Teen Reading Lists: Graphic Novels & More

What is the difference between Graphic Novels, Manga, Manhwa, and Manhua?
Graphic novel is an American term that refers to book-length comics or books in comic-strip format. They can sometimes be compilations of comics, such as when volume one of a superhero graphic novel collects comics #1-7. They can also be stand-alone novels or series that were originally created in that format (non-comics) and even nonfiction.

Manga, manhwa, and manhua are usually paired with graphic novels since they are also stories told in long form, sequential art. However, they all have distinctive art styles and layouts unique to their origins.

● Manga are comics or graphic novels originating from Japan. Unlike American comics, manga is read from right to left.
● Manhwa are comics or graphic novels originating from South Korea. Similar to American comics, manhwa is read from left to right.
● Manhua are comics or graphic novels originating from China. Unlike American comics, manhua is read from right to left.

Graphic novels, manga, manhwa, and manhua are not considered genres. They are a type of book format that use sequential art to tell stories. All four can have stories that can fit any genre: realistic, mystery, science fiction, nonfiction, etc. It is also important to remember that the target audiences for manga, manhwa, and manhua are the people of their respective countries, so their books reflect their culture and social norms.

Are Graphic Novels, Manga, Manhwa, and Manhua "real books?"
Yes! Graphic novels, manga, manhwa, and manhua are just as valuable as text-only books:
● They make reading more accessible to those who have learning differences. The combination of text and pictures provides context and emotion for stories that some readers may otherwise not completely understand. Graphic Novels and Manga can also be less overwhelming since their pages are not filled with words.
● They can help build vocabularies. Since the author has limited space, they choose words for maximum impact.
● They encourage engaging with text, not just looking at pictures, because the reader will need both to understand the story.
● They, specifically manga, manhwa, and mahua, encourage learning about other cultures so readers can fully understand the stories and their characters.

Is there an age rating system for Graphic Novels, Manga, Manhwa, and Manhua?
Yes and no. Many publishers have rating systems for graphic novels as well as manga. However, there is no consistency among the systems. Manhwa and manhua do not currently have age rating systems.

Again, it is important to remember that the target audiences for Manga, Manhwa, and Manhua are the people of their respective countries, so their books reflect their culture and social norms. What their cultures find appropriate may differ from what other cultures find appropriate.

It is recommended to evaluate each publishers' ratings, if existing, before selecting titles, review the catalog entries for professional reviews, and for guardians to read through titles they are interested in since they know their teens best.
Please Note: Materials are selected for our Teen Collection based on age rating, mostly being rated T for Teen (typically for ages 13+) and occasionally OT for Older Teen (typically for ages 16+). If there isn't an age rating, they are selected based on professional reviews and publisher recommendations. Our role is not to censure readers, but we do want to empower and inform our patrons so they can make their own decisions.

Where can the age ratings be found?
Ratings are located on the back cover of the book, the front cover of the book, in the library catalog, or on the publisher's website. Many of the age ratings are also accompanied with the reasons. Remember, you can always ask our librarians about what the ratings mean or for a book recommendation.