New Graphic Novels @ RML - February 2026 
First Freedom: The Story of Opal Lee and Juneteenth by Angélique Roché
First Freedom: The Story of Opal Lee and Juneteenth
by Angélique Roché

The incredible journey of activist Opal Lee--known as the Grandmother of Juneteenth--is brought to life in this biographical graphic novel that not only explores Opal's remarkable path, but the history of the holiday of Juneteenth itself. From the 1860s to Ms. Opal's childhood home, from her years as a teacher to the White House, First Freedom: The Story of Opal Lee and Juneteenth seeks to give readers an insight into the history behind one of the central figures in the creation of America's newest federal holiday, Juneteenth. Born in 1926, Opal Lee grew up in a racially divided America and dedicated her life to overcoming the obstacles presented therein. A lifelong educator, Ms. Opal has been a community activist all her life, and would take on the movement to celebrate and commemorate Juneteenth not just as a holiday, but as a symbol of comprehensive freedom for all people. Ms. Opal's life personifies the fight for everyday freedom that leads to lasting change. As the Grandmother of Juneteenth says, There is so much more to do. Written by acclaimed journalist, producer, and author Angélique Roché (My Super Hero is Black) and drawn by a trio of talented artists--including Alvin Epps (I Survived Hurricane Katrina, 2005: A Graphic Novel), Bex Glendining (the upcoming Indigo Port), and rising star Millicent Monroe--The First Freedom: The Story of Opal Lee and Juneteenth promises to illuminate the life of a singular woman and the history of a momentous holiday, with additional back matter providing more insights into Juneteenth's history and the making of this graphic novel tribute.
Mama Came Callin': A Graphic Novel by Ezra Claytan Daniels
Mama Came Callin': A Graphic Novel
Ezra Claytan Daniels
Altamont by Herik Hanna
Altamont
Herik Hanna
Baby Blue by Bim Eriksson
Baby Blue
Bim Eriksson
A Brief History of a Long War: Ukraine's Fight Against Russian Domination by Mariam Naiem
A Brief History of a Long War: Ukraine's Fight Against Russian Domination
Mariam Naiem
Death in Trieste by Jason
Death in Trieste
Jason
The Wrong Place by Brecht Evens
The Wrong Place
Brecht Evens
Fish Society by Panpanya
Fish Society
Panpanya
Cornelius: The Merry Life of a Wretched Dog by Marc Torices
Cornelius: The Merry Life of a Wretched Dog
Marc Torices
Fishflies by Jeff Lemire
Fishflies
Jeff Lemire
Talking to My Father's Ghost: An Almost True Story by Alex Krokus
Talking to My Father's Ghost: An Almost True Story
Alex Krokus
A Thing Called Truth by Iolanda Zanfardino
A Thing Called Truth
Iolanda Zanfardino
Front Lines: A Lifetime of Drawing Resistance by Susan Simensky Bietila
Front Lines: A Lifetime of Drawing Resistance
Susan Simensky Bietila
Joe the Pirate by Hubert
Joe the Pirate
Hubert
Helen of Wyndhorn by Tom King
Helen of Wyndhorn
Tom King
The Once and Future Riot by Joe Sacco
The Once and Future Riot
Joe Sacco
Vattu Book 1: The Name & the Mark by Evan Dahm
Vattu Book 1: The Name & the Mark
Evan Dahm
Don't Be a F*#king Marshmallow: An Illustrated Guide to Revolution by Jesse Mechanic
Don't Be a F*#king Marshmallow: An Illustrated Guide to Revolution
by Jesse Mechanic

A revolutionary graphic guide to changing the world, written and illustrated by journalist Jesse Mechanic (@JesseMechanic). Legendary labor activist Dolores Huerta famously said, Don't be a marshmallow. Walk the street with us into history. Get off the sidewalk. Don't Be a F*#king Marshmallow is an illustrated guide to changing the world--informed by the words and actions of freedom fighters like Dolores Huerta, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., James Baldwin, Noam Chomsky, Rosa Parks, Edward Said, Angela Davis, Audre Lorde, and Fannie Lou Hamer, tied together with insight and illustrations from journalist and artist Jesse Mechanic (@JesseMechanic). It's a book for those who have grown tired of tepid, epid political posturing that all too often fails to confront the corrupt, inequitable, and inhumane systems that define modern society--and a rallying cry for the work ahead. Overflowing with color, humor, camaraderie (and the occasional friendly dress-down), it's a vibrant, motivational companion, designed specifically for those of us who want to build a better world right now.
To place a hold, click on the cover and go to our online catalog.
Richmond Memorial Library
19 Ross St,, Batavia, New York 14020
(585) 343-9550

https://www.batavialibrary.org/