Great Graphic Novels

Great Graphic Novels for Teens

Great Graphic Novels for Teens is a list of recommended graphic novels and illustrated nonfiction for those ages 12-18, prepared yearly by YALSA.

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Current List

Coordinator note: Age range recommendations for all titles on this list are determined by information provided from publishers, professional reviews, and the professional reading knowledge of committee members.

*Denotes a Top Ten Title

Continental Drifter. By Kathy MacLeod. Art by the author. 2024. 224p. First Second, paper, $14.99 (9781250813749). Gr. 3-7. 305.8959.

Kathy, whose father is American and mother is Thai, lives in Bangkok, but hopes she'll find a sense of belonging during a summer in Maine.

Homebody. By Theo Parish. Art by the author. 2024. 224p. HarperAlley, paper, $18.99 (9780063319585). Gr. 9-12. B.

This warm and accessible memoir explores the non-binary author's journey of gender identity and self-acceptance.

How to Love: A Guide to Feelings & Relationships for Everyone. By Alex Norris. Art by the author. 2023. 224p. Walker Books US, hardcover, $17.99 (9781536217889). Gr. 9-12. 306.7083.

Author and illustrator Alex Norris answers common questions about love, relationships, and feelings of all sorts.

Just Another Story: A Graphic Migration Account. By Ernesto Saade. Art by the author. 2024. 216p. Graphic Universe, paper, $17.99 (9798765623367). Gr. 7-12. 305.9.

Carlos, a Salvadoran American, tells his cousin how he and his mother, Elena, immigrated to the United States when he was eighteen.

Lavender Clouds: Comics about Neurodivergence and Mental Health. By Bex Ollerton. Art by the author. 2024. 144p. Andrews McMeel Publishing, hardcover, $16.99 (9781524890278). General adult. 362.204.

Ollerton describes her neurodivergent journey and how it has affected and continues to affect her personal and professional life.

Milk Without Honey. By Hanna Harms. Art by the author. 2024. 112p. Street Noise Books, hardcover, $21.99 (9781951491369). General adult. 638.1.

With simple, elegant illustrations, Harms describes the plight of insect pollinators like bees, and how our world is affected by their work.

Run and Hide: How Jewish Youth Escaped the Holocaust. By Don Brown. Art by the author. 2023. 192p. Clarion Books, hardcover, $22.99 (9780358538165). Gr. 7-12. 940.5318.

Brown tells the stories of how some children escaped the Holocaust through the heroic efforts of strangers and friends, as well as their own courage and quick thinking.

Side Quest: A Visual History of Roleplaying Games. By Samuel Sattin. Art by Steenz. 2024. 208p. Versify, paper, $18.99 (9780358616375). Gr. 7-12. 793.93.

The authors explore the history of table-top role playing games, from Chinese puppetry to the creation of the most well-known RPG, Dungeons and Dragons.

Uprooted: A Memoir About What Happens When Your Family Moves Back. By Ruth Chan. Art by the author. 2024. 288p. Roaring Brook Press, paper, $14.99 (9781250855343). Gr. 3-7. B.

Thirteen-year-old Ruth Chan had a comfortable life in Canada, but when her father gets a job in Hong Kong, she must adjust to a new life across the world.

Visitations. By Corey Egbert. Art by the author. 2024. 336p. Farrar Straus Giroux, paper, $17.99 (9780374308391). Gr. 7-12. B.

When his mother's conviction that his father is the devil leads to life on the run in the Nevada desert, Corey must establish his own beliefs.

*Denotes a Top Ten Title

49 Days. By Agnes Lee. Art by the author. 2024. 352p. Levine Querido, paper, $18.99 (9781646143757). Gr. 7-12. 741.5973.

Kit's soul must travel for forty nine days as she and the family she left behind adjust after her unexpected death.

A Stepmother's Märchen, vol. 1. By Spice&Kitty. Art by ORKA. 2023. 288p. Seven Seas Entertainment, paper, $19.99 (9798888430019). Gr. 9-12. 741.5951.

A young stepmother gets a chance to do-over her life and fix her relationship with her stepchildren.

Age 16. By Rosena Fung. Art by the author. 2024. 316p. Annick Press, paper, $17.99 (9781773218342). Gr. 7-12. 741.5971.

Three generations of a Chinese family try to gain their individual freedoms, while facing down intergenerational criticism and societal expectations.

Ash's Cabin. By Jen Wang. Art by the author. 2024. 320p. First Second, paper, $17.99 (9781250754066). Gr. 9-12. 741.5973.

Sick of feeling out of place at school and at home, fifteen-year-old Ash sets out to find their grandfather's hidden cabin in the California wilderness. But how long will they be able to survive alone?

*Bad Medicine. By Christopher Twin. Art by the author. 2023. 116p. Conundrum Press, paper, $20.00 (9781772620870). Gr. 9-12. 741.5973.

Four Cree teens share scary stories around the fire, including tales of spirits, demons, and human horrors.

Barda. By Ngozi Ukazu. Art by the author. 2024. 208p. DC Comics, paper, $16.99 (9781779511133). Gr. 7-12. 741.5973.

Barda, leader of the Female Furies (those who battle, maim, and kill for Lord Darkseid), finds herself questioning her homeworld's motto: We do not speak of love on Apokolips.

*Big Jim and the White Boy: An American Classic Reimagined. By David F. Walker. Art by Marcus Kwame Anderson. 2024. 281p. Ten Speed Graphic, paper, $25.99 (9781984857729). General adult. 741.5973.

This comic reimagines the controversial Mark Twain classic, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, placing the enslaved Black man Jim as the story's central figure.

*Brownstone. By Samuel Teer. Art by Mar Julia. 2024. 320p. Versify, paper, $18.99 (9780358394747). Gr. 9-12. 741.5973.

In the summer of 1995, fourteen-year-old Almudena goes to live with her father, Xavier, helping him renovate an old brownstone into apartments and learning about her Guatemalan heritage.

Bunt!: Striking Out on Financial Aid. By Ngozi Ukazu. Art by Mad Rupert. 2024. 288p. First Second, paper, $17.99 (9781250193513). Gr. 9-12. 741.5973.

When college freshman Molly’s full-ride scholarship to art school falls through, she attempts to assemble a ragtag group of reluctant softball players in pursuit of an athletic scholarship.

Call Me Iggy. By Jorge Aguirre. Art by Rafael Rosado. 2024. 256p. First Second, paper, $18.99 (9781250204134). Gr. 9-12. 741.5973.

Ignacio, aka "Iggy," a second generation Columbian American starting high school, is visited by his dead grandfather.

Castle Swimmer, vol. 1. By Wendy Martin. Art by the author. 2024. 272p. Ten Speed Graphic, paper, $18.99 (9780593835821). General adult. 741.5973.

A Shark kingdom prophecy foretells Beacon Kappa's death at the hands of Prince Siren; but upon meeting, the two begin to question their fate.

City Boy. By Greg Pak. Art by Minkyu Jung. 2024. 168p. DC Comics, paper, $16.99 (9781779524874). Gr. 9-12. 741.5973.

Cameron Kim, aka City Boy, has the ability to speak with cities. As his powers become stronger, the cities come alive, threatening to cover the world.

Codex Black, bk. 2: Bird of Ill Omen. By Camilo Moncada Lozano. Art by the author. 2024. 320p. IDW Publishing, paper, $16.99 (9798887240916). Gr. 7-12. 741.5972.

Donají and Itzcacalotl, two 15th-century Mesoamerican teens, must prevent the death of Emperor Ahuizotl at the hands of would-be assassins who are stealing powerful magical items across the land.

Cooking with Monsters: The Beginner's Guide to Culinary Combat. By Jordan Alsaqa. Art by Vivian Truong. 2023. 256p. IDW Publishing, paper, $16.99 (9781684059836). Gr. 7-12. 741.5973.

To become a warrior chef, Hana must face furious monsters, navigate awkward friendships, and learn to make the perfect meal.

The Cull, vol. 1. By Kelly Thompson. Art by Mattia De Iulis. 2024. 136p. Image Comics, paper, $14.99 (9781534397873). General adult. 741.5973.

Five teens find an opening to another world where they develop special powers. They come home to discover that while they were gone, something else came through.

Dark Moon: The Blood Altar, vol. 1. By Hybe and Enhypen. Art by the author. 2023. 272p. Ize Press, paper, $20.00 (9798400900716). Gr. 7-12. 741.5951.

When vampire-hating Sooha attends Decelis Academy, she attracts the attention of the most popular boys in school. But Sooha doesn't know their secret: they're vampires.

The Deep Dark. By Molly Knox Ostertag. Art by the author. 2024. 408p. Graphix, paper, $16.99 (9781338839999). Gr. 9-12. 741.5973.

When Mags' childhood best friend, Nessa, returns to their small hometown, Mags has to confront the dangerous secrets she's been hiding.

Duel. By Jessixa Bagley. Art by Aaron Bagley. 2023. 320p. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, paper, $14.99 (9781534496545). Gr. 3-7. 741.5973.

When big sister Gigi embarrasses Lucy on her first day of middle school, Lucy challenges Gigi (the undisputed queen of the fencing team) to a duel.

First Test: Protector of the Small, vol. 1. By Devin Grayson and Tamora Pierce. Art by Becca Farrow. 2024. 160p. Random House Graphic, paper, $17.99 (9780307931573). Gr. 7-12. 741.5973.

Keladry faces an uphill battle as the first girl to train for knighthood under a new rule in the kingdom of Tortall.

The Fox Maidens. By Robin Ha. Art by the author. 2024. 320p. Balzer + Bray, paper, $18.99 (9780062685124). Gr. 7-12. 741.5973.

As Kai fights for her dream of becoming a warrior like her father, she realizes a secret about her past that will change her destiny forever.

Freshman Year. By Sarah Mai. Art by the author. 2024. 273p. Christy Ottaviano Books, paper, $17.99 (9780316401173). Gr. 9-12. 741.5973.

This book chronicles one girl’s freshman year in college, from making new friends and exploring one’s identity to staying up all night cramming for finals.

*Gachiakuta. By Kei Urana. Art by the author and Hideyoshi Andou.

vol. 1. 2024. 188p. Kodansha, paper, $12.99 (9798888770207). Gr. 9-12. 741.5952.
vol. 2. 2024. 192p. Kodansha, paper, $12.99 (9798888770948). Gr. 9-12. 741.5952.

Framed for murder and exiled into the pit, Rudo will learn that there is more than garbage beyond the Sphere.

Ghost Roast. By Shawneé Gibbs and Shawnelle Gibbs. Art by Emily Cannon. 2024. 224p. Versify, paper, $18.99 (9780358141808). Gr. 7-12. 741.5973.

Chelsea's newfound high school popularity is threatened when she's forced to work at her dad's paranormal removal company, but soon she discovers a mystery begging to be solved.

Godzilla: Monster Island Summer Camp. By Rosie Knight. Art by Oliver Ono. 2024. 112p. IDW Publishing, paper, $12.99 (9798887240923). Gr. 3-7. 741.5973.

Zelda rallies her newfound friends (both human and kaiju) to investigate the dark secrets lurking behind her summer camp's facade after discovering a portal to a world of monsters.

Hirayasumi. By Keigo Shinzo. Art by the author.

vol. 1. 2024. 192p. VIZ Media, paper, $14.99 (9781974746910). General adult. 741.5952.
vol. 2. 2024. 176p. VIZ Media, paper, $14.99 (9781974746927). General adult. 741.5952.

Easygoing Hiroto and his cousin Natsumi navigate modern Tokyo life in this gentle slice-of-life tale.

Hockey Girl Loves Drama Boy. By Faith Erin Hicks. Art by the author. 2023. 304p. First Second, paper, $17.99 (9781250838728). Gr. 9-12. 741.5971.

When hockey player Alix realizes she needs help keeping her cool, she asks her classmate Ezra to become her mentor and ends up falling for him.

How It All Ends. By Emma Hunsinger. Art by the author. 2024. 304p. Greenwillow Books, paper, $15.99 (9780063158146). Gr 3-7. 741.5973.

When Tara is unexpectedly told she'll be skipping 8th grade and going straight to high school, she must navigate a strange new world she doesn't feel ready for.

Huda F Cares? By Huda Fahmy. Art by the author. 2023. 208p. Dial Books, paper, $16.99 (9780593532805). Gr. 7-12. 741.5973.

On a family vacation to Disney World, Huda navigates her identity as a Muslim American as well as her relationship with her sisters.

I Feel Awful, Thanks. By Lara Pickle. Art by the author. 2024. 216p. Oni Press, paper, $17.99 (9781637153000). Gr. 10-12. 741.5973.

Joanna gets her dream job as a potion maker, but it's not all it's cracked up to be. Stressed and dealing with intrusive thoughts, she seeks professional help.

In Utero. By Chris Gooch. Art by the author. 2024. 248p. Top Shelf Productions, paper, $24.99 (9781603095341). Gr. 7-12. 741.5994.

Twelve-year-old Hailey discovers both friendship and subterranean horrors when she attends summer day camp in an abandoned mall.

Indiginerds. By Alina Pete (editor). Various artists. 120p. Iron Circus Comics, paper, $20.00 (9781638991335). Gr. 7-12. 305.8.

A collection of short stories from Indigenous creators across Turtle Island showcases nerds in all their glory - streamers, gamers, bloggers, pirate radio operators, and more!

Ink Girls. By Marieke Nijkamp. Art by Sylvia Bi. 2023. 288p. Greenwillow Books, paper, $15.99 (9780063027107). Gr. 3-7. 741.5973.

Eleven-year-old disabled printer's apprentice Cinzia attempts to liberate her mentor and hold the government accountable to the people it represents.

Kagurabachi, vol. 1. By Takeru Hokazono. Art by the author. 2024. 216p. VIZ Media, paper, $11.99 (9781974747245). Gr. 10-12. 741.5952.

Chihiro uses a magic sword to hunt down his blacksmith father's murderers.

Kira and the (Maybe) Space Princess. By Megan Brennan. Art by the author. 2024. 256p. Random House Graphic, paper, $13.99 (9780593709894). Gr. 3-7. 741.5973.

Kira's ambitions to become the coolest Magical Girl in seventh grade might finally come true when Catacorn, a single-horned cat princess from outer space, crash lands in her backyard.

Let's Go, Coco! By Coco Fox. Art by the author. 2024. 240p. HarperAlley, paper, $15.99 (9780063256408). Gr. 3-7. 741.5973.

After her best friend moves away, eleven-year-old Coco joins the basketball team and builds new relationships.

The Library Mule of Cordoba. By Wilfrid Lupano. Art by Leonard Chemineau. 2024. 263p. Ablaze, hardcover, $24.99 (9781684972791). Gr. 7-12. 741.5944.

A mule, an enslaved woman, an enslaved librarian, and a thief struggle to rescue a few of the 400,000 books in the Caliphate of Al-Andalus's library from burning.

*Lunar New Year Love Story. By Gene Luen Yang. Art by LeUyen Pham. 2024. 352p. First Second, paper, $17.99 (9781250908261). Gr. 9-12. 741.5973.

Valentina grew up loving Valentine's Day... until she learned that her family is cursed in love. After meeting Lion Dancer Les, can she break the curse?

Maelstrom: A Prince of Evil. By Lorian Merriman. Art by the author. 2024. 240p. Henry Holt & Company, paper, $17.99 (9781250822840). Gr. 7-12. 741.5973.

Bored with waiting to take his mother's evil throne, Maelstrom decides to join the Hero of Virtue's quest. But where do his true loyalties lie?

Mall Goth. By Kate Leth. Art by the author. 2023. 256p. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, paper, $14.99 (9781534476943). Gr. 7-12. 741.5973.

Liv must deal with confusing friendships, inappropriate attention from a teacher, and a job at the mall as she starts over in a new school as a bisexual goth girl.

Morgana and Oz, vol. 1. By Miyuli. Art by the author. 2024. 320p. WEBTOON Unscrolled, paper, $18.99 (9781998854837). Gr. 7-12. 741.5952.

When the peace talks between witches and vampires fail, witch Morgana and vampire Oz must work together to fix everything.

The Mushroom Knight, vol. 1. By Oliver Bly. Art by the author. 2024. 112p. Mad Cave Studios, paper, $19.99 (9781960578792). General Adult. 741.5973.

Two worlds collide – our human world and the fantastical world of the forest that is inhabited by plant and mushroom people.

My Oh My, Atami-kun, vol. 1. By Asa Tanuma. Art by the author. 2024. 208p. Yen Press, paper, $15.00 (9781975392635). Gr. 10-12. 741.5952.

Good-looking gay high school student Atami makes friends with his classmates in this slice-of-life story.

*Navigating with You. By Jeremy Whitley. Art by Casio Ribeiro. 2024. 220p. Maverick, paper, $14.99 (9781952303609). Gr. 9-12. 741.5973.

Neesha and Gabby meet on their first day at a new North Carolina high school and bond over their love of an out-of-print manga series in this heartwarming romance.

The New Girl, vol. 1. By Cassandra Calin. Art by the author. 2024. 272p. Graphix, paper, $12.99 (9781338762457). Gr. 3-7. 741.5971.

Twelve-year-old Lia moves from Romania to Canada and must adapt to a new school, learn a new language, and make new friends.

Next Stop. By Debbie Fong. Art by the author. 2024. 249p. Random House Graphic, paper, $13.99 (9780593425183). Gr. 3-7. 741.5973.

On a bus trip, Pia has a chance to process her grief over the recent loss of her younger brother and its aftermath on her family.

*No Rules Tonight. By Kim Hyun Sook and Ryan Estrada. Art by Ryan Estrada. 2024. 208p. Penguin Workshop, paper, $17.99 (9780593521304). Gr. 7-12. 741.5973.

The theater club of a South Korean university in the 80s goes on a mountainous winter excursion with no parental supervision for a weekend full of unexpected feelings and adventures.

Nomads: The Sky Kingdom. By Captain Juuter. Art by the author. 2024. 257p. KaBOOM!, paper, $12.99 (9781608866007). Gr 7-12. 741.5973.

In order to find his missing brother, Lance forever abandons his home in the Sea Kingdom and becomes a Nomad alongside prince-in-disguise Satra and magical cat Saber.

Nothing Special, vol. 1: Through the Elder Woods. By Katie Cook. Art by the author. 2024. 399p. Ten Speed Graphic, paper, $22.99 (9781984862839). Gr 7-12. 741.5973.

When Callie's father disappears, she must explore the magical world she's always been forbidden to enter.

Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint, vol. 1. By Umi (REDICE STUDIO) and singNsong. Art by Sleepy-C(3B2S STUDIO). 2023. 252p. Ize Press, paper, $20.00 (9798400901065). Gr. 9-12. 741.5951.

Dojka Kim, the lone devoted reader of an obscure webnovel, is forced into unexpected action when the world of the story becomes real.

Pearl. By Sherri L. Smith. Art by Christine Norrie. 2024. 144p. Graphix, paper, $12.99 (9781338029420). Gr. 5-9. 741.5973.

On a visit to her great-grandmother in Japan, Amy, a thirteen-year-old Japanese Hawaiian girl, is unable to return home due to the attack on Pearl Harbor.

The Perks of Being an S-Class Heroine, vol. 1. By Irinbi. Art by Grrr. 2024. 304p. Ize Press, paper, $20.00 (9798400901607). Gr. 9-12. 741.5951.

Transmigrator Ailette Rodeline navigates a dark time-loop novel with the assistance of an S-class support system, determined to achieve her dream of living in a wholesome childcare story.

Pillow Talk. By Stephanie Cooke. Art by Mel Valentine Vargas. 2024. 304p. HarperAlley, paper, $18.99 (9780358525714). Gr. 9-12. 741.5971.

College freshman Grace Mendes gets into the world of pillow fighting and learns to be more confident in herself while rising to the top.

*Plain Jane and the Mermaid. By Vera Brosgol. Art by the author. 2024. 368p. First Second, paper, $14.99 (9781250314857). Gr. 5-9. 741.5973.

"Plain" Jane proposes a marriage of convenience to handsome fisherman Peter – but when he's kidnapped by a mermaid, she must set off on an unexpected adventure.

Punk Rock Karaoke. By Bianca Xunise. Art by the author. 2024. 256p. Viking Books for Young Readers, paper, $17.99 (9780593464526). Gr 9-12. 741.5973.

Three gal pals immerse themselves in the indie music scene. Melds the cuteness of shojo manga with the outlook of grungy alternative anti-authoritarianism.

Safe Passage. By G. Neri. Art by David Brame. 2024. 224p. Tu Books, paper, $20.95 (9781643790343). Gr. 5-12. 741.5973.

When Darius and his little sister join a friend in skipping school, they quickly find themselves off the safe path as they navigate their way across Chicago's streets.

Scrapper. By Alex De Campi and Cliff Bleszinski. Art by Sandy Jarrell. 2024. 160p. Image Comics, hardcover, $19.99 (9781534398276). General Adult. 741.5973.

Scrapper lives in the dystopian city of New Verona. When corporate overlords SMITE attack his family, he'll do anything to take them down.

Soara and the House of Monsters, vol. 1. By Hidenori Yamaji. Art by the author. 2023. 195p. Seven Seas Entertainment, paper, $15.99 (9798888430187). Gr. 9-12. 741.5952.

Soara, a monster-fighting warrior entering a newfound era of peace, finds herself building homes for monsters instead of battling them.

The Spellbook Library. By Uta Isaki. Art by the author. 2024. 176p. Kodansha, paper, $13.99 (9798888772935). Gr. 7-12. 741.5952.

Tonha and Yan are trying to get positions at the prestigious Spellbook Library, where monsters are captured and sealed into a book.

*Spirit World. By Alyssa Wong. Art by Haining. 2024. 176p. DC Comics, paper, $16.99 (9781779523013). Gr. 9-12. 741.5973.

Xanthe Zhou, a nonbinary Chinese hero who can travel between the lands of living and dead, teams up with John Constantine to rescue Batgirl from the Spirit World.

Stand Up! By Tori Sharp. Art by the author. 2024. 336p. Little, Brown Ink, paper, $12.99 (9780316538930). Gr. 3-7. 741.5973.

Long-time stage crew BFFs Clay and Kyle go from being hilarious in their middle school to being hilarious on their own podcast.

Static: Up All Night. By Lamar Giles. Art by Paris Alleyne. 2023. 200p. DC Comics, paper, $16.99 (9781779510518). Gr. 7-12. 741.5973.

Virgil Hawkins, aka Static, has been dumped. To cheer up, he goes out with friends and finds himself wrapped up in a super-powered thief's journey.

Super Boba Cafe. By Nidhi Chanani. Art by the author. 2023. 215p. Amulet Books, paper, $16.99 (9781419759574). Gr. 3-7. 741.5973.

Aria's summer in San Francisco with her grandmother, Jing Li, is full of boba, delicious food– and mystery.

Table Titans Club. By Scott R. Kurtz. Art by the author. 2024. 224p. Holiday House, paper, $13.99 (9780823456819). Gr. 3-7. 741.5973.

Val starts a new middle school and finds herself drawn into a world of new experiences, from Dungeons & Dragons to wrestling.

Taxi Ghost. By Sophie Escabasse. Art by the author. 2024. 211p. Random House Graphic, paper, $13.99 (9780593565971). 741.5973.

Adele can suddenly see ghosts, and learns she comes from a long line of mediums. The ghosts want her help to save the neighborhood!

The Terrifying Tales of Vivian Vance. By Joshua lrich. Art by the author. 2024. 259p. G. P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers, paper, $17.99 (9780593403662). Gr. 7-12. 741.5973.

Amateur teen detective Vivian Vance discovers a childhood monster story about "flesh-takers" is real and threatening her community.

This Land Is Our Land: A Blue Beetle Story. By Julio Anta. Art by Jacoby Salcedo. 2024. 208p. DC Comics, paper, $16.99 (9781779522825). Gr. 7-12. 741.5973.

When Jaime finds a Blue scarab that gives him magical powers, he discovers that aliens are using the strife to invade Earth.

Tiffany's Griffon. By Maddi Gonzalez and Magnolia Porter Siddell. Art by the authors. 2024. 288p. First Second, paper, $14.99 (9781250757821). Gr. 5-9. 741.5973.

Marnie discovers the world of her favorite book series is real and is searching for a Chosen One to save them... but that savior isn't Marnie.

Upstaged. By Robin Easter. Art by the author. 2024. 237p. Little, Brown and Company, paper, $12.99 (9780316429528). Gr. 3-7. 741.5973.

Ash and their bestie Ivy return to summer drama camp in this young tween tale capturing the antic nature of adolescent affection.

Voyage de Gourmet. By Paul Tobin. Art by the author. 2023. 248p. Maverick, paper, $14.99 (9781545800669). Gr. 7-12. 741.5973.

16-year-old social media sensation Layne Green is selected to compete in a cooking reality TV show alongside his former best friend.

Wildfire. By Breena Bard. Art by the author. 2023. 271p. Little, Brown Ink, paper, $12.99 (9780316277655). Gr. 3-9. 741.5973.

After losing her home to a wildfire, Julianna and her family relocate to Portland; but Carson, the boy Julianna suspects was involved in starting the wildfire, shows up at her new school.

Wolfpitch. By Balazs Lorinczi. Art by the author. 2024. 183p. Top Shelf Productions, paper, $19.99 (9781603095396). Gr. 7-12. 741.5941.

Izzy is loud, opinionated, and a talented bass player with impossible standards. She also happens to be a werewolf who just got kicked out of her fourth band this year.

The Worst Ronin. By Maggie Tokuda-Hall. Art by Faith Schaffer. 2024. 336p. HarperAlley, paper, $18.99 (9780358464938). Gr. 9-12. 741.5973.

Aspiring samurai Chihiro and cynical veteran ronin Tatsuo must work together to save a remote village from a supernatural threat.

You and I Are Polar Opposites. By Kocha Agasawa. Art by the author.

vol. 1. 2024. 192p. VIZ Media, paper, $11.99 (9781974743766). Gr. 9-12. 741.5952.
vol. 2. 2024. 190p. VIZ Media, paper, $11.99 (9781974746392). Gr. 9-12. 741.5952.

Opposites attract when life-of-the-party Suzuki sets her sights on her quiet, straightforward classmate, Tani.

Young Hag and the Witches' Quest. By Isabel Greenberg. Art by the author. 2024. 267p. Amulet Books, paper, $17.99 (9781419765124). Gr. 7-12. 741.5942.

Young Hag and her grandmother Ancient Crone set off on a quest to bring magic back to Britain in this feminist take on Arthurian legend.

*Your Letter. By Hyeon A Cho. Art by the author. 2024. 270p. Ize Press, paper, $20.00 (9798400901119). Gr. 7-12. 741.59519.

After standing up for a bullied classmate, Sori Lee transfers to a new school and finds a mysterious series of letters.

Your Throne, vol. 1. By SAM. Art by the author. 2024. 288p. WEBTOON Unscrolled, paper, $18.99 (9781998854790). Gr. 7-12. 741.5952.

Lady Medea Solon will have to rewrite her entire revenge plan when she wakes up in the body of her sworn rival, Psyche.

Bad Medicine. By Christopher Twin. Art by the author. 2023. 116p. Conundrum Press, paper, $20.00 (9781772620870). Gr. 9-12. 741.5973.

Four Cree teens share scary stories around the fire, including tales of spirits, demons, and human horrors.

Big Jim and the White Boy: An American Classic Reimagined. By David F. Walker. Art by Marcus Kwame Anderson. 2024. 281p. Ten Speed Graphic, paper, $25.99 (9781984857729). General adult. 741.5973.

This comic reimagines the controversial Mark Twain classic, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, placing the enslaved Black man Jim as the story's central figure.

Brownstone. By Samuel Teer. Art by Mar Julia. 2024. 320p. Versify, paper, $18.99 (9780358394747). Gr. 9-12. 741.5973.

In the summer of 1995, fourteen-year-old Almudena goes to live with her father, Xavier, helping him renovate an old brownstone into apartments and learning about her Guatemalan heritage.

Gachiakuta. By Kei Urana. Art by the author and Hideyoshi Andou.

vol. 1. 2024. 188p. Kodansha, paper, $12.99 (9798888770207). Gr. 9-12. 741.5952.
vol. 2. 2024. 192p. Kodansha, paper, $12.99 (9798888770948). Gr. 9-12. 741.5952.

Framed for murder and exiled into the pit, Rudo will learn that there is more than garbage beyond the Sphere.

Lunar New Year Love Story. By Gene Luen Yang. Art by LeUyen Pham. 2024. 352p. First Second, paper, $17.99 (9781250908261). Gr. 9-12. 741.5973.

Valentina grew up loving Valentine's Day... until she learned that her family is cursed in love. After meeting Lion Dancer Les, can she break the curse?

Navigating with You. By Jeremy Whitley. Art by Casio Ribeiro. 2024. 220p. Maverick, paper, $14.99 (9781952303609). Gr. 9-12. 741.5973.

Neesha and Gabby meet on their first day at a new North Carolina high school and bond over their love of an out-of-print manga series in this heartwarming romance.

No Rules Tonight. By Kim Hyun Sook and Ryan Estrada. Art by Ryan Estrada. 2024. 208p. Penguin Workshop, paper, $17.99 (9780593521304). Gr. 7-12. 741.5973.

The theater club of a South Korean university in the 80s goes on a mountainous winter excursion with no parental supervision for a weekend full of unexpected feelings and adventures.

Plain Jane and the Mermaid. By Vera Brosgol. Art by the author. 2024. 368p. First Second, paper, $14.99 (9781250314857). Gr. 5-9. 741.5973.

"Plain" Jane proposes a marriage of convenience to handsome fisherman Peter – but when he's kidnapped by a mermaid, she must set off on an unexpected adventure.

Spirit World. By Alyssa Wong. Art by Haining. 2024. 176p. DC Comics, paper, $16.99 (9781779523013). Gr. 9-12. 741.5973.

Xanthe Zhou, a nonbinary Chinese hero who can travel between the lands of living and dead, teams up with John Constantine to rescue Batgirl from the Spirit World.

Your Letter. By Hyeon A Cho. Art by the author. 2024. 270p. Ize Press, paper, $20.00 (9798400901119). Gr. 7-12. 741.59519.

After standing up for a bullied classmate, Sori Lee transfers to a new school and finds a mysterious series of letters.

More Information

Charge:

To prepare an annual annotated list of recommended graphic novels appropriate for teen readers.

Purpose of List:

The list presents graphic novels published in the past year that are recommended reading for teens aged twelve to eighteen. It is a general list of graphic novels, both fiction and nonfiction, selected for proven or potential appeal to the personal reading tastes of teens.

For the purpose of the Blogging Team, graphic novels are defined to include trade compilations and original works published in a sequential art format. Such titles should incorporate acceptable literary and artistic quality with effectiveness of presentation.

Standard selection criteria consistent with the Library Bill of Rights shall apply. Librarianship focuses on individuals, in all their diversity, and that focus is a fundamental value of the Young Adult Library Services Association and its members. Diversity is, thus, honored in the Association and in the collections and services that libraries provide to teens.

The Blogging Team:

The Great Graphic Novels for Teens Blogging Team consists of 10-14 members and one Coordinator.

Blogging Team members must belong to YALSA and should include a mix of public and school librarians, the majority of whom should have background and experience in the selection and use of graphic novels.

Blogging Team members are appointed by YALS's Member Manager and serve a term of one year. Blogging Team members may be selected to serve a concurrent, second one-year term based on the member's first year performance and his/her interest and availability in serving another year, for a total of a two-year maximum concurrent term length on the team

Members who have served two consecutive years may not be appointed to the same Blogging Team for three years from the conclusion of their last term. This guideline will not apply to the Coordinator. In extreme circumstances, and at the Member manager’s discretion, an exception may be made if a Blogging Team member resigns suddenly. The staff liaison, after discussion with the Blogging Team Coordinator, may determine that the best course of action is to fill the vacancy with an experienced Blogging Team member, and appoint a member in good standing who successfully served on a Blogging Team during the previous three years.

A YALSA staff member serves as a liaison to the Blogging Team to handle questions from the Coordinator regarding procedure, personnel, and the eligibility of titles as well as publisher contact.

Relationship with Publishers:

If Blogging Team members are offered or receive unsolicited copies of books from a publisher, they may be accepted. Blogging Team members should not solicit publishers for favors, invitations, etc. If members receive these, however, they will use their own judgment in accepting. Publishers understand that such acceptance in no way influences members’ actions or selections.

Member Responsibilities:

By accepting appointment to the Blogging Team, each member assumes responsibility for reading, evaluating and nominating the graphic novels submitted for consideration in any year and actively participating in the work of the Blogging Team, including electronic correspondence between meetings, plus any specific duties are assigned by the Coordinator.

Blogging Team members are encouraged to solicit the opinions of teens on titles being considered for nomination.

Coordinator Responsibilities:

The Coordinator presides at all virtual Blogging Team meetings, and is a voting member of the Blogging Team with all the rights and responsibilities of the other members. The primary responsibility of the Coordinator is facilitator of the Blogging Team’s charge, including all business matters such as notification of times of virtual meetings, preparation of an agenda and list of nominated titles. The Coordinator should only discuss a title after other team members have had an opportunity to speak, so as not to unduly influence the decision. The Coordinator works closely with the YALSA office.

To be selected for the recommended list, books must meet the following criteria:

Reflect an integration of images and words
Exhibit a clarity of visual flow on the page
Ability of images to convey necessary meaning
Outstanding quality of the artwork's reproduction
Narrative enhanced by the artwork
Narrative dominated by sequential art component

Eligibility Criteria:

Both young adult, and adult titles with strong teen appeal, may be considered
Both fiction and non-fiction are eligible
Adapted materials must remain true to, expand, or complement the original work
Books published within the assigned calendar year, January 1 to December 31, in addition to those published between September 1 and December 31 of the previous year.
Nominations may be accepted from the field and Blogging Team up to November 1 of that calendar year.
Though graphic novels need not be published in the United States, they must be widely available for purchase in the U.S. at the time of consideration.
Reissues will be considered if there has been significant change to the original content of the work since first issued. Whether or not the changes are significant enough is ultimately determined by the Coordinator.
Collections of comic strips will be considered only if they contain an overarching story arc.

Nominations:

Prior to nominating a graphic novel, it is expected that a Blogging Team member will have read the work. In the case of a field nomination, a Blogging Team member must read the work before seconding.
Nominations must be submitted on the official form, which is available on the YALSA website, from the YALSA Office or from the current Blogging Team Coordinator.
Neither publishers nor authors may nominate their own titles.
The Coordinator will regularly disseminate a list of nominated titles to Blogging Team members.

Voting Process:

Selection of the annual list will be made during the last group meeting of the year. Members can vote only on nominated books they have read. The final list will include books receiving a majority of the group's "yes" votes. The final vote will be counted by the Coordinator.

Annotations:

After titles have been selected, the Blogging Team will prepare a list with necessary bibliographic information and brief annotations, which should be written in a style that will capture the interest of the target audience -- teens aged 12 to 18. Annotations should also reflect content, to address interests of selectors. Original comic information should be listed in the annotation. YALSA's "Procedures for Writing and Publishing Annotations and Bibliographies" should be used for guidance. Responsibility for editing the final list(s) and ensuring its/their availability to YALSA staff in hard copy and disk form no later than the final day of each Midwinter Meeting, falls to the Blogging Team Coordinator.

Availability of Lists for General Distribution

The list of nominations will be updated on the Hub as nominations are finalized by the group.

Great Graphic Novels