Brain Play 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:

“FRIZZY”

by Claribel A. Ortega

Every weekend, Marlene spends hours at the salon getting her curly hair straightened so it can look “good” and “presentable.” Throughout this award-winning graphic novel, Marlene’s Tia Ruby helps her learn how to tame her beautiful curls rather than force them to be something they’re not.

3 REASONS YOU’LL LOVE THIS GRAPHIC NOVEL:

1. Like Raina Telgemeier, Claribel A. Ortega writes from her own experiences!

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!

“ALLERGIC”

by Megan Wagner Lloyd

Maggie feels like the odd one out at home. Her brothers are twins who mostly spend time with one another, and her parents are preparing for a new baby. Maggie picks out a puppy for her birthday, hoping that will be the answer to her loneliness. Unfortunately, Maggie quickly learns that she’s allergic to anything with fur!

3 REASONS YOU’LL LOVE THIS GRAPHIC NOVEL:

1. Like Raina Talgemeier’s “Guts,” “Allergic” truly sees how frustrating it can be to cope with allergies, especially when you’re allergic to something as sweet 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 paraprofessional who loves working with kids to help them discover their next favorite read! Originally from Western New York (which is closer to Canada than New York City), Caroline spent many afternoons riding her bike to her tiny hometown library and grabbing an ice cream with her sister on the ride home. Her favorite part of working at the library is doing story times, especially if it has a great theme (her recent favorite was a hockey themed story time… Go Sabres!) When Caroline isn’t reading, she loves crafting, thrifting, and buying too many toys for her cats, Oliver and Ripley.