Storm in the Barn

A graphic novel makes the Kentucky Bluegrass Award Nominee List for the first time. In place of our usual nonfiction choice, Storm in the Barn is in fact one of the better historical nonfiction graphics. Part folktale, Matt Phelan's story depicts the Dust Bowl of the 1930s in a way no other author has attempted. What a wonderful teaching tool for US History teachers.

Matt Phelan wrote and illustrated this beautifully crafted graphic novel after much research and study over primary documents and b/w photos from the 1930s. To paraphrase Phelan, if I might, he was 'haunted' by the faces staring back at him from the photographs and knew he needed to tell their story in a new and unique way that would speak to a different audience. He definitely achieves this goal.

I encourage you to pick up a copy of Storm in the Barn, if for no other reason than to gaze upon Phelan's beautiful drawings.

*Matt Phelan illustrated the cover to The Higher Power of Lucky by Susan Patron. You'll recognize his work if you've seen this Newbery Winner before.

Happy Reading...
*And a Happy Father's Day to you fathers out there! One of the best gifts you can give your children is the gift of reading. Share a book with them today!
RC