Graphic Novels on the Rise!

July was Graphic Novels in Libraries Month! Despite the old stigma of graphic novels being ‘just comic books for kids,’ graphic novels hold much literary value, which is why the library celebrates them during July. Graphic novels are a great way to bridge the gap between upper Juvenile and Young Adult, make reading more accessible for bilingual students, and bring in new readers who might find larger chapter books daunting. Graphic novels also help young readers explore and foster artistic expression through the many different styles that each illustrator and author bring to their stories. A multitude of informational and emotional resonance can be expressed in just one panel! In recent years, graphic novels have become so beloved in libraries that the American Library Association put together the Graphic Novels and Comics Roundtable, which is an affiliated organization that promotes, advocates, and even provides grants for graphic novel collections in libraries (how cool is that?)!

I’m a big graphic novel and manga fan. Growing up, my family moved just before I started high school, and since I didn’t know any of the local kids, I attended the Anime & Manga Club at my local library. I wound up making lifelong friends through library programming and our shared interest in graphic novels. As a youth services and teen librarian, I aim to provide a welcoming space and opportunity for young readers to do the same—all the while enjoying some great graphic novels, of course! That is why I started the Anime & Manga Club at the West Windsor Library. We will be meeting every second Thursday of the month unless scheduled otherwise (check the Mercer County Library System Event Calendar for details!). Meanwhile, the following is a list of recommendations and personal favorites to whet any young reader’s appetite.

Tween Readers

Awkward (2015) by Svetlana Chmakova  (Author and Illustrator)

After shunning Jaime, the school nerd, on her first day at a new middle school, Penelope Torres tries to blend in with her new friends in the art club, until the art club goes to war with the science club, of which Jaime is a member.

Stargazing (2019) by Jen Wang (Author and Illustrator) and Lark Pien (Colorist)

Chinese-American student Christine is devastated when her artistic best friend, Moon, falls dangerously ill amid revelations that she has been having visions about celestial beings telling her she does not really belong on Earth.

LGBTQIA+ Friendly

Heartstopper (2020) by Alice Oseman (Author and Illustrator)

This series collects a popular British webcomic featuring the deepening relationship between anxious Charlie and outgoing Nick. Delicate illustrations and on-point dialogue capture the excitement and uncertainty of first love, while the slice-of-life style invites readers into Charlie and Nick's growing understanding of their identities, mental health, friends, and family.

The Prince and the Dressmaker (2018) by Jen Wang (Author and Illustrator)

Prince Sebastian’s secret weapon (and best friend) is the brilliant dressmaker Frances—one of only two people who know the truth: sometimes this boy wears dresses. But Frances dreams of greatness, and being someone’s secret weapon means being a secret. Forever. How long can Frances defer her dreams to protect a friend?

Novels with GN Adaptations

Speak: The Graphic Novel (2018) by Laurie Halse Anderson (Author) and Emily Carroll (Illustrator)

A traumatic event near the end of the summer has a devastating effect on Melinda's freshman year in high school.

Stormbreaker: The Graphic Novel (2006) by Antony Johnston (Adapter), Anthony Horowitz (Author), Kanako Damerum (Illustrator), Yuzuru Takasaki (Illustrator)

After the death of the uncle who had been his guardian, fourteen-year-old Alex Rider is coerced to continue his uncle's dangerous work for Britain's intelligence agency, MI6, in this manga adaptation of Horowitz's novel.

Comics and Heroes

Miles Morales. Vol. 1, Straight out of Brooklyn (2019) by Saladin Ahmed (Author) and Javier Garrón (Illustrator)

Balancing a normal life with his superhero activities has never been easy for Miles Morales, but when the rampaging Rhino and a cadre of mysterious criminals start plaguing Brooklyn, things take an even darker turn for the young Spider-Man.

Teen Titans. Raven (2019) Kami Garcia (Author) and Gabriel Picolo (Illustrator)

When a tragic accident takes the life of the only family she's ever known, 16-year-old Raven is sent to New Orleans to start over. She soon discovers that she can hear the thoughts of others around her... and another, more disturbing, voice in her head.

Manga

Horimiya. Volume 1 (2015) by Hiroki Adachi (aka HERO) (Author and Illustrator)

Despite their veneers as a frivolous high school girl and a gloomy high school fanboy, Hori and Miyamura are actually quite similar, and a relationship begins when they accidentally run into each other outside of class.

Noragami: Stray God. (2014) by Toka Adachi (Author and Illustrator)

Without a shrine or worshipers, low-level god Yato tries to raise money for a temple by setting up a for-profit service for those in need, but in order to get going, he has to accept small jobs, like finding kittens, or helping a student deal with bullies.

—by Brielle Papaccio, Youth Services Librarian, West Windsor Branch