Mike Cavallaro reads from Parade (With Fireworks) (Image Comics, 2008)

Mike Cavallaro’s comic is based on a family story that takes place during the Feast of the Epiphany in 1923 Calabria. Tensions are high between fascist party members and socialist organizers. An argument escalates into a gunfight, and a fascist shoots Vincenzo, who supports the socialist cause. When his brother Paolo retaliates and goes into hiding, the family faces unforeseen hardship. Parade (With Fireworks) takes place during a critical period in Italy’s history, but its emphasis is the human element of the story— questions of family, country, loyalty, and betrayal set against a volatile political climate. The book was nominated for a 2008 Will Eisner Comic Industry Award for Best Limited Seriesand for the Young Adult Library Services Association 2010 “Great Graphic Novels for Teens” list.