[2][6] Graphic novels are especially popular among "reluctant readers" and "visual learners", and they can "improve comprehension and interpretation of themes, literary devices, and social issues, among other topics.
"[7] To be included on the Great Graphic Novels for Teens list, books must have been published "during the sixteen months preceding the award", "appeal to ages twelve to eighteen", and be widely available in the United States.
"[2] In selecting texts for the list, YALSA librarians judge books based on "quality, appeal, and suitability for a teenage audience".
Jeff Lemire, Brian K. Vaughan, G. Willow Wilson, and Gene Luen Yang, have each been featured on the list four times.
Lastly, the following writers have each been included on the lust twice: John Allison, Derf Backderf, Brian Michael Bendis, Don Brown, Faith Erin Hicks, ND Stevenson, Gengoroh Tagame, Raina Telgemeier, and David F. Walker.