Young Adult Graphic Novel Recs

Happy Monday, friends! It’s the start of a new week, and I thought I would create a post about graphic novels! There have been so many great graphic novels coming out lately, and I’ve been trying to read as many as I can. They’re perfect for reading between longer novels. Plus, publishers have just been upping their game lately, especially with young adult graphic novels. Both for younger and older audiences. So, today you’re going to get my young adult graphic novel recs! I did a post for diverse graphic novels a while ago, but this is an updated list!

Coincidentally, I also checked out a stack of them last week from the library. We’ve been a little behind in getting graphic novels from last year, so I’m doing some catch up. If you’re looking to get into the graphic novel game, definitely check out some of these books!

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Young Adult Graphic Novel Recs

Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen

Tiến has a secret he’s been keeping from his family and friends. Even though they read stories together each day, his Vietnamese parents’ still struggle with their English. Is there a way to tell them he’s gay? This graphic novel has three different layers in it, Tiến’s story, his mom’s story, and the fairytales they read together. It’s gorgeous from start to finish, and it’s one of the best graphic novels from 2020, hands down.

Snapdragon by Kat Leyh

There’s a witch in Snap’s town. But Snap learns that Jacks just sells roadkill skeletons online–which she thinks is pretty cool. In exchange for help to save the baby opossums Snap found, Snap helps Jacks with her skeletons. It’s then that Snap learns that Jacks has real magic–maybe even connect to Snap’s own family. Everything about this makes it a perfect graphic novel. The characters, the art. You’ll definitely want more from Snapdragon by the end!

Heartstopper by Alice Oseman

After Charlie sits next to Nick one spring morning, they form a quick friendship. A friendship that develops into something more for Charlie, who doesn’t think he has a chance. However, he doesn’t know that Nick is questioning his own feelings, feelings he has for Charlie. This is such a cute, fast read. You’ll fall in love with Nick and Charlie right from the beginning, rooting for them to be together. I could read about them forever.

Fence by C.S. Pacat

Nicholas Cox is determined to prove himself at fencing, even though he doesn’t have the same training as the prodigies. He finds himself facing the great Seiji Katayama, who is now is fencing enemy. But then, they find themselves on the same fencing team, forced to work at teammates. I absolutely loved each volume of this series! The chemistry between characters is great, and the action in the fencing matches propels the story forward. Even if you don’t like sports, you’ll definitely like this!

Check, Please! by Ngozi Ukazu

Staying on the sports train, this series focuses on a gay, pie baking hockey player trying to make it in the hockey world. Especially when he might be developing feelings for his captain. But first, he has to get the hang of checking in the game. Even if you don’t like hockey, the characters will really pull you into the story. Plus, there’s so much reference to baking! Bitty is the perfect main character to draw you into the story and you’ll be rooting for him in both volumes.

A Map to the Sun by Sloane Leong

Oops another sports novel. I didn’t realize I included so many on this list. Ren and Luna spark an easy friendship one summer on the beach. When Luna has to leave abruptly, Ren’s messages go unanswered. So, when Luna returns years later, Ren is hesitant to start their friendship again. Instead, they form a new basketball team with a group of girls at their school. This is one of the most colorful graphic novels I’ve ever read. The story itself is very character driven, focused on this group of girls and the ways their lives intersect.

The Deep & Dark Blue by Nikki Smith

Hawke and Grayson have to flee for their lives when a military coup destroys their family. Now, they’ve assumed new identities, Hanna and Grayce at the Communion of Blue. Hawke looks for any way to get back to their old life, while Grayce wishes to stay in this life as a girl. This book has an interesting magic system with strong character representation. If you love The Witch Boy, you’ll probably love this too!

Class Act by Jerry Craft

This sequel to New Kid follows Jordan’s friend Drew who struggles with the privilege difference between him and his classmates. After all, he has to work twice as hard to have any of the same opportunities. With references to many middle grade graphic novel favorites, Craft has built on the success of his first graphic novel. Plus, there are a lot of readers who will relate to Drew and his struggles. I hope Craft gets the chance to continue these stories!

Long Way Down: The Graphic Novel by Jason Reynolds

A re-imagining of Reynold’s successful novel, this follows Will as he decides whether or not to take action for his brother’s death. We already knew the writing was amazing, but the art just adds to this amazing story. The art brings even more perspective to this powerful novel in verse, and would be a great supplement to the audiobook. Which is my favorite way to read this book!

Mooncakes by Suzanne Walker

Nova knows more about witchcraft than most teens, since she works at her grandparents’ bookshop. When she follows a white wolf and finds her childhood crush, Tam, battling a horse demon. As a werewolf, Tam has been going from place to place, with no place to call home. Now, evil magic is hunting wolves and Tam needs Nova’s help. With great representation and wonderful characters, this is a fantastic universe to live in. Plus, it’s getting a special anniversary edition!