This heartfelt, autobiographical graphic novel is an affirming and witty look into the joys and struggles of growing up, and is a highly recommended purchase but is best suited for adults and older teens.
Highly recommend this fantasy-realism hybrid with plenty of action and humor.
A series to watch develop, for sure.
No blood, minimal gore, but these effectively unnerving tales will stick with horror fans long after the book’s end. Highly recommended for juvenile graphic novel collections.
Packed with fun times, airy characters, and a good message at its core, this is a book young readers will find relatable, instructive, and entertaining at the same time.
Young readers will thoroughly enjoy this story.
For readers who enjoy funny, furry, and fast-paced adventures.
A perfect addition to any middle grade collection!
This book uses a historical foundation to help readers reassess a myth that glorified greed. For fans of folklore and educators, it offers an opportunity for critical thinking with eye-opening results.
A recommended first purchase for graphic novel collections.
Told through colorful, expressive art and video game-influenced storytelling, this graphic novel explores the value of friendship and the importance of community. Regardless of the reader’s beliefs, concepts discussed here will be meaningful.
For older kids and younger teens who enjoy stories about magical adventures, friendship, and the challenges of growing up.
This strong addition to any collection wraps messages about stepping into new experiences while staying true to yourself within a funny, enjoyable story.
Though the book deals with issues familiar to many teens, it lacks character development and a sharp enough look at the situations it addresses.
This sweet romance will attract many readers, especially queer women of color who will see women like them getting their happily ever after.
Readers will devour this quirky, slice-of-life graphic novel.
A thoughtful finale to an emotionally incisive story, best appreciated as a part of the series.
A fun vibe that also skirts the edges of darkness, this graphic novel will delight teens and adults who are on the fringes of society, or even dabble in the magic of the world around us.
Readers will return for repeat thrills and chills. A recommended first purchase.
Have this on hand for readers who enjoy captivating adventures, food, and folklore!
A solid addition to the Shang-Chi mythos and a gateway into traditional Chinese mythology.
While the plot moves at a fast pace, the art skillfully portrays the story and helps relay a relatable situation for teens.
A beautiful collection of folktales that succeeds in depicting strengthened female agency while promoting a healthy consideration for others.
A winding paranormal mystery about loyalty, bravery, and familial trials. Recommended.
A carefully and skillfully approached, modernized adaptation that is sure to introduce Piddy and provide understanding to a new crop of teen readers.
A fine addition for collections seeking representation of discordant sibling relationships.
A sincere and relatable depiction of trying too hard to fit in and almost losing yourself in the process. Recommended.
An exceptionally well-done story that is informative, intricately and delightfully detailed, and brimming with jaw-dropping art. Highly recommended.
A sweet, entertaining found-family story that weaves magic with historical injustice; recommended for teen graphic novel shelves.
A stirring look at the grief that comes from loss, distance, and a feeling of disconnect.
While it’s far from being avant-garde, readers will enjoy the title for what it is: an LGBTQIA+-superhero story with a tinge of mystery woven throughout.
This eccentric portal fantasy will resonate with teens questioning their identity, value, and place in the world while simultaneously providing them with escape.
An excellent addition to graphic novel collections where there are spooky story readers.
With its punk paranormal style, easygoing dialogue, and story of belonging and friendship, many tweens and young teens will find this graphic novel a relatable read.
A must-purchase for young readers everywhere on how to learn about, be empowered by, and embrace one’s identity.
This guide presents the scale of the problem of plastic trash as well as the solutions everyone—even kids
For older kids who enjoy scary stories with a funny twist!
A heartfelt romance that captures the experience of growing up queer in rural America, this is recommended for all graphic novel collections.
Packed with gnomes, mummies, witches, and cyclops mechanics more cute and comedic than creepy, this fun fantasy will appeal to fans of Molly Knox Ostertag and Grace Ellis.
With so much attention being paid to the rapid pace of advancement in AI, this graphic novel will attract readers interested in AI development as well as the broader ethical issues.
Best for fans of the television series but also fun for those who enjoy fast-paced and surprising superhero stories.
Exploring topics of immigration, racism, freedom, and helping others, this action-packed graphic novel presents the journey across the border in a whole new way.
A diverse palate of character ingredients simmered thoroughly to express flavors any reader can enjoy.
Despite a cool premise, this is difficult to recommend with its flat characters, inconsistent tone, and lack of story.
Overall, a sweet story that fans of Raina Telgemeier will enjoy.
This format will attract new readers to a poetic, powerful story of growth. Highly recommended.
Fans of Lai’s other works, as well as Kat Leyh’s Snapdragon, and Emma Steinkellner’s “The Okay Witch” series will enjoy this modern ghost story with a hopeful ending. Recommended first purchase for upper elementary and middle school collections.
For readers who are ready for a breathtaking, emotional, and heartfelt adventure.
Would make a strong fit for most juvenile graphic novel collections, especially those where gently spooky stories circulate well.
A solid adaptation worth getting for the popular name and updated societal views.
Recommended for all middle grade graphic novel collections.
For kids who enjoy realistic graphic novels about school, friendship, and discovering your true self.
A chaotically fun series opener that grabs readers from the first pages.
An additional purchase where tween drama and manga-style art are popular.
With roots in Mesoamerican mythology, this fantastic tale will charm any reader. Its connection to history and tradition makes it wonderful for teaching while being entertaining with its adventure.
A graphic novel recommended for teens interested in stories about social justice and the importance of family roots.
A love letter to Taiwan that is visually stunning, but lacks in character development. Purchase where realistic fiction graphic novels are popular.
Xie’s sparse fabrication of real events never successfully achieves the admittedly difficult task of visually depicting how music can touch the spirit. Small human moments abound, but the story’s attempts to portray more sweeping emotions fall short.
Your wish for a successful mixture of high concept fantasy, biting humor, and powerful moral struggles is granted.
Bullard’s life was full of danger, adventure, and opportunities he created, and this fascinating story has very broad appeal. A great first purchase for all libraries.
A first purchase for middle school libraries and highly recommended for fans of Svetlana Chmakova and Molly Knox Ostertag.
No goggles or controllers are needed to fully immerse yourself in this summer STEM story about family, friendship, and empathy. Highly recommended.
Readers who have been long-time fans of “The Last Kids on Earth” will enjoy, but anyone could jump right into this story and be able to follow along
A witty, adventurous tale with excellent character building, this graphic novel gives readers of fantasy and medieval stories plenty to enjoy.
Vibrantly illustrated by Ali, Sindu’s debut graphic novel braids Hindu mythology with the importance of family and friendship, creating an accessible book that will be of interest to many readers.
This series starter will appeal to video game fans of all ages, with particular interest from middle school graphic novel readers.
Couvson’s graphic novel is a positive and modern view on the life of a Black teenage girl who blossoms once she is listened to and supported by family, friends, and teachers. It will spark conversations among students, parents, teachers, librarians, counselors, and many more.
A welcome addition to high school graphic novel collections, especially where romance circulates well.
A surefire recommendation for comics readers on the hunt for all things post-apocalypse; high adventure; and grungy, industrial sci-fi.
This graphic novel series is brewing a potent fairy tale-esque potion of phantasmal illustrations and fractured characters seeking their desires.
Hand this one to horror fans who enjoy dark stories and have big imaginations; few words and evocative art will tell a different frightful story to each reader.
A tale of gender identity and recovery that will resonate with readers and leave them thinking long after the final page. A first purchase for all young adult library collections.
This anthology is an excellent addition to middle and high school libraries looking to bolster their collection of women warriors.
An enjoyable read for backyard explorers and wilderness fans alike, this is a great first purchase for graphic novel collections.
This graphic novel depicts Title IX history in a fun and relatable way, giving modern readers a lot to recognize from their current teen experiences.
A first choice for all public and school middle grade graphic novel collections.
This action-packed adventure will find a home in many collections.
Sure to attract new readers and maybe some returning fans, this will likely be very popular and should be a first purchase for most collections.
A character-driven story about the complex emotions that turn players into competitors, recommended for gamers and fans of sports manga.
For fans of Patrick Ness’s The Rest of Us Just Live Here and other imaginative stories about supporting characters trying to find their place in the world, as well as fans of LGBTQIA+ stories.
Additional purchase only.
A few splashes of lemon soda are enough to lay the groundwork for this light romance, but only later volumes will determine its overall value.
This story is a comforting read and incorporates a disorder that is becoming all too common amongst teens. Recommended for all libraries serving teens.
Recommended for readers who appreciate pared down, powerful art and tear-jerking stories.
An additional purchase for those who have young fans of the great detective.
Quirky and charming, this graphic novel with themes of friendship and being one’s self will find a home in many collections.
A touching and recommended story for offering reassurances that even sticky situations aren’t the end of the world.
A good purchase for libraries.
The action of this story is intense, and the art is vibrant and energetic enough to make it a page-turner. The confidence of the main characters will empower readers to stand up for their convictions and work together as a team.
Strong character growth, welcome diversity, and the bittersweet lesson that some friendships don’t last forever make this a must-buy for all libraries.
This delightful story will appeal to many readers, especially those who enjoy complicated romances.
Past and present collide in a magical showdown for the fate of the world. Make sure Squirrel Girl fans get a front row seat.
One of the best manga series debuts of 2023 so far, and one teens will be able to rally behind as they pursue dreams of their own.
This action-packed graphic novel adventure featuring tenacious female leads will leave shonen manga fans counting down to future volumes.
Recommended for most libraries serving teens, especially where demand for more wholesome yuri is high.
Fitting for a young adult audience with its light, fun premise, this first volume sets the series up nicely, giving readers plenty to chew over as they await the next volume.
A cute, quirky comedy for manga readers who enjoy cats and upbeat family stories.
With this newest work, Colfer, Donkin, and Rigano have created a gripping graphic novel that is a hopeful call to action for all readers. Highly recommended for purchase.
A solid purchase, especially for collections where seafaring adventures are popular.
At once common and unique, this is a compelling story of immigration and family bonds; highly recommended.
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