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With imaginative world-building, impactful action, and underdog leads, this book stays true to the spirit of shonen manga while carving out its own unique identity.
PREMIUM
The Adventures of Invisible Boy
Packed with witty humor and thrilling adventure, this graphic novel will draw fans of “Captain Underpants” and belongs on middle grade library shelves.
PREMIUM
King Cheer
This graphic novel will fit nicely into the collection that already has graphic novels with LGBTQIA+ characters and where the previous volume is popular.
Learning to stand tall and live their truths are lessons all teens need; this glimpse into a world of music and friendship will resonate with many readers searching the library for unique stories to fit them, or suit anyone who desires to express themselves, but finds the challenges of life getting in the way.
PREMIUM
Continental Drifter
Continental Drifter offers honest, sometimes painful, insight into growing up as part of two cultures and will help anyone who has ever felt lonely in their own family, or even with friends, process the emotions that come with trying to fit in.
PREMIUM
Travis Daventhorpe Powers Up!
A power-up that keeps the action going while holding just enough back to whet appetites for the next book.
Graphic novel fans are going to devour Eowulf’s first solo adventure, and likely ask for seconds.
The perfect family vacation story, complete with mummies, newfound friends, and (eventually) sibling cooperation.
PREMIUM
Forecast from Stonehenge
Perfect for fans of the Choose Your Own Adventure format and enthusiasts of fantasy and adventure.
PREMIUM
Silver Vessels
Not essential; steer readers who are in search of LGBTQIA+ graphic novels to Mike Curato’s Flamer or Alice Oseman’s Heartstopper.
PREMIUM
Shiny Misfits
A humorous middle school graphic novel featuring a strong-willed protagonist who won’t stand for anyone to define her solely by her disability.
PREMIUM
Rainbow! Vol. 1
An endearing graphic novel that will appeal to readers who enjoyed Moonstruck, Lumberjanes, and Heartstopper.
PREMIUM
49 Days
Although the protagonist is a college student, middle and high school readers will relate to the universal experiences of love, loss, and family tradition. Recommended, especially for libraries that serve the AAPI community.
True to its title, Karate Prom creates 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.
PREMIUM
Blood City Rollers
An entertaining story about a teen finding her own place in life and starting down her own path. Recommended where paranormal graphic novels are popular.
PREMIUM
The Fox Maidens
A worthy addition to the canon of myths retold through the female lens that will appeal to any who enjoys the monster’s backstory.
PREMIUM
Soul Beat: The Payback
Soul Beat fills a gap in manga collections by featuring a person of color in the lead role. Worth checking out.
PREMIUM
Aya: Claws Come Out
Purchase the previous six stories in addition to this new volume for the full experience, but only where budgets allow and where there’s an established audience.
PREMIUM
GLEEM
A showcase of Carrasco’s kinetic art. While some may not completely understand it, the passion of his visuals and storytelling shine through to create a thought-provoking work of modern art.
PREMIUM
The Gulf
While not for every teen, this graphic novel will provide a niche audience a way to reframe how they see the world when facing a crisis, making it a purposeful purchase for social-emotional learning.
PREMIUM
Safe Passage
A well-crafted story that somewhat balances humor and risk, character and caricature, but which may leave readers unsympathetic after the deluge of circumstances stretches on, losing the power to sustain either threat or investment.
A whimsical, sweet fantasy that is sure to delight teens looking for a magical, cozy world and nonbinary representation.
Hotelitor blends sci-fi and class comedy with entertaining results. A good choice for YA graphic novel collections.
PREMIUM
Asgardians: Odin
While an author’s note acknowledges that a true bibliography would be limited, this could still be an excellent authority in distilling the complexities of Norse mythology and making it accessible to younger readers interested in folklore.
For readers who enjoy realistic fiction about school and friendship, and for creative kids who want to incorporate art into their futures.
PREMIUM
Absolute Zeros: Camp Launchpad
This quirky graphic novel, with its unique characters and space-themed adventures, will interest young readers and belongs on all library and classroom shelves.
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.
A thoughtful, funny, and memorable story about family, friendship, and cooperation.
PREMIUM
Haru: Spring
Good-hearted Haru is a character to root for in this often-dark beginning, leavened with moments of humor. Recommended where graphic novel fantasy is popular.
PREMIUM
Table Titans Club
A high-spirited middle grade graphic adventure with appeal for fantasy fans and those ready to whet their appetites for imaginative pursuits.
A fun introduction to the Monkey King for a younger audience, with room for sequels. Recommended.
This romantic fantasy story is sweet, uplifting, imaginative, and often hilarious. Recommended.
PREMIUM
Ink Girls
A beautiful book about the beauty of friendship, determination, and speaking ones’ truth. For fans of Amanda Castillo’s and Cameron Chittock’s “Mapmakers and the Lost Magic” series and Wendy Xu’s Tidesong.
A unique book for the right reader; perhaps teen fans of Mechner’s work, those interested in video game development, and readers looking for a new take on WWII sagas.
Readers will devour this entertaining story and may find themselves reaching for dice and pencils while they wait for another adventure. A recommended first purchase.
A secondary purchase perhaps to see if there is an audience at your library.
An intriguing story for fans of graphic novels and gadgets which leaves many questions yet to be answered.
PREMIUM
Break
Miller delivers another heartfelt and thoughtful tale of finding forgiveness, embracing change, and being in the moment.
Great for fans of Disney’s Inside Out, this graphic novel belongs on classroom and library shelves for all readers.
PREMIUM
The Love Report Vol. 2
Buy where Volume 1 found an audience, and where graphic novels for young readers with an interest in international storytelling.
PREMIUM
Curveball
Purchase where sports graphic novels and role playing games are popular, especially where there are gaps in female representation.
PREMIUM
Madagascar: The Rise of a Queen
Buy this book to enhance your graphic novel section. Many readers will likely become fans of this new series.
Tsujimura’s novel has been skillfully brought to life in this manga adaptation. Highly recommended.
PREMIUM
Neighborhood Story, Vol. 1
The voice and pacing are still fresh, even though the original manga was published nearly 30 years ago, making this a classic that readers will still enjoy.
PREMIUM
Ghost Roast
An engaging narrative with gorgeous illustrations makes this a captivating graphic novel and a strong purchase for any collection.
This breezy graphic novel tries a bit too hard to check all the boxes, but nevertheless is a charming story that will have readers rooting for Molly to persevere against the odds.YA Manga
PREMIUM
The Racc Pack
An imaginitive, high-energy heist that serves up laughs while gently introducing young readers to timely topics. A first purchase for library collections.
PREMIUM
Spider-Man: Fake Red
While perhaps not the most needle-moving Spider-Man title of all time, this is a solid entry for younger readers, and one that shows them they don’t need to be an actual superhero to make a difference in everyday life.
Beautiful and deliberate, this graphic adaptation retells the original story with impressive, exhaustive faithfulness.
PREMIUM
Punycorn
An excellent purchase for elementary and middle school libraries where graphic novels and fantasy are in high demand.
PREMIUM
Lovely Muco! Vol. 1
While Lovely Muco! isn’t the deepest book out there, its adorable protagonist will likely delight fans that enjoy manga titles that feature a cute pet.
Give this graphic novel to fans of Kayla Miller. A first purchase for middle school libraries.
PREMIUM
The First Invasion: Book 1
A fun action/adventure graphic novel with engaging art. Readers will eagerly await the next installment.
A sweet fantasy story with good-natured leads and stellar art that will fit in great with any library’s collection.
PREMIUM
My Ultramarine Sky
For a nuanced friends-to-lovers boys love manga, this single volume work has plenty of low stakes drama and blushing moments to sate the heart.
Purchase where other regressor titles like Villains are Destined to Die are popular, or where there is opportunity to discuss those two titles in an academic setting.
Recommended for additional purchase where “Lore Olympus” or Greek mythology has wide readership.
Readers with an interest in architecture, watercolor, illustration, worldbuilding, or Miyazaki’s works will find inspiration in this richly visualized art book.
PREMIUM
Through Fences
A worthy addition to high school libraries, this is for students who enjoy graphic novels about difficult topics.
PREMIUM
Rose Wolves
A fast, delightful, and approachable read that brings fantasy to young readers. Recommended.
An informative and compelling narrative sure to appeal to budding conservationists.
PREMIUM
Skip!: A Graphic Novel
Skip! belongs in every library serving middle schoolers and deserves tween book discussion group awareness.
PREMIUM
My Clueless First Friend Vol. 1
While it’s sometimes frustrating to see Nishimura’s tormentors not truly put in their place, My Clueless First Friend does feature some very cute, likable characters that are earnestly trying to do their best to spread more kindness around.
PREMIUM
The Darwin Incident Vol. 1
A manga that not only reads great, but has plenty of depth to satisfy the cerebral manga fan who’s looking for more than just a breezy read.
PREMIUM
Glitch, Vol. 1
This first volume alone won’t do the series justice, but enough seeds are planted that provide plenty of promise for this supernatural mystery going forward.
A spine-tingling title with queer overtones that is guaranteed to engross readers from the get-go and continue to keep them guessing.
Martin weaves adventure and sensitive storytelling into a tale not to be missed. An excellent purchase for graphic novel collections and for readers who enjoy survival stories.
PREMIUM
Bocchi the Rock! Vol. 1
Purchase where Komi Can’t Communicate or Idol Dreams circulate well.
Fans of the series will embrace this interpretation of the bounty hunter and his new companion. Highly recommended for any manga collection.
This does its best to be original, but its concept does come with issues and may not be something young readers or educators will prioritize in an already crowded market.
PREMIUM
Clementine Book Two
Volume two capitalizes on its character growth to deliver an affecting graphic novel about growing up in the zombie apocalypse.
PREMIUM
Ruined
An enjoyable historical romance, in the vein of Bridgerton, conveyed through quaint drawings with a pleasing color scheme. Content contains mature images that are appropriate for older teenagers.
Recommended, especially for those that wish to grow the horror section in their manga and graphic novel collections.
PREMIUM
Mimi’s Tales of Terror
For those who prefer spooky supernatural horror, this single volume collection of urban legends will send a pleasing chill or two up the spine.
PREMIUM
Sakura, Saku, Vol. 1
Fans of Sakisaka’s other works, Ao Haru Ride and Love Me, Love Me Not, will certainly want to devour this likewise sweet romance and coming-of-age story.
PREMIUM
Tamon’s B-Side, Vol. 1
Overall, this is a fun rom-com perfectly suited for fans of other manga series such as “My Special One,” or “Phantom of the Idol.”
PREMIUM
Voyage de Gourmet
Full of hilarious challenges, action-packed arguments, and a relatable (if not exaggerated) friendship debacle, this graphic novel is perfect for fans of Batter Royale and Chef’s Kiss.
PREMIUM
Takopi’s Original Sin
This book will not reach every reader, but it is unique. Content includes bullying, violence, murder, and death by suicide involving kids. Additional purchase only for those with larger manga and graphic novel collections.
Highly recommended for upper elementary and middle school libraries. Give this graphic novel to students asking for a fast-paced, action-packed title.
This meditative experience is a necessary addition for celebrating the outdoors and providing another avenue for SEL for all ages.
PREMIUM
Robotics;Notes Vol. 1
A title that will have readers believing there is nothing they aren’t able to accomplish, as long as they persist and never give up on their dreams.
PREMIUM
Gold Kingdom and Water Kingdom
A solid shoujo selection that both entertains and enlightens all at once.
A first purchase whether or not you have the original. A crowd pleaser across grade levels and reading ability.
PREMIUM
Match Point!
This story is instantly relatable to tween and teen readers trying to live up to parental expectations while establishing their own autonomy. Recommended for libraries serving middle school students, especially where realistic sports-themed stories are appreciated.
PREMIUM
Doña Quixote: Rise of the Knight
For fans of adaptations, fantasy-adjacent graphic novels, and authors like Kat Leyh, Terry Catasús Jennings, and Colleen AF Venable.
PREMIUM
Ferrets from Planet Ferretonia!
With an already big following from its publication as a webcomic, this is sure to be a crowd-pleaser in most middle grade graphic novel collections. Readers will eagerly await volume two of this series.
PREMIUM
The Magicians
A gem of a story, it can easily be seen as an all-ages title in a world of imagination which defies true categorization.
For those who enjoy adventures such as The Nameless City or NewsPrints, this is another illuminating graphic novel that wraps its social issues around the lives of heart-capturing characters.
PREMIUM
A Call To Cthulhu
A fun additional purchase for collections where science fiction, fantasy, and horror are popular.
PREMIUM
Club Kick Out!: Into the Ring
This bright and engaging graphic novel will speak to middle graders needs for personal recognition and group acceptance, all while introducing them to the behind-the-scenes veracity of staged wrestling.
PREMIUM
Wildfire
A good match for readers who enjoy survival and natural disaster stories, environmental action, or realistic fiction that features families overcoming adversity.
PREMIUM
Hunt for Star-Lord
A funny intergalactic adventure perfect for fans of Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” franchise.
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