A collage of five graphic novel covers. From left: "Frizzy" with a girl and pink background, "Persepolis" in red, "Shiver" with surreal images, "Bloom" featuring a youth by the sea, and "Maus" with an abstract cat and mouse design.

Dec 01, 2023 6 Great Graphic Novels for the Winter Break

Posted at 01:41h in General, Recommendations by
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If you’re looking to curl up with unique and inspiring books during the upcoming semester break, look no further than this list of six graphic novels compiled by instructional designer Kristen Yunis in partnership with librarian Allyson Mower.

A tense scene from "Akira" manga. A determined character stands amid swirling shadows, holding a weapon. The bold title "AKIRA" dominates the background.

Akira
By Katsushiro Ōtomo

Written in the 80’s and set in a post-apocalyptic Tokyo in the year 2019. Akira influenced the work of many other manga artists to follow. The library has this six-volume series in both its original language, Japanese, and in an English translation.

A smiling girl with curly hair and a striped hoodie stands against a city skyline. The title "Frizzy" appears in bold letters above her.

Frizzy
By Claribel A. Ortega and Rose Bousamra

A coming-of-age story of a young girl’s journey in embracing her naturally curly hair.

Cover art for "The Complete Maus" by Art Spiegelman features two mice in clothes against a large swastika with a cat face. Tone is serious, evocative.

Maus
By Art Spiegelman

Author and cartoonist Art Spiegelman traces his father’s imprisonment in a Nazi concentration camp through a series of cartoons. An incredible book, Maus often makes it on to banned lists for depictions of human-animal portrayal, violence, and torture.

Cover of "Shiver" by Junji Ito. A girl's face emerges from a spiraling creature, surrounded by eerie, distorted faces and figures, conveying horror.

Shiver: Selected Stories
By Junji Itō

A collection of short stories from horror manga artist, Junji Itō. (Reader note: These are quite gruesome as it is part of the “body horror” subgenre. In my mind – Junji is the “Edgar Allen Poe” of Manga. The stories are absolutely spine-chilling and the library has many books authored by him!)

Two people on a rooftop converse under a pale blue sky. One leans on a railing, smiling. Palm leaves and birds evoke a calm, tropical vibe. "Bloom" title above.

Bloom
By Kevin Panetta and Savanna Ganucheau

The story of Ari, a gay high-school graduate who falls in love while grappling with the conflict between his dream of moving to the city and the expectation that he stays in his hometown to support his family’s business.

The cover of "Persepolis" by Marjane Satrapi is red with a black border. It features an illustration of a girl in a headscarf framed by an ornate black pattern.

Persepolis
By Marjane Satrapi

An autobiographical coming-of-age story set during the Iranian Revolution. The illustrations are endearing, engaging, and do so much for the storytelling. This title also frequently gets challenged and banned for discussion of sex, violence, torture, and use of inappropriate language.

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