Below are a list of my top young adult graphic novels for you to read ! Each of these has won awards, have crazy good reviews, and are on so many of the ‘to be read lists’. Covering different genres, topics and storylines, these graphic novels are worth picking up. Full of depth, intrigue and complex plots, they are a great way to pass the time when you’re searching for a new type of read to break up your day to day.
*Disclosure: We only recommend books that we love and would read ourselves. This post contains affiliate links, as we are part of the Amazon Services LCC Associate Program and others, which may earn us a small commission, at no additional cost to you.
5. Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me by Mariko Tamaki
Where To Buy
Young, dumb, and in love. Freddy has been dating Laura Dean, the popular, friendly, funny, and sometimes mean IT girl of the school. This has been the greatest thing to happen to Freddy this year, but wow does this relationship have her head spinning. The on again/off again turbulence of this young love is causing Freddy to doubt everything, including all her friends have advice for her, none of which she wants to hear.
On the verge of losing her last piece of dignity , her best friends and the relationship itself , Freddy’s turns to the advice of a popular advice columnist. But yet again that advice just doesn’t sit right with her.
This selection falls into the romance category of YA graphic novels, and will drag you through the tremulous relationship of teenagers in love and one’s quest for advice that really sticks.
4. The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen
Where To Buy
A first generation American, Tiến is looking for the right words to talk to his parents. Their English isn’t the best, and is there even a word in Vietnamese for what he has to say? He’s not sure. Relying on stories and books about his childhood fairy tales, he uses the words within their pages to help him get through life and express himself the way he’d like to.
Encompassing the complexity of being a member of a immigrant family, coming of age, and trying to express himself in two vastly different cultures, this graphic novel is an amazing read. Touching and relatable, this book has caused many to call it an instant classic and add it to their book shelves.
3. Nimona by ND Stevenson
Where To Buy
This graphic novel doubles as a fantasy novel. You are following the journey of a quirky shapeshifter who is a little too good at being the bad guy.
With amazing reviews all around and a stellar plot, this novel is packed with adventure and laughs. Our main character-a shapeshifter-joins forces with a notorious villain who is out for revenge against his arch nemesis. As they go about their plotting, our villain begins to see just how wild and out of control his partner Nimona really is. Her past is mysterious and her powers strong. What happened to her, and why has she chosen this life with him? Lord Ballister Blackheart soon finds himself more interested in discovering Nimona’s secrets than in exacting his revenge. If YA graphic novels had a gold standard, this would be it.
2. Anya’s Ghost by Vera Brosgol
Where To Buy
Anya’s Ghost is a perfect read for the upcoming spooky season! Teenage Anya is starting school at a new school and it is rough, and making friends is even harder. When Anya just about gives up on making new friends at her school, she unexpectedly befriends someone! Only thing is, her new friend happened to die about century or so ago…
This story is sincere, heartwarming, sarcastic and will hook you with its story of these two unlikely friends. YA graphic novels are not always supernatural, but when they are they’re so much more fun, don’t you think?
1. Lore Olympus by Rachel Smythe
Where To Buy
This is one of my favorite graphic novels. I not only fell in love with the story, but with the art itself. I love the style and personality that is transmitted through the art. It fits the story of Lore Olympus so well and is a fresh take on an old classic. This graphic novel is indeed a modern re-telling of the classic Greek myth of Hades and Persephone.
The re-telling is wonderfully modern and really makes you feel as if you could live on Olympus with the Gods. All the drama and intrigue of the gods and goddesses that you already love is interwoven with one of Greek mythology’s more famous tales of an unwanted marriage that became something else entirely. All the characters have complex personalities and you get to see a softer side to them, which is so rarely shown.
Hopefully one of these YA graphic novels speaks to you. They all fall under vastly different subgenres, however are enjoyable for young adults and beyond. Whichever one that you pick out, I’m sure you will enjoy it!
