I just got a phone call from a bookseller who told me that it was time to start setting up fall school events; school starts August 15th!  While waiting for the horror of school-before-Labor-Day-already to subside, I have composed this reading list of school-related graphic novels.

(Still waiting for the horror to subside.)

Americus, by MK Reed and Jonathan Hill

I feel like the moral of this story as related to public school is, girls in shop class are awesome; most things are otherwise horrible.  This is an interesting portrait of high school in small-town America.

Courtney Crumrin, by Ted Naifeh

As is the case with most places she goes, Courtney immediately gets into trouble in school — probably because of her bat-shaped barrette.  Surely, her magical powers can’t have anything to do with her problems. . . .

Friends With Boys, by Faith Erin Hicks

I especially love the maps that Faith draws for her main character, Maggie, in interpreting high school.  And they have zombie musicals!  How is that not the best high school?

Gogo Monster, by Taiyo Matsumoto

After reading this book, I was left with the impression that school is evil, in the creeping, soul-sucking sort of way.  Six months later, I’m still not convinced I was wrong — leading me to conclude that this story really stays with you.

Little Vampire, by Joann Sfar

This book is particularly awesome because the Little Vampire is adorable.  Also he goes to school at the very first part of the book!  That is how all the trouble starts . . . vampires!

Nightschool, by Svetlana Chmakova

A school for witches and magical creatures!  Sign me up.

The Plain Janes, by Cecil Castellucci and Jim Rugg

Who doesn’t love public art?  Especially when it’s done in defiance of school/town authorities?

Smile, by Raina Telgemeier

This book tells a growing-up story — it’s really fascinating how Raina shows the process of moving past your current set of middle-school friends.

Happy back-t0-school reading!