While there may still be a few holdouts yet to succumb to the joys of graphic literature, the growth in its popularity year upon year and the tremendous talents working in this format prove that the battle is over. Graphic novels for young readers have been awarded the Newbery Medal and the Kirkus Prize, two prestigious awards in which they were up against traditional prose titles. More importantly, countless readers of all ages devote their precious reading hours to enjoying them. The following works demonstrate the versatility of graphic literature, spanning multiple genres, a range of subjects, and a variety of artistic and literary styles.

In Limbo: A Graphic Memoir written and illustrated by Deb JJ Lee (First Second, March 7): This gut-wrenching, unflinchingly honest memoir by a professional artist delves into their experiences as a Korean immigrant grappling with cultural alienation, mental health struggles, and parent-child conflict—but also finding a path to healing.

Insomniacs After School, Vol. 1 written and illustrated by Makoto Ojiro, translated by Andria Cheng (VIZ Media, March 21): Manga fans will adore this charming read translated from Japanese about two high schoolers who discover the same hidden corner of their school; perfect for sneaking in naps, it becomes a cozy shared retreat.

Codex Black: A Fire Among Clouds written and illustrated by Camilo Moncada Lozano, colors by Angel De Santiago (IDW Publishing, April 4): This boldly colorful series opener with delightful manga-style illustrations by a Mexican artist has a Mesoamerican setting in which two teens—a Zapotec girl and a Mexica warrior—embark on a danger-filled quest.

Lost in Taiwan written and illustrated by Mark Crilley (Little, Brown, May 23): Taiwan forms the backdrop for this story of cultural immersion in which a sullen American teen traveler blossoms after being forced outside his comfort zone. The well-realized setting and sympathetic characterization give this story real heart.

Knee Deep, Book 1 written and illustrated by Joe Flood (Oni Press, May 30): This dystopian adventure is strong on atmosphere, and the gripping storyline will keep pages turning as readers follow a teen girl seeking her missing scientist parents in an underground maze of tunnels populated by odd characters.

Northranger written by Rey Terciero and illustrated by Bre Indigo (HarperAlley, June 6): This emotional, beautifully rendered queer love story reimagines Northanger Abbey in a Texas ranch setting: City boy Cade is out of his element, and country boy Henry’s family is plagued by rumors of murder.

Monstrous: A Transracial Adoption Story written and illustrated by Sarah Myer (First Second, June 27): Myer’s intense memoir viscerally and memorably shows readers the internalized pain of a childhood as an adoptee from Korea growing up in a rural white community where rigid gender roles and entrenched racism prevail.

Frontera written by Julio Anta and illustrated by Jacoby Salcedo (HarperAlley, July 18): This gut-wrenching, visually captivating story combines the real plight of undocumented deportees with supernatural elements as a teen is helped across the Sonoran Desert toward Arizona by the ghost of someone who perished there decades earlier.

The Bodyguard Unit: Edith Garrud, Women’s Suffrage, and Jujitsu written by Clément Xavier, translated by Edward Gauvin, illustrated by Lisa Lugrin, colors by Albertine Ralenti (Graphic Universe, Aug. 1): British suffragettes’ use of jujitsu is explored in this intriguing and informative historical work translated from French. As women’s demand for suffrage was met by violence, Edith Garrud trained a group of women at her London dojo.

Stars in Their Eyes written by Jessica Walton and illustrated by Aśka (Graphix/Scholastic, Aug. 1): This layered, inclusive, and expressive Australian import is a sweet love letter to fandom: Fourteen-year-old Maisie, a cancer survivor and amputee, road trips with her mum to a convention where Maisie falls for nonbinary Ollie.  

Laura Simeon is a young readers’ editor.