Mr. Invincible by Mike Kennedy, Pascal Jousselin 
The Great Gatsby: A Graphic Novel Adaptation by F. Scott Fitzgerald, K. Woodman-Maynard A graphic-novel adaptation of The Great Gatsby that does justice to the original novel. The illustrations pair perfectly with the period in which the story takes place, bold lines, simple facial features, and splashes of color help pull you into the story. While there are minor changes to the text the graphic novel remains true to its source material. After reading the author’s note at the end Woodman-Maynard discusses the exhaustive research she undertook to make sure her illustrations depicted accurately the time and place of The Great Gatsby. This graphic novel adaptation could be used as a companion to the novel or an introduction to a classic for reluctant readers. I would recommend this book for 7th grade and up.
Reviewed by Sophie Gagnon, Skidompha Library
Witches of Brooklyn by Sophie Escabasse 
This graphic novel, the first in a new series about a family of witches in Brooklyn, is delightful. The illustrations are lush and colorful and the aunts, Selimene and Carlota, are fantastic (yay for older queer representation). When Effie is dropped on their doorstep upon the death of her mother, a much-younger step sister of Selimene, the two women are surprised, but they roll with the new addition to their family. Effie is seamlessly woven into the lives of these supportive women. And Effie, surrounded by magic, sees her own magic awaken. It is refreshing to see adults support a child and take her seriously and answer her questions. They also give her space to try things and to problem solve. When a beloved pop-star appears on the aunts’ door with a magical problem, they attempt to fix the curse. Working together, they get to the bottom of the curse and counter the ancient magic (a book from the aunts’ extensive library points the way to the cure). Effie makes new friends, whose stories will hopefully be explored further in future books, and she learns that she can appreciate the work of an artist without liking the artist herself; an interesting side note to the story. Readers of Okay Witch or Witch Boy will fall in love with Escabasse’s witchy family as will readers of more realistic graphic novels. This is a book to savor and will be a much-circulated series.
Reviewed by Jill O’Connor, Merrill Memorial Library, Yarmouth
Sherlock Bones and the Natural History Mystery by Renee Treml 
Sherlock Bones is the fossil of a Tawny Frogmouth (an Australian bird species) that comes to life after dark in the natural history museum. Along with his pal Watts, a stuffed bird, they are on the case when the most valuable gemstone in the world goes missing from the museum.
The idea behind this story is cute, but the execution isn’t the best. It’s unclear why the skeleton of a bird comes to life but the stuffed version of a different bird doesn’t. There’s also a live raccoon in the museum who provides comic relief, but the majority of the book is a one-way dialog between Sherlock Bones and Watts. The illustrations are black and grey, and help move the story along but aren’t anything to rave about. The humor is cute and appropriate for the age range, though the size of a lot of the text feels small for the young target audience. There are better graphic novels out there. Appropriate for 3rd grade and up.
Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME
When You Look Up by Chloe Garcia Roberts, Decur I just read this and I can’t even wait to read it to my kids. What a strange and wonderful book. This graphic novel uses drawings and cut paper illustrations to tell the story of Lorenzo, a young boy attached to his phone who is (begrudgingly) adapting to a new house after moving with his mother. He finds a notebook in an old writing desk and becomes more and more intrigued with the stories in it and their author. The stories are vague but disquieting and Lorenzo sets out to discover more about what had happened to the notebook’s owner. The illustrations are striking and surreal and even border on frightening at times and the book continually surprises the reader. Aside from the notebook story line, When You Look Up gently suggests that staring at a screen all day can cause missed connections and experiences but does it in such a unique way maybe it will be taken to heart. I would recommend this for any age as there is so much happening descriptively and visually it will have something to offer every reader.
Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath
Invisible Differences by Julie Dachez This is a terrific graphic novel about a young French woman who learns in her twenties that the social difficulties she has experienced her entire life are a result of being on the autism spectrum; she is diagnosed specifically with Asperger’s Syndrome. We meet Marguerite and see how easily she is overwhelmed by her surroundings at work, parties, outside, etc. Her office rides her for not being social enough, despite the fact that she’s a solid employee. Her relatives and boyfriend are impatient and imply that the trouble she has with social situations is all in her head. She finally reads up on the symptoms of ASD and recognizes herself enough to seek help and diagnosis. The book gets even more interesting here as it becomes critical of France’s understanding of ASD. You root for Marguerite because getting this diagnosis is so crucial to her acceptance of herself and each dismissal by a doctor or friend feels like such a blow.
Beyond being a touching story with great character development, Invisible Differences includes a section in the back that describes Asperger’s in more detail and an extensive resources section. I would love to see this in all high school libraries.
Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath
Constitution Illustrated by Robert Sikoryak 
I picked this up thinking it would be graphic novel about the constitution but it isn’t; it’s a graphic novel of the constitution. Famous comic characters (Scooby-Doo, Dennis the Menace, Calvin and Hobbs, etc.) are used to illustrate the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the additional amendments. The result is fun, but for the most part, the characters used are ones Gen-Xers and older would recognize, although it does have pages in the style of Dog-Man, Adventure Time and Saga. It would still be useful for a classroom and might be enjoyed by anyone into vintage comics.
Reviewed by Sarah Maciejewski, Patten Free Library, Bath
Catherine's War by Claire Fauvel, Ivanka Hahnenberger, Julia Billet
Published by HarperAlley on January 21, 2020
ISBN: 0062915606
Pages: 176
Genres: Historical Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
This beautifully illustrated middle grade graphic novel personalizes the experiences of World War II. A book of historical fiction, the lead character of Rachel (who must change her name to Catherine in order to stay unnoticed by the Nazis) is based upon the author’s mother. The paired text and artwork allows for a glimpse into the unfathomable fear, disruption, and sadness experienced by Rachel and her community in France during the war. Entrusted with a camera from one of her teachers at the Sèvres Children’s Home, a passion for photographic documentation is ignited. Rachel’s love of photography grounds her, and provides Rachel with purpose; it is a constant for her during a time of persistent upheaval and uncertainty. Fauvel’s illustrations are wrought with emotion, and she fills the pages with courage, strength, fear, sadness, and hope. End pages include photographs taken at the Sèvres Children’s Home, an author’s note, and answers to questions the author received from readers. A powerful read that celebrates the strength of the human spirit.
Reviewed by Jennifer Benham, Prince Memorial Library, Cumberland
Go with the Flow by Karen Schneemann, Lily Williams
Published by First Second on January 14, 2020
ISBN: 1250305721
Pages: 336
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
When new student Sasha has the blood from her period soak through her white pants at school, three friends come to her rescue. As they enter the girls’ bathroom, they come to find that the menstrual product dispenser is empty (again). This event spurs the four high school friends become advocates for equality and access to female health products. The main characters are inclusive and diverse, representing different skin colors, sexual orientations, body types, and personalities, and allow just about any reader to see a glimpse of themselves in at least one of the characters. The monochromatic red illustrations are eye catching and engaging. Author’s note and informative pages about menstruation and activism are provided at the end of the book. Go with the Flow is an empowering book that aims to destigmatize menstruation. Highly recommended for all, regardless of one’s identified gender. Recommended for ages 10+.
Reviewed by Jennifer Benham, Prince Memorial Library, Cumberland
Dragon Hoops by Gene Luen Yang
Published by First Second on March 17, 2020
ISBN: 1626720797
Pages: 446
Genres: Non-Fiction
Format: Graphic Novel
Goodreads
Dragon Hoops is the new graphic novel illustrated and written by Gene Luen Yang. Hoops is an interesting blend of memoir, sports history, and journalism. Yang reflects on his journey as a writer, he illustrates the beginnings of basketball and weaves the story of the Dragons’ basketball team and its players at the high school where he works in Oakland, CA. In less adept hands, these three threads could be confusing, but Yang is an expert and uses it to build suspense. Readers will be on the edge of their seats waiting to follow the Dragons’ battle for the state basketball title. The extra Notes section at the back of the book is a great addition. Yang adds even more information about the Dragons’ players and team; it should not be overlooked by the reader. The Bibliography is also a great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the history of basketball. Recommended for Grades 7 and up for fans of basketball or of Yang’s previous work.
Recommended for Cream of the Crop
Elizabeth Andersen, Librarian, Westbrook High School