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!