The Young Adult Library Services Association is quickly growing within the American Library Association. Part of the growth has included awarding prestige to writers and books with the Alex Award. Recently, the winners of the 2008 Alex Awards which is given to ten adult books that contain teen appeal were announced. One of the winners was Jeff Lemire’s graphic novel Essex County (Vol. 1): Tales from the Farm. The last comic or graphic novel to win was Persepolis in 2004.

Tales from the Farm is the story of Lester, a 10 year old boy who goes to live with his uncle on a farm after he is orphaned. He has trouble forming a good relationship with his uncle and befriends the town’s gas station owner. The two envelop themselves in a fantasy world of alien invaders, superheroes, and pond hockey. Go to topshelfcomix.com to read more about the Essex County three volume set.