If you’re looking to take your reading experience to the next level, we suggest picking up a Graphic novel. Graphic novels aren’t just for superheroes (they never really were) and today, this medium is exploding with amazing stories across all genres. It’s the perfect time to dive in — especially in the YA graphic novel space. If you’re already a fan of the immediacy and emotional intensity of YA, get ready to fall in love with these must-read YA graphic novels.  

Heartstopper: Volume 3
Alice Oseman

Boy meets boy. Boys become friends. Boys fall in love. The third installment of this sweet YA graphic novel series is just as heartwarming as the title suggests. Nick and Charlie are finally official boyfriends and now must reveal their relationship to their friends and classmates. Emotional but uplifting, Heartstopper: Volume 3 is the perfect feel-good read.

Teen Titans: Beast Boy
Kami Garcia, Gabriel Picolo (Illustrator)

Heartfelt and fun, this graphic origin Story of Teen Titans’ very own Beast Boy is sure to please any DC Comics fan. Gabriel Picolo’s lively illustrations are the perfect complement to this original tale told by Kami Garcia. Teen Titans: Beast Boy takes its readers on a journey of self-discovery the true meaning of friendship, especially when things get wild. And be sure to grab the Beast Boy / Raven romantic meetup — Teen Titans: Beast Boy Loves Raven — out this September.

Long Way Down: The Graphic Novel
Jason Reynolds, Danica Novgorodoff (Illustrator)

The Rules. When his brother is shot and killed, Will knows he needs to follow them and get revenge. But can he? Jason Reynolds’ stunning novel-in-verse is taken to the next level when accompanied with Danica Novgorodoff’s evocative artwork. A powerful and heartbreaking look at teenage gun violence, Long Way Down will leave you breathless and speak to your soul.

The Magic Fish
Trung Le Nguyen

The Magic Fish is a tender and stunningly beautiful portrait of a young teenage boy learning to connect with his family through stories. With fairytale elements woven throughout, Trung Le Nguyen’s graphic novel is a nuanced story about love, identity and finding the words to speak your truth. “Infused with emotional depth and integrity, this coming-of-age story broadens the range of Vietnamese American creative voices in books for young people.” —The Horn Book, Starred Review

Nubia: Real One
L. L. McKinney, Robyn Smith (Illustrator)

Though Nubia is Amazonian, the world won’t accept her as a hero in the same way they do Wonder Woman. But when the opportunity arises to save her best friend, Nubia jumps at the chance to prove she is worthy. This fresh graphic novel reimagining of DC Comics’ first Black woman superhero story is heartfelt and beautiful with vibrant illustrations that leap off the pages.

American Born Chinese
Gene Luen Yang

As the winner of the 2007 Michael L. Printz Award and a 2006 National Book Award Finalist for Young People’s Literature, this book helped elevate and redefine graphic novels as a literary force. This modern fable seamlessly tells the story of Jin Wang, the only Chinese American student at his new school, the great Monkey King, and Chin-Kee, a cringe-worthy personification of the ultimate negative Chinese stereotype. Together, these stories make a powerful statement about racism, the American dream, and staying true to yourself.

My Last Summer with Cass
Mark Crilley

Best friends and artists Megan and Cass are as close as can be — until Cass moves away to New York City. When Megan visits Cass, it seems like the move to a sprawling new city has changed her. My Last Summer with Cass is a profound story about the evolution and power of friendships as we grow up, richly illustrated to reflect the characters’ love of art.

Go with the Flow
Lily Williams, Karen Schneemann

With a vibrant, outspoken cast of characters and a tremendously important theme, Go with the Flow is a dazzling graphic novel about a group of girls who stands up to their school administration to end period shaming. This warm and candid friendship story is Informational yet fun and should be a must-read for all young people.

The Girl from the Sea
Molly Knox Ostertag

This sweet graphic novel follows Morgan, a 15-year-old girl living on a small island in Canada, who one day meets a mysterious selkie named Keltie. At first, Morgan is annoyed by Keltie, but as they spend more time together, she realizes her feelings may be stronger than she anticipated. This charming sapphic coming-of-age story is sure to pull at some heartstrings.

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