May is unofficially Comic Book Month, so we have asked author and illustrator Ramzee to choose the books this month.
Ramzee writes the awesome and hilarious Cheat Book series! He came to the UK from Somalia as an asylum seeker, is an award winning creative and has written comic books for 2000AD and Marvel.
Over to you Ramzee…
Top Adult fiction
Barrier by Brian K. Vaughan illustrated by Marcos Martin and Muntsa Vicente
Barrier is a sci-fi miniseries that cuts straight to the heart of the conversation around immigration. Barrier suggests that empathy itself is a choice, and it acknowledges the spectrum of racism we see in conversations around immigration. In an era where racism and hatred are emboldened, this comic offers the reader a tool to build social and cultural bridges.
Your Wish Is My Command By Deena Mohamed
Set in an alternative Cairo of immense inequality and draconian governance where wishes can be bought and sold, this graphic novel follows three characters whose lives are changed when they come into possession of a first class wish. There is Aziza, who has recently lost the love of her life; Nour, whose mother wished for a girl but who feels themselves to be betwixt and between; and Shokry, the elderly seller of wishes who has to make a choice about the last of his wares.
Reserve Your Wish Is My Command
The Hard Tomorrow by Eleanor Davis
The gorgeous and empathetic story of one couple’s search for hope and a peaceful future amid environmental destruction and technocratic rule.
This is a book that finds that razor’s edge between irrelevance and datedness and balances there with the expertise of a gymnast. The Hard Tomorrow doesn’t shy away from that task, and giving voice to those hopes and fears is what makes it such a vital and moving book.
Top Young Adult fiction
These Stolen Lives by Sharada Keats
A powerful dystopian thriller, set in a world divided by race where life itself must be paid for if you want to survive… Filled with suspense and romance, ideal for fans of Noughts & Crosses and The Hunger Games.
Gripping, moving and suspenseful storytelling with a friends-to-lovers romance that crackles with tension.
Top Junior Fiction
Betty Steady and The Toad Witch by Nicky Dale-Smith illustrated by Sarah Horne
At twelve years old Betty Steady stands tall and dazzling, and is the Guardian of Wobbly Rock – a faraway kingdom which she protects fearlessly all on her own. But then the Toad Witch literally cuts Betty down to size. Can Betty prevent disaster before the Toad Witch and her evil army launch a terrible attack on Wobbly Rock? And when will she learn that she doesn’t have to do stuff all on her own any more?
Reserve Betty Steady and The Toad Witch
Tiny Dogs by Rose Lihou
It’s Bea’s birthday. She would be happy spending it playing in the garden with the tiny dogs, but her mum thinks they should have a party. Bea is excited and a little bit nervous. There is so much that could go wrong! Will everyone have a good time at her party? Will her granny put strange ingredients in her birthday cake? And what if someone spots the tiny dogs? You’re invited to Bea’s birthday party… can you help the tiny dogs make Bea’s party the best birthday party ever?
One Goose Two Moose by Kael Tudor & Nicola Slater
Goose and Moose are back. This time, there are even more animals out of place. Will Goose and Moose ever be able to sort everyone into the correct lines? With super-fun counting elements, a riotous read-aloud text and illustrations packed with humour, this book will have little ones everywhere in fits of giggles!
Looking for more great books? Check out the shortlist of nominated children’s books for the East Sussex Children’s Book Awards 2025 and let us know your favourite!
