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This past fall, while working at the Member & Visitor Services desk, my colleagues and I discovered that the Library holds 450+ graphic novels, including two winners of The New York City Book Award. This genre's rising popularity among young adults and adult readers is evident. In a four-part blog series, we'll feature some of these notable titles, many of which were either read or recommended by the New York Society Library staff.
Part 1: Coming of Age and Self-Discovery
Bree Paulsen's Garlic and the Vampire address mental health and self-doubt, personified through the vegetable characters, especially Garlic.
Becoming RBG resonates with readers passionate about social justice and activism, reflecting New York's rich history of civic engagement and youth political awareness. Similarly, Nimona appeals to those who appreciate narratives that challenge systemic power structures.
Heartstopper and The Girl from the Sea cater to the demand for LGBTQ+ stories that transcend coming-out narratives, depicting full, rich lives. These works align with the growing popularity of inclusive romance and contemporary fiction in urban centers like ours.
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Jerry Craft's trilogy (New Kid, Class Act, School Trip) explores diversity in an urban private school, resonating with readers who identify with Jordan's journey through various social and cultural spaces. This series mirrors the enduring appeal of books representing NYC's multicultural landscape. Similarly, The Magic Fish examines immigrant family dynamics and intergenerational relationships, connecting deeply with young readers navigating multiple cultural identities and languages. Both books resonate with diverse age groups.
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This blog post episode features recommendations from our team members, Michelle Andreani (Children's Library), Susan Vincent Molinaro (Children's Library), and Marialuisa Monda (Events).
