UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Four titles from Graphic Mundi, Penn State University Press’s imprint for graphic novels, have been selected for the Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table of the American Library Association’s 2022 Top 10 Best Graphic Novels for Adults Reading List. The titles selected are “Down to the Bone: A Leukemia Story” and three books of “Hakim’s Odyssey.”
The reading list highlights the best graphic novels for adults published in late 2021 through 2022. It aims to increase awareness of the graphic novel medium, raise voices of diverse comics creators, and aid library staff in the development of graphic novel collections.
“The array of titles that the committee has curated for the 2022 list is expansive and diverse in terms of style and content, but the common thread is how well they all demonstrate the distinct power of comics as a storytelling medium,” said Edward Whatley, selection committee chair. "Whether you prefer fiction or nonfiction, history or horror, whimsical or tragic, you’ll find titles to suit your current tastes. You’ll also find titles that will open doorways to new experiences and worldviews.”
“Down to the Bone: A Leukemia Story” follows Catherine, whose life is turned upside down when she is diagnosed with acute leukemia. Young and previously healthy, she now finds herself catapulted into the world of the seriously ill — constantly testing and waiting for results, undergoing endless medical treatments, learning to accept a changing body, communicating with a medical team, and relying on the support of her partner, family, and friends.
The “Hakim’s Odyssey” trilogy presents the firsthand account of Hakim, a young Syrian man forced to leave his home, friends, business and family after the bombing of his town and his own arrest. The series follows him from Syria to France and countless countries in between as he seeks out what he hopes will be a more settled life in Europe.