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.
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.
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.
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.
An enjoyable read for backyard explorers and wilderness fans alike, this is a great first purchase for graphic novel collections.
This anthology is an excellent addition to middle and high school libraries looking to bolster their collection of women warriors.
A first choice for all public and school middle grade 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.
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.
For kids who enjoy zany, funny, and smart stories.
An excellent graphic novel debut that elementary kids will eat up.
A sweet sapphic rom-com, this book is a must for any teen graphic novel collection.
A must-have addition to any collection that circulates graphic novels. Great for fans of Aaron Blabey’s “The Bad Guys” and SpongeBob SquarePants.
This engaging graphic novel tackles very real feelings and will keep readers invested in Avery’s life. Highly recommended
Readers of all backgrounds will enjoy this story of two Black brothers growing up and using their imaginations in a unique story full of mischief and mayhem.
A recommended selection for summer reading; this graphic novel can be paired with the original text and other fantastical versions of Anderson’s classic cautionary tale.
For fans of the Astroneer video game, and for larger collections that are looking to expand their selection of science fiction-themed graphic novels.
Despite being somewhat bumpy, this futuristic basketball story is elevated by the art and will likely engage science fiction and sports fans.
Highly recommended for collections where readers are looking for a leisurely, emotional stroll through a slice-of-life story that explores identity and sexuality in an authentically sweet and subtle way.
A winning graphic novel for a wide range of readers; an added highlight is a bonus 18-page story written and illustrated by Moore. A must-have addition to library collections.
A self-contained adventure with high middle grade appeal, and a very good choice for the graphic novel shelves, particularly where readers enjoy fantasy.
For readers looking for stories ripped from the headlines or anyone who cares about saving the Earth.
Masterful illustrations are let down by disjointed text. Still, it’s a fun, quick read. Purchase where the series is popular and readers are hungry for action-packed reads.
An exemplary teen graphic novel that will cross interests of sci-fi, queer romance, adventure, and anti–big tech readers, gorgeously accessible.
Overall, this is a fine, simple introduction to an overlooked scientist. An index, further resources, glossary, and time line solidify its credentials as a worthy text for school assignments.
An excellent first purchase for middle grade collections.
While the plot and character arc are simple, fans of the “Shazam!” movie franchise will enjoy this expansion of the first movie, making this a solid gateway into DC graphic novels.
For collections where the series is already circulating, this transitional segment teases what might kick into higher gear next volume.
While this first volume is more setup than payoff, the suspense is undeniable, and readers of series like “Attack on Titan” will have a good time embracing this manga’s eccentricities.
The book’s path toward healing is an example of bibliotherapy for teens. An excellent choice for YA collections.
The sci-fi setting creates high stakes for this realistic story of a tween ready for adventure, navigating her relationships with separated parents. Highly recommended; give to fans of Molly Brooks’s “Sanity & Tallulah.”
Despite some hiccups, this is a nice choice for Spanish-language collections, especially those in need of graphic novels.
This heartfelt, must-read title belongs on all library shelves, as it beautifully accompanies Craft’s first two graphic novels with these characters.
As an original superhero satire, this might have had some appeal, but for fans of these well-known characters, it lacks sufficient charisma, conceptual cohesion, or fresh commentary on the source material.
A fast-paced graphic novel about making friends in unlikely places and opening up your heart after experiencing grief.
Readers welcomed our coverage of the youth media awards, a new ambassador and, yes, ChatGPT.
A great selection for fans of Jerry Craft’s New Kid and Johnnie Christmas’s Swim Team, deserving a spot on shelves of school and public libraries.
A must-purchase for most libraries.
Once the author finds their voice, this graphic novel’s heart of loving oneself begins to shine, and will grow on readers in similar situations.
A deep and compelling story that will pull the heartstrings of readers, this is an excellent tale about the power of perseverance while coping with the loss of a loved one.
An amazing example of a webcomic translated into print. Animal lovers and children of all ages will follow the mice’s journey to survive with rapt attention, keeping this heroic tale circulating for years to come. A modern-day classic with an underdog readers will believe in.
For older kids and younger teens who enjoy school and friendship stories, as well as paranormal stories with plenty of suspense.
A gorgeous and dynamic visual experience with a familiar yet well-told plot.
Readers will be eager for more of Beaky’s adventures. Highly recommended for purchase.
A captivating use of Islamic beliefs and culture to share with readers the importance of rebuilding relationships and standing up for oneself.
For fans of the InvestiGators series, as well as any kids who enjoy funny mystery stories and graphic novels.
Readers will wish they could pledge their plastic swords to defending Treeheart and the sanctity of wild childhoods everywhere.
For young readers who enjoy fantastic stories that feel like fables, fairy tales, and bedtime stories all rolled into one.
For those who enjoy idol manga, this is a confidence-boosting start that reminds readers that relationships require effort.
Full of friendships, food fights, and slightly ridiculous bad guys, this is a sweet, silly caper ready to be gobbled up.
A beautiful story about achieving one’s dreams, while showing compassion without being condescending.
Miyako presents a charming historical mystery series that hits comforting genre tropes and will circulate well with readers looking for whodunits and windows into Japanese history. Give to fans of Gosho Aoyama’s Case Closed and Agatha Christie’s classics.
Tagame’s tender title is both a compelling work of art and a testament to how transformative finding community is for young LGBTQIA+ people, with a reach outside of dedicated manga fans. Give this title to readers looking for a realistic and character-driven portrait of gay life.
A rare comedy that presents an asexual lead with sincerity, this series will appeal to older teens, especially queer teens, eager to explore potential futures.
A fun sports romance that never has a dull moment.
Perfect for music lovers, and for those who love slice-of-life stories about identity and fulfilling your dreams, this is a gripping story that will tug at readers’ hearts.
Austin, TX, illustrator and comic artist Carina Guevara did the honors for our March 2022 issue featuring women's history in graphic novels.
A well-done title that will be in high demand by series fans.
Check out this weerk's list of new comics, manga, and graphic novels featuring Family Time #1 from Ablaze Publishing and Godzilla Monsters and Protectors All Hail the King #3.
Recently announced deals for graphic novels, second half November 2022.
A fun story for middle grade readers who enjoy coming-of-age graphic novels and modern adaptations of classics.
For readers who are fans of or are curious about role-playing games, or those seeking heartwarming stories about friendship and imagination.
An amusing, just-scary-enough graphic novel for young genre fans and perhaps even those hesitant to try spookier fare.
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