First Second Books: Canadian Catalog

2025

Some of our creators from the free, independent, sovereign nation of Canada

By Alina Tysoe ISBN: 9781250896681 October 7, 2025 Trade Paperback $14.99 USD / $20.99 CA

The Addams Family meets The Incredibles in this hilarious story about a little kid with supernatural powers and the sisters who watch over her, from the creator of What’s Up Beanie!

“It’s impossible to read this book without a big silly grin on your face.” —Dave Roman, author of Unicorn Boy The Addams Family meets The Incredibles in this hilarious story about a little kid with supernatural powers and the sisters who watch over her, from the creator of What’s Up Beanie!

Something strange is happening to Peanut…

But Mira and Rosie can handle it! These two perfectly ordinary, capable sisters are fully confident they can study for their school’s upcoming combat trials and care for their adorable baby sister, Peanut. So what if she cries so hard she floods the entire house? Or randomly breathes fire? Or transforms into a (very soft) menacing creature? Mira and Rosie will just hide Peanut’s powers until their parents come back, and they’ll know what to do. Right?

To make matters worse, rumors of a werebeast attract the attention of a monster hunter. And there’s something unusual about their seemingly quiet town…

MEET THE AUTHOR Alina Tysoe is the pink-haired 30-something-year-old illustrator behind What’s Up, Beanie?, a humorous autobiographical webcomic that’s viewed by 1.5 million people every week. She worked as a 2D animator and storyboard artist for 4 years before diving into the world of webcomics and graphic novels.

She lived in New Zealand for most of her life and currently lives with her husband in Canada. In her spare time Alina can be found playing video games and looking at cute videos of dogs.

By Leland Melvin and Joe Caramagna; illustrated by Alison Acton ISBN: 9781250782762 February 4, 2025 Trade Paperback $14.99 USD / $19.99 CA

When a team of brilliant kidsturned-astronauts find themselves in serious trouble in outer space, they must work together to get back home. This is the first book in an incredible middle-grade graphic novel series created by real life astronaut, Leland Melvin!

“A story of personal growth and teamwork; hand this to middle school kids who are looking for a STEM ­adventure.”

—School Library Journal

When a team of brilliant kids-turned-astronauts find themselves in serious trouble in outer space, they must work together to get back home. This is the first book in an incredible middle-grade graphic novel series created by real life astronaut, Leland Melvin!

Launch into action in T-Minus 3, 2, 1…

When Tia Valor takes a test on a whim for an exclusive NASA program for middle schoolers, she never thought she’d pass. After all, she never really fit in at school. In fact, she’s been skipping school most days to work at her brother’s auto shop instead. But Leland Melvin, a famed astronaut, sees potential in Tia, and before she knows it, she’s part of a team of other talented kids training to launch to an advanced space station orbiting the earth.

But the perils of space are unpredictable and Tia finds herself with only half her crew and no adults around to help. Now she must rely on her instincts and the quick thinking of her fellow kid astronauts to save the space station and their lives!

Created by real-life astronaut Leland Melvin, Eisner-Award nominated comic creator Joe Caramagna, and brought to brilliant life by Alison Acton, SPACE CHASERS is a space adventure like no other.

MEET THE AUTHORS

Leland Melvin is an engineer, educator, author, former NASA astronaut and NFL wide receiver. He served on board the Space Shuttle Atlantis as a mission specialist on mission STS-122 (2008) and STS-129 (2009), helping to construct the International Space Station. He led NASA Education and co-chaired the White House’s Federal Coordination in STEAM Education Task Force, developing the nation’s 5-year STEM education plan. After 24 years with NASA as a researcher, astronaut and Senior Executive Service leader, he shares his life story as an athlete, astronaut, scientist, engineer, photographer, and musician to help inspire the next generation of explorers to pursue STEAM careers.

Joe Caramagna is a veteran writer of comic books, middle grade novels and graphic novels, and more! His notable works include Disney’s Duck Tales and Disney’s Frozen among other books by Disney Comics, Aru Shah & The End of Time graphic novel adaptation by Disney Hyperion, and many, many Marvel super hero stories starring Spider-Man, the Avengers, and the Guardians of the Galaxy. He lives in NJ with his wife and three children, and loves American history, New Jersey Devils hockey and donuts. Lots of donuts.

Alison Acton is one half of Studio Dooomcat, comic and concept artists from Ottawa, Canada. Her background is traditional animation and she currently works from home as an illustrator and apparel designer. She has 3 small boys, including 5 year old identical twins, and thus spends most of her days hiding in the office hoping for quiet, and stepping on Legos.

By E.M. Carroll ISBN: 9781250255525 August 15, 2023 Hardcover $19.99 USD / $26.99 CA

In this haunting adult graphic novel horror story, Abby marries a kind dentist only to realize that there’s a dark mystery surrounding his former wife’s death.

“What makes Carroll’s work such a compelling read are the visuals, which are consistently surprising and expertly move from one stylistic tactic to the next, each creating its own particular mood. A Guest in the House’ rests on atmosphere, delivering an uncanny, wild ride.”—NPR Winner of the 2024 LA Times Book Prize—Winner of the 2024 Lammy Award Winner for LGBTQ+ Comic—New York Times’ Notable Book of 2023—Winner of the 2024 The Doug Wright Award for Best Book

In E.M. Carroll’s haunting adult graphic novel horror story A Guest in the House, a young woman marries a kind dentist only to realize that there’s a dark mystery surrounding his former wife’s death.

After many lonely years, Abby’s just gotten married. She met her new husband—a recently widowed dentist—when he arrived in town with his young daughter, seeking a new start. Although it’s strange living in the shadow of her predecessor, Abby does her best to be a good wife and mother. But the more she learns about her new husband’s first wife, the more things don’t add up. And Abby starts to wonder . . . was Sheila’s death really by natural causes? As Abby sinks deeper into confusion, Sheila’s memory seems to become a force all its own, ensnaring Abby in a mystery that leaves her obsessed, fascinated, and desperately in love for the first time in her life.

E.M. Carroll’s masterful balance of black and white, surreal colors, rich textures, and dramatic lettering is assured to bring this story to life and give readers a chill up their spine as they read.

MEET THE AUTHOR E.M. Carroll is the writer and artist of numerous award-winning comics, both online and in print. Their debut horror comics collection, Through the Woods, won both the Eisner Award and the British Fantasy Award in 2014. Recent work includes When I Arrived at the Castle from Koyama Press, a baroque horror story dealing with lust and addiction, a graphic novel adaptation of Laurie Halse Anderson’s novel Speak, and A Guest in the House. They are also known for the short comics they posts on their website. E.M. lives in Stratford, Ontario, Canada, with two dogs and their wife, artist Kate Craig.

By Faith Erin Hicks ISBN: 9781596435568 February 28, 2012 Trade Paperback $17.99 USD / $24.99 CA

From comics’s rising star, a coming of age tale with a spooky twist!

“Easy-to-read slice-of-life action . . . . Maggie is a likable main character . . . and her anxiety about school is well portrayed, while Hicks’s black and white art is sharp and comically expressive.” —Publishers Weekly “Hicks excels at depicting adolescent emotion and the way feelings ricochet off the actions and reactions of others, each teenager suffering a constant and confusing onslaught of hurt and acceptance, infatuation and rejection, loneliness and relief…She also shows flashes of clever humor…But what mostly emerges is a fundamentally sweet and sensitive story, one with a rare, genuine-feeling portrait of loving sibling relations.”

—The New York Times A coming-of-age tale with a spooky twist!

Maggie McKay hardly knows what to do with herself. After an idyllic childhood of homeschooling with her mother and rough-housing with her older brothers, it’s time for Maggie to face the outside world, all on her own. But that means facing high school first. And it also means solving the mystery of the melancholy ghost who has silently followed Maggie throughout her entire life. Maybe it even means making a new friend—one who isn’t one of her brothers.

Funny, surprising, and tender, Friends with Boys is a pitch perfect YA graphic novel full of spooky supernatural fun.

This title has Common Core connections.

MEET THE AUTHOR Faith Erin Hicks is a writer and artist who lives in Vancouver, Canada. Her published works include Friends with Boys, The Adventures of Superhero Girl, The Last of Us: American Dreams (with Neil Druckmann), The Nameless City trilogy, Comics Will Break Your Heart, and the New York Times– bestselling Pumpkinheads (with Rainbow Rowell).

By Faith Erin Hicks ISBN: 9781250838728 October 3, 2023 Trade Paperback $17.99 USD / $22.99 CA

New York Times bestseller Faith Erin Hicks is back with a young adult graphicnovel romance about a hotheaded ho ckey player who asks for temper management lessons from the cool, calm boy in drama club.

“Eisner-winning Hicks is a remarkable storyteller, equally convincing in words and panels…plenty of memorable moments on and off the ice.” —Booklist, starred review “Faith Erin Hicks is a master of putting emotion in every line and adding true depth to the rom-com genre.” —Colleen AF Vennable, co-creator of Kiss Number 8 “A feel good romance that doesn’t shy away from the painful side of life.” —SLJ “Compelling characters presented through captivating, expressive illustrations.” —Kirkus A Texas Library Association 2024 Tayshas List selection

New York Times bestseller Faith Erin Hicks is back with Hockey Girl Loves Drama Boy, a young adult graphic novel romance about a hotheaded hockey player who asks for temper management lessons from the cool, calm boy in drama club.

It should have been a night of triumph for Alix’s hockey team.

But her mean teammate Lindsay decided to start up with her usual rude comments and today Alix, who usually tries to control her anger, let it finally run free. Alix lashes out and before she knows it, her coach is dragging her off Lindsay, and the invitation to the Canada National Women’s U18 Team’s summer camp is on the line.

She needs to learn how to control this anger, and she is sure Ezra, the popular and poised theater kid from her grade is the answer. So she asks for his help. But as they hang out and start get closer, Alix learns that there is more to Ezra than the cool front he puts on. And that maybe this friendship could become something more....

By Faith Erin Hicks color by Jordie Bellaire ISBN: 9781626721562 April 5, 2016 Trade Paperback $16.99 USD / $22.99 CA

Two children together fight to save the Nameless City, even though their nations are at war.

“The artwork is breathtaking...lending each panel a richness that appropriately reflects a multifaceted culture.” —The New York Times “Faith Erin Hicks breathes life into her characters with gale-force winds. The Nameless City makes you feel everything its heroes are experiencing inside and out, from adolescent angst to the scrape of terra cotta tiles under a leaping boot.” —Bryan Konietzko, co-creator of Avatar: The Last Airbender “Historical fiction fans will likely find this a gripping narrative about how people adapt to, quietly fight against, but mostly just endure lives under the control of others.”

—The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books “Offer this winning graphic novel to fans of Fullmetal Alchemist and Avatar: The Last Airbender, who will appreciate its mix of fun and adventure and its exploration of questions of identity, belonging, and history.

A superb beginning.” —Kirkus, starred review Included in School Library Journal’s and Kirkus’s “Best of 2016” list, and NYPL’s “Notable 100 Best Books for Kids”.

Every nation that invades the City gives it a new name. But before long, new invaders arrive and the City changes hands once again. The natives don’t let themselves get caught up in the unending wars. To them, their home is the Nameless City, and those who try to name it are forever outsiders.

Kaidu is one such outsider. He’s a Dao born and bred--a member of the latest occupying nation. Rat is a native of the Nameless City. At first, she hates Kai for everything he stands for, but his love of his new home may be the one thing that can bring these two unlikely friends together. Let’s hope so, because the fate of the Nameless City rests in their hands.

By Faith Erin Hicks color by Jordie Bellaire ISBN: 9781626721586 April 4, 2017 Trade Paperback $16.99 USD / $22.99 CA

Book two in the groundbreaking Nameless City trilogy from graphic novel superstar Faith Erin Hicks.

“Flourishing from the strong worldbuilding and characterization of the first installment, this middle volume of Hicks’ epic...brings all to stunning emotional life.” —Kirkus, starred review “Her manga-inspired artwork is as lush and detailed as ever, incorporating vast cityscapes, cinematic action scenes, and quiet moments of meaningful, often wordless, expression.

While less happens in this book than in the last.” —Booklist

The Stone Heart is the second book in the Nameless City trilogy from Faith Erin Hicks.

Kaidu and Rat have only just recovered from the assassination attempt on the General of All Blades when more chaos breaks loose in the Nameless City: deep conflicts within the Dao nation are making it impossible to find a political solution for the disputed territory of the City itself.

To complicate things further, Kaidu is fairly certain he’s stumbled on a formula for the lost weapon of the mysterious founders of the City. . . . But sharing it with the Dao military would be a complete betrayal of his friendship with Rat. Can Kai find the right solution before the Dao find themselves at war?

By Faith Erin Hicks ISBN: 9781626721609 September 25, 2018 Trade Paperback $16.99 USD / $22.99 CA

Kai and Rat must sacrifice everything for peace in the riveting conclusion to the Nameless City trilogy!

“The Divided Earth is an engrossing, briskly paced adventure in the tradition of a good-versus-evil quest... with a cast of likeable characters, a universal theme, and compelling artwork, the graphic novel will leave readers rooting for the heroes while sympathizing with villains....

Fans of the series will clamor for Hicks’s next work.”—Voya, starred review The Stone Heart is the third book in the Nameless City trilogy from Faith Erin Hicks.

The Nameless City—held by the rogue Dao prince Erzi—is under siege by a coalition of Dao and Yisun forces who are determined to end the war for the Nameless City once and for all. And the people of the city—the “Named”—are caught in between.

Meanwhile, Rat and Kai must infiltrate Erzi’s palace and steal back the ancient and deadly formula for napatha, the ancient weapon of mass destruction Erzi has unearthed—before he can use it to destroy everything Rat and Kai hold dear!

In her third and final installment in the Nameless City trilogy, Faith Erin Hicks delivers a heart-thumping conclusion. With deft world-building, frantic battle scenes, and a gentle and moving friendship at its heart, the Nameless City has earned its place as one of the great fantasy series of our time.

By Faith Erin Hicks ISBN: 9781250219107 July 14, 2020 Trade Paperback $15.99 USD / $21.99 CA

Juniper wins a scholarship to an elite boarding school—which turns out to be way more cutthroat than she expected.

“Hicks’s varied panel sizes control pacing effectively, while her muted palette gives the castle-like school an archaic feel.”—Horn Book “Panels are broken out to capitalize on specific moments, creating a variety of impactful emotional beats: sardonic retorts, profound loneliness, smug satisfaction, and doeeyed vulnerability. Previously published in black-and-white, this edition sports updated line art and solid color work by Shelli Paroline that subtly enhances Hicks’s original art.”

—Publisher’s Weekly With revamped art and now in full color, One Year at Ellsmere is an endearing—and surprising—middle-grade friendship story from beloved author Faith Erin Hicks!

Was boarding school supposed to be this hard?

When studious thirteen-year-old Juniper wins a scholarship to the prestigious Ellsmere Academy, she expects to find a scholastic utopia. But living at Ellsmere is far from ideal: She is labeled a “special project,” Ellsmere’s queen bee is out to destroy her, and it’s rumored that a mythical beast roams the forest next to the school.

By Faith Erin Hicks ISBN: 9781250772824 August 16, 2022 Trade Paperback $14.99 USD / $18.99 CA

In this middle grade graphic novel, twelve-year-old Victoria is burned out from the high-pressure world of riding competitions. Can she get back to basics and rekindle her love of horses?

“Featuring funny dialogue and Hicks’s signature art— including sharply rendered horses in motion—this attentively layered, low-stakes graphic novel is told with an insider’s understanding of both stable culture and fandom.” — Publisher’s Weekly, starred review “Hicks gives her uncommon depth, thanks to multifaceted and distinctive characters, nuanced conversations about passion and privilege, and heartening emotional growth.

A solid, well-wrought comic for fans of character-driven stories and, naturally, anyone obsessed with riding horses.”

—Booklist, starred review A Junior Library Guild selection

In Ride On, this middle grade graphic novel from Faith Erin Hicks, twelve-year-old Victoria is burned out from the highpressure world or riding competitions. Can she get back to basics and rekindle her love of horses? Perfect for fans of Best Friends and Stargazing!

Victoria has always loved horses. But riding in competitions is high stakes, high stress, and shockingly expensive. And even though Victoria’s best friend Taylor loves competing, Victoria has lost her taste for it.

After a heartbreaking fight with Taylor, Victoria needs a new start—at a new stables. A place where she doesn’t have to worry about anything other than riding. No competition, no drama, no friends. Just horses.

Edgewood Stables seems ideal. There are plenty of horses to ride, and Victoria is perfectly happy giving the other riders the cold shoulder. But can she truly be happy with no friends?

By Rainbow Rowell; illustrated by Faith Erin Hicks; color by Sarah Stern ISBN: 9781626721623 August 27, 2025 Trade Paperback $18.99 USD / $24.99 CA

#1 New York Timesbestseller Rainbow Rowell teams up with Faith Erin Hicks for a hilarious story of missed connections in a pumpkin patch!

“Dreamy.”—Entertainment Weekly “A heartwarming, funny story filled with richness and complexity.” —Kirkus, starred review A 2020 Tayshas Reading List Selection A 2020 Maverick Graphic Novel Reading List Selection

In Pumpkinheads, beloved #1 New York Times bestselling author Rainbow Rowell and Eisner Award–winning artist Faith Erin Hicks have teamed up to create this tender and hilarious story about two irresistible teens discovering what it means to leave behind a place—and a person—with no regrets.

Deja and Josiah are seasonal best friends. Every autumn, all through high school, they’ve worked together at the best pumpkin patch in the whole wide world. (Not many people know that the best pumpkin patch in the whole wide world is in Omaha, Nebraska, but it definitely is.) They say good-bye every Halloween, and they’re reunited every September 1.

But this Halloween is different—Josiah and Deja are finally seniors, and this is their last season at the pumpkin patch. Their last shift together. Their last good-bye.

Josiah’s ready to spend the whole night feeling melancholy about it. Deja isn’t ready to let him. She’s got a plan: What if— instead of moping and the usual slinging lima beans down at the Succotash Hut—they went out with a bang? They could see all the sights! Taste all the snacks! And Josiah could finally talk to that cute girl he’s been mooning over for three years. What if their last shift was an adventure?

MEET THE AUTHOR Rainbow Rowell is the awardwinning, #1 New York Times– bestselling author of Eleanor & Park, Fangirl, Carry On, and more. Pumpkinheads is her debut graphic novel. rainbowrowell.com

By Graham Annable ISBN: 9781626725614 April 10, 2018 Hardcover $18.99 USD / $25.99 CA

A timeless friendship story in the vein of Frog & Toad from Box Trolls director Graham Annable.

“Annable’s gift for caricature and zippy dialogue shines through, as he celebrates his characters’ contrasting temperaments without a hint of snark.”

–Publishers Weekly Peter and Ernesto are sloths. Peter and Ernesto are friends. But Peter and Ernesto are nothing alike. Peter loves their tree and never wants to leave, while Ernesto loves the sky and wants to see it from every place on Earth. When Ernesto leaves to have a grand adventure, Peter stays behind and frets. The two friends grow even closer in separation, as Peter the homebody expands his horizons and Ernesto the wanderer learns the value of home.

With ridiculously cute art and simple, funny text, their reunion is even more adorable than you are imagining.

Laika Studios superstar artist, writer, and director Graham Annable brings all his significant powers to bear on this timeless friendship story for the youngest graphic novel readers.

MEET THE AUTHOR Graham Annable is an Oscar-nominated cartoonist and animator living in Portland, Oregon, with his wife and two boys. He grew up in Canada, which did a good job of preparing him for the weather of the Pacific Northwest. Mr. Annable has done illustration and animation work for Laika, Dark Horse, LucasArts, Nickelodeon, and Walt Disney Productions, among many others. When he’s not huddled inside of his house creating graphic novels for early readers, he spends the rest of his time working on feature films, animated shorts, video games, and indie comic books. He’s rather fond of hockey and sloths. But never the two combined.

By Graham Annable ISBN: 9781626725720 April 9, 2019 Hardcover $19.99 USD / $26.99 CA

From Box Trolls director Graham Annable comes an immensely charming sequel to his brilliant debut graphic novel about the endearing friendship between two sloths.

By Graham Annable ISBN: 9781250211309 April 14, 2019 Hardcover $21.99 USD / $28.99 CA

From Box Trolls director Graham Annable comes an immensely charming sequel to his brilliant debut graphic novel about the endearing friendship between two sloths.

By Hazel and Bell ISBN: 9781250870124 November 11, 2025 Trade Paperback $17.99 USD / $24.99 CA

The stand alone adaptation of the popular webcomic by the same name about the down-toearth courtship between two gay teenagers as they fumble with high school, parental expectations, their dreams, and each other.

The stand alone adaptation of the popular webcomic by the same name about the down-to-earth courtship between two gay teenagers as they fumble with high school, parental expectations, their dreams, and each other.

Carter is an impulsive, fun-loving, extremely gay teen on a mission to finally hook up with any cute, single guy who will have him. Unfortunately, his options are slim. Enter recently-single Adrian, Carter’s very cute, hardworking, and stressed-out target who rebuffs all of his clumsy seduction techniques. Adrian initially plays along but slams on the breaks when he realizes he is still in love with his ex.

After a messy, uninhibited night at a house party that results in Carter helping both Adrian and his best friend Maria— the two boys form a tentative friendship. As their friendship progresses through countless hangouts and a few too many pizza slices, the two become integral to one another. But can their vague relationship survive their first official hookup, Adrian’s selfdestructiveness, and a big fight that threatens any chance of either confessing?

MEET THE AUTHORS

Hazel and Bell are an artist and writer duo who met in their university anime club and decided to start making comics together.

They have been working as a team since 2011, and have created the webcomics Always Raining Here and Electric Bones. When they aren’t working on comics, they can be found plotting their next moves over croissants and lattes at their local coffee shop. hazelbell.ca

By Written by Hiromi Goto; illustrated by Ann Xu ISBN: 9781626723566 March 30, 2021 Hardcover $24.99 USD / $33.99 CA

Kumiko has trapped Death in her vacuum cleaner. Now what does she do with it?

“Sprinkled with fabulism (a vacuum and salt can stop death), confronting racist history (Canada’s WWII prison camps for Japanese Canadians), and questioning institutionalized eldercare, Goto’s latest is an empowering, emotional tribute to defiant, independent, kick-ass old women living their best lives.”—Booklist, starred review 2022 Asian/Pacific American Literature Award Winner for Adult Fiction 2022 L.A Times Book Prize Finalist

Poet and novelist Hiromi Goto effortlessly blends wry, observational slice-of-life literary fiction with poetic magical realism in the tender and surprising graphic novel Shadow Life, with haunting art from debut artist Ann Xu. When Kumiko’s well-meaning adult daughters place her in an assisted living home, the seventy-six-year-old widow gives it a try, but it’s not where she wants to be. She goes on the lam and finds a cozy bachelor apartment, keeping the location secret even while communicating online with her eldest daughter.

Kumiko revels in the small, daily pleasures: decorating as she pleases, eating what she wants, and swimming in the community pool. But something has followed her from her former residence—Death’s shadow.

Kumiko’s sweet life is shattered when Death’s shadow swoops in to collect her.

With her quick mind and sense of humor, Kumiko, with the help of friends new and old, is prepared for the fight of her life. But how long can an old woman thwart fate?

MEET THE AUTHORS Ann Xu is an Ignatz-nominated cartoonist and illustrator. She graduated with a BFA in Illustration from the Maryland Institute College of Art in 2017.

Hiromi Goto is an emigrant from Japan who gratefully lives on the Unceded Musqueam, Skwxwú7mesh, and Tsleil Waututh Territories. She’s written Chorus of Mushrooms, The Kappa Child, along with three novels for children and youth, a book of poetry, and a collection of short stories. Shadow Life is her first graphic novel.

By Jo Rioux ISBN: 9781250625366 June 21, 2022 Trade Paperback $14.99 USD / $18.99 CA

Rising star Jo Rioux makes her debut as a writer-illustrator in the thrilling first volume in this fantasy-adventure graphic novel trilogy!

“At times vividly hair-raising, the book never overwhelms the reader, making it a worthy entry in the too-small category of scary fun for middle grade readers... Thanks to Rioux’s crackerjack pace and dramatic panel composition, The Golden Twine is hard to put down.”—New York Times “A captivating series start that will have readers clamoring for more.”—Kirkus “Adventure abounds in this first book in an exciting new graphic novel middle grade trilogy... Fantasy fans will love Jo Rioux’s debut middle grade graphic novel as authorillustrator.”—Book Riot Jo Rioux (illustrator of M. T. Anderson’s highly acclaimed The Daughters of Ys) makes her debut as a writer-illustrator in this fantasy-adventure graphic novel trilogy!

Suri loves monsters—studying their lore, telling stories about them (for a fee), and—she hopes—one day taming them. Unfortunately, no one takes an orphan street-urchin who travels with a merchant camp very seriously. But Suri’s self-confidence, cleverness, and ambition serve her well when a mysterious new wagon joins her camp—holding something very big, very loud, and very monstrous.

And that’s before Suri runs afoul of a treacherous family with its own beastly secret—and a prince hunting the greatest monster of all.

MEET THE AUTHOR Jo Rioux is an author and illustrator of children’s books. Since graduating from Sheridan College with a degree in illustration, she has created artwork for young adult books, chapter books, and picture books, but her biggest passion is comic books. She lives in the lush suburbs of Ottawa, where she spends her time drawing, reading, teasing her dog, and spinning tales of magic and monsters. See more of her artwork at jorioux.com.

By Jo Rioux ISBN: 9781250625380 June 2, 2023 Trade Paperback $15.99 USD / $21.99 CA

Suri the monster tamer is back for the second volume of this thrilling middle grade fantasy graphic novel trilogy!

By Jo Rioux ISBN: 9781250625410 November 19, 2024 Trade Paperback $15.99 USD / $21.99 CA

Suri the monster tamer is back in the thrilling conclusion of this middle gradefantasy graphic novel trilogy!

By Kate Hannigan; illustrated by Josh Rosen ISBN: 9781250793348 October 31, 2023 Trade Paperback $13.99 USD / $18.99 CA

Turn back the clock with History Comics! In this volume, learn how millions of Americans joined the fight by working assembly lines, growing vegetables, and collecting scrap metal during World War II!

Turn back the clock with History Comics! In this volume, learn how millions of Americans joined the fight by working assembly lines, growing vegetables, and collecting scrap metal during World War II! When we think of war, we often focus on the battlefields. But during the war years of 1941 to 1945, Americans at home did whatever they could to support the troops and defeat the Nazis.

While millions of soldiers ship out to fight on battlefronts in Europe and the Pacific, millions of men, women, and children step into new and exciting roles in cities and towns all across the United States. Four curious kids take us into factories, farms, and even kitchens to show what the fight on the home front looks like up close!

MEET THE AUTHORS Josh Rosen is a Toronto-based cartoonist who has done illustration work for magazines, animation projects, documentary films, and tabletop roleplaying games, as well as a slew of small-press comics work. His first graphic novel, The Good Fight (with author Ted Staunton), was long-listed for the City of Toronto Book Award. Stay tuned for Josh’s new title, Science Comics: Wildfires, (ISBN 9781250357328), coming out January 2027.

Kate Hannigan used to work for daily newspapers, but now she writes fiction and nonfiction for young readers. Her work includes a historical fantasy series for middle-grade, Cape; the historical mystery The Detective’s Assistant; a picture book biography of Belva Lockwood, A Lady has the Floor; and the debut title of the History Comics series, The Great Chicago Fire.

By Mike Holmes ISBN: 9781250208286 June 6, 2021 Trade Paperback $12.99 USD / $17.99 CA

Mike Holmes, the artist behind the hit series Secret Coders and Wings of Fire, delivers his solo debut: My Own World, a middle grade memoir-inflected fantasy graphic novel.

“Holmes skillfully captures the joy of escape as scenes of Nathan’s imaginary world convey the delight of exploration, with his explosive, saturated crimson illustrations evoking the joy of creation, exploration, and life —School Library Journal Mike Holmes, the artist behind the hit series Secret Coders and Wings of Fire, delivers his solo debut: My Own World, a middle grade memoir-inflected fantasy graphic novel.

Life is difficult for nine-year-old Nathan. All he dreams of is hanging out with his older brother, watching Raiders of the Lost Ark, and enjoying summer vacation far away from the neighborhood bullies.

When he overhears his parents talking about a family crisis, he seeks sanctuary from his troubles. In an abandoned lighthouse, Nathan discovers a portal to a berry-colored world where time has little meaning and he, finally, is in control. There, his imagination takes him on wondrous adventures, across seas and through the air, with new extraordinary friends of his own creation. In his magical hideaway, Nathan is safe from the anxieties of his life—but can he bring himself to face the real world?

MEET THE AUTHOR Mike Holmes is an illustrator and author whose work includes the graphic novels Wings of Fire, Secret Coders, and Animal Crackers: Circus Mayhem. He’s also drawn for the comic book adaptations of Adventure Time and Bravest Warriors and was a regular contributor to MAD Magazine. He and his wife Meredith live in Philadelphia with their son Oscar, Heidi the dog, and Ella the cat.

By Jo Rioux ISBN: 9781250625410 November 19, 2024 Trade Paperback $15.99 USD / $21.99 CA

Suri the monster tamer is back in the thrilling conclusion of this middle gradefantasy graphic novel trilogy!

By Jo Rioux ISBN: 9781250625410 November 19, 2024 Trade Paperback $15.99 USD / $21.99 CA

Suri the monster tamer is back in the thrilling conclusion of this middle gradefantasy graphic novel trilogy!

“A witty, adventurous tale with excellent character building, this graphic novel gives readers of fantasy and medieval stories plenty to enjoy.”—School Library Journal “Compelling and full of adventure, with a plot as clever as its main character.”—Kirkus A 2024 Bank Street Best Books of the Year A Junior Library Guild selection A School Library Journal’s Best Books of 2023 selection

A young squire tackles mysteries, monsters and magic, but the inept knight he serves takes the credit. Every time.

Squire is brainy, bookish, and terribly under-appreciated by the brawny, inept knight Sir Kelton, who somehow always gets all the glory. So when the two mismatched heroes find themselves in a cursed village plagued by a demonic dragon, Kelton rides off to slay it and Squire stays behind to catch up on some reading. But Squire starts to notice that something isn’t quite right about this town . . . Can he uncover its strange secrets?

MEET THE AUTHOR Scott Chantler is the critically-acclaimed, Eisner-nominated cartoonist of Bix, Two Generals, and the Three Thieves series. The Squire & Knight series marks his return to the world of all-ages fantasy. He lives and works in Stratford, Ontario, Canada.

By Written by Tory Woollcott; illustrated by Alex Graudins ISBN: 9781626728011 October 16, 2018 Trade Paperback $13.99 USD / $18.99 CA

Open up your mind and learn about what goes on in there in this volume of Science Comics, an action-packed nonfiction graphic novel series for middlegrade readers!

With Science Comics, you can explore the depths of the ocean, the farthest reaches of space, and everything in between! These gorgeously illustrated graphic novels offer wildly entertaining views of their subjects.

In this volume, Fahama has been kidnapped by a mad scientist and his zombie assistant, and they are intent on stealing her brain! She’ll need to learn about the brain as fast as possible in order to plan her escape!

How did the brain evolve? How do our senses work in relation to the brain? How do we remember things? What makes you, YOU? Get an inside look at the human brain, the most advanced operating system in the world . . . if you have the nerve!

MEET THE AUTHORS Alex Graudins is a cartoonist and illustrator currently living in Rhode Island.

She is a graduate of the School of Visual Arts’ cartooning class of 2016. Science Comics: The Brain is her first book.

Tory Woollcott is a cartoonist, writer, and literacy educator and advocate who lives in Toronto, Canada, with her husband and her minor Internet celebrity dog, Reginald Barkley. Her first graphic novel, Mirror Mind, was an autobiographical memoir about growing up with dyslexia. She has since written and drawn other autobiographical comics, fairy tales for kids, and a sci-fi audio drama.

By Vera Greentea; illustrated by Yana Bogatch ISBN: 9781626725980 July 23, 2019 Trade Paperback $19.99 USD / $26.99 CA

When Bucky Orson’s sister goes missing, he must defy the laws of Blackwell, a magical town where magic is off limits to boys.

“Featuring a grayscale palette with striking daubs of color, the art is wonderfully atmospheric. Characters are impeccably styled with a keen sartorial eye...brooding gothic fare brimming with style.” —Kirkus Beautiful, spooky, and utterly enchanting, Vera Greentea and Yana Bogatch’s Grimoire Noir is a charming graphic novel about coming to terms with your own flaws and working past them to protect those dear to you.

Bucky Orson is a bit gloomy, but who isn’t at fifteen?

His best friend left him to hang out with way cooler friends, his dad is the town sheriff, and wait for it—he lives in Blackwell, a town where all the girls are witches. But when his little sister is kidnapped because of her extraordinary power, Bucky has to get out of his own head and go on a strange journey to investigate the small town that gives him so much grief. And in the process he uncovers the town’s painful history and a conspiracy that will change it forever.

MEET THE AUTHORS Vera Greentea is best known for her dark fantasy comics, including Nenetl of the Forgotten Spirits and Recipes for the Dead. Vera does her best writing when it rains, lives with a klutzy cat who needs a helmet and a husband that doesn’t, and owns a growing library that keeps overtaking more rooms. Grimoire Noir is her graphic novel debut. vera.greenteapublishing.com Yana Bogatch is a freelance illustrator/character designer/comic artist. She has a bachelor’s degree in Traditional Animation and a background in music. She is committed to creating an immersive experience with her illustrations/comics, and letting the viewer feel like they are there with the characters. cosmic-spectrum.com

By Mariko Tamaki; and Jillian Tamaki ISBN: 9781596437746 Trade Paperback $19.99 USD

Canadian Edition: Groundwood Books ISBN: 9781554981526 Trade Paperback $15.00 CA

A moody and moving portrait of two girls spending their summer at the lake and learning about boys and womanhood.

“A summer of family drama, secrets and change in a small beach town . . . Keenly observed and gorgeously illustrated - a triumph.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review A New York Times bestseller A 2015 Caldecott Honor Book A 2015 Michael L. Printz Honor Book An Eisner Award Winner

Every summer, Rose goes with her mom and dad to a lake house in Awago Beach. It’s their getaway, their refuge. Rosie’s friend Windy is always there, too, like the little sister she never had. But this summer is different. Rose’s mom and dad won’t stop fighting, and when Rose and Windy seek a distraction from the drama, they find themselves with a whole new set of problems. One of the local teens - just a couple of years older than Rose and Windy - is caught up in something bad... Something life threatening.

It’s a summer of secrets, and sorrow, and growing up, and it’s a good thing Rose and Windy have each other.

This One Summer is a tremendously exciting new teen graphic novel from two creators with true literary clout. Cousins Mariko and Jillian Tamaki, the team behind Skim, have collaborated on this gorgeous, heartbreaking, and ultimately hopeful story about a girl on the cusp of childhood - a story of renewal and revelation.

This title has Common Core connections.

MEET THE AUTHORS Mariko Tamaki is a writer of comics and young adult novels. Her books include the graphic novels Skim and Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me, and Emiko Superstar with Steve Rolston. Her upcoming works include a YA novel, Saving Montgomery Sole, and a comic about teen lez heartbreak. www.marikotamaki.com Jillian Tamaki is an illustrator and comics artist. She lives in Brooklyn, NY, where she teaches at the School of Visual Arts and makes illustrations for magazines, newspapers, websites, and books. She is known for her embroideries on the Penguin “Threads” cover series, as well as the acclaimed graphic novel Skim, co-created with Mariko Tamaki. jilliantamaki.com

By Mariko Tamaki; illustrated by Rosemary Valero-O’Connell ISBN: 9781626722590 December 19, 2014 Trade Paperback $18.99 USD

From This One Summer co-creator Mariko Tamaki comes a hilarious and poignant story of teen heartbreak.

“Tamaki and Valero-O’Connell’s tender-hearted narrative sings with real, honest emotion that will resonate with anyone trying to figure out love.”

—The New York Times One of FORBES Best Graphic Novels of 2019 On BCCB 2019 Blue Ribbons List One of NPR’s Best Books of 2019 Booklist 2019 Editors’ Choice One of Bitch Media’s Best Queer YA Novels of 2019

Author Mariko Tamaki and illustrator Rosemary ValeroO’Connell bring to life a sweet and spirited tale of young love in Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me, a graphic novel that asks us to consider what happens when we ditch the toxic relationships we crave to embrace the healthy ones we need.

Laura Dean, the most popular girl in high school, was Frederica Riley’s dream girl: charming, confident, and SO cute. There’s just one problem: Laura Dean is maybe not the greatest girlfriend.

Reeling from her latest break up, Freddy’s best friend, Doodle, introduces her to the Seek-Her, a mysterious medium, who leaves Freddy some cryptic parting words: break up with her. But Laura Dean keeps coming back, and as their relationship spirals further out of her control, Freddy has to wonder if it’s really Laura Dean that’s the problem. Maybe it’s Freddy, who is rapidly losing her friends, including Doodle, who needs her now more than ever.

Fortunately for Freddy, there are new friends, and the insight of advice columnists like Anna Vice to help her through being a teenager in love.

MEET THE AUTHORS Rosemary Valero-O’Connell has done work for DC Comics, BOOM! Studios, CAPY games, and Mondo Tees, among others and her work has been recognized by the Society of Illustrators NY, and shown in galleries both locally and internationally. hirosemary.com

First Second and 23rd Street are Macmillan Publishers 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271 23rdstbooks.com • firstsecondbooks.com For all translation rights inquiries, please email Kaitlin.Loss@macmillan.com.

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First Second Canadian Showcase Catalog: 9781250439185

Catalog designed by Kayleigh Hutcheson kayleighrhutcheson@gmail.com