Nimona 

• Genre: Fiction; graphic novel; fantasy 
• Originally Published: 2015 
• Reading Level/Interest: Lexile 350L; grades 7-10 
• Structure/Length: Approximately 266 pages; approximately 2 hours and 16 minutes on audio
• Protagonist/Central Conflict: Nimona, a shapeshifter with mysterious origins, insists on becoming the sidekick to Lord Ballister Blackheart, a villain with a vendetta. Together, they plan to prove that the heroes of their world are not as noble as people think. The central conflict revolves around Nimona and Blackheart’s attempts to expose the true corruption within the kingdom while dealing with their own complex backstories and the unpredictable nature of Nimona’s powers.
• Potential Sensitivity Issues: Violence and revenge; complex moral questions; depictions of battles and conflict; exploration of identity and transformation

N. D. Stevenson, Author 

• Bio: Born 1991; also known as Noelle Stevenson; American author and illustrator; gained fame with the webcomic version of Nimona; known for their engaging storytelling and vibrant art style; significant figure in LGBTQ+ representation in young adult literature 
• Other Works: Co-writer and illustrator for Lumberjanes; showrunner and executive producer for the Netflix series She-Ra and the Princesses of Power 
• Awards: Eisner Award for Best Graphic Album: Reprint (2016)

CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Guide:

• Shifting Identity as Queer Symbolism
• The Significance of Found Family
• Ambivalent Morality and Moral Dilemmas