The influential Young Adult Library Services Association has just released its list of Great Graphic Novels for Teens for 2012, comprising 56 titles that “meet the criteria of both good quality literature and appealing reading for teens.” The last ranges from Mangaman to Troop 142 toEvolution: The Story of Life on Earth. There’s also a Top Ten list as follows:
Amir and Khalil. “Zahra’s Paradise.” First Second, 2011
Bendis, Brian Michael and Alex Maleev. “Scarlet.” Marvel/Icon Comics, 2011.
Brosgal, Vera. “Anya’s Ghost.” First Second, 2011.
Gladstone, Brooke, Josh Neufeld, and others. “The Influencing Machine: Brooke Gladstone on the Media.” W. W. Norton and Company, 2011.
Langridge, Roger, Chris Samnee, and others.
“Thor: The Mighty Avenger V. 1.” Marvel, 2010.
“Thor: The Mighty Avenger V. 2.” Marvel, 2011.
McLeod, Kagan. “Infinite Kung Fu.” Top Shelf, 2011.
Mori, Kaoru. “A Bride’s Story V. 1.” Yen Press, 2011.
Nicolle, Malachai and Ethan Nicolle. “Axe Cop V. 1.” Dark Horse, 2011.
Ralph, Brian. “Daybreak.” Drawn and Quarterly, 2011.
Takako, Shimuro. “Wandering Son V. 1.” Fantagraphics Books, 2011.
A spot on the list pretty much guarantees an uptick in library sales, so it’s all good for the books that made it — plus a nice snapshot of a varied, vibrant body of work for teen readers.
