This column was submitted by Evangeline Cessna, Local History Librarian at the Warren County-Vicksburg Public Library.

“Ash’s Cabin” is the latest graphic novel by Jen Wang. Ash has always felt alone. Adults ignore the climate crisis. Other kids are more interested in pop stars and popularity contests than effecting real change. Ash feels that even their family seems to be sleepwalking through life. The only person who ever seemed to get Ash was their Grandpa Edwin. Before he died, he used to talk about building a secret cabin, deep in the California wilderness. Did he ever build it? What if it’s still there, waiting for him to come back…or for Ash to find it? To Ash, the possibility of the cabin is starting to feel like the perfect fresh start and an escape from the miserable feeling of alienation that haunts their daily life. With their dog in tow, Ash decides to set off into the wilderness without letting anyone know where they went. And as much as Ash wants to be alone…can they really be happy alone? Can they survive alone?

In “Death at Morning House” by Maureen Johnson, teenager Marlowe Wexler thinks she’ll be spending her summer house sitting, but the fire changes all that. Technically the fire wasn’t her fault, but Marlowe is labeled an accidental arsonist, nonetheless. On top of losing her house-sitting gig, Akilah, her long-time crush will never go out with her again, so what is a girl to do? She winds up at Morning House—a 1920’s mansion built on an island and promptly abandoned. Giving tours is easy enough, and thankfully, there’s a low risk of catching something on fire. Marlowe may die of boredom from talking about stained glass, nut cutlets, and Prohibition—and of course, the deaths. Yeah, Marlowe may have to solve the mystery before history repeats itself.

“Coven” is another new graphic novel by Jennifer Dugan. Emsy is a fire elemental and witch who would rather spend her days surfing and hanging out with her girlfriend in sunny California. Her world changes, though, when her parents learn that their coven back east has been obliterated by some pretty powerful magic. But something, or someone, has killed the family protecting the grimoire (a sacred book of the coven that contains secrets and spells), leaving only one member behind. Her family returns to upstate New York to investigate. To protect her family, Emsy will have to quickly hone her craft or lose everything.

We also have some new additions to the Bluford series by Paul Langan. First, is “The Bully,” the fifth book in the series. When Darrell Mercer and his mother move from Philadelphia to California, he is hoping for a fresh start. He does get a new life and a new school, but also a new bully. He spends months living in fear of his new tormentor, but when the unthinkable happens, Darrell is going to have to make a choice: either keep on running from this bully or find some way to fight back.

Next, we have the sixth book of the Bluford series: “The Gun.” This book is the direct sequel to “The Bully,” but from the perspective of Darrell’s tormentor Tyray Hobbs. This tale traces Tyray’s very troubled home life, his quest to rebuild his infamous reputation, and his desire to get revenge on Darrell—the only boy to stand up to him. The police get involved when several students are killed by another student who has brought a gun to school after being relentlessly bullied.

“Brothers in Arms” is the ninth book in the Bluford High series. Martin Luna transfers to Bluford High after his little brother is brutally gunned down. He really doesn’t want to be there and he doesn’t go out of his way to make friends. He does meet Steve who is in the same grade as Martin. Steve is strong, athletic and he intimidates others. Mr. Mitchell, his English teacher, confronts Martin about his anger issues. When a fight breaks out after gym class, the principal doesn’t believe Martin’s account of the story because of his reputation. Martin eventually discovers who the shooter was that killed his brother, but, instead of retaliating, he decides to do the right thing and let the adults know everything.