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Five Faves: Classics turned Comics

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I grew up reading and loving the classics, including the originals of the graphic novel adaptations listed below.  I still wholeheartedly recommend the original classics to readers young and old, but I understand they can sometimes be a hard sell to reluctant readers or readers who may be put off by a longer book.  Enter the classic chapter book turned graphic novel!  Whether they stick like glue to the source material or use it as a jumping off point only, these graphic novels give a fresh look to old classics.

The Secret Garden
Written by Mariah Marsden
Illustrated by Hanna Luechtefeld
Kansas City: Andrews McMeel Publishing, 2021. Comics. 177 pages.

A newly orphaned Mary Lennox is sent to live with her uncle in his manor on the moor.  She is sad, lonely, and unpleasant and convinced she has no friends.  All that begins to change when she discovers the key to a secret garden.  The garden, and friendships begin to blossom. 


Written by Elizabeth LaPensee
Illustrated by KC Oster
Toronto: Annick Press, 2022. Comics. 108 pages.

Aim̌e, a non-binary Anishinaabe middle-schooler, wanders off on a field trip and is transported to another dimension.  There Aim̌e meets traditional Anishinaabe figures inspired by Alice in Wonderland that help guide-or hinder- their journey of self-discovery and finding their way back home.

By Kathleen Gros
New York: Quill Tree Books, 2022. Comics. 298 pages.

Anne has been in foster care her whole life, but when she moves in with the Cuthberts, she hopes it will be permanent.  Can Anne handle a new home, new school, and a first crush on her best friend, Diana, all while trying to create a forever home?  

By Chris Duffy
New York: First Second, 2013. Comics. 125 pages.

Seventeen fairy tales adapted and illustrated in graphic novel format by different celebrated cartoonists.  From popular and well-known fairy tale titles to the obscure, there's something for everyone.   

Written by Zach Weinersmith
Illustrated by Boulet
New York: First Second, 2023. Comics. 181 pages.

A modern and humorous retelling of Beowulf.  A joyless adult can't stand the sounds of merrymaking and happiness from the neighborhood children and sets about to transform them into grown-ups.  Who can save them?  Only Bea Wolf.

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