When Yen Press launched its JY imprint--eponymously named for JuYoun Lee, our Deputy Publisher and Editor-in-Chief--in the fall of 2017, it was building on the tremendous success we'd already seen with the Berrybrook Middle School series by Svetlana Chmakova and the recognition of the growing need for graphic novels for younger readers. Three years and 36 books later, JY has built a strong reputation for quality with the beautifully repackaged W.I.T.C.H. collections from Disney, fan favorite manga Little Witch Academia and Svetlana's most recent offering, The Weirn Books.
JY's mission today remains unchanged from its foundation: engage young readers with quality comics and help foster a lifelong love of reading! With forthcoming titles like Disney's Wizards of Mickey and a new edition of author James Burks's first graphic novel, Gabby and Gator, in addition to our ongoing releases, JY has a little something for everyone--including long-running series like Zo Zo Zombie and W.I.T.C.H. for readers who just can't wait to hold the next book in their hands.
It is truly gratifying to see how much the market for kids' graphic novels has evolved in such a short time and for JY to continue to be a part of that growth. In keeping with the spirit that inspires the imprint, JY is making a $10,000 donation to the Children's Literacy Initiative as of the writing of this introduction.
Let's keep reading great graphic novels together!