We’ve pulled together a list of some must-read graphic novels and manga, all available right now in the Adult Graphic Novel section at your local public library.

Building Stories by Chris Ware

This multi-piece item contains 14 separate booklets and materials. It presents an illustrated tale, told in various books and folded sheets, about the residents in a three-story Chicago apartment building, including a lonely single woman, a couple who are growing to despise each other, and an elderly landlady. Due to the size, this item is an “in-house” item not available for check out, only accessible in person at the Waldorf West library. 

Berserk by Kentarō Miura

With 41 books, this manga series has been beloved since it first began in 1989. Considered a classic, this gore-filled power fantasy of being a huge hero and swinging an even bigger sword is engaging even before the reader realizes the humor and emotional heart at the center of the characters.

A Right To Be Hostile: The Boondocks Treasury by Aaron McGruder; foreword by Michael Moore

The original comic strips inspired an acclaimed animated TV show that ran for 4 seasons. This book is a collection of the syndicated comic that provides a look at life in America as seen through the eyes of two African-American kids transplanted from the south side of Chicago to Woodcrest, a community in the middle of nowhere. 

My Pancreas Broke But My Life Got Better by Kabi Nagata

This is the latest diary manga from the Harvey Award-winning creator of My Lesbian Experience With Loneliness and My Wandering Warrior Existence. In this new autobiographical manga following My Wandering Warrior Existence, Nagata Kabi has quit drinking in an attempt to get healthier, or she’s trying to, anyway. Her former struggles with alcohol led to pancreatitis and a serious hospitalization, and now she has no choice but to give up drinking. Follow the author as she details the quest to improve her health during a global pandemic.

Kill 6 Billion Demons by Tom Parkinson-Morgan

This series began as an online webcomic in 2013 and quickly enraptured thousands. Sorority sister Allison Ruth must travel to Throne, the ancient city at the center of the multiverse, in an epic bid to save her boyfriend from the clutches of the seven evil kings that rule creation (summary provided by the publisher). Eventually published as a physical book series, this is an inventive sci-fi epic with intricate illustrations.

If you love a good page-turner, just imagine it narrated by incredible voice actors! November is the perfect time for a suspenseful listen. Just make sure not to listen after dark…

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson

Want to check out the books that inspired the hit Netflix show? Now’s your chance! Get hooked on Pippa Fitz-Amobi’s quest to uncover the truth behind a local murder. 

One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus

Five students walk into detention, but only four walk out alive. When the king of gossip mysteriously dies, everyone’s a suspect, and everyone has secrets they’re dying to keep.

Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson

A cold case, a boarding school, and a true-crime enthusiast determined to solve it. The Truly Devious series is perfect for a cozy mystery marathon!

Sometimes you just need to get lost in a completely different reality. Audiobooks are fantastic for immersive fantasy and sci-fi! You can transport yourself to distant galaxies, magical realms, or dystopian futures and let your imagination run wild!

Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor

Karou has never been a typical art student, as magical portals and her inhuman family are all a part of her daily life. When the handprints of angels start popping up on the doors between worlds, Karou gets pulled into the mysteries of her past and a world of angels, devils, and forbidden love. 

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black (Folk of the Air series)

Enter the treacherous world of Faerie, where a mortal girl must navigate power struggles and dangerous alliances. After the death of her parents, Jude and her two sisters must fight for a place in the court by defying the wicked son of the Faerie king. Embroiled in court politics and intrigue, one wrong move could spell disaster for her future, and the future of Faerie as a whole.

Skyhunter by Marie Lu

In this action-packed sci-fi duology, Talin, a “Skyhunter,” fights for the Fendrell against the oppressive Federation in a war-torn world. After rescuing an enemy soldier, she questions her beliefs about loyalty and freedom.

Looking for heartwarming stories to keep you warm on these long nights? These audiobooks are perfect for getting swept off your feet by first loves, star-crossed lovers, and

Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute by Talia Hibbert

Being trapped in the woods on a survival course with her ex-best friend, Brad, was not what Celine had in mind. But when forced to work as a team, this trial-by-fire might just be what it takes to rekindle their old relationship, or light the spark for something new.

Dungeons and Drama by Kristy Boyce

Fake-dating her dad’s most nerdy employee wasn’t exactly Riley’s dream acting gig, but if it gets her out of working at her dad’s game store? She’ll happily play the part. Especially when Nathan starts looking kinda….cute?

Fake Dates and Mooncakes by Sher Lee

Dylan does not have time to be distracted by cute boys like Theo, at least not if he’s going to win the Mid-Autumn Festival Mooncake-making contest. But when Theo unexpectedly asks Dylan to be his fake date to a fancy destination wedding in the Hamptons, Dylan is thrown into a glittering life he could never have dreamed of that might not be all that it seems, with a boy who might be more than just the competition.

If you’re into the ‘fake dating’ trope, this one’s for you. Kelly Quindlen’s She Drives Me Crazy starts while Scottie’s life is not going great. After getting dumped by her ex-girlfriend when she transferred schools, a horrible car wreck, and now having to spend every. single. day. in the insufferable presence of Irene Abraham. But that presence becomes a little less insufferable when an opportunity comes along to not only get her popularity back but also get back at her ex?? All it takes is a little bribery, scheming, hijinx, and heartbreak to get the high school buzzing that Scottie and Irene might be more than just carpool buddies.

Always the Almost by Edward Underhill is parallel to She Drives Me Crazy in a couple of ways, with Miles’ attempts to win over his ex and a fake date (with a very real kiss). Miles loves piano, recently came out as trans, and was not expecting to be put so off-kilter by Eric Mendez, the new boy in town. Eric is a cartoonist and is cool, confident, and all the things Miles thinks he’s not. While Miles is going to need some time to sort out who exactly he is meant to be, It’s an awesome story of gender euphoria and becoming exactly who you want to be.

Looking for something a little more fantastical? C.L. Clark’s Magic of the Lost series might be the Epic Fantasy you’re looking for. The first book in the series, The Unbroken, follows soldier Touraine, sent to quell a rebellion in her homeland, and Princess Luca, who is desperate to find peace for her nation and a crown for her own head, whatever the cost. The high stakes of rebellion, war, and a bid for the throne, lead to emotions running high and perhaps something more brewing under the surface in this crumbling desert empire.

Aiden Thomas’ Sunbearer Trials is a thrilling adventure set in a mythological world. Being the trans-17-year-old semidios (or demigod) son of the goddess of birds is quite enough excitement for Teo, even as the decennial Sunbearer Trials approach. His best friend is a shoo-in, and Teo isn’t even the right rank to be considered by Sol to carry the Sun. But when Teo receives word that two semidios of lesser ranks have been chosen, he is shocked, and even more so when he finds out that he’s one of them. The trials are full of danger and glory, and only the most powerful have a chance to win the favor and carry the light for the god of the sun.

Ok, so this one is a personal plug. I adored Adam Silvera’s They Both Die at the End (and the prequel just released too, which is definitely on my TBR list). The Death-Cast corporation gives you a call on the day you’re going to die. Mateo and Rufus, two teen boys from the same city, get the same midnight phone call. They may be strangers now, but over the course of their last 24 hours, they might find themselves becoming closer than they ever thought possible. You know it’s going to happen, but it doesn’t stop the wrenching of your heart as Mateo and Rufus discover what happens when you know you’re destined to die.     

You might just recognize this author, as Alice Oseman’s Heartstopper was made into a Netflix show in 2022 (season 2 coming soon!!!). Loveless follows Georgia as she goes into her first few weeks of university, far from home in what feels like a whole new world. She loves fanfics and romance books but has never really felt the romance for herself. Not a single crush, no butterflies, no spark. But with college romances blooming all around her, Georgia finds herself feeling a little lost. Maybe love just isn’t for her? She has a lot of learning to do about herself, including being introduced to some new words like asexual and aromantic; maybe she might just have been looking in the wrong places all along. 

Did you find something for that summer spark? We sure hope so! Have a safe Pride Month, and happy reading!