Resources
Comic recommendations for young readers, educators and librarians.
Resources
On this page I share resources for students and cartoonists of all ages.
How do you make money and save money as an artist? In this beginner’s post about finances I encourage you to be empowered. You are an artist and you can do it.
This page is specifically geared to cartoonists who are interested in how to traditionally publish. I’m going to attempt to answer as many questions as I can, including pitches, cover letters, agents and editors.
A list of comic and comic-adjacent jobs. The purpose of this list is to help cartoonists expand their minds and expectations of themselves, and to understand that making comics has given cartoonists useful and transferable skills that can be applied in other industries.
Reading List
Comic recommendations for young readers, educators and librarians. My focus is on works that represent a diversity of cast and story, that offer everyone a chance to see themselves and others in a positive and exciting light. All comics are larger publications that are accessible to purchase through online outlets or retailers.
A young adult graphic novel about high school wallflower Belle Hawkins, who ends up in a love triangle after tutoring the girlfriend of her crush. A charming representation of lesbian identity.
An electric and reverent slice-of-life sports story about female adolescence, A Map to the Sun is a powerful graphic novel for older teens. Ren, Luna, Jetta, Anella and So-young are fiercely independent teenagers living in a beautiful beachside town. Difficulties young adults face such as drug + alcohol use, sexual harassment and self-harm influence the girls’ lives. Together they decide to build something new just for themselves at school: a basketball team.
“Refugee camps are supposed to be a temporary place to stay until it’s safe to go back home. I guess no one expected the war to last so long, though, because Hassan and I have been here for 7 years.” (from the back of the book)
“Eating around other people is a struggle for salaryman Yutaka, despite his talent for cooking. All that changes when he meets Minoru and Tane — two brothers, many years apart in age — who ask him to teach them how to make his delicious food! It’s not long before Yutaka finds himself falling hard for the meals they share together — and falling in love!” (from the back of the book)
Satoko is a Japanese student studying in America, and she gets a surprise when meeting her new roommate, Nada! Nada is also an international student but from Saudi Arabia, and she’s Muslim. Satoko and Nada is a wonderful comic about cultural similarities and differences, and keeping an open mind about new friendships!
Noshiro and Sanada are your typical high school students, except there are rumors that Sanada might be gay. That Blue Sky Feeling is a slice-of-life comic with a wonderful and sensitive depiction of the insecurities teenagers can feel about sexual orientation.
The Prince and the Dressmaker is about fashion, self-expression, and the creative spirit. Sebastian and Frances have dreams, but there are so many roadblocks in their way!
Love and the supernatural intermingle in this exciting graphic novel. Taproot is a beautiful comic, swirling warm colors and lush environment contributing to the mystery and romance.
A slice-of-life fiction narrative, My Brother's Husband is a story about family, cultural differences, and what gets said and goes unsaid. Mike is an out gay man, which is uncomfortable and confusing for Yaichi at first...
Agents of the Realm: Volume 1 by Mildred Louis is a take on the magical girls genre, which originates in Japanese manga and anime. Featuring a team of super-powered college students, Agents is action-packed...
A historical graphic novel and memoir of John Lewis and the Civil Rights movement in the United States between the years 1963 - 65. Lewis' account is woven throughout historical events of the time...
Reindeer Boy is a charming high school romantic comedy with a magical realism flavor. Don't let this Christmas-themed comic put you off, it's a fun read any time of the year!...
Katie O'Neill's Princess Princess Ever After is a coming-of-age story for two princesses trying to find their own paths in life. It's an all-ages fantasy comic, complete with unicorns, princes, castles and magic...