Young Adult

Red and the Wolves by Cherry Zong

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Genre: Graphic Novel / Young Adult
Pages: 368 pages
Published Date: January 13, 2026
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
Series: N/A
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Red and the Wolves is a dark, atmospheric graphic novel that takes familiar fairy-tale touchstones and reshapes them into something far more expansive and unsettling. Rather than relying on nostalgia, the story builds a layered mythos filled with monsters, gods, guardians, and a forest that feels alive with rot, magic, and long-buried secrets.


What stood out most for me was the worldbuilding. The lore unfolds gradually and trusts the reader to sit with uncertainty before everything clicks into place, and that patience pays off. The forest feels isolated and ancient, populated by creatures that are both strange and emotionally resonant. The absence of humanity gives the story an almost mythic loneliness, making every relationship, especially between Red and Sil, feel heightened and meaningful. The art is a major strength. It shifts seamlessly between expressive, simplified moments and darker, more detailed scenes, using visual language to convey emotion just as much as plot. Creature designs are particularly memorable, and the wolves, both central and secondary, add depth, tension, and occasional levity to the narrative.


The sapphic romance is handled with restraint. It grows quietly through shared moments, glances, and trust rather than grand declarations, which suits the tone of the story well. While it is not the narrative’s primary engine, it provides an emotional throughline that grounds the larger conflicts. I also appreciated the central twist, which I will not spoil here. While I did begin to suspect where the story was heading, the reveal still felt earned and satisfying. The groundwork is laid carefully enough that the payoff rewards attentive readers without feeling predictable or heavy-handed, and it deepens both the emotional stakes and the thematic core of the story.


If I had one reservation, it would be tonal consistency. At times, the dialogue feels younger than the themes suggest, which occasionally undercuts the weight of the story. That said, this feels less like a flaw and more like an area of growth, especially considering this is a debut. The ending deserves particular praise. Endings are difficult, especially in richly built fantasy worlds, but this one feels earned and satisfying, bringing both the emotional and mythological arcs to a close without overstaying its welcome.


Overall, Red and the Wolves is an impressive debut. It is visually striking, emotionally grounded, and confident in its storytelling. It works best when approached not as a strict retelling, but as an original dark fantasy that happens to echo a familiar tale. I am very interested to see where Cherry Zong goes next.

Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing | Feiwel & Friends for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

 #RedandtheWolves #NetGalley

The Handmaid’s Tale: The Graphic Novel by Margaret Atwood; Adapted & Illustrated by Renee Nault

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Genre: Graphic Novel / Young Adult
Pages: 240 pages
Published Date: March 26, 2019
Publisher: Nan A. Talese
Series: N/A
Rating: 5 out of 5

Why Today’s Youth Should Read The Handmaid’s Tale: The Graphic Novel

The Handmaid’s Tale: The Graphic Novel is more than just a story—it’s a warning. Set in the Republic of Gilead, it follows Offred, a woman forced into the role of a “Handmaid,” valued only for her ability to have children. Through her eyes, readers experience what it’s like to live in a world ruled by fear, strict control, and the loss of basic freedoms.

This adaptation makes Margaret Atwood’s classic tale easier to follow while keeping its themes powerful and urgent. It explores how power can be abused, how injustice thrives when people remain silent, and how resistance—no matter how small—still matters.

For today’s youth, this book is especially important. Reading The Handmaid’s Tale helps young people imagine what life in an authoritarian society would be like and why protecting freedom and equality is essential. It sparks questions about justice, human rights, and the dangers of letting oppression go unchecked.

I encourage students, teachers, and parents alike to read and discuss this graphic novel. It’s not only a story about Offred’s world—it’s a mirror that challenges us to think about our own.

#TheHandmaid’sTale

Pet by Akwaeke Emezi

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Genre: Young Adult / Speculative Fiction
Pages: 208 pages
Published Date: September 10, 2019
Publisher: Make Me a World / Penguin Random House
Series: Two Books Set in the Same Universe
Rating: 5 out of 5 
Age: 12 – 17

To start off, I had never heard of Akwaeke Emezi. I only wish I had heard of them before I read this book because I didn’t know what I was missing. This is one of my favorite books – EVER.

“There shouldn’t be any monsters left in Lucille.” So starts the story of Pet, the monster hunter.

Pet by Akwaeke Emezi is a remarkable blend of fantasy and social commentary, set in the utopian city of Lucille, where monsters have supposedly been eradicated. Emezi weaves a narrative that challenges the idea of perfection and explores the complexities of human nature, morality, and the resilience of youth.

The protagonist, Jam, is a transgender girl who communicates through sign language. This representation is handled with sensitivity and care, showcasing Emezi’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity. Jam’s life takes a dramatic turn when she accidentally brings to life a creature named Pet from one of her mother’s paintings. Pet, with its monstrous yet intriguing appearance, claims to be a hunter of real monsters hidden among humans.

What stands out in Pet is the exploration of the blurred lines between good and evil. The book poses poignant questions about what it means to confront uncomfortable truths and the importance of vigilance even in a seemingly perfect society. Emezi masterfully addresses issues such as abuse, identity, and justice, making them accessible and thought-provoking for a young adult audience.

The relationship between Jam and Pet is central to the story, driving home the message that sometimes we need unconventional allies to fight hidden battles. Jam’s courage and determination to uncover the truth about the lurking monster in Lucille is both inspiring and heart-wrenching. The supporting characters, particularly Jam’s best friend Redemption and their families, are richly developed, adding depth and warmth to the narrative.

Emezi’s prose is lyrical and evocative, creating a vivid and immersive world that feels both fantastical and relatable. The pacing is brisk, and the suspense builds steadily, keeping the reader engaged from start to finish. The novel’s conclusion is both satisfying and thought-provoking, leaving a lasting impact.

Pet is a powerful and timely story that encourages readers to question the status quo and stand up against injustice. It’s a book that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt like an outsider or who has grappled with difficult truths. Emezi has crafted a masterpiece that is not only a compelling read but also an important contribution to contemporary literature.

Pet by Akwaeke Emezi is a must-read. It is a story that will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page, challenging you to see the world through a different lens and to recognize that sometimes, the real monsters are the ones we refuse to see.

Ghost Roast by Shawneé Gibbs & Shawnelle Gibbs

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Genre: Graphic Novel, Paranormal, Young Adult
Pages: 224 pages
Published Date: January 2, 2024
Publisher: Harper Collins Children’s Books, Versify
Series: N/A
Rating: 4.8 out of 5 
Age: 12+ 

Chelsea Grant, a seventeen-year-old, gets accepted to the popular group in her new prestigious school. But one night, when the group decides to break into a cemetery, Chelsea and her friends get arrested and thrown in jail. Unlike like her new friends (who amazingly don’t toss her aside), her parents decide to ground her for the whole summer. Part of her punishment is to help her father in his paranormal business – to help rid New Orleans of all its ghosts. While out at the Harrington Manor (which used to be Plantation). Chelsea finds out that she can see and even speak to spirits. Does she tell her father, whose grandmother, he believed, was killed by ghosts, or keep it to herself and try not to fall in love with a dashing young spirit who may not be who he says he is?

“Ghost Roast” is a captivating young adult graphic novel that breaks away from traditional ghost stories and love tales. The narrative is cozy and charming, blending unique elements to create an engaging experience. The illustrations are vibrant and lively, adding to the visual delight. I felt the story begins slowly; it becomes more interesting when the ghosts appear. The novel skillfully weaves historical insights, particularly about enslaved individuals in New Orleans, providing a deeper understanding of the past. The story handles sensitive topics like race and slavery gracefully, with a historical context that adds depth. The characters are magnetic and endearing, especially Chelsea and her friends, whose heartwarming camaraderie is a highlight, which is usually left out of books with characters/friends of different class levels. And I enjoyed that. Chelsea’s relationship with the mysterious Oliver adds a layer of paranormal romance.

“Ghost Roast” is an enjoyable read with a unique blend of cozy charm, historical insights, and distinctive characters. It stands out for its creativity and the author’s ability to address complex themes with finesse. This novel promises to deeply resonate with those seeking thought-provoking and heartwarming stories.

The book will be released on January 2, 2024, and I had the privilege of reading an early copy through #NetGalley. #GhostRoast

Content warnings: Death, slavery, war, racism, teasing/bullying

Flamer by Mike Curato

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Genre: Graphic Novel, LGBtQIA+, Young Adult
Pages: 364 pages
Published Date: November 15, 2016
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. BYR Paperbacks
Series: N/A
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 
Age: 16+ (Amazon has for 14+) 

“Flamer” is a powerful and emotional graphic novel written and illustrated by Mike Curato. The story centers around a teenage boy named Aiden Navarro, who is struggling to come to terms with his sexuality and identity in a hostile environment.

The novel, set in 1995, takes place while Aiden is away at boy scout camp. He is enjoying his summer, except for being bullied by other campers. He is also terrified about starting high school after his difficult middle school experience. However, he soon finds that the bullying and harassment he faced in middle school will probably follow him to high school since some of the kids at camp (those who will be in high school with him) are constantly taunting him. One camp mate even goes so far as to physically assault Aiden because of his perceived homosexuality.

As Aiden struggles to navigate this difficult time, he turns to his love of the camp experience. Still, even in a place he loves, Aiden is met with challenges and setbacks, including possibly losing a close friend because of his feelings toward him.

What sets “Flamer” apart from other coming-of-age stories is the raw emotion and honesty with which it portrays Aiden’s struggles. The graphic novel delves deep into Aiden’s pain, fear, and confusion as he grapples with his identity and the hostility of those around him. The black and white illustrations in “Flamer” are stunning, with vivid red/orange/yellow colors to express Aiden’s feelings. Curato also has created expressive characters that bring the story to life.

Overall, “Flamer” is a moving and important graphic novel that offers an unflinching look at the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth. It is a story that will resonate with readers, whether they have experienced similar struggles or want to understand and empathize with those who have. The story is semi-autobiographical. “Flamer” has been challenged nationwide in school districts because families feel it is pornographic.

The reading age (according to Amazon) is between 14-18 years of age. I would feel that the reading age should be between 16-17+ years old.

Trigger Warnings: talk of porn, attempted suicide, self-harm, sex, and masturbation.

Bitter by Akwaeke Emezi

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Genre: Young Adult / Speculative Fiction
Pages: 272 pages
Published Date: February 15, 2022
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Series: None
Rating: 5 out of 5 
Age: 12 – 17

DISCLAIMER:  I received an advance copy of Bitter from the publisher through NetGalley for the purposes of writing an honest review.

This is a companion to the National Book Award finalist Pet.

Bitter has been in and out of Foster care all her life. That is until she is chosen to attend Eucalyptus, a special school where students of all backgrounds get to study their interests. Bitter’s focus is art. The school is a sort of haven. With what is happening outside the walls of Eucalyptus in the town of Lucille, Bitter is more than happy to stay in the safety of the school. Outside in the city of Lucille, protests and injustices pull Bitter in many different directions. Old friends are trying to get her outside and be a part of what is happening around her. A new love interest pulls her away from what she loves. And then there is her creative passion for her art. What will she decide, and what will it cost her?

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Arena One: Slaverunners

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Genre: Young Adult
Pages: 226 pages
Published Date: February 5, 2012
Publisher: Morgan Rice
Series: The Survival Trilogy
Rating: 3 out of 5          

 

Let me start by saying I love the idea and concept behind Morgan Rice’s Arena One. When I started the book, the writing grabbed my interest even though there was very little dialog between Brooke (17) and her younger sister Bree, the two most important characters (I love dialog). My interest started to wane when Brook (the protagonist) started chasing after the Slaverunners. Brook chased them on an old motorcycle with a side car and somehow she caught up with them. She did this by driving through the Catskills doing over 140 or even 150 mph. Not only didn’t this seem plausible, the character should have died many times – as the author states at the end of each chapter it seemed. Brook then meets Ben where they moved up from the motorcycle to one of the Slaverunner’s cars (how they did this was amazing too) and again traveled to NYC doing over 140/150 mph and again felt like they were going to/should have died at the end of each chapter.

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