My Own World

My Own World is a poignant graphic novel that follows Nathan, a nine-year-old boy overwhelmed by real-world anxieties, including bullies and an unspecified family crisis. He finds refuge in an abandoned lighthouse, which becomes a portal to a fantastical, berry-colored world. In this imaginative realm, Nathan is in control, embarking on wondrous adventures with friends of his own making. The story beautifully explores themes of escapism, the power of imagination, and the courage it takes to eventually face reality. It's a 'memoir-inflected' tale, offering a deeply personal look at a child's inner world and emotional resilience.

Mike Holmes, the artist behind the hit series Secret Coders and Wings of Fire, delivers his solo debut: My Own World, a middle grade memoir-inflected fantasy graphic novel. Life is difficult for nine-year-old Nathan. All he dreams of is hanging out with his older brother, watching Raiders of the Lost Ark, and enjoying summer vacation far away from the neighborhood bullies. When he overhears his parents talking about a family crisis, he seeks sanctuary from his troubles. In an abandoned lighthouse, Nathan discovers a portal to a berry-colored world where time has little meaning and he, finally, is in control. There, his imagination takes him on wondrous adventures, across seas and through the air, with new extraordinary friends of his own creation. In his magical hideaway, Nathan is safe from the anxieties of his life—but can he bring himself to face the real world?