I’ve been in a bit of a reading slump this year, so I’ve been picking up more graphic novels than usual. Here are some rapid-fire reviews of five of the sapphic YA graphic novels I’ve read this year, including romantasy, sports stories, and some heartbreaking realistic fiction. Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me byRead More
A Swoon-Worthy Sapphic Fairytale For The Ages: Forgive Me Not by Mari Costa
As much as I love dark and complex sapphic fantasy and science fiction stories that push the boundaries of the genre and challenge me to consider all the possibilities, I also love a sweet fairytale. Forgive Me Not, the latest YA graphic novel from artist and writer Mari Costa, is one such fairytale. I lovedRead More
YA Sapphics on Ice: Just Between Us by Adeline Kon
Shortly after this year’s Winter Olympics, Adeline Kon’s Just Between Us was released and gave all of us sports sapphics a romance set in the high stakes world of figure skating. This young adult graphic novel delivers a medal-worthy ice queen, enemies-to-lovers sports romance filled with solid writing, compelling characters, and gorgeous art. Lydia “Ice Queen” ChenRead More
Escaping the Lab to Become a Barista: Steam by Shaenon K. Gerrity and Emily Holden
Steam is a quick, cute read about Ruby, a genetically engineered girl created to solve problems. She’s escaped the lab!—She’s on the loose!—She’s playing cupid in a coffee shop! Determined to make people happy, she learns about humans and strives to use her scientific mind and improbable aiming skills to improve their lives. If she encountersRead More
Shakespeare, Study Hall, and Secrets Worth Killing Over: This Place Kills Me by Mariko Tamaki and Nicole Goux
Wilberton Academy takes its theater seriously. Members of the elite Wilberton Theatrical Society are revered by the student body, and beautiful, talented Elizabeth Woodward is a shining star among them. The whole school is abuzz over the production of Romeo and Juliet that Elizabeth is starring in as the tragic leading lady—until she’s found dead the morningRead More
A Queer Girl Detective Romp: Goldie Vance (Volume One) by Hope Larson, Brittney Williams, and Sarah Stern Review
Goldie Vance (Volume One) centers on a girl detective with a passion for cars, ideally fast ones. She’s the daughter of a hotel manager and a professional mermaid in Cold War-era Florida. Goldie is a friendly, outgoing, direct girl, and when she hears of a necklace gone missing in her dad’s hotel, she’s right on theRead More
Queer, Revelatory Joy in The Deep Dark by Molly Knox Ostertag
Already a fan of Molly Knox Ostertag’s The Girl from the Sea, I had a good feeling about the weighty tome that is The Deep Dark. Friends, this poignant graphic novel delivered and then some. It’s like someone translated the sensation of waiting for the other shoe to drop and described the steps someone would take toRead More
Jane Austen Meets Queer Historical Joy: I Shall Never Fall in Love by Hari Conner Review
Generally speaking, I’m used to queer historical fiction falling into two categories: depressing and trying to be historically accurate, or joyful and set in an imaginary version of history without bigotry. When I picked up I Shall Never Fall in Love, I was expecting the latter. After all, this is a book that draws heavilyRead More
A Quiet, Slice of Life Sapphic Graphic Novel: Firebird by Sunmi Review
Firebird by Sunmi is a two-color graphic novel that tells the story of Caroline and Kim, two girls who meet in tutoring and become friends… and then fall for each other. Caroline is generally withdrawn and easily flustered, but a serious and high-achieving student with a few close friends. Kim is outgoing, glib, friends with everyone,Read More
Queer Graphic Novels and Illustrated Books for Preteens and Teens
These four books are listed in order of suitability for middle-to-high schoolers and deal with the timeless experiences of feeling like an outsider, finding the fortitude to be yourself, and the need for proper communication with partners. They’re great books to start conversations about these things, and have lovely art that are sure to make themRead More