ALA Graphic Novel Roundtable To Debut Adult Reading List

ALA’s newly formed Graphic Novel and Comic Roundtable, which will focus on collection development, programming and advocacy for graphic novels in libraries, announced plans to launch a Best Graphic Novels for Adults Reading List slated to debut in 2021.

The GNCRT Awards and Reading Lists committee is developing the criteria for the new reading list, which will join earlier ALA lists such as the YALSA list of Great Graphic Novels for young adults. The new adult list will focus on increasing the awareness of the comics medium in general, identify new voices and increase diversity in library graphic novel collection development.

Eligible graphic novels for the 2020 Best Graphic Novels for Adults will include all fiction and non-fiction titles published between September 1, 2019 - December 31, 2020 that appeal to adults age 19 or older. More information is available in this release and on the GNCRT website.

GNCRT committee co-chair Kristin Anderson said, “the committee that developed the proposal for the new reading list strove to put together a framework for the selection of the best and most engaging graphic novels for the adult audience.

“Other such lists exist for younger age demographics, so we thought it of great importance to create one for adults seeking fantastic graphic novel literature. Great care has been taken to ensure that all aspects of graphic novels be considered; from illustrations, to writing, to diverse content. It is our hope that this list sparks a new desire for these highly engaging materials.”