2025 Staff Picks: Teen Graphic NovelsLike this list

20 items

• Strange Bedfellows

  Ries, Ariel Slamet,

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  We loved this beautiful, science fiction graphic novel! As trans college dropout Oberon navigates his newfound powers, as well as his imaginary crush, we were entertained from beginning to end. We also loved the beautiful art, which changes in style…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Black Canary. Best of the Best

  King, Tom, 1978-

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  I tore through this graphic novel because it was pure, unpredictable adrenaline! The fighting felt so real, and not knowing what twist was coming next kept me completely on the edge of my seat. Suggested by PJ.

• Tall Water

  Sindu, SJ,

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  A powerful coming-of-age story that discusses big topics of war and natural disasters. As Nimmi reconnects with her estranged mother and discovers her home country of Sri Lanka, she navigates some very difficult situations. I was so absorbed that I…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Angelica and the Bear Prince

  Nguyen, Trung Le,

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  We didn't expect what appeared to be a fluffy, slice-of-life graphic novel to have such a sharp exploration of burnout and grief, but this one really did it all. The romance was sweet, the art expressive and gorgeous, and the storyline encouraging…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Hunger's Bite

  Robin, Taylor, 1994-

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  We had a blast reading this debut graphic novel that cleverly combines elements of historical fiction, horror, and mystery. Suggested by Erin K. and Rummanah.

• On Starlit Shores

  Glendining, Bex,

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  A gorgeously illustrated graphic fantasy that sensitively and thoughtfully explores complex family bonds and the discussion of grief and its complexity. Suggested by Rummanah.

• Raised by Ghosts

  Loewinsohn, Briana,

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  A quietly emotional, bittersweet coming-of-age graphic novel set in the 1990s. It blends diary, memoir, and comic inspired by the author’s own teen experiences as she navigates loneliness, parental neglect, and the lifeline that friendships provide.…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Fitting Indian

  Chand, Jyoti,

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  Inspired by the author's own experience, this debut graphic novel tackles the cultural expectations of how to 'behave' and be a 'good girl,' but also the stigma of not discussing mental health struggles within the South Asian community. Hard…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Flip

  Ukazu, Ngozi,

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  In her most personal graphic novel yet, Ngozi provides thoughtful, incisive commentary on personal identity, self acceptance, and perception in a heartwarming, humorous, nuanced Freaky-Friday-like story. Suggested by Rummanah.

• Les Normaux

  Janssen, Janine,

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  Absolutely adorable! We loved the magical, alternative world of Paris filled with queer-normative magical beings. We loved the inclusion and diversity of the cast of characters, and we can't wait for installments of this series. Suggested by Aubree…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• The Kiss Bet

  Ochoa, Ingrid,

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  I thoroughly enjoyed this adorable, sweet, and charming coming-of-age romance comic. I highly recommend it for fans of the "To All the Boys I've Loved Before" series by Jenny Han and Rainbow Rowell's graphic novel "Pumpkinheads." Suggested by…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• We Could Be Magic

  Meyer, Marissa,

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  A sweet, wholesome story about dreams, self-esteem, determination, persistence, and pushing back against societal norms. Suggested by Rummanah.

• Song of a Blackbird

  Van Lieshout, Maria,

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  This powerful, moving, and well-researched historical graphic novel features a Dutch teen who must unravel a complicated family history to find a bone marrow transplant for her grandmother. The striking illustrations blend seamlessly with actual…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Huda F Wants to Know?

  Fahmy, Huda,

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  The Huda series continues to be a favorite. In this third installment, Fahmy explores divorce, mental health, friendship, and the academic stresses of high school during this difficult time in her life with humor and honesty. Suggested by Rummanah.

• Morgana and Oz

  Miyuli,

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  From adorable illustrations to lovable characters to an unlikely friendship that might be blossoming to more, this series has us hooked. Suggested by Aubree and Rummanah.

• Girlmode

  Visaggio, Magdalene,

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  I really appreciated how this realistic graphic novel effectively captures the struggle of finding one's own identity while constantly being told by others what that identity should look and act like, whether one is cis or transgender. Suggested by…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Castle Swimmer

  Martin, Wendy (Comics creator),

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  Set in the world of different species of mermaids, a prophecy-bound hero faces unexpected challenges and meets a handsome shark-prince. With adorable first-love queer representation, beautiful illustrations, and a unique world, I had a lot of fun…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• I Shall Never Fall in Love

  Conner, Hari,

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  An absolute delight! I loved the nod to Jane Austen while Hari Connor also touches upon several other topics, such as gender expression, queer love, and economic and social responsibility. Suggested by Rummanah.

• Suitor Armor

  Purpah,

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  I loved this Webtoon-turned-graphic novel because of the engaging story, gorgeous illustrations, and delightful characters. Set in a kingdom of princesses and fairies, this romantasy graphic novel follows an unlikely pair: an undercover fairy and an…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Visitations

  Egbert, Corey, 1988-

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  A fictionalized graphic novel that is inspired by true events. Corey Egbert experienced a traumatic event in his adolescence when his mother kidnapped him and his sister on a very long road trip. This graphic novel could have easily manipulated…Read moreRead more of this annotation