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First Second Books

First Second Books is an American publisher of graphic novels based in , founded in 2006 by Mark Siegel as an imprint of Roaring Brook Press, a division of . It specializes in high-quality books across all genres for readers of all ages, drawing on global talent to produce diverse stories in , , , and more. Since its launch with 12 titles in , First Second has grown to publish hundreds of graphic novels, establishing itself as a leader in the medium through ambitious editorial vision and commitment to production excellence. In 2025, it launched a sister imprint, 23rd Street Books, focused on graphic novels. The imprint is led by as editorial and , alongside a team including editorial director Calista Brill and Kirk Benshoff, and it no longer accepts unsolicited submissions. First Second has earned widespread acclaim, including multiple Eisner Award nominations for works like Zita the Spacegirl and Nursery Rhyme Comics, as well as wins for titles such as Luen Yang's (a finalist and Printz Award winner), and in 2025, multiple for Yang's Lunar New Year Love Story and Vera Brosgol's Plain Jane and the Mermaid, alongside starred reviews and bestseller status for various titles. Notable creators associated with the publisher include Yang, Vera Brosgol, , and Jen Wang, whose books have influenced young readers and garnered honors from organizations like the .

Company Overview

Founding and Leadership

First Second Books was established in 2006 as a imprint under Roaring Brook Press, a division of Holtzbrinck Publishing Holdings, with Mark Siegel serving as its founder and . Roaring Brook Press itself had been acquired by Holtzbrinck in 2004, positioning First Second within a broader structure dedicated to high-quality children's and . The imprint launched that year with an initial slate of 12 titles, distributed globally by , Holtzbrinck's U.S. arm, which had rebranded from Holtzbrinck Publishers in 2007 to unify its operations under the Macmillan name. Siegel, a comics artist and children's book author, has remained the driving force behind First Second, evolving from its initial creative director to editorial and creative director, where he shapes the imprint's vision for innovative graphic novels that bridge comics and literary publishing. The imprint is led by Siegel alongside editorial director Calista Brill and creative director Kirk Benshoff. Under their leadership, the focus has emphasized diverse storytelling for all ages, drawing on global talent to elevate the medium. Following Holtzbrinck's full integration of its U.S. entities, Macmillan assumed comprehensive English-language distribution for First Second's catalog worldwide by 2010, streamlining operations and expanding market reach. Early milestones, such as the 2006 publication of , underscored Siegel's editorial direction in fostering breakthrough works that garnered critical acclaim and broadened the imprint's audience.

Publishing Focus and Imprints

First Second Books specializes in graphic novels that span a wide array of genres, including , , , , and fantasy, with an emphasis on innovative through the medium. The publisher's core mission is to produce high-quality works that push the boundaries of graphic literature, distributed globally by its parent company, . The imprint targets a broad demographic, encompassing children, young adults, and adults, while prioritizing diverse creators and narratives to reflect multifaceted perspectives in its catalog. This commitment supports stories from underrepresented voices across genres, fostering inclusivity in publishing. In 2016, First Second introduced the Science Comics line, a nonfiction educational series featuring single-topic, 128-page graphic novels aimed at middle-grade readers to explore scientific concepts through engaging visuals. Building on this, the History Comics series launched in 2019, offering illustrated accounts of significant historical events for grades 4-8, emphasizing narrative-driven education. In 2024, First Second announced its sister imprint, 23rd Street Books, which debuted in 2025 with a focus on adult-oriented graphic novels, including new works by creators such as and Ben Hatke. Complementing these, the :01 Collection represents a 2025 initiative featuring concise graphic novels designed as accessible, one-hour reads across young readers, , and adult categories.

History

Establishment and Early Milestones (2006-2009)

First Second Books launched in 2006 as an imprint of Roaring Brook Press under Macmillan Publishers, debuting with a flagship title, American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang, which explored themes of identity and cultural assimilation through innovative graphic storytelling. The imprint released its initial slate of 12 titles that year, marking an ambitious entry into the graphic novel market with works aimed at diverse audiences. The early editorial approach emphasized high-quality, innovative graphic storytelling designed to elevate the medium's literary status, drawing on founder Mark Siegel's vision for broad, inclusive narratives across age groups and genres. This focus on ambitious, globally diverse content set First Second apart, prioritizing creator-driven projects that blended artistry with accessibility. American Born Chinese quickly garnered critical acclaim, earning a nomination for the 2006 in Young People's Literature—the first for a —and winning the 2007 Michael L. Printz Award, also a historic first for the format in . These recognitions established early milestones in validating as serious literary works. The imprint faced initial distribution challenges typical of the emerging sector, including limited bookstore shelf space and audience awareness, but benefited from Macmillan's global network starting in 2006 to reach English-speaking markets worldwide. Operations were based in , with key early hires including editorial director Mark Siegel, who oversaw the creative direction.

Growth and Key Developments (2010-2019)

During the , First Second Books experienced significant expansion, supported by the established Macmillan distribution network and growing demand for graphic novels, which enabled broader global reach across English-speaking markets. This allowed the imprint to scale its operations more effectively, building on the early momentum from its 2006 launch. The publisher's catalog grew substantially, evolving from approximately 12 titles in its inaugural year to dozens annually by the mid-, reflecting a strategic push toward broader accessibility and . By 2016, First Second released 24 books to mark its tenth anniversary, with plans to increase to 40 titles the following year, prioritizing high-quality graphic novels that appealed to diverse audiences. A key aspect of this growth was the imprint's commitment to amplifying diverse voices, evident in its selection of creators from varied cultural backgrounds and the thematic depth of its publications. Titles like (2014) by (writer) and (illustrator), both of Japanese-Canadian descent, exemplified this focus, earning the graphic novel dual honors as a Caldecott Honor Book and Michael L. Printz Honor Book in 2015—the first such recognition for a comic in these categories. This milestone not only validated First Second's editorial vision but also highlighted its role in elevating underrepresented narratives within the graphic novel medium. The expansion included launching ongoing series that catered to young readers while incorporating educational and inclusive elements, further solidifying the publisher's reputation for innovative storytelling. Notable series debuts during this period included the Real Friends trilogy, initiated in 2017 with Shannon Hale's autobiographical exploration of childhood friendships, illustrated by LeUyen Pham, which resonated with themes of emotional complexity and social dynamics. In 2019, the InvestiGators series was announced, featuring John Patrick Green's humorous adventures of alligator detectives, adding a playful, action-oriented dimension to the imprint's middle-grade offerings. Complementing these narrative-driven launches, First Second introduced the Science Comics series in 2016, an educational line blending factual content with engaging visuals, starting with volumes on dinosaurs and coral reefs to foster interest among young readers. These developments collectively positioned First Second as a leader in the burgeoning market, with a catalog that by the end of the decade encompassed over 150 titles since inception, emphasizing inclusivity and educational value.

Recent Expansion (2020-2025)

During the , First Second Books adapted swiftly to disruptions in the industry by implementing arrangements within days, supported by Macmillan's rapid deployment of new editorial and production systems. This shift minimized delays despite initial challenges with physical copies, and the publisher observed sustained output through strong sales of existing titles like InvestiGators and nonfiction series, which benefited from increased demand. Promotion moved toward digital channels and online retailers such as .com, while independent booksellers' curbside services helped maintain community engagement, though e-book sales did not see a major uptick as physical formats remained dominant. The History Comics series, launched in 2019, expanded significantly post-2020 with volumes covering events like the (2022), (2023), the Prohibition Era (2024), (2025), and the (2025), alongside earlier 2020 releases such as The and The . This growth added at least eight titles by November 2025, targeting readers aged 9–12 and emphasizing diverse historical narratives through collaborations with varied writers and illustrators. Similarly, the InvestiGators series by John Patrick Green proliferated with eight main volumes and two spinoffs in the Agents of S.U.I.T. line between 2020 and 2024, achieving print runs exceeding 1.5 million for the core series; a 2024 announcement at ComicsPro outlined further expansion into a "GatorVerse" with increased annual releases and contributions from multiple creators. In 2024, First Second announced 23rd Street Books as a complementary imprint focused on adult graphic novels, which launched in fall 2025 with initial titles including new works by creators like and Ben Hatke, while absorbing First Second's adult backlist. This move allows First Second to concentrate exclusively on children's and teen titles, maintaining its output of 45–50 books per year under shared leadership from editorial vice president Mark Siegel. Complementing this, the :01 Collection launched in 2025 as a line for short-form graphic novels, featuring original stories across young readers, , and adult categories from diverse creators, with debut titles such as Song of a Blackbird by Maria van Lieshout earning recognition in October 2025. First Second heightened its emphasis on international and diverse creators during this period, publishing global talent such as the 2022 English edition of Hayao Miyazaki's , a previously untranslated that became a New York Times bestseller and Eisner Award winner, alongside ongoing series drawing from worldwide perspectives. This approach aligns with the publisher's commitment to sourcing authors and illustrators from around the world to broaden thematic and stylistic representation in graphic novels.

Publishing Programs

Ongoing Series

First Second Books has established several flagship ongoing series that emphasize serialized storytelling in graphic novel format, targeting middle-grade and readers with a blend of , , and social themes. These series contribute to the publisher's commitment to accessible narratives that build over multiple volumes, fostering reader engagement through recurring characters, evolving plots, and thematic depth. By 2025, these ongoing efforts represent a core pillar of First Second's output, with volumes accumulating to dozens across the lines, reflecting sustained commercial and critical success. The InvestiGators series, created by John Patrick Green and launched in 2019, follows the humorous mystery adventures of alligator Mango and Brash, who navigate spy missions through sewers and beyond using inventive gadgets and toilet-based travel. This ongoing series has expanded to over eight volumes by 2025, including the 2024 installment , which continues the duo's battle against supervillains with escalating comedic stakes and visual puns. The series' blend of action, wordplay, and animal protagonists has made it a , appealing to fans of similar humorous tales. In contrast, the Real Friends trilogy by Shannon Hale, illustrated by LeUyen Pham, spans 2017 to 2020 and draws from Hale's autobiographical experiences to explore middle-grade themes of friendship, bullying, and emotional growth among a group of girls navigating social hierarchies. Completed as a three-volume arc—Real Friends (2017), Best Friends (2019), and Friends Forever (2020)—it remains a cornerstone series in First Second's catalog, often bundled for rereading and cited for its empathetic portrayal of childhood anxieties. The series' realistic artwork and introspective storytelling have earned praise for promoting discussions on mental health and peer dynamics. The Science Comics series, initiated in , delivers educational nonfiction through standalone yet thematically linked volumes on scientific topics such as , , dinosaurs, and deep-sea adaptation, each crafted by rotating teams of writers and artists to provide rigorous yet engaging introductions. By 2025, the series exceeds 20 volumes, with recent additions like Deep-Sea Creatures: Adapting to the Abyss (March 2025) and Computers (October 2025) expanding coverage to emerging fields, maintaining a format of 100-200 pages per book for and . This ongoing line underscores First Second's educational focus, integrating facts with narrative hooks to demystify complex subjects. Complementing Science Comics, the History Comics series, started in 2019, chronicles pivotal events through nonfiction graphic narratives, including volumes on the and , emphasizing human stories amid larger historical contexts with detailed timelines and primary source integrations. The series has grown to over 10 volumes by 2025, featuring diverse creators who balance factual accuracy with dramatic pacing to suit ages 9-12. Titles like highlight investigative elements, evolving the line toward broader American and global histories. The World Citizen Comics initiative, launched in 2019, addresses issues through civics-oriented graphic novels, with titles exploring , environmental challenges, , and constitutional frameworks to empower readers as informed participants in society. By 2025, the series includes at least eight volumes, such as Unrig: How to Fix Our Broken and works on the U.S. Constitution, using accessible visuals to tackle topics like and . This ongoing effort aligns with First Second's broader publishing emphasis on by fostering awareness and .

Specialized Collections

First Second Books has developed several specialized collections that emphasize niche formats, educational nonfiction, and thematic explorations, distinct from its ongoing serialized narratives by prioritizing standalone volumes and innovative structures for targeted audiences. These initiatives allow for experimental approaches to graphic , such as concise formats and issue-driven content, fostering deeper engagement with specific topics like history, , and social challenges. The :01 Collection, launched in 2025, features short graphic novels across young readers, , and adult categories, offering compact narratives that encourage quick yet immersive reading experiences. Initial titles include The Harrowing Game by Antoine Revoy, a ; The Giant by Youssef Daoudi, exploring personal and cultural growth; and Saint Catherine by Anna Meyer, delving into historical and spiritual themes. This collection highlights First Second's commitment to accessible, bite-sized graphic literature that appeals to time-constrained readers while maintaining artistic depth. Post-2020 expansions in the History Comics series have broadened its scope with standalone volumes that blend rigorous historical research and dynamic illustrations to unpack complex events for middle-grade audiences. Notable additions include World War II: Fight on the Home Front (2023) by Kate Hannigan and Josh Rosen, which examines key wartime strategies; The Prohibition Era (2024) by Jason Viola and Roger Langridge, covering the social and legal impacts of alcohol bans; and The Great Depression (2025) by Tim Stout and Joe Flood, illustrating economic hardships and responses. Earlier volumes like The Roanoke Colony: America's First Mystery (2020) set the foundation, but these recent releases emphasize diverse eras and multifaceted perspectives on American and global history. World Citizen Comics represents a dedicated line of nonfiction graphic novels addressing social issues through civics education, empowerment, and , with eight titles published by 2025. Themes range from and to and constitutional challenges, exemplified by works such as Unrig: How to Fix Our Broken (2020) by Daniel G. Newman and George O'Connor, Born in the USA: The Story of and Belonging (2024) by Lawrence Goldstone and James Otis Smith, and A Firehose of Falsehood: The Age (2024) by Teri Kanefield and Pat Dorian. These volumes use engaging visuals to dissect contemporary societal concerns, promoting informed citizenship without ongoing serialization. Unlike First Second's core ongoing series, which often feature extended story arcs, these specialized collections focus on self-contained, educational, or experimental works that integrate nonfiction elements—such as alignments with Science Comics for broader explorations—providing bounded explorations of knowledge rather than continuous narratives.

Notable Works

Pre-2010 Titles

First Second Books launched its publishing program in 2006 with by , a semi-autobiographical exploring themes of , , and through the intertwined stories of a Chinese-American teenager, a fictionalized version of the Monkey King from , and a stereotypical caricature of Asian stereotypes. The book marked a milestone as the first to become a finalist for the in Young People's Literature, highlighting the potential of the format for serious literary storytelling aimed at readers. Subsequent pre-2010 releases further diversified the imprint's early catalog, including Laika by Nick Abadzis in 2007, a account of the Soviet space program's use of the stray dog as the first animal in orbit, blending adventure with ethical questions about scientific ambition and . Another key title was Alan's War: The Memories of G.I. Alan Cope by Emmanuel Guibert in 2008, a poignant graphic based on interviews with an WWII , focusing on camaraderie, loss, and the human cost of war through intimate, sketch-like illustrations. Under editorial director Mark Siegel's guidance, these works emphasized author-driven narratives that bridged traditions with book publishing standards. The pre-2010 titles collectively emphasized themes of , as in American Born Chinese; historical and ethical dilemmas in adventure contexts, seen in Laika; and personal reflections on conflict and resilience in Alan's War, all tailored for young readers seeking engaging, visually driven explorations of complex subjects. These selections showcased innovative that integrated mythology, history, and to appeal to teen audiences navigating and global events. By prioritizing high-quality, narrative-focused graphic novels, First Second's early output built significant credibility in the market, with credited for helping open up mainstream publishing to the format and demonstrating its viability for award-caliber literature. This foundational phase established the imprint as a in elevating graphic novels beyond , fostering growth in sales and critical recognition for YA comics.

2010-2019 Titles

During the , First Second Books expanded its catalog with graphic novels that delved deeper into , fantasy, and personal narratives, building on the imprint's early successes in accessible storytelling for young readers. These titles often featured protagonists navigating complex identities and relationships, reflecting a growing emphasis on diverse voices and experiences. This One Summer (2014), written by and illustrated by , follows two girls, Rose and Windy, during a summer at Awago Beach, where they confront family tensions, first crushes, and the shifting dynamics of friendship in a coming-of-age tale set against a nostalgic lakeside backdrop. The story captures the subtle emotional turbulence of adolescence through evocative watercolor art and introspective dialogue, highlighting themes of personal growth amid everyday discoveries. Boxers & Saints (2013), a dual-volume work by , presents intertwined narratives from the Boxer Rebellion in : Boxers tracks Little Bao, a peasant boy joining anti-foreign insurgents, while follows Four-Girl, a young woman who converts to and faces persecution. Through stark black-and-white illustrations and parallel structures, the graphic novel explores themes of faith, violence, and cultural clash, offering a nuanced historical perspective on a pivotal era. Other standout titles from this period include Anya's Ghost (2011) by Vera Brosgol, a debut about a lonely Russian immigrant teenager who discovers a mischievous ghost's hand, leading to a supernatural adventure that probes issues of belonging and . In the fantasy realm, Zita the Spacegirl (2011) by Ben Hatke launches a trilogy with its spirited protagonist zipping through alien worlds to rescue her abducted friend, blending high-stakes action with whimsical sci-fi elements to emphasize courage and camaraderie. Closing the decade, (2018) by Jen Wang reimagines a around Prince Sebastian, who secretly dons glamorous gowns as Lady Crystallia with the help of his devoted seamstress Frances, weaving romance, artistic passion, and gender exploration into a vibrant, heartfelt . Collectively, these works underscored First Second's commitment to , imaginative fantasy, and stories of personal growth, while increasingly incorporating diverse representation through immigrant experiences, Asian diasporic histories, and identities to broaden appeal and cultural resonance.

2020-Present Titles

First Second Books has continued to diversify its catalog in the with a focus on graphic memoirs exploring identity and belonging, adaptations of established works and media properties, and extensions of popular series for young readers. Amid the challenges of the , the publisher emphasized digital accessibility and innovative , releasing titles that resonate with themes of and cultural . In 2025, the imprint launched a sister line, 23rd Street Books, dedicated to adult graphic novels, debuting with Saint Catherine by Anna Meyer in April. One standout memoir is Continental Drifter by Kathy MacLeod, published in April 2024, which chronicles the author's childhood experiences as a biracial child of Thai and American parents navigating life in , grappling with feelings of displacement and self-acceptance. novel, MacLeod's debut, blends heartfelt illustrations with reflections on cultural and family dynamics, earning the 2025 Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature in the Children's category from the . In the realm of adaptations, the 2022 English edition of by marks a significant release, bringing the animator's early 1980s to Western audiences for the first time. Translated by Alex Dudok de Wit, the fantasy tale follows Prince Shuna on a perilous quest from his famine-stricken village to seek golden grain, encountering mythical creatures and moral dilemmas along the way. This lyrical work, predating Miyazaki's films, showcases his signature blend of environmental themes and youthful adventure. Series extensions have also thrived, including the 2024 conclusion to Jo Rioux's Cat's Cradle trilogy with Suri's Dragon, released in November, where young monster tamer Suri confronts a dragon threat in a richly imagined fantasy world, emphasizing themes of courage and friendship for middle-grade readers. Similarly, Dog Trouble by Kristin Varner, published in 2024, follows a girl dealing with pet allergies and family changes through humorous, animal-centric vignettes, building on the author's prior work in accessible, relatable graphic novels. The Books of Clash series advanced with Volume 4, Legendary Legends of Legendarious Achievery by in November 2024, an action-packed tie-in to the Clash of Clans game featuring a ronin saving her village in an offbeat fantasy setting. The InvestiGators series by John Patrick Green has seen continued expansion, with spin-offs like the Agents of S.U.I.T. books maintaining its spy-comedy appeal for early readers through 2025, including book 9, Case Files, released September 9, 2025. These releases highlight First Second's emphasis on memoirs that illuminate immigrant and multicultural experiences, high-profile adaptations drawing from global creators and media, and serialized adventures that extend beloved worlds, all while adapting to trends that broadened access during and post-pandemic. Looking ahead, the :01 collection includes upcoming titles like Until We Meet Again by Lily Kim Qian, slated for 2026, a graphic depicting a young woman's quest for belonging amid her family's migrations between and .

Awards and Recognition

Major Literary Awards

First Second Books' titles have garnered significant recognition in major literary awards, particularly in and categories, highlighting the publisher's impact on graphic novels. In 2006, Gene Luen Yang's was nominated for the in the Young People's Literature category. The following year, it won the Michael L. Printz Award for excellence in literature written for young adults. The 2013 dual-volume graphic novel Boxers & Saints by was a finalist for the in Young People's Literature. It also received the [Los Angeles Times Book Prize](/page/Los Angeles_Times_Book_Prize) for Young Adult Literature that year. Mariko Tamaki and Jillian Tamaki's 2015 graphic novel earned a Caldecott Honor for distinguished illustrations in a picture book for children, marking the first graphic novel to receive this honor. It was also awarded a Michael L. Printz Honor. In 2025, Kathy MacLeod's Continental Drifter won the Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature in the Children's Literature category as part of the American Library Association's Youth Media Awards. First Second titles have also received recognition from the Comic Industry Awards, including wins in 2025 for Love Story by and LeUyen Pham (Best Publication for Teens, Best Writer, Best Penciller/Inker) and Plain Jane and the Mermaid by Vera Brosgol (Best Publication for Kids).

Industry and Cultural Impact

First Second Books has played a pioneering role in elevating to mainstream literary status, particularly through landmark awards that recognize the medium's narrative depth and artistic merit. For instance, Gene Luen Yang's , published by the imprint, became the first to win the Michael L. Printz Award and reach the finalist stage for the , signaling a shift in how are perceived in literary circles. Similarly, Yang's Boxers & Saints marked the first to win the in a category traditionally reserved for non-graphic works, further legitimizing the format among critics and educators. These achievements have helped integrate into school curricula, with First Second titles adopted in over 1,000 courses to foster skills in and storytelling. The imprint has actively promoted diversity in graphic novels by featuring creators of color and stories centered on LGBTQ+ themes, contributing to broader representation in the medium. Titles like and Rosemary Valero-O'Connell's Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me explore queer teenage experiences, while works by authors such as and Vera Brosgol highlight immigrant and multicultural narratives. First Second's editorial team, including diverse voices like Calista Brill and Samia Fakih, supports global talent to ensure varied perspectives, aligning with industry efforts to address underrepresentation in publishing. In education, First Second has forged significant partnerships through its Science Comics and History Comics series, which have been adopted in classrooms to teach and topics. Volumes such as Dinosaurs: Fossils and Feathers by MK Reed and Joe Flood and The Launchpad at introduce complex subjects like and space history in accessible formats, with educators using them to engage reluctant readers and enhance comprehension. The series provides classroom guides and activity kits, making it a staple for middle-grade curricula and demonstrating graphic novels' efficacy as educational tools. First Second has contributed to the explosive market growth of graphic novels, a category that doubled in U.S. sales to 35 million units annually by 2025, driven by demand. The imprint's broad distribution across bookstores, libraries, and comic shops has helped position graphic novels as a key segment of youth literature, with titles like by achieving bestseller status and boosting overall category visibility. Culturally, First Second has facilitated global crossovers by bringing Hayao Miyazaki's works to English-speaking audiences, notably through the 2022 publication of , the director's rare receiving its first English translation. This adaptation has influenced the anime-manga fusion in Western markets, introducing Miyazaki's themes of and adventure to new readers and bridging storytelling traditions with contemporary trends.

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