Cover Lover - The Year of the Beasts

Can you see me jumping up and down? No? Well, I am! I love Cecil Castellucci and am really excited about this graphic novel.

Publisher's summary: Every summer the trucks roll in, bringing the carnival and its infinite possibilities to town. This year Tessa and her younger sister Lulu are un-chaperoned and want to be first in line to experience the rides, the food . . . and the boys. Except this summer, jealousy will invade their relationship for the first time, setting in motion a course of events that can only end in tragedy, putting everyone's love and friendship to the test.

Alternating chapters of prose and comics are interwoven in this extraordinary novel that will break your heart and crack it wide open at the same time.

Why we love it:  Check out that girl's fierce face and the snakes writhing from her head! This is definitely a reference to Greek mythology (Yeah, she'll turn you to stone, but even Medusa deserves a little love!), which makes me happy because I always enjoy mythology in fiction. The stark black and white of the girl is a fabulous contrast with the vivid blue of the lockers and the shocking yellow of the text. I like how she looks like a regular girl, but something in her eyes (even when you ignore the snakes) makes you think she means business. Maybe she's had enough and is about to get some retribution, or maybe she just stubbed her toe. Either way, I can't wait to find out what's going on!

If you're interested in more of artist Nate Powell's work, click is name to go to his website, then head over to Shelf Awareness and check out this fun illustrated question and answer session with Mr. Powell.