{"id":246177,"date":"2025-07-07T20:43:18","date_gmt":"2025-07-07T20:43:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/246177\/"},"modified":"2025-07-07T20:43:18","modified_gmt":"2025-07-07T20:43:18","slug":"37-exceptional-graphic-novel-manga-titles-for-all-ages-slj-2025-stars-so-far","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/246177\/","title":{"rendered":"37 Exceptional Graphic Novel & Manga Titles for All Ages | SLJ 2025 Stars So Far"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ranging from heartfelt to hilarious, these remarkable graphic novel and manga titles are sure to leave a lasting impression that will stay with readers long after the final page is turned.<\/p>\n

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Graphic Novels Fiction<\/p>\n

Algarmi, <\/strong>Wahab. <\/strong>Almost Sunset. <\/strong>HarperAlley.
Gr 5-8<\/strong>\u2013A necessary mirror for middle grade Muslim readers, and a tremendous window into the customs of Ramadan for peers and educators.<\/p>\n

Angleberger, <\/strong>Tom. <\/strong>Dino Poet. <\/strong>Abrams\/Fanfare.
K-Gr 3<\/strong>\u2013Elementary school readers and their teachers will delight in this laugh-out-loud narrative lesson on poetry writing or even pick it up just for fun.<\/p>\n

Bakes, <\/strong>Jules. <\/strong>Sea Legs. <\/strong>illus. by Niki Smith. Scholastic\/Graphix.
Gr 4 Up<\/strong>\u2013This captivating story about stormy friendships and life at sea is a must-have for middle grade graphic novel collections.<\/p>\n

Bass, <\/strong>Guy. <\/strong>Stitch Head. <\/strong>illus. by Pete Williamson. Capstone.
Gr 4 Up<\/strong>\u2013This is a quirky, sweet, and spooky graphic novel with appeal to readers who enjoy stories that challenge their expectations of good and evil.<\/p>\n

Colossal, <\/strong>Eric. <\/strong>Ghost Town. <\/strong>Abrams\/Fanfare.
Gr 5 Up<\/strong>\u2013Brimming with luminous artwork, this coming-of-age graphic novel is a perfect pick for fans of Ghostbusters, Stranger Things , and other paranormal stories that feature unlikely heroes.<\/p>\n

EATON, <\/strong>Maxwell, III. <\/strong> Survival Scout: Lost at Sea. <\/strong> Roaring Brook.
Gr 4 Up<\/strong>\u2013With its intelligence, tact, and humor, every boat that sets sail could benefit from having a copy of this book on board.<\/p>\n

Emberley, <\/strong>Michael. <\/strong>Night Light. <\/strong>Holiday House.
PreS-Gr 1<\/strong>\u2013A richly imagined story to help children find balance when they are afraid, this is highly recommended for all collections.<\/p>\n

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Fahmy, <\/strong>Huda. <\/strong> Huda F Wants to Know? <\/strong> Dial.
Gr 7-10<\/strong>\u2013 A captivating graphic novel that shows readers from all communities that it\u2019s possible to recognize and address mental health concerns while still respecting cultural values.<\/p>\n

Fajardo, <\/strong>Kat. <\/strong>Miss Camper. <\/strong>Scholastic\/Graphix.
Gr 4 Up<\/strong>\u2013For graphic novel fans who enjoy realistic family and friend relationships, camp stories, and characters who grow up before their eyes.<\/p>\n

Galligan, <\/strong>Gale. <\/strong>Fresh Start. <\/strong>Scholastic\/Graphix.
Gr 3-8<\/strong>\u2013This humorous and energetic story about starting over in a new town and forging friendships and identity is a must-have for libraries serving elementary and middle school readers.<\/p>\n

Healy, <\/strong>Kay. <\/strong>Casey\u2019s Cases: The Mysterious New Girl. <\/strong>Holiday House\/Neal Porter.
Gr 2-5<\/strong>\u2013Fun and irreverent mysteries with relatable humor fill this charmer that highlights the value of friendship and being yourself.<\/p>\n

Horn, <\/strong>Dara. <\/strong>One Little Goat: A Passover Catastrophe. <\/strong>illus. by Theo Ellsworth. Norton.
Gr 9 Up<\/strong>\u2013This Passover story is written with nimble tongue-in-cheek humor. Readers won\u2019t want it to end.<\/p>\n

Larson, <\/strong>Hope. <\/strong>Very Bad at Math. <\/strong>HarperAlley.
Gr 4-8<\/strong>\u2013With captivating characters and a thoughtful exploration of dyscalculia, this book is a wonderful addition to any library.<\/p>\n

Moyle, <\/strong>Sabrina. <\/strong> Comet Together! <\/strong> illus. by Eunice Moyle. Abrams\/Fanfare.
Gr 2 Up<\/strong>\u2013Sometimes you just need to laugh at a wild, goofy story. These cosmic adventures are as absurd as a squirrel and unicorn being friends.<\/p>\n

O\u2019Neill, <\/strong>K. <\/strong>A Song for You and I. <\/strong>Random House Graphic.
Gr 5-7<\/strong>\u2013A novice archer tries to prove they are ready to follow tradition and become a fully fledged ranger in this stunningly illustrated and heartfelt tale of self-discovery and growth.<\/p>\n

Park, <\/strong>Barbara. <\/strong>Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus: The Graphic Novel. <\/strong>adapt. by Colleen AF Venable. illus. by Honie Beam. Random.
K-Gr 2<\/strong>\u2013A must-buy for any collection, whether Junie is new to readers or an old friend. Park could not ask for a better representation of her classic.<\/p>\n

Persico, <\/strong>Zoe. <\/strong>How to Talk to Your Succulent. <\/strong>Tundra.
Gr 4 Up<\/strong>\u2013With enchanting artwork and profound storytelling, this debut offers windows and mirrors into the grieving process, and will move readers to tears\u2014in the best way.<\/p>\n

Ramm, <\/strong>Meggie. <\/strong> Batcat: Cooking Contest! <\/strong> Abrams\/Fanfare.
Gr 2 Up<\/strong>\u2013Batcat and friends have another hit, this time with a healthy dose of friendship, and a lot of food. A wonderful book for all seasons.<\/p>\n

Robin, <\/strong>Taylor. <\/strong>Hunger\u2019s Bite. <\/strong>Union Square Kids.
Gr 7 Up<\/strong>\u2013This harrowing story of vampires, sea survival, and justice is a feast for horror enthusiasts and lays the groundwork for a sequel.<\/p>\n

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Scrivan, <\/strong>Maria. <\/strong> Nat a Chance. <\/strong> Scholastic\/Graphix.
Gr 3-7<\/strong>\u2013A relatable series installment that delivers positive lessons and humor as its awkward heroine grapples with her confidence in sports.<\/p>\n

Smart, <\/strong>Jamie. <\/strong> Max and Chaffy: Welcome to Animal Island. <\/strong> DK.
PreS-Gr 4<\/strong>\u2013This new series starts strong, providing the hope of new friends and adventures to early readers.<\/p>\n

Snyder, <\/strong> Scott. <\/strong> Duck and Cover. <\/strong> illus. by Rafael Albuquerque. Dark Horse.
Gr 9 Up<\/strong>\u2013A thrilling series from a modern horror master and an absolute must-read for sci-fi or dystopian fiction fans.<\/p>\n

Stuart, <\/strong>Dean. <\/strong>Cassi and the House of Memories. <\/strong>Viking.
Gr 4-7<\/strong>\u2013As Cassi navigates through her grandfather\u2019s memories, this look into the early stages of dementia is an elegantly written and touching family story with wonderful art, and a must-have for all shelves.<\/p>\n

Tang, <\/strong>Betty C. <\/strong>Outsider Kids: A Parachute Kids Graphic Novel. <\/strong>Scholastic\/Graphix.
Gr 5 Up<\/strong>\u2013As powerful and triumphant as the first book, this eye-opening story will have readers cheering on the siblings as they band together to prove they can make their American life work.<\/p>\n

Telgemeier, <\/strong>Raina & Scott McCloud. <\/strong>The Cartoonists Club. <\/strong>illus. by Raina Telgemeier, Scott McCloud & Ray Baehr. Scholastic\/Graphix.
Gr 5 Up<\/strong>\u2013A powerhouse team-up from two of comic\u2019s very best creators. Young readers who have an interest in making comics or who love to read them will benefit from understanding the process behind the format.<\/p>\n

Terciero, <\/strong>Rey. <\/strong>Dan in Green Gables: A Modern Reimagining of Anne of Green Gables. <\/strong>illus. by Claudia Aguirre. Penguin Workshop.
Gr 8 Up<\/strong>\u2013This queer retelling of Anne of Green Gables is a bright tale with hard themes, perfect for fans of Mike Curato\u2019s Flamer or those who enjoy the works of Ivy Noelle Weir and Kathleen Gros.<\/p>\n

Turnbloom<\/b>, Lucas. <\/strong> Steve L. McEvil and the Twisted Sister. <\/strong> Crown.
Gr 3-7<\/strong>\u2013Mad science and superheroes collide again in this galactic adventure where characters are much more than they seem.<\/p>\n

van Lieshout, <\/strong> Maria. <\/strong> Song of a Blackbird. <\/strong> First Second.
Gr 10 Up<\/strong>\u2013Touching, gripping, and heartbreaking, this historical graphic novel doesn\u2019t shy away from the dark sides of the true WWII events it\u2019s based on, while still offering a ray of hope for the genuine good out there.<\/p>\n

White, <\/strong>Owena. <\/strong>Tripping Over You. <\/strong>illus. by Suzana Harcum. First Second.
Gr 10 Up<\/strong>\u2013Fans of Alice Oseman\u2019s Heartstopper will enjoy this tension-filled LGBTQIA+ romance and anxiously await the next volume.<\/p>\n

Williams-Garcia, <\/strong>Rita. <\/strong>One Crazy Summer: The Graphic Novel. <\/strong>illus. by Sharee Miller. HarperCollins\/Quill Tree.
Gr 3-7<\/strong>\u2013The personal is profoundly political, and a specific experience feels universally meaningful in this fantastic graphic novel adaptation.<\/p>\n

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Graphic Novels Nonfiction<\/p>\n

Combs, <\/strong>Alex L. & Andrew Eakett. <\/strong>Trans History: A Graphic Novel: From Ancient Times to the Present Day. <\/strong>Candlewick.
Gr 9 Up<\/strong>\u2013An incredibly comprehensive and strongly researched reference, resource, and overview of historical accounts surrounding trans identity.<\/p>\n

Lambelet, <\/strong>Anne. <\/strong>I\u2019m a Dumbo Octopus!: A Graphic Guide to Cephalopods. <\/strong>Lerner\/Graphic Universe.
Gr 2-4<\/strong>\u2013Perfect for young marine biologists, this guide to cephalopods uses humor and fascinating facts to capture the imagination and remind readers that new discoveries are being made every day.<\/p>\n

Osborne, <\/strong>Mary Pope. <\/strong>Magic Tree House Fact Tracker Graphic Novel: Dinosaurs. <\/strong>adapt. by Jenny Laird. illus. by Jomike Tejido. Random.
Gr 1-5<\/strong>\u2013This thorough introduction to dinosaurs of all kinds is a valuable reference tool for educators and students, and a fun read. Dino fans will hate returning this one.<\/p>\n

Shah, <\/strong>Amar. <\/strong>Wish I Was a Baller. <\/strong>illus. by Rashad Doucet. Scholastic\/Graphix.
Gr 5 Up<\/strong>\u2013This excellent coming-of-age sports nonfiction is a perfect example of trying, failing, and rising again.<\/p>\n

Vavagiakis<\/b>, Eve M. <\/strong>I\u2019m a Photon. <\/strong>illus. by Mike Malbrough. MIT Kids.
Gr 2-4<\/strong>\u2013A surprisingly captivating introduction to particle physics that will serve as a helpful selection to libraries and classrooms.<\/p>\n

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Manga<\/p>\n

Doyle, <\/strong>Sir Arthur Conan. <\/strong>Manga Classics: Sherlock Holmes, Vol. 1. <\/strong>adapt. by Crystal S. Chan. illus. by Julien Choy. Manga Classics.
Gr 6 Up<\/strong>\u2013Ushering in a color era for the \u201cManga Classics\u201d series, this volume looks great while weaving a puzzling mystery to both entertain and introduce teens to the amazing deduction magic of Sherlock Holmes.<\/p>\n

Syuu. <\/strong>Victoria of Many Faces, Vol. 1. <\/strong>illus. by Komo Ushino & Nanna Fujimi. Yen Pr.
Gr 7 Up<\/strong>\u2013Highly recommended for manga collections looking to add deeply captivating stories with themes of found family and strong female leads.
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