Y: the last man

Y: the last man by Brian K. Vaughan [Graphic Novel Series, we don't own]

By Ryan, 12th grader

A plague hits everyone on earth at the same time. It kills every mammal with a Y chromosome, therefore killing all men. For some reason, though, one man survives.

East Coast Rising

East Coast Rising, by Becky Cloonan [YA Graphic Novel]

by Marina, 8th grader

East Coast Rising is an amazing manga. It’s somewhat future-set. Everything is under water. It’s an awesome modern pirate book. There’s sword fights, treausre hunting, and awesome heroes and bad guys. It’s a must read.

American Born Chinese

American Born Chinese, by Gene Luen Yang [YA Graphic Novel]

by Wendy, 11th grader

I have always been a huge Amy Tan fan, so it’s no wonder that I jumped at the opportunity to read American Born Chinese (ABC), a graphic novel by Gene Yang. It explores three different stories about everything from a hilarious comedy featuring a living Asian stereotype to a retelling of the famous Chinese story of the Monkey King, all of which come together in the end. Those who are Asian, or who are familiar with Chinese customs, will wind up (like I did) exploding into laughter at some of the more subtle cultural jokes. If you love Amy Tan and are looking for something light-hearted, funny, but with a deeper and more serious message behind all the “me Chinese, me no joke” cracks, check it out.

Hands Off! Volume 1

Hands off! Volume 1, by Katsumoto Kasane  [library does not own]

by Marina, entering 8th grade

Hands off! is a manga with three guy main characters. It has a lot of action, but not necessarily set to the boy audience. When Kotaru and Tatsuki were young, they touched hands, and Kotaru supposedly gave Tatsuki ESP. Now Tatsuki can see the past, yet when he touches Kotaru, it becomes clearer. Kotaru has no idea he gave it to him/that he has it himself. Kotaru transferred from his home in a more rural area, due to trouble with bullies at school, to Tokyo to live with his cousin, Tatsuki, and his grandfather. Even though this is not a mystery series, they still do solve some. Kotaru’s feminine face can get him into trouble a lot and it’s up to Yuuto (best friend) and Tatsuki to save him. I highly recommend the series.

Sorcerers & Secretaries, Volume 1

Sorcerers & Secretaries, Volume 1, by Amy Kim Ganter [YA manga]
by Marina, entering 8th grade

Sorcerers & Secretaries was an interesting manga. The main character is shy and bookish. She dreams and imagines an elaborate fairytale, and then writes it down in her dream log. She also likes reading fairytales, but she doesn’t admit it to her friends and family because it makes her seem immature. After reading a little into the story, you realize the main characters are 18 +. Then, one of her supposed old friends shows up, and something deep and forgotten develops. It’s a great read and a good, short, manga series (only 2 books long)