From a lushly-illustrated story of the wildflowers that inspired Emily Dickinson to vivid narratives of firefighters, researchers, and policy makers confronting climate change, these books show people engaging with the world as explorers, observers, and protectors.

Here’s a look at manga that feature short chapters, perfect for a quick, fun read—whether to dip in for just a few minutes or to get hooked and binge.

Here’s a look at seven graphic novels for a range of ages, in which monster tales are reimagined as stories of empathy, identity, and the unknown.