Wells cited the importance of the 2015 launch of the DC Superhero Girls line.

“We’re looking for stories that are authentic,” she continued, “stories about school problems, relatable narratives that use our characters as a lens through which to view these issues.” The key to the strategy, she said, has been the recruitment of a lineup of proven and acclaimed authors like Lauren Myracle, “using their expertise with this fan base to tell those stories.” “Graphic novels are one of the bright spots in publishing right now,” Wells said, noting that the launch of the DC Books for Young Readers provided DC with the opportunity to produce “out-of-continuity comics stories that push the storytelling boundaries of our iconic heroes for new fans.” Michele Wells, v-p, executive editor of DC Books for Young Readers, comes to DC from the book trade-she was formerly executive editor at Disney Worldwide Publishing, worked in editorial at Penguin Random House and has 20 years of experience in the book trade-and she talked with PW about the vision behind the new imprints. Parents are at times portrayed as poor role models, but this book gives real parents a great way to get into discussing some touchy subjects without prying into their own kids' personal lives.In April, DC Ink will release Mera: Tidebreaker by Danielle Paige and artist Stephen Byrne, a YA origin story focused on the relationship between Aquaman and Princess Mera and in May the imprint will release Under the Moon: A Catwoman Tale by acclaimed YA author Lauren Myracle with artist Isaac Goodhart. A girl gets busted buying marijuana, another gets caught in bed with a boy, and a third takes a cross-country bus trip without telling anyone. But there's nothing in here they won't already have heard about by the time they get to high school, including a variety of controversial topics, such as the pressure to smoke pot, parents with drinking problems, and exploring sexual feelings for the first time. Mature readers will find the antics relatable, but kids who are not as socially advanced might wrestle with some of what's discussed.

Booklist says these books are appropriate for kids in 10-12th grades for a reason: they talk about experimentation with sex, drugs, and the love dramas that characterize the high school experience. It has plenty of 'teachable moments.' Again, the girls freely and frankly discuss their sex and party lives, giving the book a real ring of authenticity. Parents need to know that this sequel to TTYL is again written entirely in IM text-message form. Her parents are drinkers and admit to trying pot themselves.ĭid you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide.

She also is picked up by police for buying.

Experimentation with drugs is a common theme in teen literature.

Lauren myracle ttfn