Ben loved Umbrella Academy, which I think is just pure fun, but he's also really interested in Watchmen, and he's definitely mature enough for some of the stuff listed here. Maus, especially. I wouldn't have said the same of his brother at this age, at all.
The thing with Ben is that he'll come to S. and I to talk about what he's read or seen or learned in history, and he really loves the art aspect of the graphic novels. So I trust him to bring it up if something freaks him out or confuses him, but I also like giving him food for thought.
Thanks so much, people. This has been really helpful.
I think the sex in Watchmen is more graphic (in the literal sense) than the sex in Sandman, but the violence and gore are about even.
It sounds like he might like The Cartoon History of the Universe.
Heh. That does sound good.
Now, everyone figure out what else I can get him aside from a netbook! Argh.
It sounds like he might like The Cartoon History of the Universe.
Many thumbs up for this. Insanely educational, subtly subversive, and funny.
I'm partway through Digger, by Ursula Vernon, and enjoying it a lot. I also love Why I Hate Saturn, by Kyle Baker, but it might be a bit oldish/early 1990s-ish for a 14 year old. There's a fair bit of drinking and some drug use, if that's a concern.
I'm following Digger on the web and it's brilliant and heartbreaking (and funny). So good.
Did you guys read about Figment at the NY Times? - an online source for young fans of literature.
Okay, so I've got $150 in B&N giftcards, between my birthday and Hanukah. What should I get?
