Another Kind by Trevor Bream and Cait May

Graphic Novel 

Ages: 7 to 12

On Sale: October 26, 2021

One of the easiest formats to recommend for reluctant readers is graphic novels. Kids in my library system seem to eat them up and for good reason. A good graphic novel can lure a child into reading with its pictures alone. My seven year old often starts out with one just by looking over the pictures first before she dives into the story by reading the words on the page.

Another Kind by Trevor Bream and Cait May is a delightful example of a graphic novel that draws you in with bright, appealing pictures and a cool concept. But it really shines in its storytelling. 

Following a group of “Irregularities”, kids who are a hybrid of human and animal or alien, from an institution called the Playroom, the story moves from safety to danger as the kids try to find themselves in a cruel world that does not accept them for who they are. Forced to hide from normal humans and from people who would wish to do them harm, this group of kids find a family within each other. 

Each child has an origin story within the novel to illustrate how they ended up in the Playroom and most are heartbreaking stories of loss and rejection. One character also has a coming out story as nonbinary and is met with love and acceptance by their found family. Many characters are also POC highlighting the overall themes of representation and acceptance for who you truly are.

Another Kind really tugged at my heartstrings. The characters were so relatable, and the love they had for each other was evident on every page. 

This story is perfect for kids who love myths and monsters, adventure and sibling love.