B r a i n P lay
Raina Read-A-Likes By Caroline Lewicki Courtesy of Maricopa County Library District If you have a young graphic novel fan in your life, you’ve likely heard of Raina Telgemeier and her bestselling books. I read “Guts” and instantly knew I needed to read anything Raina ever wrote! What else is on our shelves that reads like a Raina Telgemeier book? Check out these coming-of-age graphic novels, perfect for the 8- to 12-year-old reader in your life:
Marlene’s Dominican background is reflective of Claribel’s Dominican heritage. 2. Whether you have curly or straight hair, you’ll relate to Marlene’s struggle of wanting to fit in but also wanting to be herself. 3. If you have a cool aunt in your life, you’ll love the relationship between Marlene and Tia Ruby!
and wonderful as a new puppy. Megan Wagner Lloyd makes those of us with allergies feel seen! 2. If you’re someone with allergies, you’ll appreciate how scary, frustrating – and itchy! – it can be when you don’t know you’re allergic to something. 3. This is a great read for eldest siblings struggling with family dynamics that are changing or growing. Caroline Lewicki is a paraprofessionMaggie feels al who loves like the odd one working with out at home. kids to help Every weekend, Her brothers them discovMarlene spends are twins who er their next hours at the mostly spend favorite read! salon getting time with one Originally from her curly hair another, and Western New straightened her parents are York (which so it can look preparing for is closer to “good” and a new baby. Canada than New York City), Caroline “presentable.” Maggie picks spent many afternoons riding her bike to Throughout this out a puppy for her birthday, hoping that her tiny hometown library and grabbing award-winning will be the answer to her loneliness. graphic novel, Unfortunately, Maggie quickly learns that an ice cream with her sister on the ride home. Her favorite part of working at the Marlene’s Tia Ruby helps her learn how to she’s allergic to anything with fur! tame her beautiful curls rather than force 3 REASONS YOU’LL LOVE THIS GRAPHIC NOVEL: library is doing story times, especially if it has a great theme (her recent favorite was them to be something they’re not. 1. Like Raina Talgemeier’s “Guts,” “Allergic” a hockey themed story time… Go Sabres!) 3 REASONS YOU’LL LOVE THIS GRAPHIC NOVEL: truly sees how frustrating it can be to When Caroline isn’t reading, she loves crafting, thrifting, and buying too many 1. Like Raina Telgemeier, Claribel A. cope with allergies, especially when Ortega writes from her own experiences! you’re allergic to something as sweet toys for her cats, Oliver and Ripley.
“FRIZZY” by Claribel A. Ortega
18 | DECEMBER 2023 | EPIC KIDS
“ALLERGIC” by Megan Wagner Lloyd
EPICKIDSAZ.COM
