An entertaining graphic novel with a strong heart; for fans of stories about magical journeys, identity, growing closer to friends, and growing up.
Fun and fast-paced, this graphic novel will “jump for joy” right off shelves and is for anyone who can see the comedy in worship or identifies with the drive to save their corner of the world.
Highly recommended for all middle school and high school libraries.
For fans of the HoverGirls web comic, as well as teens and even adults who are ready for a thought-provoking and surreal adventure featuring magical girls.
This graphic novel will be popular in libraries with makerspaces as well as with kids who are passionate about STEM and friendship stories.
Add to collections where STEM-themed graphic novels are in demand.
Middle graders will be delighted with a second Meesh story. A recommended purchase for graphic novel collections.
A good addition to any middle grade graphic novel collection.
Perfect for anyone who loves mystery and monsters, Vivian Vance will fly off the shelves in any library.
The success and relatability of Christmas’s Swim Team will draw middle grade readers to this charming graphic novel of video games, camp, making friends, and finding balance. Recommended.
Whether readers are longtime fans of Aldridge or simply seeking a captivating graphic novel with stunning visuals, a touch of darkness, and a hopeful message, this deserves a prominent place on all bookshelves.
Readers will learn the meaning of tolerance and empathy through this compelling story of a student who is trying to balance the desire to fit in with respecting her family background.
Ambitious, and executed with its heart in the right place, this first volume promises massive, world-changing stakes from the simple gifts of the heroine, but likely won’t charm readers as much as its protagonist charms everyone she meets.
There is nothing pedestrian about this fantastic supernatural thriller. A modern classic with ties to the monsters that came before.
This heartwarming story about found family and finding yourself is an immersive and refreshing shift from traditional science fiction.
A must-purchase for any and all tweens and teens who are ravenous for lighthearted, absorbing, and authentic coming-of-age, realistic graphic fiction.
This is a great selection for middle schoolers transitioning to high school or struggling to navigate social groups, and for elementary and middle school libraries looking to add age-relevant LGBTQIA+ stories to their collections.
Purchase for any graphic novel collection.
A fantastical musical journey with strong characterization.
A great LGBTQIA+ romance that readers will yearn to return to.
A tween graphic novel that checks both aesthetic and message boxes with grace
This graphic novel adaptation of the fantasy novel is a captivating look into the world of Tortall and its newest fierce page.
This graphic novel about anxiety, body image, and queerness is a recommended purchase for middle school library shelves.
This graphic novel will be thoroughly enjoyed by all and is highly recommended for library collections.
This ghostly fantasy has everything that fans of cozy, spooky books want in a story.
An exciting vampire story for readers looking for a vengeful female lead.
While this isn’t an outright horror novel like other Umezz works, this could spark some good conversation on technology and ethics, and is a good addition for larger manga collections.
Containing plenty of humor and heart, this is a worthwhile addition to library collections. Fans of the “Whatever After” prose series and the “Goddess Girls” series will enjoy this this title.
This manga would be great for readers of series like “Whisper Me a Love Song,” or “A Tropical Fish Yearns for Snow.”
While not every young reader will recognize the nods to Kafka, this book certainly will have its fans.
For readers who enjoy realistic graphic novels about sports, school stories, friendship, and issues of identity.
A perfect match for any fan of Diary of a Wimpy Kid hoping to write their own story someday, this is a promising and noteworthy addition to any middle grade collection.
This slice-of-life graphic novel is a heartfelt, personal snapshot of an authentically human experience and will have appeal.
A high-interest, empowering read for high school fans of Roller Girl, The Skin I’m In, and Dumplin’.
This thrilling tale of claiming identity, rooted in a fascinating exploration of Japanese culture and folklore, will appeal to a wide range of readers.
Deeply recommended, especially for high school libraries where slice-of-life stories are popular.
A romp of a summer camp story that isn’t to be missed.
A must-read graphic novel that will draw fans of Jerry Craft’s New Kid and Raina Telgemeier’s Smile. This book belongs on library shelves everywhere.
A great YA graphic novel for teens who are trying to figure out who they are or anyone who has ever felt like they were on the outside. This would be a popular title for fans of Christine Suggs’s ¡Ay, Mija!: My Bilingual Summer in Mexico, Deb JJ Lee’s In Limbo, and Emily Bowen Cohen’s Two Tribes.
This sci-fi adventure with heart will appeal to teen readers who have been looking for their next battle mecha story.
With its imaginative storytelling and illustrations, Safer Places is perfect for new and seasoned readers of graphic novels and is a must-have addition to any library’s collection.
Complex characters, twists and turns, and beautiful artwork blend harmoniously for a perfect read that will jump-start the imagination.
A fun, feel-good look into the world of competitive speed cubing that will surely inspire young readers to pick up a cube for themselves.
A must-have for all middle grade collections, Timid is sure to fit right in next to other popular contemporary graphic novels such as Jerry Craft’s New Kid, Allergic by Megan Wagner Lloyd and Michelle Mee Nutter, and Guts by Raina Telgemeier.
This title will be a welcome addition to any collection looking for strong media-tie ins.
Endearing, heartbreaking, and uplifting in turns, Fong’s unforgettable debut is a first purchase for youth graphic novel collections.
A worthy addition to any middle or high school library.
A recommended purchase for libraries with demand for inclusive graphic novels.
A fast-paced, fantastical story, full of intrigue, magic, and the female perspective. A perfect addition to any graphic novel collection.
Getting to see three lives unfold in different locations and times is a gift Fung eloquently unwraps in this graphic novel that increases the visibility of AAPI stories in books for teens.
This fresh take on the magical girl genre could be a great starting point for new manga readers and a fun read for longtime fans.
With imaginative world-building, impactful action, and underdog leads, this book stays true to the spirit of shonen manga while carving out its own unique identity.
Packed with witty humor and thrilling adventure, this graphic novel will draw fans of “Captain Underpants” and belongs on middle grade library shelves.
A solid addition where realistic graphic fiction is in demand.
This graphic novel will fit nicely into the collection that already has graphic novels with LGBTQIA+ characters and where the previous volume is popular.
Learning to stand tall and live their truths are lessons all teens need; this glimpse into a world of music and friendship will resonate with many readers searching the library for unique stories to fit them, or suit anyone who desires to express themselves, but finds the challenges of life getting in the way.
Graphic novel fans are going to devour Eowulf’s first solo adventure, and likely ask for seconds.
Not essential; steer readers who are in search of LGBTQIA+ graphic novels to Mike Curato’s Flamer or Alice Oseman’s Heartstopper.
The perfect family vacation story, complete with mummies, newfound friends, and (eventually) sibling cooperation.
Perfect for fans of the Choose Your Own Adventure format and enthusiasts of fantasy and adventure.
Continental Drifter offers honest, sometimes painful, insight into growing up as part of two cultures and will help anyone who has ever felt lonely in their own family, or even with friends, process the emotions that come with trying to fit in.
A humorous middle school graphic novel featuring a strong-willed protagonist who won’t stand for anyone to define her solely by her disability.
A power-up that keeps the action going while holding just enough back to whet appetites for the next book.
Although the protagonist is a college student, middle and high school readers will relate to the universal experiences of love, loss, and family tradition. Recommended, especially for libraries that serve the AAPI community.
True to its title, Karate Prom creates a joy-filled story about two teens who want to be together so badly, they are willing to fight for it. A tale for lovers and fighters alike.
An endearing graphic novel that will appeal to readers who enjoyed Moonstruck, Lumberjanes, and Heartstopper.
An entertaining story about a teen finding her own place in life and starting down her own path. Recommended where paranormal graphic novels are popular.
A worthy addition to the canon of myths retold through the female lens that will appeal to any who enjoys the monster’s backstory.
Soul Beat fills a gap in manga collections by featuring a person of color in the lead role. Worth checking out.
Purchase the previous six stories in addition to this new volume for the full experience, but only where budgets allow and where there’s an established audience.
A showcase of Carrasco’s kinetic art. While some may not completely understand it, the passion of his visuals and storytelling shine through to create a thought-provoking work of modern art.
While not for every teen, this graphic novel will provide a niche audience a way to reframe how they see the world when facing a crisis, making it a purposeful purchase for social-emotional learning.
A well-crafted story that somewhat balances humor and risk, character and caricature, but which may leave readers unsympathetic after the deluge of circumstances stretches on, losing the power to sustain either threat or investment.
A whimsical, sweet fantasy that is sure to delight teens looking for a magical, cozy world and nonbinary representation.
While an author’s note acknowledges that a true bibliography would be limited, this could still be an excellent authority in distilling the complexities of Norse mythology and making it accessible to younger readers interested in folklore.
For readers who enjoy realistic fiction about school and friendship, and for creative kids who want to incorporate art into their futures.
This quirky graphic novel, with its unique characters and space-themed adventures, will interest young readers and belongs on all library and classroom shelves.
With the humor of Meggie Ramm’s Batcat and the layered hero’s journey of Ben Hatke’s Things in the Basement, this is a true hero of a tale.
A thoughtful, funny, and memorable story about family, friendship, and cooperation.
Good-hearted Haru is a character to root for in this often-dark beginning, leavened with moments of humor. Recommended where graphic novel fantasy is popular.
A high-spirited middle grade graphic adventure with appeal for fantasy fans and those ready to whet their appetites for imaginative pursuits.
A fun introduction to the Monkey King for a younger audience, with room for sequels. Recommended.
Hotelitor blends sci-fi and class comedy with entertaining results. A good choice for YA graphic novel collections.
This romantic fantasy story is sweet, uplifting, imaginative, and often hilarious. Recommended.
A beautiful book about the beauty of friendship, determination, and speaking ones’ truth. For fans of Amanda Castillo’s and Cameron Chittock’s “Mapmakers and the Lost Magic” series and Wendy Xu’s Tidesong.
A unique book for the right reader; perhaps teen fans of Mechner’s work, those interested in video game development, and readers looking for a new take on WWII sagas.
The voice and pacing are still fresh, even though the original manga was published nearly 30 years ago, making this a classic that readers will still enjoy.
An engaging narrative with gorgeous illustrations makes this a captivating graphic novel and a strong purchase for any collection.
This breezy graphic novel tries a bit too hard to check all the boxes, but nevertheless is a charming story that will have readers rooting for Molly to persevere against the odds.YA Manga
Readers will devour this entertaining story and may find themselves reaching for dice and pencils while they wait for another adventure. A recommended first purchase.
A secondary purchase perhaps to see if there is an audience at your library.
Recommended where graphic novels are popular.
An intriguing story for fans of graphic novels and gadgets which leaves many questions yet to be answered.
Miller delivers another heartfelt and thoughtful tale of finding forgiveness, embracing change, and being in the moment.
Great for fans of Disney’s Inside Out, this graphic novel belongs on classroom and library shelves for all readers.
Buy where Volume 1 found an audience, and where graphic novels for young readers with an interest in international storytelling.
Purchase where sports graphic novels and role playing games are popular, especially where there are gaps in female representation.
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