Kids Book Index
Laurie Halse Anderson
This graphic retelling follows Melinda, a girl isolated after she calls the police about an end-of-summer party. Her classmates no longer speak to or listen to her, and she feels humiliated and alone. The story addresses her silence after rape and her eventual effort to speak. Gray-toned charcoal and pencil illustrations portray both Melinda’s humor and the emotional weight of her experience.
This book appears on 1 reading list across 1 edition.
A Quiet Kind of ThunderSara BarnardSteffi lives with selective mutism and anxiety that can keep her from speaking, even though she wants to. Rhys, a new student who is deaf, communicates with her through the sign language she knows. As the two form a relationship, they find ways to understand one another and Steffi begins to recognize that she has a voice. Their story centers on communication, disability, anxiety, and falling in love.Fourteen and OlderOn the same reading list for the same age or grade groupView book details
The Prince and the DressmakerJen WangThis fairy-tale graphic novel centers on Prince Sebastian and Frances, his seamstress. Sebastian’s parents seek a bride for him, while he keeps a private nighttime identity as Lady Crystallia, wearing daring dresses in Paris. Frances becomes his friend and designs for his secret life, but she also hopes to establish herself in fashion. Sebastian’s hidden life puts Frances’s ambitions at risk as both navigate friendship, self-expression, and public expectations.Fourteen and OlderLexile Text Measure GN360LATOS Book Level 2.6On the same reading list for the same age or grade groupView book details
Starry EyesJenn Bennett, illustrated by Jenn BennettZorie and Lennon were once close friends and a couple, but became enemies after a homecoming dance. They are later stranded together in the California wilderness. To survive, they have to set aside their conflict and confront the romantic feelings that remain between them. The story places their former relationship and their difficult outdoor situation side by side as they depend on each other.Fourteen and OlderOn the same reading list for the same age or grade groupView book details