YA Reads: Graphic Novels in Libraries Month

Posted about 3 hours ago by Genevievre Wood
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Fresh Picks from the YA Shelf

Each month we explore a new theme, buzzworthy topic, or genre in young adult literature. Included is a curated list of reads that capture this month’s mood, so whether you’re looking for romance, adventure, drama, plot twists, or thought-provoking reads, there’s something waiting for you. Happy reading!

A group of five young adults huddle together to read an open graphic novel.

Celebrate Graphic Novels in Libraries This July!

Did you know that July is Graphic Novels in Libraries Month? That makes it the perfect time to either discover your new favorite story or finally tackle one that’s been sitting on your TBR list.

Libraries celebrate graphic novels every July as a means of recognizing the importance of graphic novels and promoting their dynamic and unique storytelling format. Created in 2019 by Booklist, the American Library Association’s review journal, this celebration helps highlight the merit of graphic novels with an emphasis on both their highly engaging entertainment value as well as their educational benefit as reading material for all ages.

So, What Is a Graphic Novel?

Graphic novels tell a story through a combination of words and sequential artwork that has been published in a book-length format. Rather than strictly using paragraphs of text, they rely on the artwork to help convey the story. Each page comes to life with details that can both be read and inferred.

Graphic novels are not a book genre. Instead, they are a format within publishing. Whether the novel is a fictional story or a work of nonfiction, they are considered a complete piece of work. They often act as a standalone work, but they can also be a longer narrative that is divided up into multiple volumes. Comics (Western), manga (Japanese), manhwa (Korean), and manhua (Chinese) are typically published in sequential, ongoing installments when initially released, but they are often considered to be within the same medium of visual storytelling.

Graphic novels can be any genre! Looking for something to laugh at? Have a good cry about? Intriguing mysteries to solve? Enchanting or immersive fantasy tales? Dramatic sports stories? Mesmerizing love stories? Cozy slice of life? Engaging and thought provoking memoirs from real people? Something else? If you’re looking for it, Richmond Public Library has it, or you can also suggest it.

Do Graphic Novels Count As Reading?

Without a doubt! They require you to read between the lines by reading text, while also interpreting what the artwork is showing. Those illustrations help bring characters to life, demonstrate their range of emotions the way people do in every day life by looking for social and facial cues, body language, and even from background details. Putting those pictures and words together helps you build connections in your head.

Graphic novels also help you to develop your vocabulary, improve your overall reading comprehension, strengthen your visual literacy skills, introduce you to complex topics, develop your empathy skills as you see what happens to the characters and how it visually impacts their emotional response in real time, and encourage you to read even if it’s something you don’t normally like to do! No matter what graphic novel you’re reading, it’s helping exercise your brain.

How Can the Library Help You Find Your Next Great Graphic Novel Read?

One great thing about visiting your local library is that libraries help introduce you to the unexpected. I’ve witnessed first hand how a teen being dragged to the library by their parents can shift from “why am I here” to “this is actually really cool!” Even if you’ve already finished every available volume of your favorite manga like Spy x Family, breezed through some awesome standalone stories like Nimona, grabbed every volume in series like Huda F or Heartstopper, the library makes it easy to find your next favorite story.

You can browse our shelves in person or via our online catalog, ask a librarian for a recommendation, or check one out from the list below. Happy reading, and happy Graphic Novels in Libraries Month!


Angelica and the Bear Prince

Trung Le Nguyen

The cover of Angelica and the Bear Prince by Trung Le Nguyen.

A Vietnamese American high school junior falls in love with the bear mascot of her local community theater and learns to make space for herself while recovering from burn-out.

Of Swamp & Sea: Volume 1

Mia Jay Boulton & Laurel Boulton

Cover of Of Swamp & Sea: Volume 1 by Mia Jay Boulton and Laurel Boulton.

Mercy’s troubles started when a mist wolf murdered her father. She enlists help from Jonah to kill it, but when she gets possessed, her human and wolfish sides grapple for control. Jonah promises to free her, and the two set off for a cure.

unOrdinary

Uru-Chan

The cover of unOrdinary by Uru-Chan.

A teen at a high school where social elite possess powers, John prefers to stay under the radar. But when the students suspect he has something to hide, he becomes a target. He’s pulled into turf wars, betrayals, and conspiracies.

We Could Be Magic

Marissa Meyer

The cover of We Could Be Magic by Marissa Meyer and illustrated by Joelle Murray.

Tabitha landed a coveted job at Sommerland, but instead of being a princess, she’s working the nacho stand. With new friends, a new crush, and magic, she may still devise her own happily ever after.

Punk Rock Karaoke

Bianca Xunise

The cover of Punk Rock Karaoke by Bianca Xunise.

When the realities of post-grad life interfere with their dreams of breaking into the music industry with their garage punk band, Ariel, Michele and Gael garner the attention of a fellow punk/local icon who takes an interest in their talent.

Hunger’s Bite

Taylor Robin

The cover of Hunger's Bite by Taylor Robin.

Teen vampire Warwick is dispatched by an international paranormal investigation organization to look into an ocean liner whose mysterious owner could threaten Britain’s maritime business, in a horror adventure told in bold, moody colors.

To the Stars and Back

Peglo

The cover of To the Stars and Back by Peglo.

Reserved university student Kang Dae prefers solitude, but when outgoing Bo Seon moves in and insists on befriending him, their growing bond slowly turns into a heartfelt, slow-burn romance.

I Shall Never Fall In Love

Hari Conner

The cover of I Shall Never Fall In Love by Hari Conner.

Eleanor has never been interested in boys. She’d rather be with her best friend and cousin. When a new suitor arrives, her friendships are threatened, forcing her to rethink and confront her feelings.

A Bite of Pepper

Balazs Lorinczi

The cover of A Bite of Pepper by Balazs Lorinczi.

Pepper was born a vampire, but she’s just an average teen who loves her dog and skateboarding. What she doesn’t love is her mom’s effort to turn immortal with a vampire bride. When Pepper meets Ana, things change, but between the pressure and her inability to figure out if Ana likes her for her, it feels like everyone just wants a bite of Pepper. 

Lore Olympus

Rachel Smythe 

The cover of Lore Olympus by Rachel Smythe.

Persephone, young goddess of spring, is new to Olympus. When her roommate takes her to a party, she meets Hades and feels an immediate spark with the charming yet misunderstood ruler of the Underworld. Now Persephone must navigate the confusing politics and relationships that rule Olympus, while also figuring out her own place and power.

Lunar New Year Love Story

Gene Luen Yang

The cover of Lunar New Year Love Story by Gene Luen Yang and illustrated by Leuyen Pham.

Val is ready to give up on love. It’s led to nothing but heartbreak, and she’s pretty sure her family is cursed. But then a chance encounter with a pair of cute lion dancers sparks something. Could this be her chance to break the curse? Or is she destined to live with a broken heart?

Himawari House

Harmony Becker

The cover of Himawari House by Harmony Becker.

Nao returns to Tokyo to reconnect with her Japanese heritage. There she meets Hyejung and Tina. The trio live together, share meals, and attend the same Japanese-language school, becoming fast friends. Will they be able to hold each other up as life tests them with new loves, old heart breaks, and everyday challenges?

Navigating with You

Jeremy Whitley

Cover of Navigating with You by Jeremy Whitley, illustrated by Cassio Ribeiro, and lettered by Nikki Foxrobot.

Neesha is a disabled, vocal community activist with a passion for costume design. Gabby is an optimistic surfer. When the girls discover they like the same manga series, they become more than just fellow new kids and become friends. Along the way, they find acceptance, friendship, understanding, and love.

Bunt!

Ngozi Ukazu

Cover of Bunt! Striking Out on Financial Aid by Ngozi Ukazu and illustrated by Mad Rupert.

Molly’s first year of college is not the picture-perfect piece of art she imagined. On day one, she discovers her full-ride scholarship vanished! But PICA’s dusty financial aid documents reveal a loophole. If Molly and 9 other art students win a single game of softball, they’ll receive an athletic scholarship. Can Molly’s crew of ragtag artists succeed in softball without dropping the ball?

Red Threads

Ila Nguyen-Hayama

Cover of Red Threads by Ila Nguyen-Hayama.

After Hana rescues a crow, a visitor arrives, offering her a place in a magic academy. Life at Benten is everything she’s dreamed of–magic, mystical creatures, and making a best friend in Yoomi. But something is haunting the halls, and if Hana and Yoomi want to save the school, they’ll have to unravel the mystery.

Wake Now in the Fire

Jarrett Dapier

Cover of Wake Now in the Fire by Jarrett Dapier and illustrated by AJ Dungo.

After an update at Chicago public schools, copies of a book are banned. The book, which tells a story of oppression, survival, and resistance against authoritarianism, is seen as a threat. Some of the students aren’t going to let this go without resistance of their own. As the extent of the ban becomes known, the students rise up.

The Raven Boys

Maggie Stiefvater

Cover of The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater, adapted by Stephanie Williams, and illustrated by Sas Milledge.

Blue comes from a family of psychics, but she doesn’t have their clairvoyant abilities. Enter Gansey, a rich student from the town’s all-boys private school. Blue has always stayed away from its students, the Raven Boys, but when Gansey asks her to join him and three other students on his quest to find a long-forgotten Welsh king rumored to be sleeping beneath the mountains of their quiet Virginia town, Blue doesn’t hesitate.

SideQuested: Book 1

K. B. Spangler

Cover of Sidequested: Volume 1 by K. B. Spangler and illustrated by Ale Presser

Charlie, the adopted daughter of a woodcarver, is training to be a librarian. Then her birth father shows up to take her to court. Prince Leopold falls in love with her, but he’s engaged to the daughter of an evil witch. Charlie breaks the news to his fiancé… but then she finds love at first sight, too. To resolve this love triangle, the teens are sent on a quest.

Want More?

Looking for your next great read? Discover more curated YA booklists through past YA Reads blogs, and continue your reading journey. You can also submit a Bookologist request, and our staff will create a list of tailored book suggestions just for you.

Genevievre Wood

Genevievre Wood is a Senior Librarian at Richmond Public Library and the Coordinator for Young Adult Programs. She holds an MLIS from Syracuse University and is a former English and Creative Writing teacher, having taught middle school in Henrico County Public Schools. A native Richmonder, Genevievre is passionate about giving back to her community by overseeing clubs for teens, sharing resources, organizing workshops, and developing partnerships with youth organizations across the city. In her free time, Genevievre loves exploring international markets, trying new recipes, traveling, mood reading, collecting vinyl records, spending time outside, and crafting.

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