The Hidden Dominion of Geordie James is available now from Union Square Kids.

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Loner Geordie James joins four other struggling fifth graders in a science fair group project that answers the question “what is our place in this world?”

When Geordie becomes obsessed with the fate of a pig who escaped from a factory farm, the group project gets put in jeopardy. As Geordie starts to push harder into difficult questions, he finds everything changing–his friendships, his ability to express himself, even how he plays his favorite online role-playing game, DOMINION.

The Hidden Dominion of Geordie James is about kids coming to terms with a world that feels outside of their control, ending with the uplifting message that we humans do not exist apart from nature, but rather as an integral part of it


“This satisfying and accessible graphic novel could readily serve as a mentor text and is an excellent book club choice for middle school students.”
School Library Journal, starred review.

“A beautifully resonant work for the plugged-in set”
Kirkus, starred review.

“Perfect for middle-grade readers. . . .This bright, expressive graphic novel has lots of emotional grounding while still being an engaging story of an often-overlooked kid finding acceptance and understanding.”
Booklist, starred review.

“Incredible art and storytelling. A fantastic graphic novel!”
Aron Nels Steinke—author of SPEECHLESS 

“Filled to the bring with relatable characters and spectacular action.
The Hidden Dominion of Geordie James explores the complexities of modern technology,
the natural world, and how we fit in to it all.”
Breena Bard—author of WILDFIRE

“A vibrant story about the joy and struggle of finding your place.
The worlds of Geordie James, real and imaginary, will
lure you back time and time again.”
Ira Marcks—author of SHARK SUMMER 

“Cartooning Lessons” author visit assemblies and workshops

Learn more here


We live in a golden age of cartooning. There are so many incredible graphic novels out there written for younger readers, telling a wide range of different stories from a variety of different perspectives, it’s an incredible moment to be a fan of comics, and a wonderful time to learn how the art-form really works.

Schedule an informative, entertaining, and highly engaging school assembly or a unique hands-on comics-making workshop with Mike Dawson, New York Times contributor and the author of The Fifth Quarter graphic novel series and The Hidden Dominion of Geordie James.

Perfect for elementary and middle-schoolers (and beyond!), students will be taught the basics of making comics and come to understand that cartooning is an art-form they can express themselves in. Children will learn how drawings tell the story, the importance of controlling the reader’s eye as it moves across the page, the secret to great character design, and will leave the day inspired to start telling their own comic-book stories.

Suitable for elementary and middle school students in Grades K-8. 

More Graphic Novels by Mike Dawson

Mike Dawson is the author of numerous graphic novels and cartoon essays, written for both children and adults. His works include the Junior Library Guild Gold Standard selected books for middle-grade readers, The Fifth Quarter and The Fifth Quarter: Hard Court, the Ignatz-award winning Troop 142, the Eisner-nominated Rules For Dating My Daughter, and the charming memoir of a Queen-obsessed childhood, Freddie & Me.

The Fifth Quarter

The Fifth Quarter: Hard Court

Freddie & Me

Cartoon Essays

Mike’s work has appeared at outlets as varied as Slate, The New Yorker, The Nib, Romper, The Comics Journal, and Amnesty International, and The New York Times. His short-form work has been nominated for multiple Ignatz and Eisner Awards, as well as the Slate Cartoonists Studio Prize. 

The Years of Magical Thinking

Longstreet Farm

Read Banned Books

The Good War on Terror

My Daughter the Jock

Life During Interesting Times

It’s Hard to Imagine

Red Bank Sanctuary City

My Target Tattoo

The *Almost* Monthly ‘Zine Club

Subscribe to Mike’s Patreon and become a member of the *Almost* Monthly ‘Zine Club. For only $5 monthly or $54 annually, you will receive brand new self-published ‘zines and minicomics in the mail on a regular basis. No additional shipping charges required.

Fun Time Spring 2022

Fun Time Fall 2022

Sad-Boy Comix

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