August 4, 2021
We’re really enjoying adding lots of graphic novels to Accelerated Reader this summer. Over the last two months, we’ve added 65 to our system! With their shorter sentence structure and stunning illustrations, graphic novels can be a great tool for encouraging reluctant or struggling readers to pick up a book. But their engaging stories are great for readers of all types to try!
This month we’ve chosen to highlight ten awesome graphic novels that feature Asian characters as well as Asian writers and illustrators. Happy quizzing!
Lower Years
Shinoy and the Chaos Crew (series) by Chris Callaghan, illustrated by Amit Tayal
Collins Big Cat
Shinoy is back for more adventures in a new series of 12 graphic novels! So far four of these have AR quizzes, but keep your eye out over the next few weeks for the rest.
Middle Years
American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang
Quiz # 240724 | BL 3.3 | Pan Macmillan
This book alternates interrelated stories about a Chinese American trying to fit into popular culture, a Chinese folk hero attempting to be worshipped as a god; and a teenager ashamed by his Chinese cousin’s behaviour.
Stargazing by Jen Wang
Quiz # 240726 | BL 2.5 | Roaring Brook Press
In a Chinese-American community, perfectionist Christine and artistic, confident, impulsive Moon become unlikely best friends.
Measuring Up by Lily LaMotte, illustrated by Ann Xu
Quiz # 240897 | BL 3.0 | HarperCollins
Having just moved to a new country from Taiwan, twelve-year-old Cici enters a cooking competition to win the chance to see her grandmother again, but she only knows how to cook Taiwanese food.
Pilu of the Woods by Mai K. Nguyen
Quiz # 240893 | BL 2.4 | Oni Press
Willow, who has been struggling with her emotions since her mother’s death, runs away into the woods and meets Pilu, a lost tree spirit who cannot find her way back home.
City of Secrets by Victoria Ying
Quiz # 240896 | BL 3.0 | Penguin Books
Since his father’s death, Ever Barnes has secretly been in charge of an amazing mechanical building. Now, ruffians are after him and his new friend Hannah, the building owner’s spunky daughter.
Middle Years Plus
Shadow of the Batgirl by Sarah Khun, illustrated by Nicole Goux
Quiz #240712 | BL 3.0 | DC Comics
Cassandra is the daughter of super-villains and a living weapon trained to be the ultimate assassin, but when her father threatens the world she has grown to love, she will have to overcome that voice inside her head telling her she can never be a hero.
The Shadow Hero by Gene Luen Yang
Quiz # 240725 | BL 3.2 | Roaring Brook Press
In the Chinese neighbourhood of San Incendio, Hank’s mother wants him to become a superhero. Hank is not interested until gangsters threaten his father’s grocery.
DeadEndia: The Watcher’s Test by Hamish Steele
Quiz # 240541 | BL 2.8 | Nobrow Press
Barney and Norma are just trying to get by and keep their jobs working at Dead End, a haunted house ride. But working at Dead End also means battling demons, ghosts, wizards and scariest of all – their love lives.
The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang
Coming very soon to AR | BL 3.0 | Roaring Brook Press
Prince Sebastian is looking for a bride, or rather, his parents are looking for one for him. At night, he puts on daring dresses and takes Paris by storm as Lady Crystallia.
Upper Years
The Best We Could Do: An Illustrated Memoir by Thi Bui
Non-fiction | Quiz # 240723 | BL 4.4 | Abrams
Thi Bui describes her family’s experiences immigrating to the US from war-torn Vietnam, examining the strength of family, the importance of identity, and the meaning of home.
We in the Content team love graphic novels and are working hard to add more to AR. Please get in touch via Twitter to let us know about graphic novels you’d like to see quizzed, or alternatively use the request a quiz form.