YA: Graphic Novels exploring kids and identity

Odessa, by Jonathan Hill 

Odessa is the story of survival. The survival of a young Vietnamese-American girl, Ginny (Virginia), who lives through an earthquake, only to be left behind by her mother. She's left in charge of her younger siblings, and resigns herself to survival, until something mysterious arrives on her 17th birthday. This mystery will change the course of her life. The artwork is expressive, and has the feel of the old "Archie" comics. This is a great little story that a lot of kids who've suffered trauma can relate to. Available at Dedham Public Library.

As the Crow Flies, by Melanie Gillman

This Stonewall Honor Book is a great read for middle school students, especially those who may be interested in LGBTQ matters and/or identity issues. The story follows Charlie Lamonte's quest for answers relating to God and identity, which lead her to an all-white Christian camp, where she feels like an outcast, until she meets someone like herself...Sydney. Beautifully illustrated to give the reader a real sense of place, this is a great story that delves, ever so slightly, into the world of intersectionality (Black, Queer, atheist) and traces a girl's journey into finding herself. Available at Dedham Public Library.

The Magic Fish, By Trung Le Nguyen

A great little story about a young Vietnamese-American boy who struggles to come out to his parents. Because of their limited English, as well as Tien's fear of being open with them, he tells his story via the magical tale of a mermaid who falls in love with a human, a woman. In the end, his mother accepts him and understands his need to be honest with her. Simple, anime-style drawings which give life to the characters as well as the "story within a story".  Great to see a protagonist from a non-English speaking, refugee background, and, like As the Crow Flies, this is a great way to introduce intersectionality to middle or even high school students. Available at Dedham Public Library.