The best YA graphic novel retellings on this list harness the powers of visual art for crafting fresh takes on older tales. The books featured on this list put a new spin on canonical works of literature as well as fairy tales or stories inspired by mythology.
The format also lends itself well to YA graphic novel adaptations of some of the most beloved and influential books ever. It’s clear: young adult graphic novels are a great way to reconnect with some old favorites, rethink a story you thought you knew, and immerse yourself in captivating artwork.
And now, without further ado, here’s Broke by Books’ list of the best YA graphic novel retellings and adaptations.
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Baba Yaga’s Assistant by Marika McCoola
Baba Yaga’s Assistant has rock-star status here on Broke by Books, appearing in our list of the 25 Best YA Graphic Novels for Teens and Brothers Grimm 2.0: Contemporary Authors Who Write Fairy Tales, so it’s probably no surprise that it ranks on our list of the best young adult graphic novel retellings and adaptations. One of the best YA fantasy graphic novels, Marika McCoola’s Baba Yaga’s Assistant is inspired by Russian folklore, in particular the legend of Baba Yaga, a witch who lives in the forest on a cottage propped up by bones. We follow Masha, who applies for a position working with Baba Yaga as her personal assistant. Hijinks ensue!
When I was a teen, I was lucky enough to take a course at Swarthmore College. I chose a “Russian Fairy Tales” class and absolutely loved it, so I was really thrilled to read Baba Yaga’s Assistant in the first semester of my library science graduate school and see the mythology I studied come to life. This inventive young adult graphic novel retelling is a must-read, especially with Emily Carroll’s illustrations. (Whose graphic novels I’ve recommended here on the blog before.)
How to read it: Purchase Baba Yaga’s Assistant on Amazon
Dan in Green Gables by Rey Terciero
And now for one of my favorite YA graphic novel retellings, Dan in Green Gables (2025) by Rey Terciero with illustrations by Claudia Aguirre. In this charming and heartfelt version of L. M. Montgomery’s famous children’s novel, Anne of Green Gables (1908), fifteen-year-old Dan is abandoned by his negligent mother and sent to live with his grandparents in the country. As a queer kid in a rural environment staying with his religious relatives, Dan hesitates to trust in the kind of unconditional love that was so elusive when he was in his mother’s care. But soon he learns to find belonging without giving up his passions, like fashion and Dolly Parton. I really enjoyed this one, and if you did, too, check out some of Terciero’s graphic novel retellings, like Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy (2019), his middle grade adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women (1868).
Note: the publisher generously provided a review copy of this book.
How to read it: Purchase Dan in Green Gables on Amazon
Dragonfruit by Makiia Lucier
In this engrossing YA graphic novel retelling, Makiia Lucier weaves together a fantasy story incorporating elements of Pacific Islander mythology. Lucier’s heroine, Hanalei of Tamarind, is sent into exile after her father’s theft of prized seadragon egg. Now Hanalei spends her time with the mystical seadragons. Then Hanalei gets a chance to return to her home. Meanwhile, the last remaining prince of Tamarind, Sam (Samahtitamahenele) cannot take power in the matriarchal society. Now Hanalei and Sam search for the elusive and powerful dragonfruit that will give them power. If you’re looking for a wholly unique story based on a mythology that’s not frequently adapted, pick up Dragonfruit (2024).
How to read it: Purchase Dragonfruit on Amazon
The Daughters of Ys by M. T. Anderson
Pick up M. T. Anderson’s The Daughters of Ys and allow yourself to be transported to Ys, a mystical city from Celtic mythology. The story follows Rozenn and Dahut, the two daughters of Queen Malgven. When Malgven dies unexpectedly, the sisters drift apart. This adaptation of a Breton folk tale takes you to a wondrous world illustrated by Jo Rioux with Anderson’s trademark excellent storytelling.
How to read it: Purchase The Daughters of Ys on Amazon
The Giver: The Graphic Novel by Lois Lowry Adapted by P. Craig Russell
Before The Hunger Games helped make dystopian stories incredibly popular, there was Lois Lowry’s Newbery Medal Winning The Giver (1993). An instant classic of young adult science fiction, The Giver was one of the earliest YA novels. I remember it was required reading when I was in middle school. Now you can experience this compelling story in graphic novel format, adapted and illustrated by P. Craig Russell, an award-winning cartoonist.
How to read it: Purchase The Giver: The Graphic Novel on Amazon
The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien adapted by Charles Dixon
I adored The Hobbit (1937) growing up. I reread it over and over, in love with the rich world building, unforgettable characters, and suspenseful story. It’s only fitting that it should be adapted as a young adult graphic novel. In this captivating version of J. R. R. Tolkien’s famous fantasy novel, Charles “Chuck” Dixon brings Middle Earth and some of literature’s most beloved characters, like Bilbo Baggins and Gandalf, to life in full color with artwork from David Wenzel. Now you can experience Bilbo’s epic quest with brilliant illustrations that drop you into Tolkien’s fantastical world with Dixon’s illustrated adaptation.
How to read it: Purchase The Hobbit: The Graphic Novel Adaptation on Amazon
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
Undoubtedly one of the most acclaimed (and widely read) novels published in English this century, Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner (2003) is a perfect candidate for a YA graphic novel adaptation. When I was in high school, The Kite Runner was assigned as summer reading. I think now how much I would have loved to see this emotional, cathartic story in illustrated form with artwork from Fabio Celoni, Mirka Andolfo, and Tommaso Valsecchi. Hosseini’s book will find a whole new audience with this young adult graphic novel edition.
How to read it: Purchase The Kite Runner: Graphic Novel on Amazon
The Little Red Wolf by Amélie Fléchais
Amélie Fléchais’s The Little Red Wolf turns the “Little Red Riding Hood” fairy tale on its head. In this clever retelling, it’s a young wolf who sets out on an errand to help his grandmother when an enchanting girl volunteers to help. But, as with the original fairy tale, all is not what it seems about this charming… but possibly sinister… stranger. This graphic novel for teens offers a reimagining of one of the most well-known fairy tales… with a twist.
How to read it: Purchase The Little Red Wolf on Amazon
Speak: The Graphic Novel by Laurie Halse Anderson
Like The Giver, discussed above, Laurie Halse Anderson’s Speak (1999) was one of the earliest YA novels out there and has been an influence on the genre ever since. This novel helped start the discussion about sexual assault through heroine Melinda’s experience with it. Now, in a graphic novel adaptation, Laurie Halse Anderson updates Melinda’s story to more modern times to meet the moment we are in. Anderson’s book is a must-read novel in its own right; the graphic novel adaptation makes it even more accessible as a fresh take on one of the most foundational books in young adult literature. Artwork by Emily Carroll (referenced above) adds a whole new dimension with a visual style that is a great fit for the story and its unforgettable heroine.
How to read it: Purchase Speak: The Graphic Novel on Amazon
A Wrinkle in Time: The Graphic Novel by Madeleine L’Engle Adapted and Illustrated by Hope Larson
Since its publication in 1962, Madeline L’Engle’s classic YA science fiction novel A Wrinkle in Time has enchanted readers. It’s easy to see why it won the Newbery Medal. But, for so long, fans had to imagine what heroine Meg experiences in space. Now a new generation of readers—as well as long-time fans—get a chance to see what L’Engle’s story looks like visually. Adapted by Eisner award-winning artist Hope Larson, this YA graphic novel version of A Wrinkle in Time is the ultimate companion to the ultimate YA sci-fi book.
How to Read It: Purchase A Wrinkle in Time on Amazon
And that’s it! A list of the 10 best YA graphic novel retellings and adaptations. How many have you read? Which will you read first?
