Best Graphic Novels for Young Adults: 5 Compared

The best graphic novels for young adults pair strong stories with art that carries half the telling, and Nimona leads this list with a National Book Award finalist nod and a Netflix animated film. We compared five graphic novels by awards, reading age, length and fit for teen readers, using only what each listing publishes. The picks range from an Eisner-winning ghost story to a verse novel about grief and its rules.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	Nimona by ND Stevenson	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
2	Anya's Ghost by Vera Brosgol	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
3	Long Way Down Graphic Novel	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
4	The Girl from the Sea	9.5/10	Buy on Amazon
5	The Harbinger Graphic Novel	9.4/10	Buy on Amazon

1

Nimona by ND Stevenson

ND Stevenson·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A full-color graphic novel about a shapeshifter and a supervillain, a National Book Award finalist now a Netflix animated film.

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Pros

• National Book Award Finalist
• Now a Netflix animated film
• Full-color with exclusive epilogue

Cons

• 272 pages, a long sitting for some
• Supervillain theme not for every teen
• 2015 edition, older art style

2

Anya's Ghost by Vera Brosgol

Vera Brosgol·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A 221-page graphic novel about a teen and a ghost friend, winner of the 2012 Eisner for Best YA Publication.

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Pros

• Eisner Award 2012 Best YA Publication
• Kirkus Best Teen Books 2011
• 221 pages, a quick read

Cons

• Reading age 9-13 skews younger than YA
• No sequel is stated
• Ghost theme not for every reader

3

Long Way Down Graphic Novel

Jason Reynolds·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A 208-page graphic novel adaptation of the Newbery Honor novel about grief and the rules of revenge.

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Pros

• Novel won Newbery, Printz, CSK Honors
• Five starred reviews
• Reading age 14 and up, grade 9+

Cons

• Heavy subject: gun violence and grief
• 208 pages, shorter than most here
• Verse format not for every reader

4

The Girl from the Sea

Lee Knox Ostertag·9.5/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A 256-page graphic novel about family, secrets and first love, from the author of the Witch Boy trilogy.

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Pros

• From the author of the Witch Boy trilogy
• 256 pages, the longest here
• Reading age 10 and up, grade 7+

Cons

• No awards are stated
• Standalone, Book 1 of 1
• Romance focus not for every reader

5

The Harbinger Graphic Novel

Jonathan Cahn·9.4/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A 144-page full-color graphic novel about prophetic mysteries and America's future.

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Pros

• 144 pages, the quickest read here
• Full-color prophetic artwork
• 2025, the newest listing

Cons

• Prophetic nonfiction, odd fit for a YA fiction list
• No literary awards are stated
• 2025, newest and untested

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More picks to compare

• The Long-Lived King: An Owl House Graphic NovelFor Owl House fans, 144 pages, a manga-inspired adventure after the series finale.Check on Amazon
• unOrdinary Volume 3 by uru-chanFor WEBTOON readers, 352 pages, Book 3 of 4, Kirkus-starred.Check on Amazon
• Graceling Graphic Novel by Kristin CashoreFor YA fantasy readers, 272 pages, the beloved YA fantasy novel in graphic form.Check on Amazon

Compare the picks

20 October 2026

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs story strength, acclaim, age fit, value and publisher standing. For young adult graphic novels, awards carry real weight: Nimona’s National Book Award finalist status and Anya’s Ghost’s Eisner win lead the scoring. The Harbinger trails because its prophetic nonfiction subject is an odd fit for a YA fiction list. How we pick explains the weights.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best graphic novels for young adults

Start with reading age: the listings here state 9-13 up to 14 and up, so match the book to the reader. Awards are the fastest quality signal; three of the five carry major honors. Length matters for reluctant readers, and the 144-page Harbinger is the quickest read here. For nonfiction picks, see our best nonfiction books for young adults.

Before you buy

• Check the stated reading age: Anya’s Ghost skews 9-13, Long Way Down 14 and up.
• Nimona is full-color; the other listings do not state color, so check the preview.
• Long Way Down is a verse novel about gun violence; preview it for sensitive readers.
• The Harbinger is prophetic religious nonfiction, not YA fiction; buy it for that reader.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which graphic novel won the most awards?

Nimona lists a National Book Award finalist nod plus Kirkus, NPR and New York Public Library best-book honors. Anya’s Ghost won the 2012 Eisner for Best Publication for Young Adults.

Which is best for a 13-year-old?

Nimona states reading age 13 and up, and The Harbinger states 13-17. Anya’s Ghost skews younger at 9-13.

Which is the shortest read?

The Harbinger at 144 pages. Long Way Down is next at 208 pages.

Are any of these part of a series?

The Girl from the Sea is Book 1 of 1, a standalone. The other listings state no series position.

Still deciding? Our top pickNimona by ND Stevenson

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Related lists

See every young adult books list. Also see our best illustrated books for young adults.

More lists: science books for young adults, nonfiction for young adults and young adult books.