With stunning visuals and a cast of relatable characters, this manga illustrates that by finding the right people in life who offer respect and support, there are no boundaries on what one can achieve. Recommended.
With a promising, action-packed start, ancient Japanese folklore gets a fresh spin as a new hero follows the path of those who came before him, making this a series worth jumping into from the very beginning.
This adorable manga about identity delves into topics of injustice and advocacy and is a great option for middle school readers. Recommended.
A growth spurring psychological horror with broad appeal that stretches to fans of supernatural action manga.
An exquisitely depicted journey of a found family that reminds readers of empathy’s role in creating a kinder world.
With strong art, premise, and message, this is a great read and an excellent way to empower teens to defy expectations.
A sweet and simple story about high schoolers falling in love, perfect for younger romance readers. Recommended.
This stand-out graphic novel will have horror fans spellbound.
One of the best pieces of suspense fiction, this brilliant psychological manga belongs on all shelves.
With the hackers as vigilantes premise wrapped around a critique of the surveillance state, this thrilling manga will speak to teens.
Bolstered by dynamic art and a deep understanding of figure skating elements, this manga shines, just like Inori’s skating. Highly recommended.
The perfect blend of education and entertainment, this series, particularly this volume, is highly recommended.
This graphic novel about friendship and identity is a must-have for libraries serving elementary and middle school readers.
Heartwarming and fun, this holds its own as a solid graphic novel about siblings and family.
While this must-read title will be especially affirming for those with dyslexia or who struggle in school, all young readers will find aspects of themselves within Stella’s world, and perhaps be inspired to ask for help when needed.
A perfect pick for young readers who love fearless heroines and thrilling space adventures.
The levity of this magical story deftly balances the gravity of its subject matter and will leave readers wanting another bite. A recommended purchase for middle grade graphic novel collections.
With electrifying illustration, this poignant depiction of a sensitive time will appeal to teens.
A story that highlights the strength of individuals uniting against a materialistic corporation, delivering a powerful message that’s sure to delight teens.
This fast-paced, tightly woven graphic novel may lack historically accurate details, but proves a rewarding light read that may awaken questions of social justice.
This series will resonate with readers who enjoy a historically inspired setting with an enemies-to-lovers romance.
This short, well-illustrated take on a classic story would be a good purchase for libraries looking for a satisfying read to collect.
Hand this story to fantasy fans, especially those who are transitioning between middle grade manga and darker, older teen series.
This short, well-illustrated take on a classic story would be a good purchase for libraries looking for a satisfying read to collect.
This short, well-illustrated take on a classic story would be a good purchase for libraries looking for a satisfying read to collect.
With humor, sensitivity, and a clean art style, this is a recommended first purchase for all collections.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A standout graphic novel that belongs in every collection for artful storytelling, beautifully expressive imagery, and a heroine who is admirable and fully human.
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.
This tender and introspective graphic novel is full of hope and is a great choice for fans of Raina Telgemeier.
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.
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.
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.
This exploration on crushes and growing up is a must for the realistic graphic novel genre.
While the nostalgic teen detective storyline and unique subscription box premise holds promise, unsteady execution prevents this graphic novel from reaching its potential.
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.
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.
A charming, paranormal graphic novel about falling in love and learning how to create healthy boundaries within relationships.
A charming, empowering story that will resonate with members of and advocates for the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies.
With its existing fanbase, and sweet LGBTQIA+ story of defying destiny to beckon others, this series will prove a hit in many collections.
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.
Readers will love the themes of found family and burgeoning love. Don’t miss this one.
This collection will draw Ito’s loyal fans and horror enthusiasts; an additional purchase for libraries where his other work is popular.
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.
While this manga won’t be for everybody, its art and subject matter are unquestionably delightful; a light title that will keep readers smiling.
Readers of The Summer Hikaru Died will appreciate this delve into a well-crafted body horror story.
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.
This would feel right at home as an in-game comic, but outside of its fans, it may not stand as well.
This gothic graphic novel will appeal to young readers who want to branch out from the popular tropes of middle grade stories.
This graphic novel is great for fans of adventure and can be read as a stand-alone title.
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.
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.
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.
Recommended where court intrigue graphic novels are popular.
For older kids and younger teens who love stories that feature fantasy, friendship, summer camp, and the power of teamwork.
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.
This charming graphic novel will draw a wide range of adventure-loving readers and belongs in libraries and classrooms.
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.
This graphic novel leaps onto the stage as a great option for those who enjoy team sports manga.
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.
A compelling and strong addition to middle grade graphic fiction collections.
Magical and fresh, this is easily one of the best graphic novels of the year.
Despite the temptation to skip certain longer sections, readers will find the imagination and creativity throughout make this a worthwhile addition to any library.
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.
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.
This middle grade graphic novel with heaping amounts of humor and heart gives readers what they want.
This hilarious, action-packed tale of friendship hits the middle grade sweet spot. A recommended first purchase.
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.
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.
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.
This graphic novel is sure to be a hit for fans of Paper Girls, Stranger Things, and Unbeatable Squirrel Girl.
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.
Storm and the art team beautifully weave a story about culture, heritage, family, loss, and grief in a tight-knit package.
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.
A good addition to any children’s graphic novel collection.
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.
A dramatic comedy for teens who love theater and romance.
A compelling collection of stories that celebrates the Indigenous community in all its beauty and diversity. Highly recommended.
Hockey and identity collide in this affirming graphic novel about recognizing and valuing one’s authentic self.
A solid addition where the franchise is popular.
This graphic novel tackles mental health topics and includes strong overtones of resilience that make it a worthy addition to any middle grade collection.
This series would be a sound addition to any collection with insatiable graphic novel readers.
This series would be a sound addition to any collection with insatiable graphic novel readers.
This series would be a sound addition to any collection with insatiable graphic novel readers.
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