A worthy addition to the canon of myths retold through the female lens that will appeal to any who enjoys the monster’s backstory.
Soul Beat fills a gap in manga collections by featuring a person of color in the lead role. Worth checking out.
Purchase the previous six stories in addition to this new volume for the full experience, but only where budgets allow and where there’s an established audience.
A showcase of Carrasco’s kinetic art. While some may not completely understand it, the passion of his visuals and storytelling shine through to create a thought-provoking work of modern art.
While not for every teen, this graphic novel will provide a niche audience a way to reframe how they see the world when facing a crisis, making it a purposeful purchase for social-emotional learning.
A well-crafted story that somewhat balances humor and risk, character and caricature, but which may leave readers unsympathetic after the deluge of circumstances stretches on, losing the power to sustain either threat or investment.
A whimsical, sweet fantasy that is sure to delight teens looking for a magical, cozy world and nonbinary representation.
Hotelitor blends sci-fi and class comedy with entertaining results. A good choice for YA graphic novel collections.
While an author’s note acknowledges that a true bibliography would be limited, this could still be an excellent authority in distilling the complexities of Norse mythology and making it accessible to younger readers interested in folklore.
For readers who enjoy realistic fiction about school and friendship, and for creative kids who want to incorporate art into their futures.
This quirky graphic novel, with its unique characters and space-themed adventures, will interest young readers and belongs on all library and classroom shelves.
With the humor of Meggie Ramm’s Batcat and the layered hero’s journey of Ben Hatke’s Things in the Basement, this is a true hero of a tale.
A thoughtful, funny, and memorable story about family, friendship, and cooperation.
Good-hearted Haru is a character to root for in this often-dark beginning, leavened with moments of humor. Recommended where graphic novel fantasy is popular.
A high-spirited middle grade graphic adventure with appeal for fantasy fans and those ready to whet their appetites for imaginative pursuits.
A fun introduction to the Monkey King for a younger audience, with room for sequels. Recommended.
This romantic fantasy story is sweet, uplifting, imaginative, and often hilarious. Recommended.
A beautiful book about the beauty of friendship, determination, and speaking ones’ truth. For fans of Amanda Castillo’s and Cameron Chittock’s “Mapmakers and the Lost Magic” series and Wendy Xu’s Tidesong.
A unique book for the right reader; perhaps teen fans of Mechner’s work, those interested in video game development, and readers looking for a new take on WWII sagas.
Readers will devour this entertaining story and may find themselves reaching for dice and pencils while they wait for another adventure. A recommended first purchase.
A secondary purchase perhaps to see if there is an audience at your library.
Recommended where graphic novels are popular.
An intriguing story for fans of graphic novels and gadgets which leaves many questions yet to be answered.
Miller delivers another heartfelt and thoughtful tale of finding forgiveness, embracing change, and being in the moment.
Great for fans of Disney’s Inside Out, this graphic novel belongs on classroom and library shelves for all readers.
Buy where Volume 1 found an audience, and where graphic novels for young readers with an interest in international storytelling.
Purchase where sports graphic novels and role playing games are popular, especially where there are gaps in female representation.
Buy this book to enhance your graphic novel section. Many readers will likely become fans of this new series.
A fast-paced graphic novel recommended for larger middle grade collections.
Tsujimura’s novel has been skillfully brought to life in this manga adaptation. Highly recommended.
The voice and pacing are still fresh, even though the original manga was published nearly 30 years ago, making this a classic that readers will still enjoy.
An engaging narrative with gorgeous illustrations makes this a captivating graphic novel and a strong purchase for any collection.
This breezy graphic novel tries a bit too hard to check all the boxes, but nevertheless is a charming story that will have readers rooting for Molly to persevere against the odds.YA Manga
An imaginitive, high-energy heist that serves up laughs while gently introducing young readers to timely topics. A first purchase for library collections.
While perhaps not the most needle-moving Spider-Man title of all time, this is a solid entry for younger readers, and one that shows them they don’t need to be an actual superhero to make a difference in everyday life.
Beautiful and deliberate, this graphic adaptation retells the original story with impressive, exhaustive faithfulness.
An excellent purchase for elementary and middle school libraries where graphic novels and fantasy are in high demand.
While Lovely Muco! isn’t the deepest book out there, its adorable protagonist will likely delight fans that enjoy manga titles that feature a cute pet.
Give this graphic novel to fans of Kayla Miller. A first purchase for middle school libraries.
A fun action/adventure graphic novel with engaging art. Readers will eagerly await the next installment.
A sweet fantasy story with good-natured leads and stellar art that will fit in great with any library’s collection.
For a nuanced friends-to-lovers boys love manga, this single volume work has plenty of low stakes drama and blushing moments to sate the heart.
Purchase where other regressor titles like Villains are Destined to Die are popular, or where there is opportunity to discuss those two titles in an academic setting.
Recommended for additional purchase where “Lore Olympus” or Greek mythology has wide readership.
Readers with an interest in architecture, watercolor, illustration, worldbuilding, or Miyazaki’s works will find inspiration in this richly visualized art book.
A worthy addition to high school libraries, this is for students who enjoy graphic novels about difficult topics.
A fast, delightful, and approachable read that brings fantasy to young readers. Recommended.
An informative and compelling narrative sure to appeal to budding conservationists.
A good purchase for libraries looking to diversify their religious collections.
Skip! belongs in every library serving middle schoolers and deserves tween book discussion group awareness.
While it’s sometimes frustrating to see Nishimura’s tormentors not truly put in their place, My Clueless First Friend does feature some very cute, likable characters that are earnestly trying to do their best to spread more kindness around.
A manga that not only reads great, but has plenty of depth to satisfy the cerebral manga fan who’s looking for more than just a breezy read.
This first volume alone won’t do the series justice, but enough seeds are planted that provide plenty of promise for this supernatural mystery going forward.
A spine-tingling title with queer overtones that is guaranteed to engross readers from the get-go and continue to keep them guessing.
Martin weaves adventure and sensitive storytelling into a tale not to be missed. An excellent purchase for graphic novel collections and for readers who enjoy survival stories.
Recommended for young adult graphic novel collections.
Purchase where Komi Can’t Communicate or Idol Dreams circulate well.
Fans of the series will embrace this interpretation of the bounty hunter and his new companion. Highly recommended for any manga collection.
This does its best to be original, but its concept does come with issues and may not be something young readers or educators will prioritize in an already crowded market.
Volume two capitalizes on its character growth to deliver an affecting graphic novel about growing up in the zombie apocalypse.
An enjoyable historical romance, in the vein of Bridgerton, conveyed through quaint drawings with a pleasing color scheme. Content contains mature images that are appropriate for older teenagers.
Recommended, especially for those that wish to grow the horror section in their manga and graphic novel collections.
For those who prefer spooky supernatural horror, this single volume collection of urban legends will send a pleasing chill or two up the spine.
Fans of Sakisaka’s other works, Ao Haru Ride and Love Me, Love Me Not, will certainly want to devour this likewise sweet romance and coming-of-age story.
Overall, this is a fun rom-com perfectly suited for fans of other manga series such as “My Special One,” or “Phantom of the Idol.”
Full of hilarious challenges, action-packed arguments, and a relatable (if not exaggerated) friendship debacle, this graphic novel is perfect for fans of Batter Royale and Chef’s Kiss.
This book will not reach every reader, but it is unique. Content includes bullying, violence, murder, and death by suicide involving kids. Additional purchase only for those with larger manga and graphic novel collections.
Highly recommended for upper elementary and middle school libraries. Give this graphic novel to students asking for a fast-paced, action-packed title.
This meditative experience is a necessary addition for celebrating the outdoors and providing another avenue for SEL for all ages.
A title that will have readers believing there is nothing they aren’t able to accomplish, as long as they persist and never give up on their dreams.
A solid shoujo selection that both entertains and enlightens all at once.
A first purchase whether or not you have the original. A crowd pleaser across grade levels and reading ability.
This story is instantly relatable to tween and teen readers trying to live up to parental expectations while establishing their own autonomy. Recommended for libraries serving middle school students, especially where realistic sports-themed stories are appreciated.
For fans of adaptations, fantasy-adjacent graphic novels, and authors like Kat Leyh, Terry Catasús Jennings, and Colleen AF Venable.
With an already big following from its publication as a webcomic, this is sure to be a crowd-pleaser in most middle grade graphic novel collections. Readers will eagerly await volume two of this series.
A gem of a story, it can easily be seen as an all-ages title in a world of imagination which defies true categorization.
A standout graphic novel that should be in every library.
For those who enjoy adventures such as The Nameless City or NewsPrints, this is another illuminating graphic novel that wraps its social issues around the lives of heart-capturing characters.
A fun additional purchase for collections where science fiction, fantasy, and horror are popular.
This bright and engaging graphic novel will speak to middle graders needs for personal recognition and group acceptance, all while introducing them to the behind-the-scenes veracity of staged wrestling.
A good match for readers who enjoy survival and natural disaster stories, environmental action, or realistic fiction that features families overcoming adversity.
A funny intergalactic adventure perfect for fans of Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” franchise.
Smart, moving, and perfectly geared towards its middle grade audience.
This light, bloodless, shounen-inspired fighting series debut delivers a power fantasy for younger comic fans.
A story that will resonate with teen and new adult readers. Recommended for most young adult collections.
A predictable but comfortable graphic novel that stands out from others with a strong story and style, Paramore’s debut is a solid purchase featuring a Black male protagonist.
Alvir brings his hit webcomic to the page with his first graphic novel release, which will delight tweens and teens with its vibrant graphic style and wild storytelling. Give this indie comic a chance and see the buzz it generates.
A unique superhero story fused with sci-fi and fantasy elements that’ll delight many YA readers, regardless of what their usual reading fare may be.
Gooch is a powerhouse storyteller, flawlessly joining dread and whimsy in this tale that will delight anyone who has ever wanted to face danger with a friend. In Utero has all the elements of a blockbuster film and will likely fly off shelves.
Quirky characters in a Victorian setting navigate new territory in the shadows, breathing new life into graphic novel offerings with a combination of science and historical fiction. Add to a collection where webcomics are a hit.
A feel good romance that doesn’t shy away from the painful side of life.
A great story about finding one’s place in the world, fitting in, and learning to be comfortable with who you are, despite what others may impose upon you. Well-told and reassuring for young people questioning their place in the world. A good choice for most collections.
A nice addition to any teen graphic fiction collection.
A solid purchase where fantasy adventures are popular. Give this to fans of Shannon Hale’s Rapunzel’s Revenge and Calamity Jack.
A fast-paced adventure perfect for those who enjoy animal characters.
Readers looking for a magical story will be satisfied.
With its cute characters and edutainment value, this series starter is sure to be a hit with young comic readers, with the potential to get them interested in the science behind it as well.
Building on all that it does right in the previous volume, the series continues to be an enjoyable manga for young readers that’ll teach them plenty of lessons applicable inside and outside the classroom.
Twin delivers a set of stories perfect for graphic novel collections and horror readers. An excellent first purchase.
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