The Faithful Spy: Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the Plot to Kill Hitler by John Hendrix

Hendrix’s biography on Dietrich Bonhoeffer is visually stunning.  Hendrix mixes his artistic talents with the narrative of Bonhoeffer’s life and the timeline of events in Germany as Hitler gains power.  Bonhoeffer was a religious young German who studied theology and believed that we are judged on how we treat “others”. During Hitler’s rise to power, Bonhoeffer struggles with the love for his country and the evil deeds of the Nazis. Bonhoeffer seeks many ways to help the Jews and his country escape the grip of the Nazis but he is faced with many obstacles.  Finally, he becomes a Nazi spy for the Abwehr Circle.  The Abwehr Circle has a different agenda than spying on the enemy allied powers. This group of men plans to assassinate Adolf Hitler, but to do so they must stay one step ahead of the SS and Hilter’s paranoia.

El Deafo by Cece Bell

Cece Bell’s graphic novel/autobiography tells of her experience of learning to function in the hearing world after meningitis leaves her hearing impaired.  She shares her challenges and disappointments as well as her victories.  Cece creates an alter ego “El Deafo.”  El Deafo is a superhero, and as El Deafo Cece imagines herself conquering some of the obstacles that are presented to her.  El Deafo is humorous and inspiring.