Brooklyn Book Festival
I consider myself to be a pretty intermediate to advanced level traveler. I’ve been to so many developing countries, chaotic cities, and middle of nowhere icons. With this experience and my formative years spent growing up in New York City, I figured I can handle just about anything on a trip. Well my first trip back to NYC humbled me in many ways. This time I was older and had a one year old in tow. That certainly changes the vibe! We were traveling for 30 days straight. We were SO tired. We were SO depleted. We were so spoiled by the baby friendly city at home. My wishes for a highly productive NYC trip would not come true.
One of the highlights of the NYC trip that did come to fruition was being a part of the Brooklyn Book Festival! Of course there was climate change level flash flooding in NYC the day before it happened which was also the day we arrived into the city. However, the water cleared and the families flooded in to the festival!
Our activity was run by author, Dan Poblocki alongside illustrator Chris Danger and myself. Dan created a mad libs style story for the audience members to fill in the blanks. Along the way, Chris and I illustrated some of their wildly inventive scenes and characters.
After this illustrated story time was over, we signed books!
Of course, my number one fan was excited to get multiple books signed in person since it had been a while. <3
One of the best moments of this day was also when we went to Chipotle after. The burrito bowls had been missed, but the highlight was actually seeing a young girl reading a freshly signed copy of Big Apple Diaries at a table in there. I awkwardly waved to her and her family but she didn’t look up for even a moment. She was totally engrossed in my book, and I love to see it!
My nephew, Alex
Despite our absolute travel chaos, it was really special to be in NYC again
Big Apple Diaries is ALAs Best of 2021!
“The Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table is thrilled to introduce the 2021 Best Graphic Novels for Children Reading List. This reading list highlights the best graphic novels for children aged 5 – 12 years old, published in late 2020 and through 2021, and it aims to increase awareness of the graphic novel medium, raise voices of diverse comics creators, and aid library staff in the development of graphic novel collections.”
What an honour to see my very own Big Apple Diaries on this list alongside so many beloved stories.
Older Readers (Grades 5 - 6)
Allergic. Written by Megan Wagner Lloyd. Art by Michelle Mee Nutter. 2021. Scholastic, $12.99 (9781338568905).
Maggie loves animals; however, she learns she is highly allergic to anything with fur or feathers, despite desperately wanting a pet of her own.
Artie and the Wolf Moon. Written by Olivia Stephens. Art by Olivia Stephens. 2021. Graphic Universe, $16.99 (9781541542488).
After discovering that the giant wolf stalking the woods is her mother, Artie is thrust into a new community of werewolves, and the history of her family that has remained unspoken is unearthed along the way.
The Awakening Storm: A Graphic Novel (City of Dragons #1). Written by Jamail Yogis. Art by Vivian Truong. 2021. Graphix, $12.99 (9781338660432).
After moving to Hong Kong with her mom, Grace must get used to everything from learning a new language to making new friends at her fancy boarding school. But when an old lady gifts her a mysterious dragon egg that hatches overnight, Grace will have to deal with a whole new set of problems as evil forces try to harness its power.
Big Apple Diaries. Written by Alyssa Bermudez. Art by Alyssa Bermudez. 2021. Roaring Brook Press, $14.99 (9781250774286).
In this graphic memoir, 12-year-old Alyssa navigates the challenges of the cusp of middle school--grades, friends, a first crush on a cute new classmate, preparing for NYC's complicated middle school application process, her art, working out what it means for her to be Puerto Rican, and splitting time between her mom's and dad's apartments. When the terrorist attacks of 9/11 happen, the collective loss puts everything else in stark perspective, and Alyssa tries to figure out if she can still find a way to be a kid and find purpose and meaning amidst the destruction.
Black Heroes of the Wild West. Written by James Otis Smith. Art by James Otis Smith. 2020. Toon Graphics, $16.95 (9781943145522).
A short history of Black Americans who were extraordinary individuals who lived incredible lives in the Wild West. Mary Fields was born a slave who became a stagecoach driver. Bass Reeves, was the first Black Deputy US Marshal, and Bob Lemmons was amazing with horses.
Bounce Back. Written by Mikaso Rocks. Art by Mikaso Rocks. 2021. Feiwel and Friends, $12.99 (9781250806291).
Lilico must move to America from Japan right before her basketball team's finals, and her new home is not so welcoming. The mean girls in her grade don't want her on their team or in their class.
Class Act. Written by Jerry Craft. Art by Jerry Craft. 2020. Quill Tree Books, $22.99 (9780062885500).
Drew Ellis feels as if he works twice as hard as some of the kids at Riverdale Academy Day School but doesn’t get the same opportunities in life.
The Dragon Path. Written by Ethan Young. Art by Ethan Young. 2021. Graphix, $12.99 (9781338363296).
Eager for adventure, Prince Sing of the Wong Clan, journeys with his clan to the Old Land in order to have a better life.
The Ghoul Next Door. Written by Cullen Bunn. Art by Cat Farris. 2021. HarperAlley, $12.99 (9780062896094).
Eleven-year-old Grey has a run in with the mysterious ghouls of his New England town. His new friend Lavinia knows tons about local history but will their unlikely bond cause problems for the living residents of Anders Landing?
The Girl from the Sea. Written by Molly Knox Ostertag. Art by Molly Knox Ostertag. 2021. Graphix, $22.49 (9781338540574).
Morgan's life has changed a lot in the past few years. Dealing with her parent's divorce, a little brother who is angry, the dynamic of her friendship with her friends changing, and a secret she is trying to hide, Morgan learns how important it is to trust your friends and love your family.
History Comics: The American Bison: The Buffalo's Survival Tale. Written by Andy Hirsch. Art by Andy Hirsch. 2021. First Second, $19.99 (9781250265838).
Learn all about the American Bison, the last of North America's megafauna and its near extinction as part of the genocidal Native American Wars and its recovery from the brink.
History Comics: The Wild Mustang: Horses of the American West. Written by Chris Duffy. Art by Falynn Koch. 2021. First Second, $19.99 (9781250174277).
Join two prehistoric horses as they explore the history or wild horses in America.
Hooky. Written by Miriam Bonastre Tur. Art by Miriam Bonastre Tur. 2021. Etch/Clarion Books, $24.99 (9780358468301).
Dani and Dorian miss their bus to magic school and don't want to disappoint their exacting parents, so they begin a wild ride of trying to find another place to learn magic. Learning under their aunt leads to them becoming wanted fugitives, so they land in an inconspicuous town with a jealous errand boy, a welcoming soothsayer, and a cute waiter.
Horse Trouble. Written by Kristin Varner. Art by Kristin Varner. 2021. First Second, $12.99 (9781250225887).
Kate loves being around horses, even though her horseback riding skills are less than amazing. But how will she navigate the snide comments of other girls in the stable without her best friend to have her back?
Jo & Rus. Written by Audra Winslow. Art by Audra Winslow. 2021. KaBOOM!, $12.99 (9781684156108).
Two unlikely friends find each other with the help of a mysterious one-eyed cat.
Jukebox. Written by Nidhi Chanani. Art by Nidhi Chanani. 2021. First Second, $14.99 (9781250156372).
Shaheen's dad lives in his own world of vintage and rare vinyl collecting, and every moment of her life has a soundtrack. When her dad does not come home one night, a mysterious Jukebox, old vinyl records, and cryptic notes on music history are her only clues to her father's abrupt disappearance.
Just Pretend. Written by Tori Sharp. Art by Tori Sharp. 2021. Little Brown Books for Young Readers, $24.99 (9780316538855).
Tori’s life has big changes as she enters 8th grade.
The Leak. Written by Katie Reed Petty. Art by Andrea Bell. 2021. First Second, $14.99 (9781250217967).
12- year-old Ruth Keller is an aspiring journalist who finds a mysterious black substance at the local lake.
The Legend of Auntie Po. Written by Shing Yin Khor. Art by Shing Yin Khor. Kokila, $22.99 (9780525554882).
A historical look at life for a young Chinese-American girl working at a western logging camp of the late 1800s, but also a magical dive into how stories and our imaginings of heroes shape the way we view the world.
Living with Viola. Written by Rosena Fung. Art by Rosena Fung. 2021. Annick Press, $22.95 (9781773215495).
Livy's anxiety manifests as a shadowy twin named Viola who criticizes her as she moves to a new school, makes new friends, and deals with the pressure of being the child of immigrants.
Miles Morales: Shock Waves. Written by Justin A. Reynolds. Art by Pablo Leon. 2021. Graphix, $24.99 (9781338648041).
Miles is struggling to balance school, his personal and family life, and the demands of being Spider-man, when an earthquake in his mother's beloved home of Puerto Rico upsets the delicate balance.
The Okay Witch and the Hungry Shadow. Written by Emma Steinkellner. Art by Emma Steinkellner. 2021. Aladdin, $12.99 (9781534431485).
Moth is learning about being a witch, but her mom won't teach her any good spells, especially ones that would fix some of her problems.
The Queen’s Favorite Witch, Book 1: The Wheel of Fortune. Written by Benjamin Dickson. Art by Rachel Smith. 2021. Papercutz, $14.99 (9781545807217).
It's 1563, and nefarious plots are swirling around Queen Elizabeth I, who is newly in need of a royal witch. Meanwhile, young witch Daisy is desperate to get out of her village and do more than sell potions at the market, so she runs away from home to apply for the position.
Séance Tea Party. Written by Reimena Yee. Art by Reimena Yee. 2020. Penguin Random House, $20.99 (9780593125328).
Lora is a middle school late bloomer who feels left behind by her friends until she is reunited with a ghostly companion from the past.
Shark Summer. Written by Ira Marcks. Art by Ira Marcks. 2021. Little Brown Books for Young Readers, $24.99 (9780316461443).
Gayle, dealing with a disastrous softball season, is spending her first summer on Martha's Vineyard. A Hollywood film crew is filming a movie on the island over the summer and is hosting a youth film contest. Gayle meets Elijah and Maddie and between the three they set out to discover the
truth behind the island's own sea monster and win the prize money.
Sue & Tai-chan #1. Written by Konami Kanata. Art by Konami Kanata. Translated by Melissa Tanaka. 2020. Kondasha, $12.99 (9781632369390).
Sue is an elderly cat enjoying her feline years in relative solitude and peace, when suddenly rambunctious kitten Tai-chan comes along, wreaking havoc to her household.
Tell No Tales: Pirates of the Southern Seas. Written by Sam Maggs. Art by Kendra Wells. 2021. Amulet Books, $21.99 (9781419739668).
Anne Bonny and her crew of female pirates sail the Caribbean, seeking adventure and stealing treasure.
Tidesong. Written by Wendy Xu. Art by Wendy Xu. 2021. Quill Tree Books, $12.99 (9780062955791).
A 12-year-old girl named Sophie is sent to live with her aunt to study hard at magic and gain entry to a prestigious school of magic.
Thank you so so much.
Big Apple Diaries Buzz Part 2
I love seeing what people are saying about Big Apple Diaries, but I especially love to hear what kids are saying! Here are some snippets that I highlighted as well as editorial reviews:
I love Naomi’s accompanying drawing.
So accurate.
Click through to read the full review
Click through to read full review
Click through to read the full review
Click through to read the full review.
Click through to read the full review
Click through to read the full review
Big Apple Diaries Debut Buzz
This has been a crazy time. I wanted to remember and gather some of the launch time memories, articles and more.
My husband’s family showed up to pizza night celebration of Big Apple Diaries wearing some custom crafted t-shirts. <3
Big Apple Diaries Featured on BBC News Worldwide:
Honestly this is so insane I have a whole separate blog post about the BBC interview.
Comics Creator Chat - Memoirs - First Second Live on Instagram:
This was an amazing opportunity to talk face to face with other graphic memoir creators. So cool!
So cool talking to fellow memoirists.
Creator Chat with ALIA Graphic
ALIA Graphic Novels and Comics is intended to be a resource and network for library and information professionals who are responsible for and/or interested in comics and graphic novels. The group aims to support library staff interested in all aspects of collection development, advocacy and programming related to graphic novels and comics.
Official Launch with Word Up Community Bookstore:
Word Up is a multilingual, general-interest community bookshop and arts space in Washington Heights, New York City, committed to preserving and building a neighborhood in which all residents help each other to live better informed and more expressive lives, using books as an instrument of reciprocal education and exchange, empowering not only themselves, but their community.
Chatting with Remy Lai
Story Time: 9/11 20th Anniversary Kids Panel with Greenlight Books:
This event in particular felt very important, as it was commemorating the 20th anniversary of 9/11. It was a huge honor to discuss this with other amazing creators from various backgrounds and perspectives.
All of us!
My number one fan in Brooklyn tuning in.
A peek into one of my school visits this month:
I visited Claremont College and Sacred Heart Geeveston. It was just amazing and the questions and comments will stick with me for a long time.
Reviews and Media Collection:
As seen in BBC Worldwide: 9/11 attacks: ‘I saw the world as a scary place for the first time’
As seen in Shelf Awareness: “In this diary-style graphic memoir, a Puerto Rican middle schooler in New York City documents her embarrassments, joys and sorrows in genuine, comedic and moving cartoon-embellished entries.”
ABC Hobart Radio Interview - Reliving a Childhood during September 11
As seen in The Manhattan Mercury: “Alyssa Bermudez bases “Big Apple Diaries” on her own diaries of growing up in New York, so her graphic memoir accessibly blends the trauma of 9/11 with the ups and downs of everyday life.”
As seen in The Queens Public Library - 9/11 Reading Recommendations and Resources for Discussion with Children
As seen in San Francisco Chronicle Datebook Review: “Reconstructed from the author’s own memories, this disarming graphic novel grafts optimism onto tragedy to plot the path forward.”
An interview with Fuse 8, A School Library Journal Blog by Elizabeth Bird
As seen in School Library Journal, “Educators seeking firsthand accounts of 9/11 will want to share this with their students, while middle graders looking for an engrossing graphic novel in the vein of Raina Telgemeier’s or Shannon Hale’s work will be pleased.”
As seen in Kirkus Reviews, “An authentic and moving time capsule of middle school angst, trauma, and joy.”
As seen in Publishers Weekly, “Combining eye-catching layouts with frank vulnerability … Bermudez puts her whole heart on the page, and the love she holds for her younger self can be deeply felt in every entry.”
As seen in Sequential Tart, “Super great stuff -- good for some history and points of view and ... a journal of just growing up.”
As seen in A Mighty Girl, We Remember: Children’s Books About 9/11 for the 20th Anniversary of the Terrorist Attacks
As seen in Reading Middle Grade, 52 Best Middle-Grade Graphic Novels, Review Here
As seen in No Flying No Tights
Guest Article for The Children’s Book Review - Illustration Inspiration
Ladies in Pink - Art Nu Exhibit
When it’s Winter in Tasmania, it’s time for Dark Mofo! Dark Mofo is a festival associated with MONA, the Museum of Old and New Art. It’s not your ordinary festival. Timed alongside Winter Solstice, the week or two of events range from curious, engaging and sometimes shocking. There was a guy buried under the road for three days one year. Things get weird. I love it.
The Nolan Gallery and School of Art usually runs an exhibition during this time to coincide with the festival and tons of tourists visiting. No tourists this year though! Melbourne went into lockdown right before it started, so the usual crowd was missing. But the show went on, and I was thrilled to participate in the Nolan Gallery’s exhibit this year.
This year, Nolan Art used the traditional nude figure in art as inspiration for the group show - named Art Nu. Betty writes, “The nude is often a misused genre, still redolent of painted girlie pictures for the upper class. This exhibition ignores this tradition and hands the depiction of the naked body back to the women and the very nice men.”
At first, I wasn’t sure if there was anything I could add to it in time. After all, I am writing and editing ANOTHER graphic novel. My brain basically has zero vacancies during this time. I have so many nude figure drawings spanning many many years and I try to attend life drawing whenever I have the capacity. So Betty suggested using them as inspiration for a pattern. Once she said the magic word, pattern, it sparked an idea.
Patterns are a happy place for me with art. I like to make them for fun, mostly just for myself and for personal use. If I could approach this show with that mindset, I would be able to make something quickly that would feel fulfilling and also not take up too much writing time.
So I worked with what I had - tons and tons of life drawings.
Some more recent ones in ink.
Here are a few on minty green backgrounds. I went through a phase of prepping paper with mint green paint before attending the session. I love the way black ink looks on this and little white highlights.
The next challenge was to clean them all up and arrange them in a pattern. I ended up separating these into two pieces because I realized I had so many pregnancy drawings that I loved and they looked really special together. In reality these drawings are all of the same two pregnant women, but all together in the pattern it looks even more powerful.
The nude figure in art has historically been depicted and dictated by men. In this piece, I aimed to celebrate the female form depicted from life in ink, viewed from a woman's perspective. I've created an interconnected pattern out of my drawings of live pregnant models. They were captured in a moment in time, in the essence of one of the most powerful parts of being a woman.
Here are some screenshots in the process.
Removing background colors, adjusting stuff… etc
Then it was time to figure out some color options! I removed the color from all of the drawings, and now it was time to add some back in!
Digital painting for one of the backgrounds.
After playing around with the colors and placements, I locked it in. To finalize it, I added more textures, contrast and extra black ink marks to unify it.
Ladies in Pink
Ladies in Pink - Pregnancy
Each one is a limited edition print run on stunning museum grade cotton rag which can be bought exclusively at Nolan Art in person or online.
Photo by Giles Hugo from the opening night.
Art Nu
Be sure to check it out if you’re in Hobart!
Behind the Scenes - Graphic Novels
Hey friends! If you are interested in knowing what goes on behind the scenes of graphic novel making, my friend Josh and I have you covered! Below you can see our combined discussion and then underneath that the full conversation. Everyone works differently, but the storytelling is at the heart of it all!
Here is the full chat:
Back to work, folks!
