Check out this collection on Comics Plus to celebrate America turning 250! Its a melting pot of nonfiction and fiction titles related to America’s past and present that will engage readers through individual experiences, helping put the larger historical and political landscape in context. Comics Plus Library Pass is available through cloudLibrary by clicking the Comics button in the app or in the Library Pass link.
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The Flapper Queens: Women Cartoonists Of The Jazz Age Written and Art by Trina Robbins
From the foremost historian of women cartoonists, Trina Robbins, comes an eye-catching collection of comic strips from the Roaring Twenties depicting the high-stepping “Flapper” — the symbol of women’s newfound freedom — all drawn by the best female cartoonists of the era! Including Nell Brinkley, Ethel Hays, Eleanor Schorer, Edith Stevens — and possibly the flappiest of the Flapper Queens, Virginia Huget! This collection not only brings back into the spotlight several legendary women artists obscured by the sands of time but also celebrates an unabashedly feminist movement in our nation’s history.
Tuskegee Heirs: Flames of Destiny Vol #1 Written by Greg Burnham Art by Jonathan Ledesma
Tuskegee Heirs: “Flames of Destiny” is a futuristic sci-fi action-adventure comic book series set at the end of the 21st century. The story follows a squadron of young, gifted aviators, who are forced to become Earth’s strongest line of defense against a menacing race of artificially intelligent villains bent on destroying civilization.
Cartoon Nation: The U.S. Constitution Written by Christine Peterson Art by Brian Bascle
Irreverent cartoon illustrations bring key social studies concepts to life in this delightful series. Fun text and humorous artwork make learning a breeze, whether it’s about American institutions or crucial concepts in American life.
Radium Girls Written and Art by Cy Ivanka Hahenberger
The proud holders of well-paying jobs at the local watch factory, these working-class young women gain their nickname from the fine dusting of glowing, radioactive powder that clings to their clothes after every shift painting watch dials. The soft, greenish glow even stains their lips and tongues, which they use to point the fine brushes used in their work. It’s perfectly harmless . . . or so claims the watch manufacturer. When teeth start falling out, followed by jawbones, the dial painters become the unprepared vanguard on the frontlines of the burgeoning workers’ rights movement. Desperate for compensation and acknowledgement from the company that has doomed them, the Ghost Girls must fight, not just for their own lives but the future of every woman to follow them. A stunning graphic novel retelling of the shocking and inspiring true story.
They Called Us Enemy Written by George Takei Art by Harmony Becker
Experience the forces that shaped an American icon — and America itself — in this gripping tale of courage, country, loyalty, and love. George Takei has captured hearts and minds worldwide with his magnetic performances, sharp wit, and outspoken commitment to equal rights. But long before he braved new frontiers in STAR TREK, he woke up as a four-year-old boy to find his own birth country at war with his father’s — and their entire family forced from their home into an uncertain future. In 1942, at the order of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, every person of Japanese descent on the west coast was rounded up and shipped to one of ten “relocation centers,” hundreds or thousands of miles from home, where they would be held for years under armed guard. THEY CALLED US ENEMY is Takei’s firsthand account of those years behind barbed wire, the terrors and small joys of childhood in the shadow of legalized racism, his mother’s hard choices, his father’s tested faith in democracy, and the way those experiences planted the seeds for his astonishing future. What does it mean to be American? Who gets to decide? George Takei joins cowriters Justin Eisinger & Steven Scott and artist Harmony Becker for the journey of a lifetime.
Thunder Rolling Down the Mountain: The Story of Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce Written by Agnieszka Biskup Art by Rusty Zimmerman
Chief Joseph wanted peace for his people. But the U.S. Army had different ideas. As the headman and spokesperson for the Nez Perce, Chief Joseph tried to do what was best for his people. Join him as he leads his people over vast plains and rugged mountains on the run from the U.S. army.
Defying Hitler: Jesse Owens’ Olympic Triumph Written by Nel Yomtov Art by Eduardo Garcia
At the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin, Germany, the last thing Adolf Hitler expected was to see a black man compete and win. But Jesse Owens didn’t just win. He was dominant in the track and field events, winning four gold medals and helping to set a world record. Now readers can witness one of the most iconic moments in sports history as Owens proves that people of all races can compete and win at the Olympic games.
Paul Bunyan – Classics Illustrated Junior #519 Written by W. B. Laughead
Paul Bunyan was the largest, smartest baby ever born in the state of Maine! He grew up to be the biggest lumberjack in the world. With his blue ox, Babe, by his side, they worked their way west through the North American Forest. Join their journey and see what wonders they created along the way! Beautifully illustrated, this classic tale will capture children’s interest and spark their imagination inspiring a lifelong love of literature and reading.
The Apollo 11 Moon Landing Written by Nel Yomtov Art by Andrew Chiu
Follow astronauts Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins, and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin throughout one of the most exciting and impressive days in history! This graphic nonfiction book tells the story of this glorious day.
White House Written by Karen Latchana Kenney Art by Judith A. Hunt
Children are taught to respect the symbols of America from their first day of school. The White House provides teachers an easy-to-read picture book explaining the creation, history, and meaning of the building that houses our nation’s president.
Soccer Showdown: U.S. Women’s Stunning 1999 World Cup Win Written by Brandon Terrell Art by Eduardo Garcia
As Brandi Chastain set the ball down to take her final kick, millions of soccer fans held their breath. At the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup final, the United States and China had played to a 0-0 tie in overtime. With the penalty kick shoot-out tied at 4-4, Chastain’s last kick sailed into China’s goal and the crowd erupted with joy. Chastain’s game-winning goal is one of the greatest moments in sports history. Readers will get an up-close look at the 1999 U.S. Women’s Soccer team and their thrilling victory at the World Cup championship.
Redbone: The True Story of a Native American Rock Band Written by Christian Staebler Art by Thibault Balahy
Experience the riveting, powerful story of the Native American civil rights movement and the resulting struggle for identity told through the high-flying career of west coast rock n’ roll pioneers, Redbone. You’ve heard the hit song “Come and Get Your Love” in the movie Guardians of the Galaxy, but the story of the band behind it is one of cultural, political, and social importance. Brothers Pat and Lolly Vegas were talented Native American rock musicians that took the 1960s Sunset Strip by storm. They influenced The Doors and jammed with Jimmy Hendrix before he was “Jimi,” and the idea of a band made up of completely Native Americans soon followed. Determined to control their creative vision and maintain their cultural identity, they eventually signed a deal with Epic Records in 1969. But as the American Indian Movement gained momentum the band took a stand, choosing pride in their ancestry over continued commercial reward. Created with the cooperation of the Vegas family, painstaking steps were taken to ensure the historical accuracy of this important and often overlooked story of America’s past. Part biography and part journalism, Redbone provides a voice to a people long neglected in American history.
History’s Kid Heroes: The Top-Secret Adventure of John Darragh, Revolutionary War Spy Written by Connie Roop Art by Zachary Trover
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1777. John Darragh’s family has sided with the rebel colonists during the Revolutionary War. But the family lives across the street from the headquarters of the British army, their enemies. The Darragh family spies on the British, and John takes messages to his brother in the rebel camp. Can John sneak past the British soldiers this time?
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