The Ojja-Wojja

Description

The first in a new graphic novel series from indie comic stars Magdalene Visaggio and Jenn St-Onge is a coming-of-age story about the transformative power of friendship. And an immortal demon with the power to take over the world. But mostly the friendship thing. Welcome to Bolingbroke. It's a small town just like any other . . . or so eighth graders Val and Lanie think. They're the best of best friends-they love the same comics, they watch the same shows, and they're always there for each other. Which is important when you're queer, like Lanie, or on the spectrum, like Val, and just don't seem to fit in anywhere. When a school project about their hometown's supernatural history leads to a for-real ghost sighting, Val and Lanie realize Bolingbroke might not be as boring as they'd always thought. But after a run-in with the resident middle school queen bee (who also happens to be Lanie's former friend), they decide to take things to the next level . . . and accidentally summon the Ojja-Wojja, a demonic presence connected to a slew of mysterious tragedies throughout Bolingbroke's sordid history. Now all heck has broken loose. With the whole town acting weird and nowhere left to turn, it's going to be up to Val, Lanie, and their small group of friends to return things to normal-if "normal" is even something they want to return to.

Magdalene Visaggio is the Eisner and GLAAD Media Award-nominated writer of Eternity Girl, Morning in America, and Kim & Kim, and a pretty solid rhythm guitarist. Born and raised in Richmond, VA, she now lives in New York City. You can visit her online at www.magsvisaggio.com. Jenn St-Onge is the comic artist/bog witch behind Nancy Drew & the Palace of Wisdom and Jem & the Misfits. She lives in Ottawa, Canada, with her husband, the dog, and more cats than she wishes to disclose. You can find her online at www.jennstonge.ca.

Characters drive this "horror-mystery," which is generously laced with humor and empathy. A fantastically fun underdog story. - Booklist (starred review) This fast-paced story takes readers on a roller coaster adventure, as the mood alternates between funny, suspenseful, sarcastic, scary, and emotional. - School Library Journal