Through the Woods by Emily Carroll and This One Summer by Jillian Tamaki

Through the Woods by Emily Carroll-200 pages; Eisner Award Winner for Best Graphic Album-Reprint, 2015

This is an eerie collection of short stories about journeys into and out of the woods. Each story involves a family member (or family members) disappearing, going crazy, killing one another, and/or being possessed. The graphics/illustrations are well done and the stories are interesting, if weird. Overall, it was an easy read and I enjoy reading graphic novels.

This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki and Jillian Tamaki-320 pages; Eisner Award Winner for Best Graphic Album-New, 2015; Michael L. Printz Award Honor Book; Caldecott Honor Book

Rose and her family (the Wallace family) go to the same place for vacation every summer: Awago Beach. Rose has a cabin friend she hangs out with every year named Windy, who is a year and a half younger. Rose's parents fight because her mom really wants to have another kid but can't and so she doesn't want to have fun anymore. I read some reviews on Goodreads and some of them said that the book didn't have much of a plot and I agree to an extent. There is a bit of a plot. Rose's mom (and the family) getting past the miscarriage and not being able to have another baby. The story does show Rose sort of "coming of age" a little bit and she seems to be "outgrowing" her friend Windy in many ways, but they stay friends. Other than that, there is not much plot, but the book was an okay read.

American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang

American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang-240 pages; Michael L. Printz Award Winner, 2007

The book starts out as 3 different stories told at the same time, but the three stories turn out to be related and the book ends with one story featuring all 3 protagonists. The moral of the story(ies) is to be content with who you are and to be yourself. It is an easy read as it is a graphic novel. It is also an enjoyable read.

Batgirl: Year One by Scott Beatty

Batgirl: Year One by Scott Beatty, 212 pages

Barbara Gordon wants more in her life than to be a librarian.  But, her father, Commissioner James Gordon of the Gotham City Police Department, won't allow her to join  the force.  Barbara is not tall enough for the FBI, so she creates her own identity as Batgirl.  This volume also features Batman and Robin, as well as Black Canary.  Batgirl has to remain strong as she fights enemies like Killer Moth and Firefly.  Batgirl is a great role model for young  women.  She is strong, trying to create her own identity independent of Batman.  Batgirl: Year One is full of colorful illustrations and great action.