Best Graphic Novels for Young Women (2026): 5 Picks

A reader who finished her last series and wants something visual and grown-up is exactly who the best graphic novels for young women are for. We compared five listings by story, reading age and edition, and added four more options.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	The Raven Boys by Stiefvater	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
2	Girl on Fire by Keys	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
3	The Secret Garden by Marsden	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
4	Persepolis by Satrapi	9.5/10	Buy on Amazon
5	The Other Mistress by Williams	9.2/10	Buy on Amazon

1

The Raven Boys by Stiefvater

Maggie Stiefvater·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 YA graphic novel about a teenager joining prep-school boys on a magical quest; suits readers 14 to 17.

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Pros

• 256 pages, full-color art
• Reading age 14 to 17 and grade level 9 to 12 both stated
• July 29, 2025 edition, book 1 of 2

Cons

• Book 1 of 2, so the story continues past this volume
• The description includes dangerous magical situations
• At 256 pages it is the longest single volume here

2

Girl on Fire by Keys

Alicia Keys·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 YA graphic novel about a fourteen-year-old discovering telekinetic powers; suits readers grade 9 to 12.

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Pros

• 224 pages, YA coming-of-age story
• The listing states it is on the 2023 ALA Great Graphic Novels for Teens list
• March 1, 2022 HarperAlley edition stated

Cons

• Reading age 10+ years is marked as from customers, not the publisher
• Reading age 10+ and grade level 9 to 12 disagree
• The description includes a scene with a gun and neighborhood violence

3

The Secret Garden by Marsden

Mariah Marsden·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 graphic retelling of the Burnett classic about a ten-year-old and a hidden garden; suits readers 8 to 11.

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Pros

• 192 pages, classic story retold in comics
• Reading age 8 to 11 and grade level 3 to 5 both stated
• Extra material on Burnett and the novel's history suits classrooms

Cons

• Reading age is marked as from customers, not the publisher
• Aimed at the younger end of young women
• Covers a familiar story for readers who know the novel

4

Persepolis by Satrapi

Marjane Satrapi·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 graphic memoir of growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution; suits older teens and adults.

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Pros

• 160 pages, a classic graphic memoir
• Book 1 of 2, a clear starting point
• June 1, 2004 Pantheon reprint edition stated

Cons

• No reading age or grade level stated
• The description includes war, political repression and whippings
• A 2004 reprint, an older edition

5

The Other Mistress by Williams

Shanora Williams·9.2/10 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 prose psychological thriller about a betrayed wife's dangerous plan; suits adult readers of thrillers.

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Pros

• 289 pages, June 27, 2023 Kensington edition
• A complete single-volume story
• Suits readers who want prose alongside comics

Cons

• Not a graphic novel: the listing describes a prose psychological thriller
• The description includes seduction, betrayal and obsession
• No reading age or grade level stated

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More picks to compare

• Athena the Brain by CampitiGoddess Girls graphic novel, book 1 of 4, ages 8 to 12.Check on Amazon
• To All the Boys graphic novelRomance graphic novel for readers 12 and up, grades 7 to 9.Check on Amazon
• Graphic Novel Classics box setThree classic adaptations, 584 pages, ages 8 to 12.Check on Amazon
• Les Normaux vol 2 by JanssenParanormal romance graphic novel, volume 2 of the series.Check on Amazon

Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 20 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit for the reader, contents and edition, value, and the listed reading age or level where one is given. Three of the five picks list a reading age or grade level. 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 women

Match the age and level

The Raven Boys lists a reading age of 14 to 17 years and grade level 9 to 12; Girl on Fire lists a reading age of 10+ years, marked as from customers, with grade level 9 to 12. When the age and grade disagree, treat the pair as a rough guide and check the description. Persepolis and The Other Mistress state no reading age at all. Our memoirs for young women list covers more true-story picks.

Series or standalone

Persepolis and The Raven Boys are each book 1 of 2, so the story continues past the first volume. The Secret Garden and Girl on Fire are single volumes. If she is new to graphic novels, a standalone is the safer gift. Our classic books for young women list has more single-volume stories.

Before you buy

• Check the edition and publication date: Girl on Fire is the March 1, 2022 HarperAlley edition.
• Check which book of the series comes first: start Persepolis and The Raven Boys at book 1.
• Check the reading level against the reader, especially where the age is marked as from customers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should I start with Persepolis?

The listing states this is book 1 of 2, so start here and continue to the second volume.

What age suits The Secret Garden graphic novel?

The listing gives a reading age of 8 to 11 years, marked as from customers, and grade level 3 to 5.

Is The Other Mistress a graphic novel?

No: the listing describes a prose psychological thriller, not a graphic novel. It is included as an option for readers who also read prose.

Still deciding? Our top pickThe Raven Boys by Stiefvater

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Related lists

See every book club list and all fiction lists.

More lists: book club picks and fiction for young readers.