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91´«Ã½’s Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table (GNCRT) is pleased to announce the new Best Graphic Novels for Children Reading List. The inaugural year of the reading list will seek to highlight the best graphic novels for children ages 5-11 published in late 2020 and throughout 2021, 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 first list will be announced in January 2022. List selection will be determined by a committee of GNCRT members with a background in selection or use of graphic novels for children. Nominations are now open and .

The GNCRT Best Graphic Novels for Children Reading List Selection Committee - which is charged with reviewing nominated titles and selecting the list is being chaired by Angela Frederick, High School Librarian at Williamson County Schools in Franklin, TN.

Ms. Frederick said, “Our committee is thrilled to begin the task of developing the first Best Graphic Novels for Children Reading List. We hope this will shine a spotlight on the excellent work being created for young readers.”

GNCRT President, Alea Perez said, “Although children's graphic novels have recently experienced a wider recognition from libraries than those for adults have enjoyed, the GNCRT is nevertheless proud to be bringing further awareness of the many diverse titles the format has to offer. With this new annual reading list we aim to highlight the many talented creators bringing new worlds and stories to life for children through their hard and relentless work. Our membership, and this selection committee specifically, is composed of passionate format and age area experts from across the country, and from a variety of backgrounds and library types, who will be using that expertise to lead the national conversation on what constitutes "best" in the great breadth of comics being published for children in 2021.”

Graphic Novel Eligibility and Nominations

Eligible graphic novels for the 2021 Best Graphic Novels for Children will include all fiction and non-fiction titles published between September 1, 2020 - December 31, 2021 that would appeal to children ages 5-11. Nominations can be made by committee members, members of the wider library and education community and members of the public through an . The nomination form will remain open until September 15, 2021.

Publishers are welcome to submit copies of titles to the GNCRT Best Graphic Novels for Children Selection Committee for review. To do so, please contact GNCRT staff liaison Tina Coleman at ccoleman@ala.org.

About the Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table

The Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table of the 91´«Ã½ is dedicated to supporting library staff in all aspects of engaging with graphic novels and comics, including collection development, programming, and advocacy. For more information connect with GNCRT on Facebook: 91´«Ã½ Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table; Twitter: @libcomix; Instagram: @libcomix; or the GNCRT 91´«Ã½ Connect page.

About 91´«Ã½

Established in 1876, the 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization created to provide leadership for the development, promotion, and improvement of library and information services and the profession of librarianship in order to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all.