Higher Ground: A Graphic Novel

A New York Public Library Best Book of 2025

An inspiring coming-of-age tale of resilience, courage and spirit that illuminates how life can be beautiful even in the darkest of times.

After a great flood swallows their city, a wise grandmother, her two grandchildren, and their pet rabbit find themselves stranded on the only safe place left—the rooftop of their home. With nothing but their small garden and a handful of supplies, they must learn to survive in a world where the familiar streets have turned to endless water.

Days turn into weeks, and weeks into months, as they face hunger, storms, and the uncertainty of what lies beyond the horizon. But through each hardship, the grandmother shares words of wisdom, teaching her grandchildren the power of resilience, kindness, and hope. As their garden grows, so too does their belief that even in the darkest times, life finds a way forward.

Higher Ground serves as both a warning and a call to action for future generations, urging readers to honor and protect the environment before it’s too late. Told through beautifully illustrated panels, this dystopian middle-grade graphic novel is a powerful meditation on survival, family, and the delicate balance between humanity and nature.

Perfect for fans of The Arrival and Amulet, Higher Ground is a poignant and breathtaking story that shows readers that even in a devastated world, hope can take root and flourish.