Starter packs
Try these manga suggestions if you are new to the magical world of manga or find something unexplored for you seasoned readers:
Alverson, B. (2019). This Is Manga: In her inaugural column, Brigid Alverson suggests a starter list of all-ages manga. School Library Journal, 65(6), 24+. https://link-gale-com.libproxy.albany.edu/apps/doc/A592556669/ITOF?u=albanyu&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=ac6e6849
Manga has become a teen sensation since the 1990s and 2000s thanks to popular titles such as "Naruto" and "Sailor Moon". Since then the landscape of manga has changed with new genres and more digital content. Columnist Bridgit Alverson gives a list of manga that tweens and teens will love due to their engaging stories. One such manga series is Kingdom Hearts that is based on the video game of the same name. Protagonist Sora fights against dark forces with the aid of classic Disney characters Donald Duck and Goofy.
Alverson, B. (2021). Shoujo Power!: Twenty Years Later, A Shoujo Manga Revival Has Inspired A Bevy Of New Titles With Twists On Standard Tropes. School Library Journal, 67(5), 32. https://www.proquest.com/trade-journals/shoujo-power/docview/2519945425/se-2
Shoujo manga gave American girls comics that were for them. Something they hadn't seen in decades. Shoujo manga quickly found an audience. Readers got enthralled in series such as "Fruits Basket," "Sailor Moon," and "Boys Over Flowers." Since the mid 2000s shojo has a lower reader profile with more girls reading shonen stories as opposed to boys reading shoujo stories. Big manga publishers still have robust shoujo lines such as Viz. Here are eight shoujo titles that deserve a read. An example is Cutie and the Beast were 18-year-old Momoka is a fan of professional wrestling, and the wrestler she likes best is a gorilla sized guy Kuga. Despite his intimidating presence, Kuga is actually a gentle good-hearted giant. At first the two communicate online, but things heat up after Momoka sends a fan letter. Don't have access to ProQuest: look into your library options to see if you can gain access.
Alverson, B. (2020). Shonen Mania: Action-packed, 10 shonen manga must-reads. School Library Journal, 66(6), 30+. https://link-gale-com.libproxy.albany.edu/apps/doc/A625710037/AONE?u=albanyu&sid=bookmark-AONE&xid=c20b6faa
In the US, the best-selling manga are primarily shonen stories. Weekly Shonen Jump has dominated most of the sales with classic manga such as One Piece, Naruto and My Hero Academia. Shonen series are appealing for it's underdog stories with special abilities and destiny similar to Harry Potter. The best-selling shonen jump at bookstores are Beastars, Boruto, Demon Slayer, Dragonball Super, Dr. Stone, Komi Can't Communicate, My Hero Academia, One Piece, One Punch Man and The Promised Neverland.
Kalen, E. (2012). Mostly manga : a genre guide to popular manga, manhwa, manhua, and anime. Libraries Unlimited. https://www.google.com/books/edition/Mostly_Manga/VHnDEAAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&pg=PA2&printsec=frontcover 
Shonen typically is marketed towards boy ages 10 to 18. However older age groups have interest as well. Shonen stories typically are action and comedy oriented but can encompass other genres such as science fiction, adventure and sports. Friendships and comradery are a big focus of shonen. Chapter 1 gives shonen story descriptions that cover various genres. To borrow a copy of the book look at the borrow section of Google Books or access World Cat and search for the title.
Fletcher-Spear, K., & Jenson-Benjamin, M. (2005). Get Animated @ your library®. Young Adult Library Services, 3(4), 32–34. https://libproxy.albany.edu/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=ip,sso&db=asn&AN=18797332&site=ehost-live
A teen summer reading program at Glendale Public Library, Get Animated had partnerships with companies such as Funimation, Viz and Dark Horse Comics along with local sponsors. GPL was able to give prizes to teens they couldn't afford and the creativity of teen library councils was tapped into with many of the manga enthusiasts showing their artist skills. At the end of the article is a booklist that was developed during the summer reading program.