Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me by Mariko Tamaki and Rosemary Valero-O’Connell is a contemporary young adult (YA) graphic novel that explores LGBTQ+ themes, particularly focusing on the experiences of queer teenage girls navigating love, friendship, and self-discovery. The book’s publication in 2019 coincides with a significant boom in the popularity and diversity of graphic novels in the YA space, as well as increased visibility of LGBTQ+ stories across various media.

The graphic novel medium has a long history of tackling complex and socially relevant themes, dating back to groundbreaking works like Art Spiegelman’s Maus (serialized from 1980-1991) and Alison Bechdel’s Fun Home (published in 2006). The years after 2010 saw a notable surge in the production and mainstream acceptance of graphic novels, particularly in the YA genre. This phenomenon can be attributed to several factors, including the growing recognition of the medium’s artistic merit, its ability to engage reluctant readers, and its potential to represent diverse voices and experiences.

In the realm of YA literature, graphic novels have emerged as a powerful tool for exploring the complexities of adolescence, identity, and social issues. The combination of visual storytelling and written narrative allows for a unique and immersive reading experience—one that can be particularly effective in conveying the emotional depth and nuance of teenage experiences.