Wendy Xu

Wendy Xu is a Brooklyn-based illustrator, cartoonist, and children's book author known for her graphic novels and picture books. Her work spans both independent comics and traditionally published books for young readers. As a graphic novelist, Xu gained recognition for co-creating "Mooncakes" with Suzanne Walker, a young adult fantasy graphic novel published by Lion Forge in 2019. She has also written and illustrated "Tidesong," a middle-grade graphic novel released by HarperCollins in 2021. Xu's illustration work has appeared in various publications and she regularly creates covers for middle-grade and young adult novels. Her art style combines elements of fantasy and slice-of-life storytelling, often incorporating themes from Chinese culture and mythology. Throughout her career, Xu has received several industry recognitions including nominations for the Ignatz Award and the Eisner Award. She continues to work on graphic novels and illustrations while teaching occasional workshops on comics and visual storytelling.

Readers praise Xu's art style, particularly her use of color and ability to convey emotion through facial expressions. Commentary often highlights how her work makes Chinese cultural elements accessible to young readers. Likes: - Clean, expressive artwork that supports storytelling - Natural incorporation of LGBTQ+ characters and relationships - Age-appropriate handling of complex themes - Character designs that resonate with middle-grade audiences Dislikes: - Some readers find plot pacing too fast in "Tidesong" - Occasional mentions of wanting more character development - A few note predictable story elements Ratings: Goodreads: - "Mooncakes": 4.1/5 (15,000+ ratings) - "Tidesong": 4.2/5 (3,000+ ratings) Amazon: - "Mooncakes": 4.7/5 (1,000+ ratings) - "Tidesong": 4.8/5 (300+ ratings) Multiple reviews cite Xu's work as strong additions to middle-grade graphic novel collections, with educators noting high student engagement with her books.

Tidesong (2021) A graphic novel about a young witch named Sophie who learns water magic from her grandmother while discovering family secrets and making an unexpected friendship with a boy who can speak to dragons.

The Legend of Auntie Po (2021) A graphic novel depicting life in a Sierra Nevada logging camp where thirteen-year-old Mei reimagines the folklore of Paul Bunyan through the lens of her Chinese heritage.

Mooncakes (2019) A graphic novel co-created with Suzanne Walker about a teen witch who helps her childhood crush, a non-binary werewolf, fight dark forces threatening their New England town.

Gene Luen Yang creates graphic novels exploring Chinese-American identity and coming-of-age experiences. His work incorporates mythology and historical elements while addressing cultural expectations and family dynamics.

Victoria Ying writes and illustrates stories that blend fantasy elements with Asian cultural touchstones. Her art style and storytelling methods focus on young protagonists navigating personal growth and family relationships.

Jen Wang produces graphic novels centered on friendship, identity, and self-discovery in contemporary settings. Her work features characters dealing with cultural expectations while finding their place in modern society.

Katie O'Neill creates fantasy stories with LGBTQ+ themes and focuses on building inclusive worlds. Her work incorporates elements of nature and magic while exploring relationships between characters.

Sarah Kuhn writes stories featuring Asian-American protagonists in both contemporary and fantastical settings. Her work addresses cultural identity and family expectations while incorporating romance and adventure elements.