the magical world into her "normal" L.A. and kidnaps Nina’s sister, Nina must confront her past (and her own personal demons) to get her sister back and to reclaim her life. This series is perfect for fans of Riverdale and those who love magical, fantasy worlds.

Heartstopper by Alice Oseman: Fans of Love, Simon, this one is for you! Charlie and Nick go to the same school, but they’ve never met until the day comes when they are forced to sit together at their strict British school for boys. They become fast friends, and soon, openly gay Charlie finds himself falling in love with Nick but he doesn’t think he has shot with the tough rugby player. Little does Charlie know, Nick is interested in him too! This cute LGBT+ graphic novel about love, friendship, loyalty and mental illness tells a realistic and relatable story everyone can enjoy reading.

What's New at the Library for August: Manga Edition!

Yes, we are still getting new books into the library, and yes, you CAN check out new manga through our Curbside Pickup service. Just put items on hold using our app or website or call us to have a staff member put the books on hold for you. We'll let you know when they are ready for pickup and you get something great to read with very little hassle. Here are some of the new Manga series we just received we think you will like!

Goodbye My Rose Garden by Dr. Pepperco: It is the early 1900's and Hanako dreams of being a novelist. To do this, she decides to move to England. However, when her dreams of being a writer fail, she takes a job as a maid to a rich family to make ends meet. Things take a bizarre turn when the daughter of the family, Alice, asks Hanako to kill her. Struggling to find out why Alice would ask for such a terrible favor, Hanako begins to really get to know Alice, and the two develop and unbreakable bond.

Wonderland by Yugo Ishikawa: Shrinking to a tiny size sounded fun when Alice did it in Wonderland... but when it happens to Yukko in real life she realizes it's not fun at all. In fact it's incredibly dangerous! As she struggles to hide from all the predators that now think Yukko would make a delicious snack, she unexpectedly finds out she is not the only person who has recently become tiny, and sets out to learn why this happened, and how she can fix it. 

BL Metamorphosis by Kaori Tsurutani: Ichinoi is a 75 year old woman who just wanted something light to read. When she discovers she has accidentally purchased a "boys love" (LGBT+) manga, she realizes she actually really enjoys what she is reading. When she returns to the book store to get volume 2, she strikes up a friendship with the teenage store clerk, Urara, a massive BL fangirl! Despite the huge difference in their ages, Ichinoi and Urara bond over their reading, and a very unlikely friendship soon blossoms. 

Kuma Kuma Kuma  Bear by Kumanano: In this fun comedy and video game inspired manga, 15-year-old Yuna is a video game addict shut-in. She funds her carefree lifestyle by playing the stock market and spends every moment playing her favorite virtual reality massive multiplayer online game: World Fantasy

Online. When the game gets a new update, Yuna receives a super cute bear onesie that is super overpowered! However, there is no way Yuna would ever wear or play with this embarrassing outfit. But when she is sucked into a new world in real life she doesn’t have choice but fight in the bear costume! Join Yuna on her new video game adventure in this new adorable manga that fans of Sword Art Online will love.

Love Me, Love Me Not by Io Sakisaka: From the author of Ao Haru Ride, comes a new series about two teen girls’ different perspectives on love. Yuna and Akari become fast friends when they meet each other in their apartment building. However, the two are complete opposites-Yuna is an idealist, while Akari is a realist and this makes their views on love complex because neither of them understand each other. Things get even more complicated when lady-killer Rio and the oblivious Kazuomi enter the girls lives and their friendship is tested. Can their friendship survive? Find out in this shojo series about young love.

All these new series plus many more are now available at your nearest branch through Curbside Pickup. Call today to place holds on your favorites. Don't forget, Heritage Library is not currently participating in Curbside Pickup.

What's New On Overdrive for August?

Our hottest month of the year is here, and that means it's a great time to stay inside and enjoy one of the books we have available for download on Overdrive! Here are a few books we think you will enjoy:

The Disturbed Girl's Dictionary by NoNiequa Ramos: Macy's school has had it with her, and has officially classified her as "disturbed." But the way Macy sees it, you'd be pretty "disturbed" too if your dad was in prison, your mom depressed, your little brother was in foster care and your best friend refused to talk to you. Written in the form of Macy's personal dictionary, she tries to explain why she feels and acts the way she does, as she tries to cope with a life completely out of her control.

Girls on the Line by Jennie Liu: It's not easy being a teenage girl anywhere, but it's especially difficult for Luli and Yun who live in China, where the government has strict control over almost everything. The girls are both orphans, and at 16 have been kicked out of state-run care and are on their own, having to work grueling factory jobs just to stay alive. When one of the friends finds out she's going to have a baby, everything gets 1,000 times more complicated.

Cinderella is Dead by Kalynn Bayron: 200 years after Cinderella got her "happily ever after" things are not so happy for girls in her kingdom. A 16 girls are required to attend a huge ball where the men of the kingdom choose their wives. But, if a girl is NOT chosen... she is never heard from again. Sophia is not sure what happens to the un-chosen few... but she is turning 16 this year, and she is not planning to stick around long enough to take the chance of finding out.

2020 Eisner Awards Announced

San Diego Comic-Con is not happening in person this year, but it's still going on virtually, and one of the highlights of the convention is always the announcement of the winner of the year's Will Eisner Awards. The Eisner is the award given to the year's best comics, and it's the most prestigious award in the comic book and graphic novel industry. So, we thought we would share with you some of this year's winners (and also some of the other great nominees) we think you might be interested in checking out from YCLD!

Best Publication for Kids:
Guts by Raina Telgemeier

Other nominees in the category:

          

     

Best Publication for Teens:
Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me by Mariko Tamaki

Other nominees in the category:

     

      


Many of these titles are now available for checkout at your nearest branch for curbside pickup or for download through Hoopla Digital and Overdrive, so check them out today!

New Teen Non-Fiction Picks!

Today’s recommended reads are digital e-books that will hopefully inspire you to improve your life and lead you towards personal growth. Learning from others who gone through similar tough times in life can help make you realize that you're not the only person who is going through something by reading about how that person overcame what life can throw at you. Also, sometimes you need a self-help book if you do not know how to begin to make certain small changes that can improve your well-being, whether it is trying to calm your wired mind to get a goodnight sleep, or embracing and gaining confidence in yourself. These books can help with all of that.

Positive: A Memoir by Paige Rawl
Paige Rawl’s memoir is for anyone who has been bullied. The book details her personal experience being bullied in middle school, when her HIV positive secret came out. Rawls opens up about the fact that she wanted to end her life, but decided against it. She chose to live her life with purpose  and to tell her story. Paige is an HIV and life advocate speaker, her story has inspired and touched millions of people.

The IF in Life: How to Get Off Life’s Sidelines and Become Your Best Self by Rashad Jennings
Former NFL running back Rashad Jennings shares his inspiring personal story and experiences in his debut book that will encourage readers to follow their dreams. Rashad discusses his childhood and the challenges he faced growing up. He never gave up his dream to be an NFL player. Through hard work and determination, he became a record-setting running back for many teams. This book is a great inspirational read for any football fans who would like know more about Rashad’s childhood, college years, and professional career.

Goodnight Mind for Teens: Skills to Help You Quiet Noisy Thoughts and Get Sleep the You Need by Colleen E. Carney
Teens who are having trouble sleeping, this is for you! In this cognitive behavioral therapy tip book, will help you can learn to quiet anxious thoughts and turn off screen time on their phone. This book will also help pinpoint sleep problems through a sleep tracker, and teach you to identify and listen to your internal “body clock” when it is time for sleep, develop a morning and bedtime routine, and suggests on how to unwind at bedtime.

Embracing the Awkward by Joshua Rodriguez
If you would like come out of your shell, be more social and gain confidence you will find this book helpful. Author Joshua Rodriguez uses his own personal experience when he was teen as an example to make the book relatable to readers. This book is written to help you succeed by taking the small steps detailed in each chapter at your own pace. It includes step-by-step checklists of activities to try out like approaching new people, and how to how start a conversation.  The chapters are short but informative. Some of the topics discussed are: understanding yourself and your purpose, mindfulness,
success and failures, identifying your strengths and weakness, making friendships, maintaining family relationships and approaching your crush and asking them out on a date.

All these books are currently available on Hoopla, along with other great books on mental health, mindfulness and self-improvement for teens. And don't forget that we offer Curbside Pickup for items in our collection at all our libraries (except the Heritage Library).

What's New on Overdrive

We've got some great new titles on our Overdrive platform this month for you to check out from home on any device! Head over to our website to borrow these and any of our other great books!

Camp So-and-So by Mary McCoy: When 25 young women get letters inviting them to apply for a brand-new summer camp in the Appalachian mountains it sounds too good to be true...because it is. The 25 girls jump at the chance and send in their applications, only to discover the camp they registered for doesn't actually exist. So what in the world have they actually signed themselves up for? If you're looking for something totally different or even a little bit weird, this book, told from multiple points of view with elements from a bunch of different genres will definitely keep you interested.

90 Days of Different by Eric Walters: 90 days. That is how long Sophie has between the time she graduates from High School and the time she starts college. And she's determined to use those 90 days to prove that her ex boyfriend was totally wrong when he dumped her for being too safe and boring. Luckily for Sophie her best friend Ella has a plan: for the next 90 days, Sophie has to agree to try any new thing Ella tells her to, no questions asked, and she has to document every new experience on social media. Will the 90 days really make a difference? And if it does, will that difference be a good thing, or a huge mistake?

A Song of Wraiths and Ruin by Roseanne A. Brown: Would you take a life to save someone you love? That is the choice Malik is faced with when his beloved sister is kidnapped by an angry spirit. The spirit is willing to give Malik's sister back, but only if he agrees to assassinate the Crown Princess. This one is a thrilling ride packed with elements of African folklore and fantasy that will keep you reading late into the night!

Plank's Law by Leslie Choyce: Trevor has spent the last 6 years of his life knowing he has an incurable terminal illness. But now, at only 16 years old, Doctors are telling  him his Huntington's Disease has gotten much worse, and he only has about a year left to live. It's when he's at his lowest that he makes an unlikely new friend: an elderly man named Plank who makes it his mission in life to help Trevor complete as much of his bucket list as possible before his time is up.

New Manga for July!

Hello Teens, this is Nikki taking over today’s blog post!
Today I'll discuss some of the new Manga series that have been added to our physical collection recently. Since we are doing curbside pickup  now, you can place these on hold through our library’s catalog or by giving us a call at your closest branch. Want more manga recommendations that are digital? Check out Overdrive for some digital manga, like Cells at Work! (This is a favorite of
mine).

Samurai 8: The Tale of Hachimaru Story by Masashi Kishimoto with Art by Akira Okubo.
Rated "Teen" for some fantasy violence and mild language.
Kishimoto, author of Naruto, is back with this brand new samurai science fiction series! Hachimaru is a sickly and frail teen that has lived his entire life being hooked up to a life support machine. He lives his days inside, playing samurai video games, wishing for freedom and to see what the world is really like. One day, he gets a visit from a real samurai telling him he has the soul of a legendary samurai living within him. Thus begins his samurai training to save the world from doom.
Note: This series is only going to be five volumes long, so it's perfect if you don't want to commit to a super long series.

Beyond the Clouds by Nicke.
Rated "Teen" for mild violence and freighting scenes.
Fans of Studio Ghibli will enjoy this series! Theo, a young mechanic has a knack for tinkering and creating new inventions. He spends his days reading adventure stories and rummaging through the town’s trash heap for abandoned treasures. One day, looking around in the trash heap, he finds
an injured, winged, amnesic girl named Mia. Theo helps rebuild her wings and promises to help her find her home again. Join them on their adventure!

Sacrificial Princess and the King of Beasts by Yu Tomofuji.
Rated "Teen" for mild fantasy violence and language:
Fans of Beauty and the Beast: this one is for you! The King of the Beasts rules over his subjects, both animal and man with an iron paw and many are afraid of him. To display his dominance, he demands regular human sacrifices from the humans…but there is something different about the girl destined to be his ninety-ninth sacrifice, Sariphi. She is not afraid of the King of Beasts, which the King finds amusing and makes her his bride instead! Find out how their relationship evolves over time, and see how Sariphi has to prove herself a worthy bride to the beast's court in this inspired Beauty and the Beast manga tale.

Animeta by Yaso Hanamura.
Rated "Teen" for mild language.
If you enjoyed Bakuman, you will enjoy this one! Miyuki Sanada, is a young adult who trying to find her passion in life to turn into a job she will enjoy. One night she watches a late-night anime that fills her with passion
and joy for the first time in her life. She gets inspired to be an animator and applies for an entry-level animator position, barely passing the application test. Then comes the real challenge: harsh lessons and the reality of financial struggles. Join Miyuki as she learns to become a top animator and make her dream come true…if she doesn’t starve first!

A page from Animeta.

Art from Beyond the Clouds.

A panel from Samurai 8.