Title: Essex County: Tales from the Farm
Author: Jeff Lemire
Summary: In this short, moving graphic novel, Lester learns about grieving, moving on, and the secrets we keep from the people we love. When his mom dies of cancer, Lester, a ordinary kid with a huge imagination, moves to his Uncle Ken’s farm, where he helps with chores and draws superhero comics to pass the time. One day at the gas station, Lester meets Jimmy, a local man who was a hockey star until an injury left him unable to play, and ‘touched,’ according to the locals. Where Uncle Ken is strict and distant, Jimmy is a playmate and friend. But life is more than a little complicated, and Lester learns sometimes knowing the truth doesn’t always make things easier.
Who will like this book?: Fans of realistic graphic novels. Mature readers looking for a serious, short story. If you pretended to be a superhero when you were little, you’ll really get a kick out of Lester.
If you like this, try this: Other coming-of-age graphic novels like Stuck in the Middle or American Born Chinese. Also, look for the next volume in the series, Ghost Stories.
Recommended by: Nicole, Teen Librarian