2024 SLJ Best Books - Graphic Novels and Manga (Children and YA)
School Library Journal (SLJ) is a magazine and website for school librarians and public librarians who work with young people. They're the largest reviewer of children's and young adult books.
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The curation of this list is evidence of the gigantic community working together, no questions asked, to campaign for literacy and an educated republic, by inviting young readers into the pages of a book. We’d love to know what you think…
"Iggy is first-generation Colombian
American, but can’t speak Spanish and struggles
in language class. When he spills his grandfather’s ashes, Abuelito’s ghost appears to teach
Iggy lessons in Spanish and love, with laughout-loud results.…
"Part beginner’s guide, part autobiography, chess’s first Black Grandmaster shares
his journey from Jamaica to New York in this
edifying book. Ashley’s passion emanates off
the page and readers will delight in his story
while they learn…
Also available as an eBook. "An ordinary story becomes extraordinary
when a plain girl named
Jane risks everything to
rescue the boy she wants to
marry after he is kidnapped
by a mermaid. Colorful,
romantic, and thoughtful,
this tale will…
"After moving from Romania to Montreal, Lia’s first months as “the new kid” mean a
new school, new friends, a new language—and
after the discomfort of her first period, even her
own body feels unfamiliar. Expressive art and a
nuanced,…
"Ruth has only ever called Toronto
home, so when her parents decide to move
back to Hong Kong, she feels lost in a culture she’s expected to fit right into. But through
family connections and new friendships, Ruth
realizes belonging can be…
"Set in the far future, a young space
traveler discovers a seemingly abandoned
Earth; an old viewfinder with sepia-toned photos
offers the only clues to what life was like before
a devastating environmental catastrophe. This
breathtaking…
"Dr. Baer is an expert in magic and lore,
but he knows nothing about adventuring. So
when his most valuable artifact is stolen, the
uptight ursine doctor must rely on new animal
companions for help. This fresh tale will have
readers…
Also available as an eBook. "While Mia was busy getting braces,
glasses, and the world’s worst haircut, her science camp best friend Tariq was undergoing a
major glow-up. This sets the stage for a relatable
coming-of-age story that…
Also available as an eBook. "Norah’s parents
are prison guards, giving
her an acute awareness
of authority and consequences. When her mom
is transferred and moves,
Norah is left in charge of
her dad, leading to loneliness, disorganization,…
"To stop her celebrity chef boss from
shutting down the local market and restaurant
where she grew up, 17-year-old Soup challenges
him to a cook off. With the town’s support, Soup
realizes saving the day might mean eschewing
her comfort…
Also available as an eBook. "When Tara skips from seventh to ninth
grade, she is overwhelmed by the chaos of suddenly being in high school. Her vivid imagination keeps conjuring worst-case scenarios as she reconciles growing up with…
"A true Holocaust survival story told
through expressive illustrations and a stirring
first-person narrative. Nadel’s harrowing account of hiding with her family as a young girl in
Nazi-occupied Poland is bookended by details
of her pre-…
"In 1941, a young Japanese American
girl from Hawaii visits family in Japan and becomes trapped, caught between two nations at
war, after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Illustrated
in exquisite detail, this story explores a seldomseen aspect…
"When Sam lands an in-ring knockout
against Don, the school’s top fighter, it takes
Don down a few pegs—but he still wakes up
with hearts in his eyes. Thus begins an evolving
love story as they navigate prom and graduation, all while…
"Four canine friends embark on a
thrilling D&D adventure in this hilarious and
adorable introduction to tabletop role-playing
games. Shifting between the players and their
in-game fantasy world, young readers gain a
fun and accurate lesson…
"This Huckleberry
Finn reimagining centers Jim,
an enslaved Black man seeking his family and freedom,
with Huck as his sidekick.
Intertwining stories of Jim’s
descendants in the 1930s,
1980s, and 2020s, it replaces
Twain’s racial…
Also available as an eBook. "Eleven-year-old Tony loves superheroes,
games, and anime, but is bullied to the point where he sees only one way out. With support
from his parents, new friends, and new school,
he works towards managing his…
"Two teen girls with opposite personalities bond over their shared love of a manga series,
and readers are treated to a story-within-a-story as
the “Navigator Nozomi” plot parallels the girls’
real-life journey of healing, self-discovery,…
"After high school graduation, Ariel
and their bandmates fight to make it in Chicago’s underground punk scene. Packed with
stunning, zine-inspired artwork and equipped
with a fantastic punk playlist for readers to enjoy, this coming-of-age…
