A lot of people don't care for graphic novels (or comic books or whatever you want to call them), but for me, it's one of my favorite ways to read. Combine beautiful words and beautiful art and you have a winner in my book. (Get it? Book?)
Grace Ellis and Shae Beagle brought me (and others, I'm sure) extreme delight when they published "Moonstruck." Set in an alternate fantasy town of Blitheton, a quiet college town that brims with coziness, a werewolf barista named Julie does her best to live her own life quietly. She likes coffee, incredibly cheesy mystery novels and wants to be as "normal" as possible. Until she meets Selena, a beautiful girl who steals her heart. But Julie is still plagued with uncertainty about herself and their relationship, and struggles mightily with her own insecurity and Selena's sweet confidence.
When a magician in the town puts a terrible spell on Julie's best friend Chet, Julie decides she must do everything in her power to help him. Through some shenanigans, and with a little help from her colorful friends, Julie must face her fears to help her friend and take down the awful magician.
Honestly, this is one of the most delightful and beautiful graphic novels I've read in quite some time. And it's only the first book in the series! The illustrations are colorful and warm, the characters genuine and bold. The dynamic between Julie and Selena will make your heart swell. And the message beneath, about the journey to trusting your friends and finding yourself, makes it all the sweeter.
So grab a cup of coffee, add a bit of sugar, and cozy up with this book.
Megan Mehmert is the teen programming associate at Missouri River Regional Library.