Tess’ Teen Graphic Novel Highlights

There are some brilliant new firecrackers in this department, but this month we’ve got to show some love for the inimitable Tillie Walden. I began with ‘On A Sunbeam’, highlighted in many an Eisner Award category, and all the hype is worth it. Evocative, minimalist illustration which packs a real punch when it needs to (especially in some of the abandoned buildings she draws) this graphic novel is a hefty tome and an absolutely beautiful read. Emotionally nuanced but with a great plot, appropriate for 14+ or for anyone who has read and enjoyed Noel Stephenson, Heartstopper, or Bloom, or just wants a straight up brilliant read. Moving on to her more recent ‘Are You Listening’, we follow an 18-year-old who has run away from home for reasons we later find out. Another touching and at times hilarious coming-of-age graphic novel with some thrills in there to boot. Enjoy!