Jenny Han’s Popular Novel ‘To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before’ Transformed into a Graphic Novel
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Acclaimed author Jenny Han’s beloved young adult novel, “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before,” originally published in 2014, has received a fresh makeover as a graphic novel. The project was undertaken by writer Barbara Perez Marquez with illustrations by Akimaro and Li Lu. The reimagined version aims to offer readers a new perspective on Lara Jean’s captivating story.
Excitingly, PEOPLE has obtained an exclusive sneak peek at the graphic novel’s cover ahead of its scheduled release next year. Jenny Han, who expressed her enthusiasm for her protagonist’s story to be presented in this innovative format, worked closely with artists Akimaro and Li Lu, as well as adaptor Barbara Perez Marquez, to ensure the adaptation stayed true to the original essence.
“To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” by Jenny Han has resonated with audiences for its endearing narrative that follows 16-year-old Lara Jean Song-Covey. The protagonist keeps her heartfelt emotions stored in a hatbox filled with love letters penned for every boy she has ever harbored feelings for, a total of five crushes. However, when her mischievous younger sister Kitty decides to mail out these secret letters, Lara Jean’s love life takes an unexpected turn, moving from imaginary to chaotic.
Originally hitting the entertainment scene as a Netflix film in 2018, the 2014 novel adaptation featured Lana Condor portraying Lara Jean, Noah Centineo as Peter Kavinsky, and Israel Broussard as Josh Sanderson. A sequel, “P.S. I Still Love You,” followed in 2015, with a subsequent installment, “Always and Forever, Lara Jean,” released in 2017. Both sequels were adapted into films, penetrating the hearts of viewers worldwide.
Expressing her views on the importance of featuring an Asian American lead in the film adaptation, Jenny Han shared her vision of modernizing classic tales for contemporary audiences. She aimed to create a relatable character in Lara Jean, a young protagonist of Korean and white descent, who exudes optimism and spunk, much like beloved literary heroines of the past.
In a dynamic shift towards diverse storytelling, Han highlighted the significance of creators of color shaping and narrating their own narratives. The evolution in storytelling resonated deeply with audiences, allowing for a more authentic and inclusive representation of characters on screen.
Embracing the impact of her storytelling, Jenny Han witnessed further success with her work adapted into the screen, including “The Summer I Turned Pretty” series now streaming on Prime Video. The series, featuring Lola Tung in the lead role as Belly Conklin, garnered a massive viewership of 70 million globally during its third season.
Continuing the trend of screen adaptations, “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” is now set to ignite readers’ imaginations in graphic novel form. Scheduled for release on May 5, 2026, the graphic novel is currently available for pre-order. Embrace the nostalgia, relive the romantic escapades, and immerse yourself in the vivid illustrations depicting Lara Jean’s whimsical love story.
In conclusion, Jenny Han’s creative legacy continues to flourish in parallel with the evolving landscape of storytelling, captivating audiences across various mediums, from novels to film adaptations to the latest graphic novel transformation. Stay tuned for more updates on forthcoming releases and adaptations from this gifted storyteller.