Fanbase Press’ coverage of the 2019 Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards continues with the “Countdown to the Eisners” series. From Wednesday, May 29, through Wednesday, July 10, 2019, Fanbase Press will highlight each of the Eisner Awards’ 31 nomination categories, providing comic book industry members and readers alike the opportunity to learn more about the nominees and their work. Stay tuned for Fanbase Press’ continued coverage of the Eisner Awards, including live coverage of the ceremony at San Diego Comic-Con on Friday, July 19.
Interest in reading deepens and comprehension develops with pre-teen readers who are engaged and entertained. Understanding the developmental stages of young minds, the Eisner organizers identified the need to diversify children’s publications into early readers (up to age 8), kids (ages 9 – 12), and teens (ages 13 – 17). The kids category was established in 2012 and awarded that year to Roger Langridge’s Snarked (kaBOOM!) and most recently last year with Katie O’Neill’s The Tea Dragon Society (Oni Press).
Here are the 2019 Eisner Award nominees for the Best Publication for Kids (Ages 9-12) category:
Aquicorn Cove by Katie O’Neill (Oni Press)
Writer/illustrator Katie O’Neill received an Eisner Award in this category for her The Tea Dragon Society. In this story, Lana and her father return to their seaside home in the aftermath of a storm. As Lana helps clear debris, she discovers magical creatures and rescues an injured Aquicorn. With the threat of a new storm on the horizon, Lana finds inner strength to stand up for what she feels is right – an important lesson for pre-teens as they face potential peer pressures around them. The link below includes an excerpt of pages from O’Neill’s book.
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Be Prepared by Vera Brosgol (First Second)
Having written and illustrated Anya’s Ghost and Leave Me Alone!, Vera Brosgol’s latest graphic novel, Be Prepared, is a story about a young Russian girl, Vera, whose single mother sends her to a Russian summer camp. In this book, Brosgol explores the challenges of finding one’s identity while trying to fit in and develop friendships. At Amazon, Publishers Weekly’s review sings Brosgol’s praises: “The dialogue rings true, the pace is seamless, and the panel artwork, in woodsy browns and greens, conveys feelings with clean, assured lines. By turns sardonic, adorable, and noble, Vera is a beguiling hero who learns how to recognize who’s really on her side.”
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The Cardboard Kingdom by Chad Sell (Knopf/Random House Children’s Books)
Write what you know is advice that writer/illustrator Chad Sell took to heart. Drawing on memories of his neighborhood was the inspiration for The Cardboard Kingdom which follows a group of kids whose imaginations transform everyday cardboard into fanciful costumes. The cover conveys camaraderie between friends as they pass their summer exploring and resolving conflicts and finding their identity. The Cardboard Kingdom has been awarded the Texas Bluebonnet Master List selection for 2019.
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Crush by Svetlana Chmakova (JY/Yen Press)
Svetlana Chmakova created her Berrybrook Middle School series with Awkward and Brave, with Crush being the third volume released in this series. In this installment, readers are introduced to Jorge, who seems to be in a good position at school: a solid group of friends and big enough that the students leave him alone. Chmakova rocks Jorge’s compliance, and he is forced to either be true to himself and what he wants verses bending to the expectations of his friends.
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The Divided Earth by Faith Erin Hicks (First Second)
In 2014, writer/artist Faith Erin Hicks’ The Adventures of Superhero Girl (Dark Horse) was awarded the Eisner in this category. From Amazon’s editorial review section, Voya describes this third volume to the Nameless City trilogy: “The Divided Earth is an engrossing, briskly paced adventure in the tradition of a good-versus-evil quest…with a cast of likeable characters, a universal theme, and compelling artwork, the graphic novel will leave readers rooting for the heroes while sympathizing with villains.”
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Stay tuned to the Fanbase Press website each day as we continue our “Countdown to the Eisners” coverage! Plus, follow Fanbase Press’ Facebook, Twitter (@Fanbase_Press), and Instagram (@fanbasepress) with the hashtag #FPSDCC to stay up to date on our SDCC and Eisner Awards updates, including a live-tweet of the 2019 Eisner Award Ceremony from the Hilton Bayfront Hotel at San Diego Comic-Con on the evening of Friday, July 19th!
