Best Graphic Novels for Children Reading List announced by the Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table

For Immediate Release
Thu, 02/09/2023

Contact:

Tina Coleman

Staff Liaison

Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table

American Library Association

312.280.2152

ccoleman@ala.org

ALA’s Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table (GNCRT) is thrilled to introduce the 2022 Best Graphic Novels for Children (BGNC) Reading List. This reading list highlights the best graphic novels for children aged 5 – 12 years old, published in late 2021 through 2022, and it aims to increase awareness of the graphic novel medium, raise voices of diverse comics creators, and aid library staff in the development of graphic novel collections. The 2022 BGNC Top Ten list features such titles as: "Swim Team," "Saving Sorya: Chang and the Sun Bear," "Isla to Island," "Frizzy" and Yummy: A History of Desserts."

The Best Graphic Novels for Children Reading List Selection Committee is made up of GNCRT members with a background in graphic novel selection and their use for children and children’s services. Angela Frederick, completing her second term as chair of the BGNC selection committee said, “This year's committee put together a list that will appeal to children just learning to love graphic novels, as well as those who are familiar with the format. These titles delve into fantastical worlds, while others explore issues affecting young people today. The list highlights the literary and artistic talents of creators being published today.” 

The complete 2022 Best Graphic Novels for Children Reading List, including a Top Ten, is available online on the GNCRT’s website.

GNCRT President Moni Barrette said of the list, "Kids comics continue to dominate the book market, and the expertise of the BGNC committee provides professional level insight into the comics everyone should read. Though these stories are appropriate for kids, they hold interest for every reader: Adventure, hope, diversity, owned experiences, plucky main characters, and fascinating true tales. I also can’t boast enough about the committee’s work in identifying the best books from the mountain of quality choices, and I hope the resulting list makes a well-deserved impact with kids comics enthusiasts!"

In creating and publishing these lists, the GNCRT has followed its resolution to honor the entire creative team involved in the books listed.  

The 2022 Best Graphic Novels for Children selection committee members are Angela Frederick (Chair), Mariizhe Bonier, Eric Carpenter, Natasha Carty, Anna Chou, Andrea Erickson, Karlie Herndon, Kerrie Mierop, Angela Ocana, Sarah Okner, Megan Rasmussen, and Heather Rowan.

The Best Graphic Novels for Children committee would like to recognize and thank Midwest Tape for allowing all committee members free access to Hoopla® during this term of service.

Nominations for the 2023 Best Graphic Novel for Children Reading List are now open!

Eligible graphic novels for the 2023 Best Graphic Novels for Children will include all fiction and non-fiction titles published between September 1, 2022 - December 31, 2023, that appeal to children ages 5 - 12. Nominations can be made by all members of the public including committee members, library workers, educators, and comics fans through the online form on the GNCRT website.

Publishers and creators are welcome to submit copies of titles to the committee for review, though they are not eligible to nominate their own titles for consideration. For more information on how to submit review copies please contact GNCRT staff liaison, Tina Coleman at ccoleman@ala.org .

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; Twitter: @libcomix; Instagram: @libcomix; or the GNCRT ALA Connect page.

About ALA

Established in 1876, the American Library Association (ALA) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization created to provide leadership for the development, promotion, and improvement of library and information services and the profession of librarianship in order to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all.