316. Little White Duck: A Childhood in China by Na Liu and illustrated by Andres Vera Martin

Little White Duck: A Childhood in China by Na Liu and illustrated by Andres Vera Martin

Published October 2012 Lerner Publishing: Graphic Universe

From the publisher:

The world is changing for two girls in China in the 1970s. Da Qin Big Piano and her younger sister, Xiao Qin Little Piano live in the city of Wuhan with their parents. For decades, China's government had kept the country separated from the rest of the world. When their country's leader, Chairman Mao, dies, new opportunities begin to emerge. Da Qin and Xiao Qin soon learn that their childhood will be much different than the upbringing their parents experienced. Eight short stories based on the author's own life give readers a unique look at what it was like to grow up in China during this important time in history.

The first thing I thought of when I started this book, was another book, Mao’s Last Dancer by Li Cunxin.  It’s a completely different format, this is a graphic novel, but it looks at a similar time in China’s not so distant history.  This book is a collection of stories form the author’s childhood, beginning with the death of Chairman Mao.  We also see what her parent’s life was like, and her father’s childhood is much like that of Li Cunxin’s.

268. Boys Only: How to Survive (almost) Anything by Martin Oliver

Boys Only: How to Survive (almost) Anything by Martin Oliver

Published September 2012 Buster Books

From the publisher:

Inspired by the best-selling The Boys' Book, Boys Only is an illustrated graphic-novel-style handbook for boys with a sense of adventure. From how to avoid escape from quicksand to how to survive being blasted into space, and from what to do when you are lost in the desert to how to beat your friends in a trial of strength, there's hours of fun for boys to enjoy.

If my memory serves me well (and most of the time it does) there has already been a book with this title.  The difference with this edition is that this one is in a graphic novel format, a perfect presentation for this fun and action filled title.

226. Azzi In Between by Sarah Garland

Azzi In Between by Sarah Garland
Published August 2012 Walker (France Lincoln)

From the publisher:
A haunting story of a family's flight from danger to a new life in a new country. Azzi and her parents are in danger. They have to leave their home and escape to another country on a frightening journey by car and boat. In the new country they must learn to speak a new language, find a new home and Azzi must start a new school. With a kind helper at the school, Azzi begins to learn English and understand that she is not the only one who has had to flee her home. She makes a new friend, and with courage and resourcefulness, begins to adapt to her new life. But Grandma has been left behind and Azzi misses her more than anything. Will Azzi ever see her grandma again? Drawing on her own experience of working among refugee families, renowned author and illustrator Sarah Garland tells, with tenderness and humour, an exciting adventure story to be enjoyed by readers of all ages. Endorsed by Amnesty International.

This is the first of three books I will be sharing this week that all deal with children and war. I am not sure where this picture book fits.  The story is told in a comic strip style, but it probably wouldn't be considered a graphic novel because of it's format (hardback and picture book sized).  

204. The Elsewhere Chronicles Book 1: The Shadow Door words by Nykko, art by Bannister and colours by Jaffre

The Elsewhere Chronicles Book 1: The Shadow Door words by Nykko, art by Bannister and colours by Jaffre
Published June 2009 Lerner Publishing

From the publisher:

Four friends discover a movie projector that opens a passageway into a world threatened by creatures of shadow, where their only weapon is light.

When this series came in I was excited.  Excited by the fact that a graphic novel actually caught my eye.  According to our records, it was a June New Release, so that was good too, fits into my criteria.  I was disappointed to find (after I had read it) that it was actually published in 2009!  A book that’s 3 years old really shouldn’t be included in my year of reading, but as I have now read it, and I really only have time to read books that I can include here…it’s in.  I promise it’s not something I read 3 years ago, and have just been waiting to spring on you now!

199. How the Elephant Got His Trunk :Graphic Spin by Blake A. Hoena illustrated by Pedro Rodriguez

How the Elephant Got His Trunk :Graphic Spin by Blake A. Hoena illustrated by Pedro Rodriguez

Published  May 2012 Stone Arch Books (Capstone Publishing)

From the publisher:

This graphic adaptation of Rudyard Kipling's The elephant's child relates how a young elephant's insatiable curiosity explains the fact that all elephants have trunks.

Now I know that some people out there will cringe at the idea of Kipling’s stories being re-told in graphic novel format.  I do understand this concern, but I have decided that it’s better to have the stories out there, being read by a wide audience.  If editions aren’t available on formats like this, or abridged editions, then the stories could be lost.  If used in the classroom, they could always be used in conjunction with the original.

157. Eagle Strike GRAPHIC NOVEL by Anthony Horowitz, Antony Johnston and illustrated by Kanako and Yuzuru

Eagle Strike GRAPHIC NOVEL by Anthony Horowitz, Antony Johnston and illustrated by Kanako and Yuzuru
Published June 2012 Walker Books


From the publisher:
Relaxing in the south of France, reluctant MI6 agent Alex Rider is finally able to feel like any ordinary fourteen-year-old - until a sudden, ruthless attack on his hosts plunges him back into a world of violence and mystery. And this time, MI6 don't want to know. Alex is determined to track down his friends' attackers, even if he must do it alone. But it's a path that leads to a long-buried secret - and a discovery more terrible than anything he could have imagined. Alex Rider has 90 minutes to save the world.

I have read very few graphic novels, they are not the first thing I would turn to when looking for something to read, but there is no denying their popularity.  This is a graphic novel version of a novel, and while I haven't read this particular novel, I have read a couple of Alex Rider novels, so I have an understanding of the character and story.  In this genre of action packed spy/villain/teenage hero there are a number of graphic novel editions of existing novels being published.  Graphic novels of Percy Jackson, Young Bond, and Artemis Fowl have already been published along with Alex Rider, and there is a graphic novel edition of one of the Cherub titles coming out later this year.