With spooky season upon us, we’re going to highlight five young adult graphic novels for Halloween to get you in the mood. These are good for teenagers and adults alike!
Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell:
Everything in this book is in-your-face fall! It follows two characters who work at a fall festival and includes every corny fall activity imaginable. One of them is on a mission to ask out his mystery crush and there are a few mishaps along the way. Perfect if you’re looking for something fun and cozy for spooky season!
Sheets by Brenna Thummler
This one has such a beautiful art style and color scheme. The main character is grieving the loss of her mom while simultaneously dealing with a distant father. She’s also trying to keep the family laundromat open despite lots of sabotages (which may or may not be supernatural). There’s a lot of depth to this one and its atmosphere is perfect for fall. It’s also the first in a series, and the second book, “Delicates”, is just as good.
Hooky by Míriam Bonastre Tur
This graphic novel is technically Juvenile level, but could be enjoyed by any age. It follows two witch siblings who play hooky from school to go on this magnificent magical adventure that actually ends up being more high stakes than you might think. All the characters are so lovable and unique and funny. There are two more volumes after this, so plenty more magic to be a part of if you end up liking the first book!
Anya’s Ghost by Vera Brosgol
Anya is an immigrant from Russia and is struggling to fit in at school when she meets a new friend. A ghost friend, to be exact. She enlists her new friend to help her become more popular at school, in exchange for helping the ghost solve her murder from 90 years ago. If you like immigrant stories or coming-of-age stories with a haunted twist, this could be for you.
Through the Woods by Emily Carroll
If you’re looking for something a little less cozy, this graphic novel is a collection of dark and disconcerting folk tales. The stories and illustrations are really creepy and well-done and may leave you wishing you hadn’t read it right before bed!
Abby Van Wingerden is a Circulation Assistant at Mebane Public Library. She can be reached at avanwingerden@alamancelibraries.org or 919-563-6431.