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If You Like... Comics Based on a True Story

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There is almost nothing in the world I love as much as a graphic novel memoir. Comics based on the author's own experiences during childhood can help the reader really understand the world outside themselves or the experiences of people who have struggled with the same things they have. So without further ado, here are five comics based on the author's own experiences.

Weirdo
Written by Tony Weaver Jr.
Illustrated by Jes & Cin Wibowo
New York: First Second, 2024. Comic. 310 pages.

In this graphic novel, eleven-year-old Tony is starting at a new school in courses for academically gifted students. Although he makes pro tips for himself to fit in, like: knowing where every entrance is, doing the summer reading, and most importantly making sure to never EVER accidentally walk into the wrong bathroom, he can't seem to fit in with the kids at school. Eventually the bullying becomes relentless and after mental health struggles and an attempted suicide, he starts at yet another new school. There, though, he finds light at the end of the tunnel and surrounds himself with friends that will be there with him through thick and thin and that like him just the way he is. This book deals well with difficult issues and ultimately ends on a hopefully note. Hand this one to the readers you know who couldn't get enough of Jerry Craft's New Kid.

New York: First Second, 2023. Comic. 308 pages.

This book which, deservedly, won the National Book Award last year, discusses the author's first trip to Europe in the late '80s and how traveling opened up his eyes to the world around him in a way he had never experienced before. If you want a beautiful coming-of-age story about first love, first disco, and first time away from home, this is the book for you.

Mexikid
By Pedro Martín
New York : Dial Books for Young Readers, 2023. Comic. 309 pages.

This intergenerational graphic novel tells the story of Pedro and his family, mostly focusing on their trip to pick up Pedro's grandfather in Mexico to live with the family in the U.S. Pedro's parents are "100% authentic Mexican" since they were born and lived up to adulthood in Mexico. The 5 oldest siblings in his family are "Somewhat American" having been born in Mexico before moving to the U.S. as kids, and the youngest 4 siblings (including Pedro) are "Somewhat Mexican" having been born and raised in the U.S. This creates complicated feelings about identity and belonging among Pedro and his siblings. As he hears the story of his abuelo, a Revolutionary War hero, he begins to connect with his Mexican heritage in a new way. In addition to a nuanced story of identity, you'll also love the road trip hijinks you learn about throughout the way (queue listening to Shipoopi from The Music Man on repeat for days on end because all of your other tapes are stolen!)  

New York: Union Square Kids, 2024. Comic. 123 pages.

This comic is based on Mei Yu's experience as a child of moving from China to Canada with her family and her stuffed cat Meiow. Although Mei is initially excited for a country full of new experiences, she quickly becomes overwhelmed with having to learn a new language, go to a new school, and eat foods that are completely unfamiliar to her. Yu does a great job of showing the language barrier, and simply illustrates the emotions of feeling out of place in new surroundings.

By Jay Jay Patton
New York: Graphix, an imprint of Scholastic: Kaepernick Publishing, 2024. 121 pages.

Nine-year-old Jay Jay's dad is coming home, not from a work trip or vacation, but from prison where he's been for as long as Jay Jay can remember. Even though she doesn't remember her dad ever living with them and she's only ever visited him in person twice, they did write letters back and forth. Communication in prison is complicated and sometimes takes weeks or months to exchange messages. While incarcerated, her father earned his computer science degree, so after his release Jay Jay and her father decide to create an app that will help families stay in touch with each other while a family member is incarcerated. 

  
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