I think it was Betsy who mentioned a few months ago how hard it was to find graphic novels for children and teens. As a lifelong comics fan and big gn reader, I've kept my eyes peeled and have some suggestions for all ages. I'm going to take it as a given that readers have heard of DC's Minx line by now - great titles for jr high and older girls. You can get the rundown of all the current titles at the Minx site and I recommend all of them, although knowing the reader will help you choose the perfect title.

Also First Second books has taken the gn world by story publishing outstanding titles for both teens and younger kids. Their site gives the full rundown, but I most heartily (heavily!) recommend Laika, a book I have already posted about quite a bit. You can also read my recent interview with author/illustrator Nick Abadzis for some insight on how he came to write what I think is one of the best books about the early space race. Tons of great stuff at First Second though, do check out the site for all the possibilities. Now on to some books you might not have heard of:

Top Shelf has several all ages titles including the very popular Owly, ("Owly is a kind, yet lonely, little owl who's always on the search for new friends and adventure.") Korgi about a young girl, her dog and their adventures in the nearby woods, Spiral Bound, described as having a cast "straight out of Animal Crackers" and Shark Hunters which tells the story of Julie and her Grandpa as they search the high seas for "Stephen, the largest shark in the world."

From Silent Devil Productions comes Astronaut Dad, a "coming-of-age story about the children of astronauts during the early 1960s right before the Apollo program took off. It's a fictional account of Jimmy Norton and Vanessa Kelly who discover that their dads, as Astronaut reservists, are actually part of a spy orbital program." I haven't received my copy of this one yet but it looks out standing and the story it tells is certainly full of all kinds of possibilities.

Glister just arrived at my door but it is written by the wonderful Andi Watson so I know I'm going to love it. (See also Andi's Love and Rockets for a fun romantic comedy involving the caped and capeless - perfect for teens.) Glister is an all-ages story about an imaginative little girl who finds herself in many fantastic adventures ("Ghost writers back from the dead, upset houses who can change appearance, a Toll Troll in the wishing well, unscrupulous antiquarian ex-wrestlers, and a misplaced Sphinx
are just some the oddities she encounters in the self-contained, all-ages stories.") It's a 64 page bi-monthly with multiple stories for only $5.99 - you can't beat that!

Also, I've written about Dorothy many times before but it remains one of the most impressive comics I've ever seen - both story and art are glorious - and it is pitch perfect for any teen who is convinced the world does not understand them.

If you want an graphic novel and can't find it at amazon then contact the guys at my comics shop and tell them Colleen sent you - they are awesome and will help as much as they can.

UPDATED: I just finished the Courtney Crumrin One-Shot, Courtney Crumrin and the Fire Thief's Tale. This is an outstanding werewolf story for the Harry Potter crowd and at $5.95 is a great stocking stuffer. It follows the earlier Courtney trades (all three digest size and great reading) although this time Courtney and her uncle are traveling alone in Romania (!) on the "first installment of their European vacation". I can't stress enough how perfect this series is for fantasy lovers of the 7 and up stage - particularly for jaded 10-13 year olds who are sick and tired of the world (or claim to be anyway). Courtney is funny, smart and snarky. I love her. (More on the series here.)

Also Von Allen pointed me in the direction of his new web comic about a 13 year old girl dealing with her mother's schizophrenia which is currently posting at girlamatic. Web comics are a great way to get a taste of a writer or illustrator's work plus a fabulous opportunity to read for free! The Road to God Knows... has the second installment posted and will continue every Monday. Good stuff - check it out.