The Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table announce ‘The Boy Wonder,’ ‘Raised by Ghosts’ and ‘Teen Titans’ win the inaugural Outstanding Comics for Young Adults Awards

 “The Boy Wonder,” written by Juni Ba, art by Juni Ba, color by Chris O'Halloran, lettering by Aditya Bidikar, published by DC Comics; and “Raised by Ghosts,” written by Briana Loewinsohn,art by Briana Loewinsohn, published by Fantagraphics; and “Teen Titans: Raven, Teen Titans: Beast Boy, Teen Titans: Beast Boy Loves Raven, Teen Titans: Robin,” and “Teen Titans: Starfire” written by Kami Garcia, art by Gabriel Picolo, art by Jon Sommariva, art by Emma Kubert, color by David Calderon, lettering by Tom Napolitano, art by Rob Haynes, lettering by Gabriela Downie, lettering by Wes Abbott, published by DC Comics are the 2026 recipients of the Outstanding Comics Awards for Young Adults from the American Library Association’s Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table.

Newly announced in 2025, the GNCRT’s Outstanding Comics Award is given to exceptional graphic novels that appeal to adults, teens, and children in the categories of fiction, nonfiction, and series. These awards aim to increase awareness of the graphic novel medium, raise voices of comic creators, and aid library staff in the development of graphic novel collections. The award will be presented to the winning creators at the ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition in Chicago in June.

GNCRT President Shauntee Burns-Simpson said, “In libraries, we see how comics bring people together, new readers, lifelong fans, and everyone in between. The Outstanding Comics Award honors works that expand our understanding of what stories can look like and ensure that there is something on the shelf for everyone.”

"In this inaugural year for the award, the selection process was extremely competitive. The committee felt it was essential to choose titles that were truly outstanding to set a high precedent for the future. The entire Young Adult selection committee is honored to be a part of this milestone year. As comics librarians, our primary goal is to connect deserving creators and their amazing stories with readers from any age or background” said committee chair Micki Waldrop.

Outstanding Comics Award – Young Adult in the Category of Fiction Winner

“The Boy Wonder,” written by Juni Ba. Art by Juni Ba. Color by Chris O'Halloran. Lettering by Aditya Bidikar. 2025. DC Comics.

Raised as the heir to the League of Assassins, Damian Wayne struggles to fit in as one of many Robins in Gotham. When Batman leaves and a demon surfaces, Damian must join his adoptive brothers to protect the city and discover the true meaning of being a hero.

Outstanding Comics Award – Young Adult in the category of Fiction Honor Books

“Hunger's Bite,” written by Taylor Robin. Art by Taylor Robin. 2025. Union Square and Co.

Neeta and Emery’s futures on the SS Lark are threatened when new owner Mr. Honeycutt begins transforming the elite into monsters. Teaming up with vampire investigator Wick Farley, the friends must expose the ship's supernatural horrors and stop a hunger for power before it consumes them all.

“Hello Sunshine,” written by Keezy Young. Art by Keezy Young. 2025. Little, Brown Ink.

Heartbroken Noah, determined Sky, and guilt-ridden Izzy search for the missing Alex. Meanwhile, Alex’s twin, Jamie, is haunted by his mother’s ghost. To find his brother, Jamie must confront his family’s dark past and the supernatural secrets surrounding Alex’s disappearance before it's too late.

Outstanding Comics Award – Young Adult in the Category of Nonfiction Winner

“Raised by Ghosts,” written by Briana Loewinsohn. Art by Briana Loewinsohn. 2025. Fantagraphics.

Set in the 1990’s, “Raised By Ghosts” follows Briana through school isolation and neglectful parenting. Using diary entries, the story captures her search for self-worth. It is an understated tale about finding authentic connection and belonging within the quiet moments of a fraught adolescence.

Outstanding Comics Award – Young Adult in the Category of Non-Fiction Honor Books

“Bloody Mary,” written by Kristina Gehrmann. Art by Kristina Gehrmann. Translated by I.T. Hahnenberger. Translated by E. Castle. 2025. Andrews McMeel.

This watercolor graphic novel retells Mary Tudor’s life from rejected child to England’s first queen. Using historical documents, Gehrmann portrays Mary’s religious zealotry and the profound loneliness of the crown, capturing her tragic transformation into the infamous "Bloody Mary" as she loses her grip on power.

“My Perfectly Imperfect Body,” written by Debbie Tung. Art by Debbie Tung. 2025. Andrews McMeel.

Debbie Tung’s memoir chronicles her battle with disordered eating and the societal pressure to be thin. Through her signature illustrations, she details her journey toward healing and self-acceptance, reminding readers that every body is worthy of love and kindness at any size.

Outstanding Comics Award – Young Adult in the Category of Series Winner

Teen Titans: Raven. Written by Kami Garcia. Art by Gabriel Picolo. Art by Jon Sommariva. Art by Emma Kubert. Color by David Calderon. Lettering by Tom Napolitano. 2019. DC Comics.

Teen Titans: Beast Boy. Written by Kami Garcia. Art by Gabriel Picolo. Art by Rob Haynes. Color by David Calderon. Lettering by Gabriela Downie. 2020. DC Comics.

Teen Titans: Beast Boy Loves Raven. Written by Kami Garcia. Art by Gabriel Picolo. Art by Rob Haynes. Color by David Calderon. Lettering by Gabriela Downie. 2021. DC Comics.

Teen Titans: Robin. Written by Kami Garcia. Illustrated by Gabriel Picolo. Art by Rob Haynes. Color by David Calderon. Lettering by Wes Abbott. 2023. DC Comics.

Teen Titans: Starfire. Written by Kami Garcia. Illustrated by Gabriel Picolo. Art by Rob Haynes. Color by David Calderon. Lettering by Wes Abbott. 2024. DC Comics.

Raven, Gar, Kori, and Damian navigate life-changing transformations and forgotten pasts while targeted by H.I.V.E. and Slade Wilson. These young heroes must unite, mastering their superpowers and trusting their newfound bonds to confront internal darkness and fight for their identities and freedom.

Outstanding Comics Award – Young Adult in the Category of Series Honor Books

“Feral Volume 1: Indoor Cats,” written by Tony Fleecs. Art by Trish Forstner. Art by Tone Rodriguez. Art by Sara Richard. Color by Brad Simpson. 2024. Image Comics.

“Feral Volume 2: Cat Lady” written by Tony Fleecs. Art by Trish Forstner. Art by Tone Rodriguez. Art by Sara Richard. Color by Brad Simpson. 2025. Image Comics.

Stranded in a wilderness plagued by a horrific rabies outbreak, indoor cats Elsie, Lord Fluffy Britches, and Patch must survive infected beasts and deadly traps. To return home, they must navigate terrifying settings and stay uninfected, fighting to avoid the feral madness consuming the world around them.

“Tsumiki Ogami's Not-So-Ordinary Life, Vol 1,”  written by Miyu Morishita. Art by Miyu Morishita. Touch-up art and lettering by John Hunt. Translation by Mei Amaki. 2025. Viz Media.

“Tsumiki Ogami's Not-So-Ordinary Life, Vol 2,” written by Miyu Morishita. Art by Miyu Morishita. Touch-up art and lettering by John Hunt. Translation by Mei Amaki. 2025. Viz Media.

Timid Yutaka joins a supernatural high school, seeking confidence through his bond with popular werewolf Tsumiki. As he embraces her wild world and finds his footing, a figure from his past resurfaces, threatening to shatter his hard-won self-assurance.

In creating the Outstanding Comics Awards the GNCRT has followed its resolution to honor the entire creative team (including writers, artists, letterers, colorists, and translators) involved in the books listed.   

The 2025 Outstanding Comics Award for Young Adults selection committee members are Micki Waldrop, Chair, Mariela Siegert, Vice-Chair, Sarah Tillery, Administrative Assistant, Sandie Angulo Chen, Sheila Grier, Connie Poulsen Hollin, Dan Johnson, Nisa Kesseler, Gregory Taylor.

About the Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table

The Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table of the American Library Association is dedicated to supporting library staff in all aspects of engaging with graphic novels and comics, including collection development, programming, and advocacy. For more information connect with GNCRT on Discord; X: @libcomix; Instagram: @libcomix; Bluesky: or the GNCRT ALA Connect page.

About the American Library Association

The American Library Association is the largest non-partisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to America’s libraries. The ALA mission is to empower and advocate for all libraries and library workers to ensure equitable access to information for all. For 150 years, ALA has provided resources for information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more information, visit www.ala.org.