Staff Picks: Queer Young Adult Fantasy Graphic Novels
by walkerk
If you're looking for another queer, fantasy-themed graphic novel to read—similar to Nimona by ND Stevenson, The Pirate and the Porcelain Girl by Emily Riesbeck, Mooncakes by Suzanne Walker, or Wynd. by James Tynion IV—you might find your next read in this little list!
Brooms by Jasmine Walls | Request Now
It's 1930s Mississippi: Magic simmers beneath the surface, kept in check by unjust laws and societal expectations, which only allow magic to be used in certain situations, and by certain people. But for six extraordinary women, the roar of enchanted engines and the thrill of the forbidden broom race offers a chance to rewrite their destinies.
Frequently described as the kind of story that sticks with you long after you read it, Brooms is a fun, uplifting, heart-pounding graphic novel soaring with magic, found family, and rebellion—like Fast and the Furious with broomsticks instead of cars. This cast of characters is incredibly diverse, with queer, trans, disability, and POC representation. And beautifully, it features queer people of color experiencing a happy ending in a historical fiction.
The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang | Request Now
Paris, at the dawn of the modern age: While prince Sebastian's parents are looking for a bride on his behalf, Sebastian is busy hiding his secret life. At night, he puts on daring dresses and takes Paris by storm as the fabulous Lady Crystallia—the hottest fashion icon in the world capital of fashion! His secret weapon is his brilliant dressmaker, Frances—his best friend and one of only two people who know the truth. But Frances dreams of greatness, and being someone's secret weapon means being a secret. Forever. How long can Frances defer her dreams to protect her friend?
Described as an immersive, uplifting story that reads as a beautiful and thoughtfully told fairytale with jaw-dropping art, The Prince and the Dressmaker explores themes discovery, identity, and acceptance. While this is a good title for young adults, readers of all ages have come to enjoy this gentle coming-of-age story.
Power & Magic: The Queer Witch Comics Anthology | Request Now
Power & Magic is a comics anthology in black and white, containing fifteen original stories about queer witches of color mastering their abilities, discovering their traditions, and navigating love as beings with incredible power. Written by seventeen women, demigirls, and bigender creators of color, this graphic novel is made for teens and adults, ages fourteen and up.
It can be difficult to find stories about queer POC (with representation of disability and mental health) written by queer POC authors, but this anthology brings several well-crafted and breathtakingly illustrated stories together with love. Described as a book that many adult readers wish had existed when they were younger, this title offers a mix of heartwarming and heartbreaking stories about life, death, love, and friendship.
The Princess and the Grilled Cheese by Deya Muniz | Request Now
Lady Camembert wants to live life on her own terms, without marriage. Well, without marrying a man, that is. But the law of the land deems that women cannot inherit. So when her father passes away, she does the only thing she can: She disguises herself as a man and moves to the capital city of the Kingdom of Fromage to start over as Count Camembert. But it's hard to keep a low profile when the beautiful Princess Brie, with her fierce activism and great sense of fashion, catches her attention. Camembert can't resist getting to know the princess, but as the two grow closer, will she be able to keep her secret?
This title is a romantic comedy about mistaken identity, true love, and a lot of cheese. Readers describe this a charming read with characters that burst from the pages with their vibrancy. While labeled as a read for young adults, older readers have enjoyed this endearing, low-stress graphic novel.
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