The Cartoonists Club
CCBC Review:
Four middle schoolers learn the ins and outs of comic making along with the reader of this how-to guide set within a fictional framing story. Makayla (Black), Howard and Lynda (both brown-skinned), and nonbinary Art (white) are distinct personalities with their own unique approaches to art and storytelling. Under the guidance of knowledgeable, hijab-wearing librarian Ms. Fatima (Black), the Cartoonists Club meets in the library to learn about comics vocabulary, layouts, and production processes; drawing facial expressions and body language; and making zines. The students have different interests and motivations, which are explored as they interact and workshop their comics. The club applies to host a table at their local public library’s comics convention; their acceptance gives them a chance to learn more about attracting readers (and to accept that growing an audience doesn’t happen overnight). Easy-to-follow, straightforward instructions and pointers; appealing, enthusiastic characters; and colorful illustrations make this a useful, inspiring, and encouraging guide for anyone interested in exploring this popular storytelling art form. ©2026 Cooperative Children’s Book Center
Illustrated by Raina Telgemeier, Scott McCloud
CCBC Age Recommendation: 8-13
Age Range:
Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10)
Grades 6-8 (Ages 11-13)
Format:
Graphic Novel
Subjects:
African Americans
Art and Artists
Muslim People
Nonbinary People
School
Teachers/Mentors
Diversity subjects:
Black/African
Brown Skin Unspecified
Publishers:
Graphix, Scholastic
Publish Year: 2025
Pages: 261
ISBN: 9781338777215
CCBC Location: Non-Fiction, 741.5 Telgemeier