Are you a comic book or graphic novel fan looking for a new read that will both educate and broaden your horizons? The American Library Association’s Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table (GNCRT) and REFORMA, the National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish-Speaking, have you covered.
GNCRT and REFORMA have announced their Collaboration Core List for 2024 which highlights some of the best graphic novels that showcase Spanish-speaking and Latino stories and creators. The list features 85 titles and is divided into three sections:
- Juvenile Graphic Novels for Elementary and Middle School
- Young Adult Graphic Novels for High School
- Adult Graphic Novels.
The list includes recent titles like “The Puerto Rican War: A Graphic History” by John Vasquez Mejias; “Brownstone” by Samuel Teer, Mar Julia, and Ashanti Fortson; and “Just Another Story: A Graphic Migration Account” by Ernesto Saade, as well as older titles like volumes of “Love and Rockets” by Gilbert and Jaime Hernandez and the “Lowriders in Space” series by Cathy Camper and Raúl the Third.
GNCRT and REFORMA hope that this list will grow and will serve as an important resource that advocates for the development of library comics collections that meet the needs of Spanish-speaking and Latino populations.
“It is essential that comic readers see authentic Latine stories and that the comics industry amplifies the perspectives of historically underrepresented comics creators," said GNCRT President Shira Pilarski. "This list features some of my personal favorites, and I am so pleased with the breadth of intersectionally diverse Latine experiences the committee selected.”
“I am excited and even impatient to delve into this inaugural resource that is a true labor of love meant to elevate the innovative ventures of Latino/x/é creators and our communities that they bring to life," said REFORMA President Alexandra Rivera. "If a picture paints a thousand words, these visually rich and culturally relevant novels represent a world within each page. I encourage everyone to use this list as inspiration to learn more about our beautiful Latino culture and about yourselves.”
“This list highlights the work of so many amazing Latinx writers and illustrators,” said REFORMA Co-Chair Maria Vega. “It was a joy to read these books that reflect the Latinx experience and I want to recognize our outstanding team from REFORMA and the GNCRT who worked to make sure our list was inclusive, authentic, and recognized the diverse aspects of the Latinx identity. It is our hope that librarians, creators, and publishers use this list as a tool to not only create more Latinx graphic novels, but also increase library collections that serve and inspire not only Latinx communities but all readers.”
Find more information about the GNCRT and REFORMA Collaboration here.
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Image: A spread from The Puerto Rican War: A Graphic History
