Nature is all around these characters, and by extension, the magic is too. Milledge blends a simplistic style with well-timed close-ups of animals or a clever curve to the horizon. It helps convey the fact that maybe magical creatures are around us but may not be visible.

A good example of this is a scene involving a spoon - we soon learn it’s a trap, but instead of a magical creature, we see insects. In a way, this character and the entire vibe of the book is similar to Studio Ghibli films. There’s a visual theme that reoccurs that helps prove they are magical, but their general look makes them ordinary. They have a cat, which is quite animated, but they wear regular clothes and certainly don’t carry a wand. At year’s end, the team will curate a final list from all nominated titles and select a Top Ten.It’s also interesting to see how the witch character isn’t conventional in the least. Additional titles to receive this designation are listed as well. Once a book is suggested (either internally or through the title suggestion form), it must pass through a review process to be designated an official nomination.Įach week, the teams feature a review of one of the officially nominated titles.

The Selected Lists teams read throughout the year in search of the best titles published in their respective categories. We Survived the Holocaust: The Bluma and Felix Goldberg Story by Frank W.Little Monarchs by Jonathan Case (April 5, 2022).1: (Re)birth by Flame by Seny (June 7, 2022) 1: Roll for Initiative by Jasmine Walls and Dozerdraws (June 22, 2022) Librarians can also hand this to readers who enjoyed the seaside setting of The Girl from the Sea by Molly Knox Ostertag and Tidesong by Wendy Xu. Mamo is perfect for readers who love witchy graphic novels such as Mooncakes by Suzanne Walker, Crumbs by Danie Stirling, and Witchy by Ariel Ries. Orla’s internal struggle over her own future is something that teens will definitely relate to.įans of Studio Ghibli movies like Kiki’s Delivery Service or Howl’s Moving Castle will enjoy this story’s magical qualities and art. The relationship between Orla and Jo as they work together grows in a slow and beautiful way that teens will love. Sas Milledge effectively evokes the magic of this world in each panel with natural imagery.

The art is beautiful and whimsical with cottagecore vibes. Mamo is a lovely LGBTQ+ coming of age story that tackles the struggle of pursuing your dreams.

Mamo was the witch of Haresden, and now Jo and Orla must bury her bones correctly in order to save the town. Orla has returned to Haresden because of the death of her grandmother, Mamo. Magic has gone out of control, Jo’s mom is cursed, and the whole town is suffering. Mamo is a magical story in which Jo seeks out the help of a witch named Orla to help her seaside village of Haresden.

Mamo sas milledge