According to the 2023 School Library Journal (SLJ) Graphic Novels Survey, interest in graphic novels and manga has exploded, with over 90% of librarians reporting an increase in popularity among children and teens. This demand is most pronounced in school libraries, where 61% of respondents noted a significant increase in interest, particularly at the elementary level. The survey highlights a critical “reading exclusivity” trend, revealing that 40% of school library users (and nearly 50% of those in middle and high schools) will almost exclusively graphic novels for their leisure reading. Despite this high engagement, school librarians must often navigate significant hurdles to meet this demand.

Every collection is hand-selected by our 2026 CAP Advisory Council, a team of industry experts and educators dedicated to bringing quality graphic novels to your school shelves. This council leverages professional reviews and library data to curate 50 popular, age-appropriate titles for each school tier. The Comics Appreciation Project is fully aware of Georgia’s “Divisive Concepts” law and the increasing pressure on school libraries regarding book challenges. Our 2026 Advisory Council prioritizes the selection of “Modern Classics” and “Evergreen” titles that meet the highest standards of age-appropriateness.

CAP is committed to protecting our partnering school recipients by honoring their right to decline any title from a curated collection with no explanation required. We recognize the complexities of Georgia’s current educational landscape, including the 2022 “Divisive Concepts” law. Our aim is to empower Media Specialists to build collections that meets their needs. In any instance where a book is declined, we will work closely with the school to provide a suitable replacement, ensuring the library still receives a full 50-book expansion of high-quality, age-appropriate literature.