What YA' Reading: Graphic Novels

Graphic Novels tell a story in a visual and written format with illustrations that bring the story to life. The novels are as complex and varied as the authors themselves. Check out these captivating graphic novels I recommend.

Ascendance of a Bookworm written by Miya Kazuki & illustrated by You Shiina

When book-obsessed college student Urano Motosu is crushed by a pile of books during an earthquake, her life is over or so she thinks. She is reincarnated into the body of Myne, a sickly 5-year-old living in a world where books are scarce and far out of her grasp. Myne retains the memories of Urano’s life and decides that if she can’t buy books, she will use her memories to create books herself.

Ascendance of a Bookworm is a really fun read, especially if you have ever felt like you couldn’t do something. Myne’s determination to create the books she loves begins to change not only her own life, but the lives of everyone around her. She builds friendships, experiments to create the supplies she needs, and falls in love with the new world she finds herself in.

If you like Ascendance of a Bookworm, check out That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime by Taiki Kawakami.

Demon in the Wood by Leigh Bardugo & Dani Pendergast

Eryk is on the run with his mother, Lena, in the country of Ravka. At least those are the names they are using at the moment. They are grisha, powerful magic wielders. Their power is feared and they are hunted. Every stop requires a new identity.

When they come to a camp, planning to stay for the winter, Eryk begins to develop a friendship with Annika, a girl around his age. He could never imagine this friendship will change his future and all of Ravka.

Demon in the Wood is the prequel to the Shadow and Bone series. This book introduces you to the boy who will grow to become the Darkling, who plays a major part in the series that follows. As a young man who is always running and never able to make friends, his life is isolated and lonely. His story will pull at your heartstrings and give you an understanding of the man he will grow up to be.

If you like Demon in the Wood, check out An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir.

Heartstopper by Alice Oseman

Charlie and Nick meet at an all-boys British school. Charlie is openly gay. He was outed the previous year and was bullied for it. Nick is on the school’s rugby team. After seeing Charlie running, Nick asks him to join the rugby team. As their friendship grows, Charlie finds himself falling for Nick. Will he find the courage to tell Nick how he feels?

Heartstopper is the first book in the Heartstopper series, a beautiful read that draws you in with the utterly relatable story of Charlie and Nick. They are in high school, discovering who they are, how they feel, and what that means for each of them. Their friendship is fascinating to follow as it grows and morphs into something deeper. As a reader, you will feel what they go through, whether it be good, bad or ugly.

If you like Heartstopper, check out So This is Ever After by F. T. Lukens.