32 Superb Graphic Novels | SLJ 2024 Stars So Far

From early reader to YA titles, these starred graphic novels showcase the very best of the comics medium so far in 2024. Use the downloadable spreadsheet to ensure your collection includes these superb graphic novels.

 

AGUIRRE, Jorge. Call Me Iggy. illus. by Rafael Rosado. First Second.
Gr 10 Up–Offering introspection on themes of belonging, grief, and authenticity, this book is deeply recommended, especially for high school libraries where slice-of-life stories are popular.

ANDERSON, Kit. Safer Places. Avery Hill.
Gr 9 Up–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.

BROSGOL, Vera. Plain Jane and the Mermaid. First Second.
Gr 4-8–Complex characters, twists and turns, and beautiful artwork blend harmoniously for a perfect read that will jump-start the imagination.

CALIN, Cassandra. The New Girl. Scholastic/Graphix.
Gr 4-9–A must-purchase for any and all tweens and teens who are ravenous for lighthearted, absorbing, and authentic coming-of-age graphic fiction.

CHUNG, Christine D. U. & Salwa Majoka. Viewfinder. Tundra.
K-Gr 4–Striking a balance between whimsical adventure and wistful contemplation, this title underscores the beauty and fragility of life on our planet. A first purchase for youth graphic novel collections.

COOK, Katie. Nothing Special. Ten Speed Graphic.
Gr 7 Up–This romantic fantasy story is sweet, uplifting, imaginative, and often hilarious. Recommended.

DANDRO, Travis & A. A. Milne. Winnie-the-Pooh. Drawn & Quarterly.
Gr 1-4–A cottagecore graphic novel for all ages that is sure to please during story time or while young readers choose to explore the Hundred Acre Wood on their own.

DONNELLY, Rebecca. Survival of the Fittest. illus. by Misa Saburi. Holt.
Gr 1-3–This enjoyable blend of graphic novel, humor, game shows, and inventions is a great choice to introduce a STEM unit on engineering or animal adaptations.

DOUCET, Rashad. Art Club. Little, Brown Ink.
Gr 4 Up–For readers who enjoy realistic fiction about school and friendship and for creative kids who want to incorporate art into their futures.

FANTASKEY, Beth. Wires Crossed. illus. by ONeillJones. HarperCollins/Clarion.
Gr 5 Up–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.

FONG, Debbie. Next Stop. Random House Graphic.
Gr 4-7–With touches of magical realism, this slice-of-life road trip story is endearing, heartbreaking, and uplifting in turns. Fong’s unforgettable debut is a first purchase.

FREDERICK-FROST, Alexis. Team Unihorn and Woolly: Attack of the Krill. HarperAlley.
Gr 1-4–This hilarious series debut about four friends who save the day is an example of dynamo sequential storytelling—beginning readers will love this book.

HANAOR, Ziggy. The Egg Incident. illus. by Daisy Wynter. Cicada.
K-Gr 3–This upgrade of Humpty Dumpty is a first purchase for all libraries and the best of what graphic novels have to offer.

KARIM, Violet Chan. Summer Vamp. Random House Graphic.
Gr 5-8–A romp of an unconventional summer camp story that isn’t to be missed.

KURIMOTO, Kengo. Wildful. Groundwood.
Gr 4-7–This powerful statement on slowing down and opening up is a necessary addition for celebrating the outdoors and providing another avenue for SEL for all ages.

OGLE, Rex. Pizza Face. illus. by Dave Valeza. Scholastic/Graphix.
Gr 4-8–This must-read graphic novel is the perfect choice for tween readers going through challenging times.

OLSEN, Brittany Long. The Happy Shop. Oni.
Gr 4-7–Great for fans of Disney’s Inside Out, this graphic novel belongs on classroom and library shelves for all readers.

PANGBURN, Chas! & Kim Shearer. Double Booking: The Tail of the Mummy Cat. illus. by Nic Touris. Papercutz.
Gr 4-7–The best family vacation story, complete with mummies, newfound friends, and (eventually) sibling cooperation.

REEDSTROM, Kirk. Duck and Moose: Duck Moves In! Disney-Hyperion.
K-Gr 4–Perfect for students who are just beginning their reading journey, as well as kids who are just getting to know and love graphic novels. The start of a beautiful friendship.

REEDSTROM, Kirk. Duck and Moose: Moose Blasts Off! Disney-Hyperion.
K-Gr 4–The adventures continue for the lovable odd couple, friends Duck and Moose. A must-have series for emerging graphic novel readers.

ROMAN, Dave. Unicorn Boy. First Second.
Gr 3-8–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.

STARKS, Kyle. Karate Prom. First Second.
Gr 8 Up–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.

TODD, Jonathan. Timid. Scholastic/Graphix.
Gr 4 Up–A must-have for all middle grade collections, this is sure to fit right in with Jerry Craft’s New Kid, Allergic by Megan Wagner Lloyd and Michelle Mee Nutter, and Guts by Raina Telgemeier.

UNDERHILL, Scout. DnDoggos: Get the Party Started. colors by Liana Sposto. Feiwel & Friends.
Gr 4-8–Fans of tabletop games and dog lovers will devour this entertaining story, and may find themselves reaching for dice and pencils while they wait for another adventure.

WIBOWO, Jes & Cin Wibowo. Lunar Boy. HarperAlley.
Gr 6 Up–This heartwarming story about found family and finding yourself is an immersive and refreshing shift from traditional science fiction.

XUNISE, Bianca. Punk Rock Karaoke. Viking.
Gr 10 Up–This glimpse into a world of music and friendship will resonate with readers searching for unique stories to fit them, and will suit anyone who desires to express themselves but finds the challenges of life getting in the way.

YANG, Gene Luen. Lunar New Year Love Story. illus. by LeUyen Pham. First Second.
Gr 6 Up–A positive and beautiful romcom that blends culture, love, and family dynamics in a relatable way.

YU, Mei. Lost & Found: Based on a True Story. Union Square Kids & Co.
Gr 1-4–Yu’s fictionalized biographical immigration story highlights perseverance and creative problem solving. Highly recommended.


Nonfiction

ASHLEY, Maurice. The Life-Changing Magic of Chess: A Beginner’s Guide with Grandmaster Maurice Ashley. illus. by Denis Angelov. Abrams/Magic Cat.
Gr 1-5–A great resource for students, parents, teachers, and anyone who needs a friendly, understandable introduction to the game of chess. Every library should have this book.

JIMÉNEZ, Francisco. The Circuit Graphic Novel. adapt. by Andrew J. Rostan. illus. by Celia Jacobs. HarperCollins/Clarion.
Gr 1-4–A moving story about family, faith, hope, and resilience through trying times and experiences.

KOBABE, Maia & Sarah Peitzmeier. Breathe: Journeys to Healthy Binding. illus. by Maia Kobabe. Dutton.
Gr 9 Up–This is an essential purchase for all secondary and public library collections as it provides health information in a readily accessible manner that is otherwise difficult to find in science-based resources.

NADEL, Estelle & Bethany Strout. The Girl Who Sang: A Holocaust Memoir of Hope and Survival. illus. by Sammy Savos. Roaring Brook.
Gr 7 Up–A must-have. The graphic novel format will appeal to those whose first choice might not be history or biography, and all others will be invited to consider the full-life experiences of Holocaust survivors.
 


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