The Orange Houses

AN ALA PICK FOR YOUNG ADULTS • Join Tamika, Fatima, and Jimmi as they navigate their struggles, defy societal expectations, and form an unlikely bond that transcends their differences.

“[Readers] will . . . be floored by some of the turns in this swift, tense, and powerful book.”—Booklist, starred review
“Griffin’s prose is gorgeous and resonant, and he packs the slim novel with defeats, triumphs, rare moments of beauty and a cast of credible, skillfully drawn characters.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review

Three unusual strangers. Three very different stories.

Fifteen-year-old Mik Sykes can’t hear much, and she likes it that way. She can shut out the sellers and buyers, screamers and liars outside the housing project where she lives with her mother. She prefers to live inside her own head. Until two people change her world: Jimmi Sixes, a struggling street poet who is already a war veteran at only eighteen, and Fatima, a sixteen-year-old refugee who has just arrived in New York, all alone. These three unique outsiders form an unexpected and significant friendship, but they also set off an explosive chain of events that will alter the course of each of their lives.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs