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PREMIUM
The Library Mule of Cordoba
A good purchase to add to libraries that aim to support book discussion groups and classroom learning that coincides with true events, past and present.
PREMIUM
Thief of the Heights
The dramatic narrative asks thought-provoking questions about class and mobility under repressive systems. The murkiness of the art sometimes gets in the way of engaging with the story, but the text carries it through.
PREMIUM
Leap
A sweet, queer coming-of-age story about listening to one’s self and navigating the complex world of friendships and romance. Recommended for purchase.
Though not for the faint of heart, this touching, gripping, and heartbreaking historical graphic novel doesn’t shy away from the dark sides of the true events it’s based on, while still offering a ray of hope for the genuine good out there.
A standout graphic novel that belongs in every collection for artful storytelling, beautifully expressive imagery, and a heroine who is admirable and fully human.
PREMIUM
Tank Chair, Vol. 1
While far too violent for younger readers, this first volume ostentatiously highlights disability representation through outrageous fun action, laying the groundwork for a promising series where anything is possible.
Fans of Shinkai’s previous works, such as your name or Weathering with You, will be at home here too. Purchase where epic adventure-fantasies are popular.
Featuring an entertaining, captivating narrative, this series opener is a pot of intrigue that is sure to boil over in ensuing volumes.
This tender and introspective graphic novel is full of hope and is a great choice for fans of Raina Telgemeier.
PREMIUM
A Tricky Kind of Magic
A promising and unique addition to juvenile graphic novel sections, perfect for kids looking for something reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland or for those trying to find a way to manage their own grief.
PREMIUM
Dog Trouble
A successful story of overcoming challenges with compassion and patience, and a recommended purchase for libraries, especially for those who can’t seem to have enough graphic novels for their patrons.
This gut-wrenching story of hope and resilience needs to find its way to all readers’ hands.
PREMIUM
The Firelight Apprentice
While a bit sad throughout, this graphic novel builds toward a high note thanks to a cast of goodhearted characters and will be a hit with young fantasy readers.
PREMIUM
Turning Twelve
This exploration on crushes and growing up is a must for the realistic graphic novel genre.
PREMIUM
Jill and the Killers
While the nostalgic teen detective storyline and unique subscription box premise holds promise, unsteady execution prevents this graphic novel from reaching its potential.
PREMIUM
I Felt Myself Slipping
Highly recommended. In narrative construction and sequential art, this story of athleticism, the fragility of confidence, and teen friendship unfolds with the grace and power of the sport of gymnastics itself.
PREMIUM
We Are Big Time
A focused and rewarding sports story that will leave readers cheering for the inspiring Peace Academy team, and a great recommendation for sports fans or new students worried about finding their place.
This collection will draw Ito’s loyal fans and horror enthusiasts; an additional purchase for libraries where his other work is popular.
PREMIUM
Last Quarter, Vol. 1
This supernatural mystery comes with moments of intensity, but nonetheless makes for an interesting read.
This is a quality guide on manga iconography, and due to its niche nature, it is recommended mainly for systems that serve large populations, or those that prioritize the arts.
Though it has elements of garden variety romance, this manga tosses some surprises into the mix, making it a more interesting option for readers to check out.
PREMIUM
Pupposites Attract, Vol. 1
While this manga won’t be for everybody, its art and subject matter are unquestionably delightful; a light title that will keep readers smiling.
PREMIUM
Fool Night, Vol. 1
Readers of The Summer Hikaru Died will appreciate this delve into a well-crafted body horror story.
PREMIUM
Haikyu!! (3-in-1 Edition)
This 3-in-1 edition is a great investment for libraries looking to save a little bit of shelf space while offering a perennial favorite that will resonate with readers for years to come.
PREMIUM
Neopets: The Omelette Faerie
This would feel right at home as an in-game comic, but outside of its fans, it may not stand as well.
PREMIUM
The Night Mother
This gothic graphic novel will appeal to young readers who want to branch out from the popular tropes of middle grade stories.
PREMIUM
Leon: Worst Friends Forever
This graphic novel is great for fans of adventure and can be read as a stand-alone title.
PREMIUM
Noodle & Bao
Timely and engaging, the book’s adorable characters and heartwarming approach to a serious issue will have broad appeal.
This hilarious look into life as a kid in the summer of 1975 is a must-have for any and all middle grade libraries.
PREMIUM
The Sweetness Between Us
A charming, paranormal graphic novel about falling in love and learning how to create healthy boundaries within relationships.
PREMIUM
I Shall Never Fall in Love
A charming, empowering story that will resonate with members of and advocates for the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies.
PREMIUM
Castle Swimmer
With its existing fanbase, and sweet LGBTQIA+ story of defying destiny to beckon others, this series will prove a hit in many collections.
PREMIUM
Afterlife: The Boy Next Realm
A compelling quest into the depths of the human mind and the darkest tunnels of life and death that will appeal to mature readers who want challenging topics to ponder on.
Readers will flock to this graphic novel, especially fans of Webtoons, romantasy, secret identities, and ladies who are stronger than they look.
This novel about mischievous, magical triplets who are trying not to get sent to wizard school is a feel-good, lighthearted read.
For fans of the comics and upcoming young artists, this manga biography may intrigue and inspire.
For older kids and younger teens who love stories that feature fantasy, friendship, summer camp, and the power of teamwork.
PREMIUM
The First Pharaoh
An action-packed take on Egyptian mythology that will appeal to teens who like antiheroes.
Using the story of Jim and Huck as a springboard, this well-researched, well-written book belongs in all library collections.
A meaningful one-off about adapting to change that will satisfy Avatar: The Last Airbender fans.
A must-purchase where fun and colorful graphic novels about magic, friendship, and believing in yourself are appreciated.
PREMIUM
Frankie and the Beastly Bog Song
This charming graphic novel will draw a wide range of adventure-loving readers and belongs in libraries and classrooms.
PREMIUM
Slouch
A standalone companion to Jawbreaker, this sophomore offering by Wyman will attract fans of the first book, Alyson Gerber’s work, and contemporary problem fiction.
PREMIUM
Heebie Jeebies
This middle grade graphic novel with heaping amounts of humor and heart gives readers what they want.
PREMIUM
Shock City
This hilarious, action-packed tale of friendship hits the middle grade sweet spot. A recommended first purchase.
PREMIUM
Morgana and Oz, Vol. 1
While this graphic novel will inevitably bring to mind other paranormal romances, its great art, identifiable characters, and interesting plot and conflict will make it a hit with readers.
PREMIUM
Pearl
A fine graphic novel that navigates tumultuous historic events, this is a good choice for book reports and readers who can't get enough of WWII stories.
PREMIUM
The Strange Tales of Oscar Zahn
Hand this to readers who enjoy supernatural adventures involving bonds between the living and the dead.
An insightful and empowering graphic novel about the complexities of 1980s South Korea, featuring young people’s pursuit of justice and freedom of thought despite the risks.
PREMIUM
Luminous Beings
This graphic novel is sure to be a hit for fans of Paper Girls, Stranger Things, and Unbeatable Squirrel Girl.
PREMIUM
Full Shift
Part fast-paced adventure, part poignant coming-of-age romance, Full Shift is recommended for all teen collections and pairs well with Maggie Tokuda-Hall and Lisa Sterle’s Squad.
PREMIUM
Little Moons
Storm and the art team beautifully weave a story about culture, heritage, family, loss, and grief in a tight-knit package.
PREMIUM
Lion Dancers
This graphic novel leaps onto the stage as a great option for those who enjoy team sports manga.
PREMIUM
Tegan and Sara: Crush
Even those with no previous knowledge of the band will be fully immersed in Tegan and Sara’s backstory, thanks to their own narrative skills and the support of a fine visual artist who is fully onboard.
Magical and fresh, this is easily one of the best graphic novels of the year.
PREMIUM
Amazing Grapes
Despite the temptation to skip certain longer sections, readers will find the imagination and creativity throughout make this a worthwhile addition to any library.
PREMIUM
Asgardians: Thor
A well-rounded title that will appeal to fans of the titular god and Norse mythology, and readers looking for an action-packed story. A great purchase for libraries where O’Connor’s work circulates well.
PREMIUM
Swing
Friendships, classroom dynamics, and extracurricular interests get complicated for many, and eighth graders will delight in finding mirrors for their increasingly self-aware lives.
With laugh-out-loud humor, rich cultural details, and eye-catching illustration, this series opener will have readers clamoring for the next installment. An essential first purchase.
A good addition to any children’s graphic novel collection.
PREMIUM
Undergrowth
Clever but clunky; the ambition of this sci-fi monster slam-fest is impressive and many of the concepts and themes are compelling, but the characters don’t win pitted against the bumps in the storytelling.
A sweet LGBTQIA+ story that will appeal to teens who enjoy inclusive, simple social dramas.
PREMIUM
Indiginerds
A compelling collection of stories that celebrates the Indigenous community in all its beauty and diversity. Highly recommended.
PREMIUM
Between the Pipes
Hockey and identity collide in this affirming graphic novel about recognizing and valuing one’s authentic self.
PREMIUM
Haru Book 2: Summer
An excellent graphic series to hook middle schoolers and a must-purchase for libraries, especially where Haru is popular, and readers will anxiously await the next volume.
This graphic novel tackles mental health topics and includes strong overtones of resilience that make it a worthy addition to any middle grade collection.
PREMIUM
Losing It in Translation
This series would be a sound addition to any collection with insatiable graphic novel readers.
PREMIUM
School of Negative Thought
This series would be a sound addition to any collection with insatiable graphic novel readers.
PREMIUM
A Talent Show of Nerves
This series would be a sound addition to any collection with insatiable graphic novel readers.
PREMIUM
What-a-Bummer Camp
This series would be a sound addition to any collection with insatiable graphic novel readers.
A fast-paced, engaging continuation of a successful mythological-historical comic series, sure to captivate young readers who have an interest in ancient history.
PREMIUM
Loving, Ohio
This coming-of-age story for teens may run a bit slow at times but brings more excitement and panic when dealing with something truly haunting in the dark.
This healing slice-of-life graphic novel lights a bright path for LGBTQIA+ romance plots by including characters with intersectional experiences. A must-have for all collections.
PREMIUM
Dreams Come to Life
Fans of Five Nights at Freddy’s or Goosebumps will enjoy the worldbuilding and satire. There’s plenty of excellent craft, but perhaps not enough to ignore the goofy twists.
PREMIUM
Let’s Go, Coco!
Good representation but doesn’t add many surprises to the always-growing world of kids’ graphic novels about friendship drama. Even so, this will still be much appreciated by kids who devour these stories, particularly if they like a sports twist.
PREMIUM
Unico: Awakening
A reimagining of a beloved classic that will appeal to fans of heartfelt adventure manga and works like She-Ra and the Princess of Power. An ideal series to help fill the middle grade manga demand.
Those familiar with Hunsinger’s moving New Yorker comic story “How to Draw a Horse” will be thrilled with this beautiful, heartfelt, longer work. A must-have for any library serving middle and high school students.
PREMIUM
Stand Up!
This is another fine addition to the middle grade graphic novel genre that embraces individuality and lets readers know it’s okay to be themselves and no one is perfect.
PREMIUM
Taxi Ghost
Every library that already owns Escabasse’s previous work will want to add this to their shelves.
PREMIUM
unOrdinary, Volume 2
This second volume continues to do a lot of what its predecessor did well. Stirring characters, impressive art, and a rousing plot makes this a worthwhile purchase for young adult collections.
The first in this comic book series is motivated equally by mystery and STEM, making it an attractive formula for curious readers.
Recommended for older school-age and middle school readers, as well as fans of high fantasy and Dungeons & Dragons.
PREMIUM
Deja Ross Speaks to Freaks
This book will be a hit with fans of mysterious creatures. Pair it with cryptozoology resources so readers can learn more about the cryptids Deja meets.
PREMIUM
Sparks: Portals
Fans of fantasy and sci-fi, or those who simply want a good coming-of-age tale, will find this must-have graphic novel’s engaging narrative and stunning visuals a truly enjoyable experience.
An entertaining graphic novel with a strong heart; for fans of stories about magical journeys, identity, growing closer to friends, and growing up.
PREMIUM
Youth Group
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.
PREMIUM
HoverGirls
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.
PREMIUM
The Makers Club
This graphic novel will be popular in libraries with makerspaces as well as with kids who are passionate about STEM and friendship stories.
PREMIUM
Mr. Smarty Pants: Aww Nuts!
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.
Perfect for anyone who loves mystery and monsters, Vivian Vance will fly off the shelves in any library.
PREMIUM
The Pale Queen
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.
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