Page by Paige

by Laura Lee Gulledge
Hennepin County Library hardcover unpaged
genre: YA graphic novel, coming-of-age

Delightful! I love the new graphic novels being created. I need to buy this one for my collection at PRMS. Paige Turner is the daughter of two authors. When they decide to move the family from Virginia to New York City, Paige starts chronicling her personal journey and struggles with who she is. This is such a great teenager book! The artwork is gorgeous and often has stories within the pictures themselves. The relationships (parents / children, new kid / new group of friends, etc.) are realistic and dynamic.

Will & Whit

by Laura Lee Gulledge
Hennepin County Library, paperback unpaged
genre: YA realistic, relationships

This engaging book centers on Will (Wilhelmina) and her fears - of the dark, of being a burden on her aunt, of missing her parents after their deaths. She loves to make lamps (which bring light) and her friends Autumn (a talented puppeteer) and Noel (an excellent cook). The drawings include many shadow people and other objects, portraying some of Will's fears. Whit refers to hurricane Whitney, which takes out all the power and leaves Will to face her fears in the dark. I'll definitely buy a copy of this for school!