YALSA, the Young Adult Library Services Association, a division of the American Library Association (ALA) has chosen this list of 53 Great Graphic Novels for Teens out of 154 titles that were submitted. This list includes the Top Ten Great Graphic Novels for Teens, which ICv2 highlighted in a separate article (see “YALSA’s Top Ten Graphic Novels”). Graphic novels also managed to make a number of other YALSA lists. Japanime’s The Manga Cookbook, Kazu Kibuishi’s Flight Vol.5., Anthony Horowitz’s Point Blank: The Graphic Novel and Holly Black and Ted Naifeh’s Good Neighbors: Kin all made the “Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers” list, while Kazu Kibuishi’s Amulet Book 1: The Stone Keeper from Scholastic was included on the 2009 “Best Books for Young Adults” list along with Mariko Tamaki’s Skim.
The Complete List of YALSA’s Great Graphic Novels for Teens from 2008
Abel, Jessica. Life Sucks. First Second. 2008. 978-1-59643-107-2. $19.95. When a goth girl falls for a Dracula wannabe, what's a young vampire to do?
Ashihara, Hinako. Sand Chronicles, v. 1. VIZ. 2008. 978-1-4215-1477-2. $8.99.
Ashihara, Hinako. Sand Chronicles, v. 2. VIZ. 2008. 978-1-4215-1478-9. $8.99.
Ashihara, Hinako. Sand Chronicles, v. 3. VIZ. 2008. 978-1-4215-1479-6. $8.99.
Time changes everything…even love.
Bialik, Steve. Minister Jade. Cellar Door Publishing. 2008. 978-0-976683-13-1 . $14.99.
If stepping out of line destroys your family’s honor, can you still save the day?
Black, Holly. The Good Neighbors: Book One, Kin. 2008. Graphix. 978-0-4398-5562-4. $16.99.
Even faeries can be the stuff of nightmares.
Brubaker, Ed. The Death of Captain
Brubaker, Ed. The Death of Captain
How do you continue your best friend’s legacy when you haven’t had time to mourn?
Clevinger, Brian. Atomic Robo: Atomic Robo and the Fightin' Scientists of Tesladyne. 2008. Red Five Comics. 978-0-9809302-0-7. $18.99
Atomic Robo fights nefarious creatures and mad scientists armed with banter, a strong heart, and a swell pair of jodhpurs.
David, Peter.
David, Peter.
Love, magic and murder – a gunslinger’s grim coming of age.
Diggle, Andy. Green Arrow: Year One. DC. 2008. 978-1-4012-1687-0. $24.99.
Arrows vs. guns – guess who wins?
Flight, v. 5. Villard. 2008. 978-0-345-50589-7. $25.00.
Whether fleeing toward something or away, this collection of short stories transports you.
Metro Survive, v. 2. DrMaster Publications. 2008. 978-1-59796-126-4. $9.95.
The massive earthquake was only the start of their troubles.
Hale, Shannon. Rapunzel’s Revenge.
When your handsome prince never arrives it’s time to save yourself.
Hennessey, Jonathan. The
Not only will you finally understand the Electoral College, you’ll have a lot of fun along the way.
Hicks, Faith Erin. The War at Ellsmere. Slave Labor Graphics. 2008. 978-1-59362-140-7. $12.95.
Bad food, bullies and killer homework…just another day at an all-girls’ boarding school?
Hotta, Yumi. Hikaru no Go, v. 12. VIZ Media. 2008. 978-1-4215-1508-3. $7.95.
Hotta, Yumi. Hikaru no Go, v. 13. VIZ Media. 2008. 978-1-4215-1509-0. $7.95.
Hikaru’s ready to turn pro, but will he leave Sai behind?
In-Wan, Youn. Deja-Vu: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter. Tokyopop. 2008. 978-1-4278-0318-4.
Some people are destined to be together, but it may take a few lifetimes to get there.
Inoue, Takehiko. Real, v. 1. VIZ. 2008. 978-4215-1989-0. $12.99.
Inoue, Takehiko. Real, v. 2. VIZ. 2008. 978-1-4215-1990-6. $12.99.
If basketball is the best game on two feet, imagine how great it is on wheels.
Inoue, Takehiko. Slam Dunk, v. 1. VIZ. 2008. 978-1-4215-0679-1. $7.99.
Got game, get girls…or not.
Ito, Junki. Uzumaki, v.1. VIZ. 2007. 978-1-4215-1389-8. $9.99.
You’ll never look at spirals the same way again.
Johns, Geoff. Green Lantern: The Sinestro Corps War, v. 1. DC. 2008. 978-1-4012-1650-4. $24.99.
Johns, Geoff. Green Lantern: The Sinestro Corps War, v. 2. DC. 2008. 978-1-4012-1800-3. $24.99.
Thousands of green lanterns, one epic intergalactic war.
Johnson, Mat. Incognegro: A Graphic Mystery. Vertigo. 2008. 978-1-4012-1097-7. $19.99.
Sometimes the best way to expose a deadly secret is by hiding in plain sight.
Jones, Sabrina. Isadora Duncan: A Graphic Biography. Hill and Wang. 2008. 978-0-809094-97-4. $19.95.
Dance, scandal, politics and passion.
Kabei, Yukako. Kieli, v. 1. Yen Press. 2008. 978-0759528512. $9.99. Kieli, v. 2. Yen Press. 2008. 978-0759528529. $10.99.
Putting spirits to rest doesn’t prevent you from being haunted.
Kawahara, Kazune. High School Debut, v. 1. VIZ. 2008. 978-1-4215-1481-9. $8.99.
High School Debut, v. 2. VIZ. 2008. 978-1-4215-1482-6. $8.99.
The hottest guy in school will teach Haruna how to attract a boyfriend as long as it’s not him.
Kirkman, Robert. Astounding Wolf-Man, v. 1. Image Comics. 2008. 978-1-58240-862-0. $9.99.
Gary Hampton was mauled and left for dead - but that's not the worst of it.
Kirkman, Robert. Invincible, v. 9. Image Comics. 2008. 978-1-58240-827-9. $14.99.
He’s invincible…but his mom still does his laundry.
Kishimoto, Masashi. Naruto, v. 28. VIZ. 2008. 978-1-4215-1864-0. $7.95.
Kishimoto, Masashi. Naruto, v. 29. VIZ. 2008. 978-1-4215-1865-7. $7.95.
Kishimoto, Masashi. Naruto, v. 30. VIZ. 2008. 978-1-4215-1942-5. $7.95.
Kishimoto, Masashi. Naruto, v. 31. VIZ. 2008. 978-1-4215-1943-2. $7.95.
Naruto…older, wiser, a brand new mission.
Kiyuduki, Satoko. Shoulder-a-Coffin Kuro, v. 1. Yen Press. 2008. 978-0-759528-9-70. $10.99.
Kiyuduki, Satoko. Shoulder-a-Coffin Kuro, v. 2. Yen Press. 2008. 978-0-759529-01-4. $10.99.
A small girl, a large coffin, a long journey.
Kusakawa, Nari. Two Flowers for the Dragon, v. 1. CMX Manga. 2008. 978-1-4012-1526-2. $9.99.
Kusakawa, Nari. Two Flowers for the Dragon, v. 2. CMX Manga. 2008. 978-1-4012-1527-9. $9.99.
Redefines wearing your heart on your sleeve.
Landowne, Youme. Pitch Black. Cinco Puntos Press. 2008. 978-1-9336-9306-4. $14.00
Art can survive even underground.
Moore, Terry. Echo:
A flash of light. An explosion in the sky. One woman gone. One woman marked...forever?
Nakaji, Yuki. Venus in Love, v. 1. DC Comics/CMX. 2007. 978-104012-1345-9. $9.99.
Nakaji, Yuki. Venus in Love, v. 2. DC Comics/CMX. 2007. 978-1-4012-1730-3. $9.99.
Nakaji, Yuki. Venus in Love, v. 3. DC Comics/CMX. 2007. 978-1-4012-1772-3. $9.99.
Girl meets boy. Boy meets boy. If only love were that simple.
Pak, Greg. Planet Hulk. Marvel Comics. 2008. 978-0-785120-12-4. $34.99.
The Hulk is this world’s greatest gladiator, but can he be their hero?
Park, Hee Jung. Fever, v. 1. Tokyopop. 2008. 978-1-4278-0532-4. $9.99.
Outside the mainstream, they may find just what they need.
Pink, Daniel H. The Adventures of Johnny Bunko: The Last Career Guide You'll Ever Need. Riverhead Trade. 2008. 978-159448-291-5. $15.00.
Great advice from the career fairy.
Rich, Jamie. Love the Way You Love: Side A Songs of Faith, v. 1. Oni Press. 2007. 978-1932664-66-9. $11.95.
Rich, Jamie. Love the Way You Love: Side B, v. 2. Oni Press. 2008. 978-1-932664-95-9. $11.95.
A rock-n-roll Tristan and Isolde.
Sakai, Stan. Usagi Yojimbo: Tomoe's Story. Dark Horse Comics. 2008. 978-1-59307-947-5. $15.95.
A female samurai may not be traditional, but sometimes she’s the best person to have at your back.
Schultz, Mark. The Stuff of Life: A Graphic Guide to Genetics and DNA. Hill and Wang. 2008. 978-0-809089-38-3. $18.98.
If only your science textbook were this interesting.
Shitou, Kyoko. Key to the Kingdom, v. 1. CMX. 2007. 978-1-4012-1393-0. $9.99.
A reluctant heir. A fierce warrior. A race for the throne.
Simone, Gail. Welcome to Tranquility, v. 1. Wildstorm. 2007. 978-1-4012-1516-3. $19.99.
Simone, Gail. Welcome to Tranquility, v. 2. Wildstorm. 2008. 978-1-4012-1773-0. $14.99.
Being a hero doesn’t stop at retirement.
Steinberger, Aimee Major. Japan Ai: A Tall Girl’s Adventures in
Straczynski, J. Michael. Silver Surfer: Requiem. Marvel. 2007. 978-0-7851-2848-9. $19.99.
His final journey takes him home.
Takaya, Natsuki. Fruits Basket, v. 20. Tokyopop. 2008. 978-1-4278-0009-1. $9.99.
Takaya, Natsuki. Fruits Basket, v. 21. Tokyopop. 2008. 978-1-4278-0682-6. $9.99.
What you’ve been waiting for -- the climax of an enduring series.
Tamaki, Mariko. Skim. Groundwood Books. 2008. 978-0-8889-9753-1. $18.95.
Love and loss make you who you are.
Tamaki, Mariko. Emiko Superstar. Minx. 2008. 978-1-4012-1536-1. $9.99.
A stolen diary turns a wallflower into a superstar.
TenNapel, Doug. Monster Zoo. Image Comics. 2008. 978-1-58240-911-5. $14.99.
A day at the zoo: peanuts, the girl of your dreams, and killer pandas.
Tezuka, Osamu. Black Jack, v. 1. Vertical. 2008. 978-1934287-27-9. $16.95.
A mysterious surgeon-for-hire who will perform any operation -- for a price.
Tezuka, Osamu. Dororo, v. 1. Vertical. 2008. 978-1-934287-16-3. $13.95.
Tezuka, Osamu. Dororo, v. 2. Vertical. 2008. 978-1-934287-17-0. $13.95.
Tezuka, Osamu. Dororo, v. 3. Vertical. 2008. 978-1-934287-18-7. $13.95.
48 demons. Stolen body parts. A fight to become whole.
Umino, Chica. Honey and Clover, v. 1. VIZ. 2008. 978-1-4215-1504-5. $8.99.
Umino, Chica. Honey and Clover, v. 2. VIZ. 2008. 978-1-4215-1505-2. $9.99.
Umino, Chica. Honey and Clover, v. 3. VIZ. 2008. 978-1-4215-1505-2. $9.99.
Starving art students may not win at love, but they always have each other.
Way, Gerard.
When you come from a family of superheroes, don’t piss off your sister.
Whedon, Joss. Runaways: Dead End Kids. Marvel. 2008. 978-0-7851-2853-3. $19.99.
Teen runaways find a new direction to run -- 100 years in the past.
Wilson, G. Willow.
In this modern fable, a stolen hookah unleashes a genie who changes five lives forever.
Yagami, Yu. Hikkatsu! Strike a Blow to Vivify!, v. 1. Go Comi. 2007. 978-1-933617-57-2. $10.99.
Yagami, Yu. Hikkatsu! Strike a Blow to Vivify!, v. 2. Go Comi. 2007. 978-1-933617-58-9. $10.99.
Yagami, Yu. Hikkatsu! Strike a Blow to Vivify!, v. 3. Go Comi. 2007. 978-1-933617-59-6. $10.99.
Shota can fix appliances...with karate! But can he fix the world?
Yazawa, Ai. Nana, v. 8. VIZ. 2008. 978-1-4215-1539-7. $8.99.
Yazawa, Ai. Nana, v. 9. VIZ. 2008. 978-1-4215-1745-2. $8.99.
Yazawa, Ai. Nana, v. 10. VIZ. 2008. 978-1-4215-1746-9. $8.99.
Yazawa, Ai. Nana, v. 11. VIZ. 2008. 978-1-4215-1745-2. $8.99.
Yazawa, Ai. Nana, v. 12. VIZ. 2008. 978-1-4215-1879-4. $8.99.
Sex, drugs, and rock-n-roll. Dating a rock star isn’t all its cracked up to be.
