Winner of the Alex Award, Essex County Vol. 1 is a graphic novel that takes place in Southwestern Ontario, Canada.
Lester is a ten year old boy recently orphaned, who is taken in by his uncle, who owns a farm.  Lester wants nothing more than to be a super hero.  His life with his uncle is strained, even though his uncle is doing his best.  Lester doesn’t have much to do on the farm and is bored.
One day he meets the gas station owner, Jimmy.  He is a former hockey star and seems a little off to Lester’s uncle.  However, Lester and Jimmy become friends and create a fantasy world together.  It’s a place of super heroes and alien invaders.  They also play pond hockey together. 
I have only read a couple graphic novels before this but was compelled to read this one when both of my friends, Wanda of A Season to Read and John of The Book Mine Set, both raved about this book.  The dialogue is sparse but tells the story along with the sumptuous black and white  illustrations.  Jeff Lemire captures the emotions of a little boy and his uncle so well.
I really enjoyed this simple yet moving graphic novel.  It is the first of a trilogy and I look forward to reading the rest.  This is a great book for both teens and adults.
5/5
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