New graphic novels for young adults

If you're anything like me, you love a good graphic novel! And there have been some incredible new releases recently. Below are some suggestions to help you pick your next read.


Belle of the Ball by Mari Costa

High-school senior and notorious wallflower Hawkins finally works up the courage to remove her mascot mask and ask out her longtime crush: Regina Moreno, head cheerleader, academic overachiever, and all-around popular girl. There’s only one teensy little problem: Regina is already dating Chloe Kitagawa, athletic all-star…and middling English student. Regina sees a perfectly self-serving opportunity here, and asks the smitten Hawkins to tutor Chloe free of charge, knowing Hawkins will do anything to get closer to her.

And while Regina’s plan works at first, she doesn’t realize that Hawkins and Chloe knew each other as kids, when Hawkins went by Belle and wore princess dresses to school every single day. Before long, romance does start to blossom … but not between who you might expect.


Nowhere Girl by Magali Le Huche

A coming-of-age story that explores adolescence, failure … and the Beatles.

This is the story of a girl growing up in the 1990s – a middle-schooler who finds herself lost in the gulf between childhood and adolescence, developing paralyzing fears of failure, school, other people, and her own changing body. Along the way, she becomes obsessed with the Beatles … which might be just what she needs to find her way back to being okay. Yeah, yeah, yeah!


Hungry Ghost by Victoria Ying

A beautiful and heart-wrenching young adult graphic novel takes a look at eating disorders, family dynamics, and ultimately, a journey to self-love.

Valerie Chu is quiet, studious, and above all, thin. No one, not even her best friend Jordan, knows that she has been binging and purging for years. But when tragedy strikes, Val finds herself taking a good, hard look at her priorities, her choices, and her own body. The path to happiness may lead her away from her hometown and her mother’s toxic projections–but first she will have to find the strength to seek help.


Monstrous by Sarah Myer

A poignant young adult graphic memoir about a Korean-American girl who uses fandom and art-making to overcome racist bullying. Perfect for fans of American Born Chinese and Almost American Girl!

Sarah has always struggled to fit in. Born in South Korea and adopted at birth by a white couple, she grows up in a rural community with few Asian neighbors. People whisper in the supermarket. Classmates bully her. She has trouble containing her anger in these moments–but through it all, she has her art. She’s always been a compulsive drawer, and when she discovers anime, her hobby becomes an obsession.


Sunshine by Jarrett J. Krosoczka

When Jarrett J. Krosoczka was in high school, he was part of a programme that sent students to be counsellors at a camp for seriously ill kids and their families. Going into it, Jarrett was worried: wouldn’t it be depressing, to be around kids facing such aserious struggle? Wouldn’t it be grim? But instead of the shadow of death, Jarrett found something else at Camp Sunshine: the hope and determination that gets people through the most troubled of times.


Project Nought by Chelsey Furedi

Ren Mittal’s last memory in the year 1996 is getting on a bus to visit his mystery pen pal Georgia. When he wakes up in 2122, he thinks he might be hallucinating…he’s not! Tech conglomerate Chronotech sponsors a time-travel program to help students in 2122 learn what history was really like … from real-life subjects who’ve been transported into the future … and Ren is one of them.

In 2122, Ren’s life in the 1990s is practically ancient history-and Ren’s not sure how to feel about that. On top of it all, he learns that his memory will be wiped of all things 2122 before he’s sent back to the ‘90s.

Cover image for Belle of the Ball

Belle of the Ball

Mari Costa

In stock at 3 shops, ships in 3-4 daysIn stock at 3 shops