If you enjoy reading books by Gene Luen Yang then you might also like the following authors:
Mariko Tamaki is a writer known for creating stories that focus on personal growth and relationships. One of her standout works is “This One Summer,” a graphic novel illustrated by Jillian Tamaki.
The story follows Rose, a teenager who spends her summer at a lake house with her family. Through her friendship with Windy, another girl from the area, Rose begins to navigate the tricky period between childhood and adolescence.
The book captures moments of quiet tension and discovery, showing how small events can leave a deep impact on how we see the world. If you enjoy Gene Luen Yang’s thoughtful approach to storytelling, Tamaki’s work might be worth checking out.
Raina Telgemeier is an author and illustrator known for her relatable graphic novels. One of her standout works is “Smile,” a memoir about her middle school years. The story begins when Raina trips and seriously damages her two front teeth.
From there, it follows her as she navigates braces, awkward moments, and friendships that change over time. It’s both funny and honest, with moments that perfectly capture what it feels like to grow up.
Fans of Gene Luen Yang’s storytelling might enjoy how Raina’s work also taps into personal experiences and emotions.
Noelle Stevenson is an author and artist who creates stories filled with heart and humor. One of their standout works is “Nimona,” a graphic novel about a mischievous shapeshifter who becomes the sidekick to the villainous Lord Ballister Blackheart.
The book is full of witty dialogue and surprising twists as the characters navigate themes of loyalty and identity in a world of knights and science. Fans of Gene Luen Yang’s clever storytelling might find Stevenson’s style equally engaging.
Jarrett J. Krosoczka creates stories that balance humor and heart. One of his standout works, “Hey, Kiddo,” is a graphic memoir about his childhood and what it was like growing up with a mother who struggled with addiction.
Raised by his grandparents, Jarrett explores themes of family, identity, and finding his place in the world. The illustrations are raw, adding to the emotional depth of the story.
It’s an honest look at a tough upbringing, but it also shows the strength and love that saw him through.
Faith Erin Hicks is a graphic novelist whose work combines heartfelt storytelling with rich illustrations. One of her books, “The Nameless City,” is set in a lively, politically complex city that serves as a crossroads for diverse cultures.
The story follows Kaidu, a young boy from a warrior tribe, and Rat, a street-smart girl who has lived in the city her whole life, as they form an unexpected friendship and uncover secrets about the city’s history.
Fans of Gene Luen Yang’s character-driven narratives and detailed worlds will find Hicks’ work engaging.
George Takei is an actor and author who tells stories with heart and meaning. His graphic memoir, “They Called Us Enemy,” provides a personal account of his childhood experience in Japanese American internment camps during World War II.
The book sheds light on the harsh realities families faced when forced from their homes into camps under government orders. Young George witnesses the confusion of adults trying to stay strong and the unique way children interpret such an unimaginable situation.
It’s a deeply personal story, told through a blend of history and memories, that stays with readers long after they finish it.
Hope Larson is a writer and illustrator whose graphic novels often capture the experiences of young people in ways that feel real and relatable. One of her standout works is “Chiggers,” which follows a girl named Abby as she returns to summer camp.
She hopes to reconnect with old friends, but things don’t go as planned. She meets a new camper, Shasta, who is a little quirky and doesn’t quite fit in with the others.
Their budding friendship is full of ups and downs, painted against the backdrop of camp life with its traditions and quiet moments. Larson’s storytelling has heart and brings out the smaller, meaningful parts of growing up.
Bryan Lee O’Malley is a graphic novelist known for blending humor, emotion, and visually striking artwork. One of his standout books is “Scott Pilgrim’s Precious Little Life,” the first in the Scott Pilgrim series.
The story follows Scott, a slacker and bassist in a garage band, as he meets Ramona Flowers, the girl of his dreams. To win her love, he has to defeat her seven evil exes, each with their own bizarre abilities.
The book mixes romance and action, all while capturing the awkwardness and highs of being in your early twenties. Fans of character-driven storytelling will find a lot to enjoy here.
Kazu Kibuishi is a graphic novelist known for creating stories with rich visuals and memorable characters. His series “Amulet” follows Emily, a young girl who discovers a mysterious stone after moving into her great-grandfather’s house.
The stone leads her into a strange and dangerous world where she must face creatures, protect her family, and uncover the secrets of their destiny. The story combines adventure, fantasy, and heartfelt moments, with artwork that brings the world to life.
If you enjoy Gene Luen Yang’s storytelling, Kibuishi might have something for you.
Shaun Tan is an artist and writer known for creating beautifully illustrated stories that blend the everyday with the strange.
One of his standout works is “The Arrival,” a wordless graphic novel about a man who leaves his family behind, traveling to a foreign land in search of a better life.
The story follows his journey through a surreal and unfamiliar world, where strange creatures and bizarre landscapes mirror the feelings of displacement and hope.
The book captures the experience of immigration in a way that feels universal, using breathtaking visuals to tell a story that speaks to anyone who has ever felt like a stranger in a new place.
Jeff Lemire is a creator known for stories that mix emotional depth with striking artwork. One of his books, “Essex County,” tells the story of life in a small Canadian farming community. Through connected tales, it explores family, loss, and how people carry their pasts.
The artwork is simple yet powerful, capturing the quiet moments that shape the characters’ lives. If you enjoy stories that focus on personal connections and identity, you’ll see some of that here.
Stan Sakai is a writer and artist best known for his long-running comic series “Usagi Yojimbo.” The series follows the adventures of Miyamoto Usagi, a rabbit samurai in a world filled with anthropomorphic animals. The story draws inspiration from Japanese history and folklore.
In one book, “Grasscutter,” Usagi is tasked with protecting a legendary sword that holds great historical and spiritual significance. Along the way, he faces factions who are willing to kill to get their hands on it.
The story mixes action and honor with moments of introspection, capturing the spirit of samurai tales in a unique and heartfelt way.
Victoria Jamieson is an author and illustrator known for creating graphic novels that capture everyday emotions and challenges in relatable ways. Her book “Roller Girl” follows Astrid, a twelve-year-old girl who signs up for a roller derby camp.
As Astrid trains, she discovers how tough it is to keep up physically while also handling changes in her friendships.
The story captures the awkwardness of growing up and finding where you truly belong, making it perfect for readers who enjoy heartfelt and engaging personal stories.
Derf Backderf is a graphic novelist with a knack for telling deeply personal and thought-provoking stories. His book, “My Friend Dahmer,” is a true story based on his high school experiences with Jeffrey Dahmer before Dahmer became infamous.
Backderf doesn’t glorify or excuse Dahmer’s actions but shows the struggles of a troubled teenager through the eyes of a classmate. The book mixes moments of dark humor with an eerie sense of foreboding.
Through his detailed art and straightforward storytelling, Backderf paints a picture of an awkward and alienated young man, showing how cracks in the system and blind spots in those around him shaped his path.
Vera Brosgol writes graphic novels that mix heartfelt storytelling with humor and a touch of mystery. One of her standout books is “Anya’s Ghost.” It follows a girl named Anya who feels out of place at school and in her own skin.
After falling into an old well, she meets a ghost who seems friendly at first. As the story goes on, Anya starts to realize there’s more to this ghost than it first appeared.
The way Brosgol portrays Anya’s struggles feels real and relatable, especially for anyone who has felt like they didn’t belong.