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Thorndyke Thoughts: Can't Get Enough Smile?

November 30, 2015 | Thorndyke

Hey Kids!

It seems no one can get enough of Raina Telgemeier's awesome graphic style. I've read some other great realistic fiction graphic novels lately that I'd like to share. Use this list to check what's available, because they're all great stories! 

Bear Hugs,
Thorndyke

Smile by Raina Telgemeier — Or check out an electronic copy on OverDrive with your Canton Library Card.

Drama by Raina Telgemeier ; with color by Gurihiru ; [lettering by John Green] — Or check out the electronic copy on OverDrive with your Canton Library Card.

Sisters by Raina Telgemeier ; with color by Braden Lamb — Or check out the electronic copy on OverDrive with your Canton Library Card.


The Baby-sitter's Club. Vol. 1. Kristy's great idea by Ann M. Martin ; artist, Raina Telgemeier — Try this series, featuring illustrations by the illustrious Telgemeier. We also have volumes 2, 3, and 4.

Comics Squad: recess! by edited by Jennifer L. Holm, Matthew Holm, and Jarrett J. Krosoczka ; comics by Jennifer L. Holm & Matthew Holm, Jarrett J. Krosoczka, Dav Pilkey, Dan Santat, Raina Telgemeier & Dave Roman, Ursula Vernon, Eric Wight, Gene Luen Yang — This includes many illustrators, but Raina's in here, too!

Roller girl by Victoria Jamieson

Phoebe and her unicorn: a heavenly nostril chronicle by Dana Simpson — Follow Phoebe and Heavenly Nostrils in their Second Adventure.

El deafo by Cece Bell ; color by David Lasky

The dumbest idea ever! by Jimmy Gownley

Legends of Zita the spacegirl by [text and illustrations by Ben Hatke]

Sunny side up by Jennifer L. Holm & Matthew Holm ; with color by Lark Pien

Awkward by Svetlana Chmakova

A year without mom by Dasha Tolstikova — The illustrations here are very different from Telgemeier's, but there's a similar story.

J FICTION

For those who need a "regular" chapter book to try, but want a similar feel to Telgemeier's work, give these a look. 

Flora & Ulysses: the illuminated adventures by Kate DiCamillo ; illustrated by K.G. Campbell — This is a little different - an illustrated chapter book, but there's a similar feel to it.

Can you say catastrophe? by Laurie Friedman

Crush: the theory, practice, and destructive properties of love by Gary Paulsen

Three bird summer by Sara St. Antoine

Everything on a waffle by Polly Horvath

The summer before by Ann M. Martin — Visit the chapter book series that inspired the graphic novels.

The outcasts of 19 Schuyler Place by E.L. Konigsburg

After ever after by Jordan Sonnenblick