Graphic Novels and Comics

Skim by Mariko Tamaki
This auspicious graphic novel debut by cousins Mariko and Jillian Tamaki tells the story of “Skim,” aka Kimberly Keiko Cameron, a goth girl in an all-girls school in Toronto, circa the early ’90s. Skim is an articulate, angsty teenager, the classic outsider yearning for some form of acceptance. She begins a fanciful romance with her English teacher, Ms. Archer, while nursing her best friend through a period of mourning.

Tough Love: High School Confidential by Abby Denson
Derived from yaoi/shonen-ai (Japanese love comics) , Tough Love tells the story of Brian, a newcomer to a suburban high school, and his relationship with a classmate named Chris. Denson’s illustrations add to the story.

Picture Books

King and King by Linda de Haan
This tale tells the story of a prince who is forced to marry. And he does- another prince! A great alternative fairy-tale.

And Tango Makes Three by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson
A penguin family at the New York City Central Park Zoo is different than other penguin families- there are two daddies. The story is about a couple of male penguins who care for a extra penguin egg, hatching a chick that they love and care for. This is a great book showing how families can be unique.