Graphic novels have become a core part of our TBR, and we live for them! So we wanted to round up a few upcoming releases that are both diverse and enjoyable to read. We love highlighting diverse stories at THP, especially when diverse graphic novels seem to fly under the radar sometimes. From coming-of-age stories to a fantasy romance, we’ll let you take your pick!
New releases include stories about an Egyptian-American teen with a talent for art finding her place, a Filipino teen grappling with coming out to his parents and classmates, and a high priestess trying to bring back the forbidden art of dancing to her kingdom. Do any of these interest you yet? Read on to find your next new graphic novel!
Content Warning: The Honey POP encourages mindful reading and checking the author’s website for content warnings.
Landing In Place By Sherine Hamdy, Illustrated By Myra El Mir
Landing in Place by Sherine Hamdy, illustrated by Myra El Mir is about an Egyptian-American teen navigating college, familial expectations, and real-world politics. Anisa is on a premed track at her sister Reem’s alma mater, though her heart is set on pursuing art. After failing her first semester, Anisa takes time off from school and stays in Cairo with her grandfather. There, she starts her journey of finding her voice, both in art and life. This graphic novel tells us a beautiful story about reconnecting with your roots and stepping into your most true self.
Release date: May 19
Order Landing in Place here!
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MYRA EL MIR:
INSTAGRAM
Coming Out Perfect By Richard Mercado
This next new graphic novel takes place in the Philippines. Coming Out Perfect by Richard Mercado is a queer coming-of-age story centered around Kevin, a teen who has just come out to his parents as gay, only to be met with silence. He’s determined to become more like Raymond, the most popular gay kid in school. Maybe then his parents could be proud of him. But as Kevin enters Raymond’s world, he finds himself reinventing his entire identity. Popularity comes at the cost of his best friends, and Kevin must decide how much he’s willing to give up.
Release date: July 7
Preorder Coming Out Perfect here!
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT RICHARD MERCADO:
INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | WEBSITE
To Dance The Moon And Stars By Tasia M S & Barbara Perez Marquez
Finally, To Dance the Moon and Stars by Tasia M S and Barbara Perez Marquez is a fantasy romance graphic novel set in a kingdom where dance has long been forbidden. Myra has been training to become her grandmother’s replacement as High Priestess. But her love for the forgotten magic of dancing has no place in her world, and not even her childhood friend, Crown Prince Eyden, can change that. A foreign delegation comes at the same time that dark forces threaten the peace of their kingdom. Myra must defy everything she’s been taught and make the ultimate sacrifice to save her people.
Release date: July 14
Preorder To Dance the Moon and Stars here!
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT TASIA M S:
INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | WEBSITE
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BARBARA PEREZ MARQUEZ:
INSTAGRAM | WEBSITE
Which of these new graphic novels are you most excited for? Is it the coming-of-age story, Landing in Place? How about the fantasy romance, To Dance the Moon and Stars?
We hope you found the next graphic novel for your TBR! Which titles are you planning to add? Let us know on Twitter! You can also find us on Facebook and Instagram!
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