Readers' Advisory: Strong Female Characters: Graphic Novel

An Age of License is a funny and charming account of a whimsical tour of the continent following the journey's of the author, Knisley. This graphic novel is an introspective self-enquiry and a series of revelatory experiences, made even more intense for occurring in an unfamiliar country. This novel shows how women thrive when they are independent and not chained by responsibilities or a schedule. The main character in this novel is charming, brave, fearless, and adventurous.

Persepolis is the story of Satrapi's unforgettable childhood and coming of age within a large and loving family in Tehran during the Islamic Revolution; of the contradictions between private life and public life in a country plagued by political upheaval; of her high school years in Vienna facing the trials of adolescence far from her family; of her homecoming--both sweet and terrible; and, finally, of her self-imposed exile from her beloved homeland. It is the chronicle of a girlhood and adolescence at once outrageous and familiar, a young life entwined with the history of her country yet filled with the universal trials and joys of growing up. Edgy, searingly observant, and candid, often heartbreaking but threaded throughout with raw humor and hard-earned wisdom--Persepolis is a stunning work from one of the most highly regarded, singularly talented graphic artists at work today.

Manga Classic
As an orphaned child, Jane Eyre is first cruelly treated by her aunt, then cast out and sent to a charity school. Though she meets with further hardship, she receives an education, and eventually takes a job as a governess at the estate of Edward Rochester. Jane and Mr. Rochester begin to bond, but his dark moods trouble her. When Jane uncovers the terrible secret Rochester has been hiding, she flees and finds temporary refuge at the home of St. John Rivers. Charlotte Bronte's classic tale of morality and social criticism takes on an entirely new life in this Manga Classic adaptation of Jane Eyre.

These casually drawn, perfectly on-point comics by the hugely popular young artist Sarah Andersen are for the rest of us. They document the wasting of entire beautiful weekends on the internet, the unbearable agony of holding hands on the street with a gorgeous guy, and dreaming all day of getting home and back into pajamas. In other words, the horrors and awkwardnesses of young modern life. Oh and they are totally not autobiographical. At all. Adulthood Is a Myth presents many fan favorites plus dozens of all-new comics exclusive to this book. Sarah's frankness on personal issues like body image, self-consciousness, introversion, relationships, and the frequency of bra-washing makes her comics highly relatable and deeply hilarious, showcasing how she became one of the most influential voices in web cartoonists.

Fifteen-year-old Morgan has a secret: She can't wait to escape the perfect little island where she lives. She's desperate to finish high school and escape her sad divorced mom, her volatile little brother, and worst of all, her great group of friends...who don't understand Morgan at all. Because really, Morgan's biggest secret is that she has a lot of secrets, including the one about wanting to kiss another girl. Then one night, Morgan is saved from drowning by a mysterious girl named Keltie. The two become friends and suddenly life on the island doesn't seem so stifling anymore. But Keltie has some secrets of her own. And as the girls start to fall in love, everything they're each trying to hide will find its way to the surface...whether Morgan is ready or not.

* National Book Award Finalist * This graphic novel is a brilliantly subversive, sharply irreverent epic from Noelle Stevenson. Nimona is an impulsive young shapeshifter with a love for villainy. This book highlights a powerful and passionate woman who knows her abilities and is not afraid to use them. This title is an award winner and it is a good read for anyone who likes, action, conflict, and a fearless heroine.