Read Proud: Graphic Novels and Manga for Teens

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Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh engages all of our communities in literacy and Learning. Check out the graphic novel and manga titles in this list and ask your local librarian for more.

You can sign up for a free library card here. If you are new to our eResources, check out these tutorial videos on how to get started.

If you’re looking for more book suggestions, we’re happy to recommend them! Use this Book Recommendation form to send us some information about what you like to read and we’ll curate a list just for you.

If you have any additional questions, you can contact a librarian through FacebookInstagram or Twitter. You can also call us at 412.622.3114 or email us at info@carnegielibrary.org.

As the Crow Flies

A queer, black teenager finds herself stranded in a dangerous and unfamiliar place: an all-white Christian youth backpacking camp.


Bloom

Now that high school is over, Ari is dying to move to the big city with his ultra-hip band, if he can just persuade his dad to let him quit his job at their struggling family bakery. You can also check out this title as eBook on Overdrive/Libby.


The Backstagers, Volume One: Rebels Without Applause

When Jory transfers to an all-boys private high school, he’s taken in by the only ones who don’t treat him like a new kid, the lowly stage crew known as the Backstagers. Not only does he gain great, lifetime friends, Jory is also introduced to an entire magical world that lives beyond the curtain. You can also check out this title as eBook on Hoopla.


Check, Please! Book 1, #Hockey!

Eric Bittle loves three things: skating, baking pies, and vlogging. Somehow, that combination has landed him a scholarship at Massachusetts’ Samwell University, where he joins the ice hockey team. You can also check out this title as eBook on OverDrive/Libby.


Flamer

Tells the story of one transformative week of Boy Scout camp, in which chubby, awkward Filipino American Aiden wrestles with the growing realization that he’s gay. You can also check out this title as eBook on OverDrive/Libby.



I Am Not Starfire

Seventeen-year-old Mandy, who dyes her hair black and hates almost everyone, is not like her mother, the tall, sparkly alien superhero Starfire, so when someone from Starfire’s past arrives, Mandy must make a choice about who she is and if she should risk everything to save her mom. You can also check out this title as an eBook on Hoopla.


Kiss Number 8

Mads is pretty happy with her life. She goes to church with her family, and minor league baseball games with her dad. She goofs off with her best friend Cat, and has thus far managed to avoid getting kissed by Adam, the boy next door. It’s everything she hoped high school would be… until all of a sudden, it’s not. You can also check out this title as eBook on Overdrive/Libby.


Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me

Laura Dean, the most popular girl in high school, was Frederica Riley’s dream girl, but Freddy is learning Laura is not the best girlfriend, so she seeks help from a mysterious medium and advice columnists to help her through being a teenager in love. This title received Eisner Awards for “Best Publication for Teens,” “Best Writer” and “Best Penciller/Inker.” You can also check out this title as eBook on Overdrive/Libby.


The Prince and the Dressmaker

Prince Sebastian has a secret. At night he puts on daring dresses and takes Paris by storm as the fabulous Lady Crystallia. Sebastian’s secret weapon, and best friend, is the brilliant dressmaker Frances, but how long can Frances defer her dreams to protect a friend. You can also check out this title as eBook on OverDrive/Libby.


Our Dreams at Dusk

The beloved coming-out and coming-of-age manga about a broad LGBT+ community.



Stage Dreams

Flor and Grace, a Latinx outlaw and a trans runaway, as they team up to thwart a Confederate plot in the New Mexico Territory. You can also check out this title as eBook on Overdrive/Libby.


You Brought Me the Ocean

Jake Hyde yearns for the ocean and is determined to leave his hometown in New Mexico for a college on the coast, and while his family and friends encourage him to stay, he must deal with his secrets of being gay and some strange new blue markings on his skin giving him a glow when he touches water. You can also check out this title as an eBook on Hoopla.