The Ultimate Lumberjanes Reading Path
Entering Miss Qiunzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet’s Camp for Hardcore Lady-Types can be a bit overwhelming given the sheer variety of books available. To get the most out of your stay with Jo, April, Mal, Molly, and Ripley, we recommend following the publication order of the main graphic novel collections, inserting the standalone Original Graphic Novels (OGNs) and prose books where they fit best narratively. Here is the recommended path:
Phase 1: The Golden Summer (Volumes 1 to 9)
Start your journey with the core run of the comic series. These trade paperbacks collect the monthly issues in chronological order, introducing the core cast and the primary mysteries of the camp.
- Volume 1: Beware the Kitten Holy (Collects issues #1–4) — The essential starting point where the Roanoke cabin crew encounters three-eyed foxes and magical mysteries.
- Volume 2: Friendship to the Max (Collects issues #5–8) — Explores the depth of the girls' friendship as they face trials set by the camp's mysterious past.
- Volume 3: A Terrible Plan (Collects issues #9–12) — Focuses on a camp-wide mapping exercise that turns into a fight for survival.
- Volume 4: Out of Time (Collects issues #13–16) — Introduces Jen's backstory and time-traveling shenanigans.
- Volume 5: Band Together (Collects issues #17–20) — The girls band together to save one of their own, featuring musical magical elements.
- Volume 6: Sink or Swim (Collects issues #21–24) — Explores shape-shifting portals and the introducing of Seafarin' Karen.
- Volume 7: A Bird's-Eye View (Collects issues #25–28) — Focuses on grand magical creatures and high-flying challenges.
- Volume 8: Stone Cold (Collects issues #29–32) — A chilling adventure where the camp faces a frozen threat.
- Volume 9: On a Roll (Collects issues #33–36) — The girls take on a roller derby showdown with yetis.
Phase 2: Introducing Standalones & Later Volumes
Once you finish Volume 9, the narrative world expands. This is the perfect point to introduce the first Original Graphic Novel and the prose series before continuing with the main line.
- Lumberjanes: The Infernal Compass (Original Graphic Novel #1) — Chronologically set around the events of Volume 8 or 9, this standalone adventure deals with a magic compass and the fear of growing apart.
- Volume 10: Parents' Day (Collects issues #37–40) — The girls' parents visit the camp, bringing plenty of normal and supernatural awkwardness.
- Volume 11: Time After Crime (Collects issues #41–44) — A time-traveling mystery featuring historical figures.
- Volume 12: Jackalope Springs Eternal (Collects issues #45–48) — A search for the mythical jackalope leads to unexpected emotional discoveries.
- Lumberjanes: The Shape of Friendship (Original Graphic Novel #2) — Read this alongside Volume 12 or 13. It introduces Panya, a dryad, and focuses heavily on boundaries and communication.
- Volume 13: Indoor Recess (Collects issues #49–52) — When a massive storm keeps everyone inside, the cabin is forced to face indoor mysteries.
- Volume 14: X Marks the Spot (Collects issues #53–56) — A classic treasure hunt adventure that tests their decoding skills.
- Volume 15: Birthday Smarty (Collects issues #57–60) — Celebrates a cabin birthday with time-bending puzzles.
- Lumberjanes: True Colors (Original Graphic Novel #3) — Read before Volume 16. It focuses on sibling dynamics and learning to accept oneself.
- Volume 16: Mind Over Mettle (Collects issues #61–64) — Introduces deep-dive puzzles regarding the camp's ancient machinery.
- Volume 17: Smitten in the Stars (Collects issues #65–68) — Features a romantic winter-themed cosmic adventure.
- Volume 18: Horticultural Horizons (Collects issues #69–72) — The scouts face aggressive invasive plant life and discover deeper camp lore.
- Volume 19: A Summer to Remember (Collects issues #73–74) — As summer winds down, the girls attempt to cross off their remaining camp bucket lists.
- Volume 20: End of Summer (Collects issue #75 and the End of Summer Special) — The emotional grand finale where the campers unite to defend their sanctuary against "the Grey."
Main Series vs. Original Graphic Novels (OGNs)
Understanding the difference between the formats is key to enjoying Lumberjanes without confusion. The main series consists of the 20 numbered volumes that collect the original 75-issue comic run published between 2014 and 2020. These follow a continuous overarching narrative of the summer camp and should be read in sequence.
In contrast, the Original Graphic Novels (OGNs) written by Lilah Sturges are standalone, self-contained stories. Because they do not heavily alter the main status quo, you can read them at almost any point after Volume 8, though reading them in our recommended order ensures the character relationships line up perfectly.
The Middle-Grade Prose Novels
For readers who want to experience the camp through prose rather than panels, Mariko Tamaki wrote a four-book middle-grade novel series illustrated by Brooklyn Allen. These books are completely standalone and can be read independently of the comic series, though they are best enjoyed after you have a basic familiarity with the characters from Volume 1.
- Unicorn Power! (2017) — The girls climb a mountain and encounter a herd of lost unicorns.
- The Moon Is Up (2018) — Focuses on a rivalry with a neighboring camp and a mysterious moonlit quest.
- The Good Egg (2018) — A mystery involving a strange egg found in the woods.
- Ghost Cabin (2019) — The girls investigate a cabin that shouldn't exist.
Practical Reader Guidance
Can the books be read standalone? While the prose novels and OGNs are highly standalone, the main 20 graphic novel volumes tell a continuous story. We strongly advise reading the main volumes (1 to 20) in order. Skipping volumes will cause you to miss key character development, such as Jo's backstory, Mal and Molly's developing relationship, and the overarching mystery of the camp's founders.
What about the Gotham Academy crossover? The Lumberjanes/Gotham Academy miniseries is a fun, non-essential crossover. It brings together the characters of Lumberjanes and DC's Gotham Academy. You can read it at any point after Volume 5, but it is not necessary to understand the main Lumberjanes plot.
What to know before starting: Lumberjanes is celebrated for its warm, feminist, and queer-friendly themes. It features a diverse cast, including Jo, a trans girl of color, and deals heavily with emotional intelligence, teamwork, and identity. The tone is heavily inspired by cartoon adventures like Adventure Time and Gravity Falls, making it a delightful read for both middle-grade readers and adults alike.