​​​​​​​Brigid Alverson

These seven works range from spin-offs of classic Japanese manga to completely original stories rendered with manga-style storytelling.

In these stories, some grandparents are kind and loving, others carry the trauma of their past. Often, kids turn to them when they feel their parents won’t understand.

From a fire-breathing corgi to bunnies with wings, characters in these fantasy titles for elementary and middle school readers hold strong appeal.  

Teamwork, competition, and the glory of team sports drive these graphic novel stories for elementary through high school readers.

Korean and Chinese comics reach English-language readers.

U.S. publishers step up to provide age-appropriate new releases for 8- to 12-year-olds. 

Nine popular series for elementary and middle grade readers.

Eight books for elementary through high school readers center issues of democracy with engaging examples and stories.

“Because Black history isn’t centered, you have to search harder for those stories,” says Gill, who has researched figures including Spottswood Rice, who escaped enslavement and joined the Union Army, and motorcyclist Bessie Stringfield.