Dare to Diappoint by Ozge Samanci

A beautifully written and illustrated graphic novel that tells the coming of age story of author/illustrator Ozge Samanci.  The story takes place in Turkey during the turbulent 70's and 80's.  We watch as our heroine struggles to find herself while trying to please all around her.  In the end she learns that in pleasing herself might disappoint some her happiness is what's important.

El Deafo by Cece Bell

This autobiographic graphic novel tell the story of Cece Bell.  Cece contracted spinal meningitis when she was just four years old and suffered severe hearing loss.  El Deafo tells the struggle she had with learning how to come to terms with and adjusting to this.  The book focuses on her elementary school years, and like many children she is learning to make new friends and fit in.  Cece just wants to be accepted and have friends like a normal hearing kid.  Under times of stress we see inside her and the superhero person "El Deafo" she created to help her get through difficult times.  This Newberry Honor book tells this story that anyone who has gone through elementary school would relate to.  There is crude humor, some misbehavior, a couple of tantrums, and just plain adolescent behaviror.  The comic book illustrations which are reminiscent of Marc Brown's Arthur support the story throughout.

This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki, Jillian Tamaki

This Caldecott honor book is a graphic novel about summers up at the lake.  Each panel is beautifully drawn with many important details that add to the story.  While the age range listed was 12 and up, some content may seem targeted to a more more mature audience.  There is some harsh language and the story explores more difficult parts of life.  The protagonist has to deal with a rough time in her parents lives as well as some not nice things about her most recent crush.

The Walking Dead Vol. 1-Days Gone Bye by Robert Kirkman and Tony Moore

Well if you ever came into the library on a Monday you would know that I am a HUGE fan of The Walking Dead television series.  One of my first questions on Monday is did you watch?!?  And as big of a fan of the show i have never read the graphic novel although my nephews have sang its praises since the beginning.  They tell me that while similar at times there are many differences that take the story into different directions.
I recently read Days Gone Bye and my overall feeling was Hmmmmm.  I can't say I loved it like the series but I didn't hate it.  It was a very quick read.  Pretty much the first season of the show was Volume One with enough similarities to make me feel like I was seeing my friends from the series and enough differences to make go OH!.  The illustrations tell more of the story then the text so if you don't pay close attention to them you will miss a great deal.  I will probably continue with the graphic novel but I have to admit it is one of the first times when I like the TV show more.