Queer Manga and Graphic Novels – World Kid Lit
Today at World Kid Lit, we celebrate Pride Month with LGBTQIA+ manga and graphic novels that embrace all people, their families, and their stories.
By Karin Redclift
Let’s face it; we live in incredibly challenging times. There is so much happening in the world that the uncertainty can feel overwhelming and frightening. On top of that, the journey of growing up and fully embracing one’s true identity is often complex and challenging. Unfortunately, it becomes even more daunting when access to books that resonate with LGBTQIA+ youth is restricted. Literature has immense power to foster belonging, acceptance, and community.
Here are some recent outstanding queer graphic novels and mangas (for middle-grade and YA readers) that have inspired me lately. Let’s celebrate the beauty and diversity of all people. HAPPY PRIDE!
The Guy She Was Interested In Wasn’t a Guy at All, Vol. 1&2
Written and Illustrated by Sumiko Arai
Translated from Japanese by Ajani Oloye
Published by Yen Press 2024, 2025
This Japanese manga series originated on Arai’s Twitter account on April 10, 2022. Kadokawa Shoten published the series in print and released its first volume on April 29, 2023. Vol. 1 was published into English in October 2024, followed by Vol. 2 in January 2025.
Fashionable and upbeat high schooler Aya loves listening to rock, but no one else seems to share her interest…until she meets a cool, stylish employee at a CD shop. Dressed in black from head to toe in a hoodie and a face mask, he has this air of mystery, and his taste in music is impeccable. Aya falls hard for him, not knowing her crush is actually her super-nerdy female classmate, Mitsuki! Mitsuki typically keeps to herself and blends in at school. But she sits next to Aya at lunch and is all too aware of the other girl’s feelings.
This one’s for you if you love music stores, emo vibes, and cool outfits.
My Brother’s Husband Vol. 1 & 2
Written and illustrated by Gengoroh Tagame
Translated from Japanese by Anne Ishii
Published by Blackfriars, 2018, then by Penguin Random House, 2020
Winner of the inaugural GLLI Translated YA Book Prize, 2019
MY BROTHER’S HUSBAND is a two-volume book about Mike Flanagan, a burly, bearded Canadian widower. After Mike’s husband, Ryoji, passes away, Mike travels to Japan to meet Ryoji’s twin brother, Yaichi, and Yaichi’s daughter, Kana. Yaichi is very reluctant in the beginning. He doesn’t accept Mike as his brother-in-law. Through Kana and his ex-wife, Natsuki, Yaichi begins to understand that he and Mike have more than Ryoji in common. Kana is never shy and asks all the uncomfortable questions Ryoji is too afraid to ask. Yaichi gradually accepts that being gay is just another way of being human.
Tagame shows that long-held beliefs aren’t so easily overcome. When we think of hate, we often imagine slurs and attacks, but homophobia (and all hatred) comes in smaller forms as well.
This book is about family and acceptance. It is storytelling at its finest. Is it funny and sweet, and heartbreaking? Yes. Will you cry? Probably, I did. What’s more universal than family and falling in love?
Written and Illustrated by Cameron Mukwa
Published by Birchbark Books, 2024
THE RIBBON SKIRT is a beautiful coming-of-age middle-grade graphic novel by debut Indigenous creator Cameron Mukwa. It is a magical story about the journey of Anang, a two-spirit Anishinaabe child who wants to create and wear a ribbon skirt for the upcoming powwow. Traditionally worn by Anishinaabe women, the ribbon skirt represents cultural pride, but Anang is unsure how others will react to them wearing one. Determined to follow their heart, they seek guidance from their family, nature, and even the spirit world. But will they find acceptance in their community? The novel beautifully explores themes of identity, self-expression and resilience, offering a heartfelt and affirming narrative for young readers.
I really enjoyed the Native American elements and traditions woven into the story. It’s a gentle story about growing up, having courage, being your true self, and getting acceptance from your peers, elders, and the whole community.
Welcome to St.Hell & Escape from St.Hell
Written and illustrated by Lewis Hancox
Published by Scholastic/ Graphix, 2022
In WELCOME TO ST. HELL, author-illustrator Lewis Hancox takes readers on the hilarious, heartbreaking, and healing path to make it past trauma, confusion, hurt, and dubious fashion choices to become the man he was meant to be. It is a perfect blend of humor and heartfelt storytelling, and explores the author’s journey of self-discovery as a transgender teen. Set in St. Helens, England, the book follows Lewis as he navigates adolescence and grapples with body image, identity, and societal expectations.
One unique aspect of the memoir is that Lewis interacts with his younger self, offering reassurance and perspective on his struggles growing up. The story tackles themes of dysphoria, bullying, and self-acceptance, all while maintaining a lighthearted tone infused with British slang and nostalgic references to early 2000’s pop culture.
Through candid storytelling and engaging illustrations, this book provides an insightful and relatable look at the complexities of growing up transgender, making it a powerful read. I loved following Lewis’ journey. It is about living your authentic self and finding acceptance, forgiveness, resilience, and understanding.
About Karin Redclift
Karin Redclift is a creative writer, translator, and proofreader. Born and raised in Southern Germany, she is passionate about her dog, the outdoors, and kidlit. She loves to play with words and tell stories to new audiences. Her publications include translating the beloved children’s classic Maya the Bee and the German translation of L.M. Montgomery’s Emily of New Moon. Her flash fiction has been featured in the Bolts of Fiction anthology. Find her at www.KarinRedclift.com.
Support World Kid Lit!
World Kid Lit CIC is a non-profit company that aims to bring diverse, inclusive, global literature into the hands and onto the bookshelves of young people. We rely on grants and donations to support our work. If you can, please support us at Ko-fi. Thanks!
