Announcing the Winners of the Inaugural CBC Graphic Novel Advocate Award
The CBC Graphic Novel Committee is proud to announce the 4 winners of the inaugural CBC Graphic Novel Advocate Award.
This newly created annual award honors people who have been strong and passionate advocates for children’s, middle-grade, and young adult graphic novels, with a lifetime of dedication to promoting this format and its presence in classrooms, public and school libraries, and bookstores nationwide. This award also recognizes defenders of graphic novels against book bans, particularly those by LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC creators, who have been disproportionally targeted.
From Publishers Weekly: “Since its formation 10 years ago, the CBC’s Graphic Novel Committee has actively promoted advocacy for this category. The 18-member group, currently led by CBC program coordinator Sommer Wissner, has orchestrated regular Keep Bans Off Our Books panels at ComicCon.
‘It felt like the right time for an award for those doing the hard work over a long time, especially as the format has increased exponentially in sales and acceptance, thanks to the work of so many,’ said Carl Lennertz, CBC executive director. ‘It’s a cause for celebration and a call to keep up the good fight, especially in the face of book bans.'” Read more of the PW story here.
Below are the four 2025 winners of this important new award, with brief commentary about their work and advocacy.
2025 WINNERS
Eva Volin (she/her/hers): Supervising Children’s Librarian, Alameda Free Library (Alameda, CA)
“Eva’s been a rock-solid advocate for kids’ graphic novels since day one. She was the person everyone was looking to for strength and guidance in the fight to get kids graphic novels taken seriously, and she has only become a more passionate, knowledgeable, selfless, and ubiquitous figure in kids’ comics since then. Plus, she’s just the kindest, fiercest, most generous person.”
Meg Lemke (she/her/hers): Comics and Graphic Novels Reviews Editor, Publishers Weekly, and Editor-in-Chief of MUTHA Magazine
“Meg has fully committed her career to amplifying comics and graphic novels for readers of all ages. She’s been a longtime chair of the Brooklyn Book Festival planning committee for comics and graphic novels. She actively participates in comics-related events and connects personally with creators, editors, publicists, journalists, etc. Meg is a tireless advocate for comics and graphic novels!”
Robin Brenner (she/her/hers): Head of Reference and Programming, Woburn Public Library, MA, and Editor at No Flying No Tights
“Robin was a LJ ‘Mover and Shaker’ in 2007, and she is the outgoing president of the Graphic Novel & Comics Round Table. Robin wrote the book Understanding Manga and Anime and has authored chapters in other books on comics and teen librarianship. She also consults, presents, participates in panels and hosts events focused on comics and graphic novels. Robin is a star!”
Whitney Leopard (she/her/hers): Executive Editor, Random House Graphic / InkPop
“Whitney is a tireless and enthusiastic advocate for graphic novels in all forms and for all ages. She travels and attends so many conferences and portfolio reviews and is also a frequent speaker. She also gives back by mentoring and speaking to students at universities such as SCAD. She’s an all-around great person and an innovator!”
ABOUT THIS AWARD
The CBC will donate $250 worth of graphic novels to each organization of the four honorees choosing. They will also appear on a CBC-hosted Zoom webinar in Spring 2025 to discuss their work with a member of the Graphic Novel Committee. Stay tuned for the RSVP!
The CBC Graphic Novel Committee reviewed all the nominations and determined the winners of this award. The CBC Graphic Novel Committee sincerely thanks everyone who nominated someone for this award. Should you have someone in mind for next year’s award, we invite you to nominate in the fall.
To learn more check out the Graphic Novel Advocate Award and the Graphic Novel Committee pages.
