Looking for the best graphic novels for tweens — and even your early readers? These are the graphic novels your kids will want to read again and again. Binge-worthy, for sure!! Check them out!
Binge-Worthy Graphic Novels for Tweens and Early Readers!
Chances are, your kids are infatuated with graphic novels.
Dog Man. Baby-Sitters Club. New Kid. Anything Raina Telgemeier.
They fly off the shelves in our school library as fast as they come in, and my students buzz around the room with excitement when the newest installment of a beloved series arrives.
But, Lauren, you may be thinking. I don’t get it. They’re comics. They aren’t REAL books. It’s not REAL READING.
Stop right there, and let’s unpack this, shall we?
Yes, graphic novels are REAL novels!
First and foremost, not only are graphic novels “real books,” but they are so good, in fact, that over the last several years, they have taken home some top notch awards from some of the most recognized committees in America.
Not only are graphic novels “real books,” but they hook even the most reluctant readers with their visual nature, complex plots and nuanced characters.
Not only are graphic novels “real books,” but they are being taught in classrooms around the country, with so many educators recognizing these unique stories as secret weapons to teach children about writing.
I could go on and on.
Graphic novels have skyrocketed in popularity over the last several years, and there is one thing I can tell you for sure about these special books. Kids LOVE them. And when a child falls in love with a book, or even — wait for it! — a whole series of books, we adults should do everything we can to keep that love alive and strong, no matter the format.
It’s no surprise that graphic novels are so cherished among children these days. Whether you have new or tween readers at home, this format has taken the literary scene by storm and captivated youngsters in a way that typical novels sometimes do not.
Some parents, and even teachers, worry that graphic novels do not provide kids with the same enriching literary experiences as true novels do. But, guess what? I’m here to tell you that they do. In fact, graphic novels have a multitude of benefits for children. Check this out:
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Just like a “regular” novel, graphic novels are chock full of text, which means they include rich language and vocabulary that still demand readers analyze and decode words and sentences.
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Graphic novels are incredible for visual learners, with lively illustrations and captivating pages. The illustrations often help children interpret the text and unknown words, while simultaneously providing important context as to emotions, settings, and the like.
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Graphic novels are wonderful for teaching kids inference skills. Again, because readers must rely on the illustrations for important context, they also learn to synthesize information and draw conclusions as they “read” the words in combination with the pictures. The interplay between text and illustration is incredibly valuable!
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Graphic novels are literary masterpieces! Just like any novel, they have complex plots, strongly developed characters, lots of conflict, and require readers to grasp a detailed sequence of events.
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Because they do not contain as much text as a typical novel, graphic novels hook readers who often find significant pressure when picking up a more “wordy” text. When kids read and actually enjoy what they are reading, they are building their vocabulary, improving their reading comprehension and developing so many important literacy skills without realizing how hard their brains are working.
So what are you waiting for? Whether you have a new reader or a tween at home, grab some of these binge-worthy graphic novels, and I can pretty much guarantee your kids will be reading with a flashlight well into the dark of night. Enjoy!
Graphic Novels for Early or Young Readers
Do You Like My Bike, by Norm Feuti: I’m loving this new Acorn line of books from Scholastic for early readers. Do You Like My Bike is the first book in the Hello, Hedgehog series, and in this fun story, Hedgehog loves his new bike and wants his friend Harry to go for a ride with him. Harry, however, does not want to go. Is it because Harry doesn’t like the bike? Or could it have something to do with the bike’s lack of training wheels? This one is absolutely adorable, and we can‘t wait to get our hands on the rest of this series! Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!
Duck, Duck, Porcupine! by Salina Yoon: In this Geisel Honor early reader series, Big Duck constantly bosses around her little brother, Little Duck. And this means that when Porcupine joins their crew, Big Duck is definitely the leader. Yet, even though LIttle Duck is too young to speak, it seems he just might have the know-how to outsmart his big sister and get this darling trio out of whatever pickle they find themselves in. This is an absolute delight, and we love Salina Yoon’s work! Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!
Don’t Worry, Bee Happy, by Ross Burach: Bumble and Bee cause lots of mischief in the pond, and their cranky best friend Frog isn’t all that happy about giving up his peace and quiet. He won’t smile for pictures! He won’t do a waggle dance! Nonetheless, these guys are best friends… despite their very different personalities. This is another great graphic novel and part of Scholastic’s Acorn line which is aimed at children who are learning to read. We love the Acorn books and its various series that have been recently published! Shop Don’t Worry, Bee Happy & support local bookstores here!
Smell My Foot!, by Cece Bell: If you want someone to smell your foot, no matter whether you think that scent will be good or bad, you better make sure to use your manners and say please!! My big one could not get through this book without laughing hysterically. And when I read it with him for the first time, I too was laughing so hard I could not catch my breath. If you want a book that’s sure to be a hit for new readers, with easy to read text, hilarious illustrations, and bucket loads of fun, this one is a must! Shop Smell My Foot! & support local bookstores here!
Fox & Rabbit, by Beth Ferry and illustrated by Gergely Dudas: This new series for emerging readers is so charming and fun! Fox and Rabbit seem like total opposites — Rabbit’s anxious nature is quite the opposite of Fox’s easygoing attitude! But make no mistake — these two are the perfect pair, finding magic in every part of their days. Whether they are facing their fears or discovering new delights, these two are bosom buddies who will entertain your little ones with on every page! Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!
Tiger vs. Nightmare, by Emily Tetri: In this graphic novel for early readers, Tiger and Monster play together — a lot. Monster would never scare Tiger, but he does have to scare something. So what should he scare? Maybe he can scare Tiger’s nightmares away. It works, to a point. Until a nightmare comes that’s so big and so brave, Monster knows he can’t fight it alone. This one shows the values of teamwork, friendship, and courage, too! Shop Tiger vs. Nightmare & support local bookstores here!
Narwhal and Jelly, by Ben Clanton: My students go crazy for this series about a happy-go-lucky Narwhal and one jellyfish who doesn’t mess around. Despite their differences, they do have many similarities, such as their love for waffles and their thirst for adventure. These two have a lot of ocean to explore, and it sure is fun when they do that exploring together! Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!
Hilda and the Troll, by Luke Pearson: In the magical Hilda adventures, Hilda just can’t sit still and is never far from adventure. After all, she lives in an enchanted world where trolls roam and mountains move! Hilda is always willing to befriend a new creature, and this series highlights a fearless child, the magic she encounters, and the wonderful places she calls home. Even cooler? Read the books and then have your kids watch the series on Netflix which was created after all the accolades this series received! Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!
Bird and Squirrel on the Run, by James Burks: Bird and Squirrel make an unlikely duo. Bird is totally carefree, but poor Squirrel is afraid of his shadow. And Cat? Well, Cat just wants Bird and Squirrel for dinner. What happens when Bird and Squirrel head south for the winter? Will Cat catch up to them and finally get the meal he’s been longing for? Another student favorite! Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!
Hippopotamister, by John Patrick Green: Hippo never gets visitors in the zoo, which is no surprise because the zoo just isn’t what it used to be. So Hippo has a mission – he is going to make it in the human world, even if he has to act like a human, get a job, and pretend to be a real person. Being Hippopotamister doesn’t sound so bad — as long as he finds a job where he is free to be himself. But will he succeed? Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!
Baloney and Friends, by Greg Pizzoli: We are huge Pizzoli fans in our house, so when he came out with his first graphic novel, we jumped for joy! And just like the rest of his books, this one is such a delight. Baloney and his friends, Peanut D. Horse, Bizz the Bumble Bee, and Krabbit (a crabby rabbit), star in three short stories — as well as three mini-comics. Pizzoli once again makes new readers laugh with his characters’ silly antics and lively illustrations, and with stories about magic and swimming and kindness, kids will tear through these fun pages. The best part? The step-by-step instructions for drawing these awesome characters at the end of the book. We can’t wait for more Baloney! Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!
Baby-Sitters Little Sister: Karen’s Witch, by Ann M. Martin and Katy Farina: Karen Brewer was always a hit of the Baby-Sitters Club books (and we love her in the Netflix series, too!) and now she has her own graphic novel spinoffs! Perfect for young readers, this is the story of Karen’s witchy neighbor, Mrs. Porter, who has wild grey hair and always dresses in long, witch-like robes. When Karen learns Mrs. Porter is going to have a special meeting at her house, Karen is determined to prove that it’s really a meeting for witches… and that Mrs. Porter’s real name is Morbidda Destiny. Will Karen get to the bottom of the mystery? Or will the witches cast a spell on her first? The Baby-Sitters Club can do no wrong in our eyes! Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!
Mr. Wolf’s Class, by Aron Nels Steinke: When Mr. Wolf begins his new job as a teacher at Hazelwood Elementary, all he wants is for his new gig to go well. But new students mean new problems, and the kids in his fourth grade class are all tackling their own challenges. What happens when sleepy Penny goes missing? We adore this series, especially as it allows all different kinds of children to find a character to embrace and root for among the pages. Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!
Dog Man, by Dav Pilkey: If your kids haven’t heard of Dog Man, I’ll be shocked, because this is the series that is checked out in our library by boys and girls from first grade through fourth like rapid fire. Pilkey, the creator of Captain Underpants, hit it out of the park with this new series about a crime-biting canine who is part-dog and, you guessed it, part-man. Your kids will race through this series and each time they finish a book, they will be begging for the next one. Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!
Hilo, by Judd Winick: Did you watch MTV’s Real World back in the nineties? If so, then you surely remember everyone’s favorite cartoonist, Judd. Judd created this awesome series about a boy who crashes to earth (yes- he literally falls out of the sky!) and has no idea where he came from or what on earth he is supposed to do… on earth. Will Hilo figure out his past- and how to survive school? Another must for your graphic novel loving kids. Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!
Bad Guys, by Aaron Blabey: Oh my goodness. Can we say serious obsession?! While not *quite* a graphic novel, this series is close enough, and because of my kid’s total obsession, I had to include them here! My students live for these books and find them so highly entertaining, I have to make sure no one checks out more than one book from this series at a time because they are in such demand! These bad guys are scary. And they are BAD. But they really want to be heroes, and they are ready to be called to action in every circumstance! When bad guys can’t help but do good around town, you know your kids will be laughing — and clamoring for a copy of the next book! Hilarious and action packed, this is another series that has hooked many of my readers that hadn’t yet been matched with the perfect story! Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!
Anne of Green Gables: A Graphic Novel, adapted by Mariah Marsden and illustrated by Brenna Thummler: Introduce your kids to this wonderful classic in a modern, graphic novel format. Little girls will fall in love with Anne (with an “e”!) Shirley, just like you did as a child, enjoying her hilarious chatter, her dramatics, her guardians, her accidental mixup when attempting to serve a friend raspberry cordial, and, of course, her bright red hair. Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!
Zita the Spacegirl series and Mighty Jack series, by Ben Hatke: Hatke has established himself as a master of the graphic novel format. Both of these popular series are imaginative and engaging. The Zita series tackles a young girl rescuing her friend who is abducted by aliens whereas the Mighty Jack series is a modern reimagining of Jack and the Beanstalk — and these two world even clash in Zita the Spacegirl and Mighty Jack! Hatke is a comic genius! Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!
Graphic Novels for Tweens
New Kid, by Jerry Craft: New Kid, the 2020 Newbery Award winner, is an authentic graphic novel about a tween beginning seventh grade at a new school — a prestigious academic private school, that is — where Jordan Banks is one of the only kids of color in his whole grade. As Jordan tries to find a place within his new school, he finds himself straddled between two worlds — the upscale students at Riverdale Academy and his neighborhood friends in Washington Heights. More than a simple “new kid” story, New Kid tackles racism, hostility, socio-economic disparity and micro-aggressions that many children encounter on a regular basis. Absolutely, positively, fantastic. This is also on our list of best books for ten year olds! Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!
Smile; Ghosts; Sisters; Drama, by Raina Telgemeier: Telgemeier has figured out the winning formula when it comes to graphic novels as every one of her books turns to gold. Her stories are contemporary, relatable, and oh so much fun, tackling issues challenging so many of our kids and students. These stand alone novels leave our shelves as quickly as they are checked back in, rendering them among the most circulated books in our library. Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!
When Stars are Scattered, by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed: This brilliant book shares Omar’s story as a young Somali refugee in Dadaab, a refugee camp in Kenya. Omar and his brother Hassan have no parents, little food, and no access to medical care for Hassan, who is nonverbal. Yet one day, Omar is given the opportunity to go to school… and with that, a chance to change his future. Omar’s story is one of perseverance, courage, and indomitable spirit. I have no doubt that your children (and you!!) will fall in love with this profound and important story. It is a window book, a moving story that nurtures empathy and compassion, and an absolute must read. Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!
Be Prepared, by Vera Brosgol: This graphic novel from Caldecott honor winning Brosgol centers on Vera, a Russian girl from the suburbs where everyone lives in fancy houses but her. Vera’s friends all go to ritzy sleepaway camps, but the only camp Vera’s single mom can afford to send her to is Russian sleepaway camp. Though Vera believes she will finally fit in with the other girls when she gets to camp, she quickly finds she’s wrong. Summer camp is far from what she imagined, and all she wants is to get back home! Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!
A Wrinkle in Time, by Madeline L’Engle and adapted and illustrated by Hope Larson: Jump on in with Meg, Charles Wallace, Murry, Calvin O’Keefe and the three Mrs — Who, Whatsit and Which— the remarkable characters who fight off darkness to save the universe. This is the first time the Newbery winner has been illustrated, and there is no debating that this imaginative format is a must read- for those who have forever loved A Wrinkle in Time as well as those who have not yet read the original. Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!
Stargazing, by Jen Wang: Moon and Christine grew up in the same Chinese-American suburb, but the two couldn’t be more different. Yet, when Moon moves in next door, the two cast their differences aside and are soon the best of friends. They become so close, that Moon even tells Christine all about her visions — visions, which have a very real cause and end up with Moon in the hospital. With Moon fighting for her life, can Christine continue to be the friend Moon needs more than anything? A beautiful, tender — and at times heart-wrenching — story of friendship, this is an unforgettable novel of two unlikely friends your kids will love. Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!
Twins, by Varian Johnson and Shannon Wright: Oh WOW did I love this book! Whether you have twins at home or not, this fabulous story will speak to any child with siblings or with a close best friend. What happens when the person you are closest to in the entire world begins to pull away? This is exactly what happens with twins Maureen and Francine Carter, two girls who have always been attached at the hip. Yet when sixth grade begins, Francine suddenly becomes “Fran,” and she’ll stop at nothing to set herself apart from her sister. Will middle school change everything? Or will the girls find their way back to each other, even as one of them seeks nothing more than her own unique identity? Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!
El Deafo, by Cece Bell: This poignant Newbery Honor memoir centers around Cece, depicted as a bunny, who battled hearing loss as a young girl. Though going to school and making new friends is never easy, it becomes exponentially more challenging while wearing a bulky hearing aid strapped to your chest. Though it may allow her to hear, is the Phonic Ear worth it if it isolates her from the rest of the kids in her class? A true gem! Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!
The Baby-Sitters Club series, by Ann M. Martin: If you were in love with the Babysitters Club series as a kid, your kids can now get hooked as well! Follow Kristy, Claudia, Maryanne and Stacey as they build their club from the ground up. The first five books in the series are now in graphic novel format, and your kids will soon be dying to start their own club, just watch! Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!
Amulet Series, by Kazu Kibuishi: If your kids like fantasy, they will be hooked on Amulet within the first few pages. The series begins when Emily and Navin move with their mom into their great-grandfather’s mysterious home after tragedy strikes their family. When their mom is kidnapped, the two are determined to rescue her, and thus begins their journey into a fantastical world- one with robots, talking animals, and even ships that fly. Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!
White Bird, by R.J. Palacio: It’s hard to forget Julian, the bully in the masterpiece middle-grade novel, Wonder. This is the story of Julian’s grandmother, Grandmere, who, as a young Jewish girl, was hidden in a Nazi-occupied French village during World War II. In her graphic novel debut, Palacio tells the story of how Grandmere survives these harrowing days, and how the boy she once shunned in class becomes not only her best friend, but her savior, too. Stunning! Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!
Sunny Side Up and Swing it Sunny, by Jennifer Holm and Matthew Holm: Based on true events from the authors’ childhood, this graphic novel focuses on Sunny Lewin, a young girl shipped off to Florida to stay with her grandfather one summer. Though she imagines life will be fun in the sun, she quickly finds that her grandfather’s community is filled with — old people. And while she’s there, she tries to uncover the real reason her family sent her away. Could it have something to do with her older brother’s erratic behavior? Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!
Secret Coders, by Gene Luen Yang and Mike Holmes: At Stately Academy, mysteries are just waiting to be solved. The school’s founder has left many puzzles for his enterprising students, and using their brains and their coding skills, they must get to work! From robots to potions to monsters and modules, these will entertain your kids and teach them basic code as well! Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!
Roller Girl, by Victoria Jamieson: It’s tough when you realize you have distinctly different interests than your forever best friend. But when Astrid watches her first roller derby, she knows she has to participate and become a roller girl herself – even if it costs her a friendship. A fabulous, multiple award winning, coming of age novel about friendship, determination and, most importantly, girl power. Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!
Awkward, Brave and Crush, by Svetlana Chmakova: The first day at a new school is undoubtedly tough — but even more so when you trip in the hall, get noticed by the mean kids, and are helped up by Jamie, a shy boy at school who consistently gets teased. Though Peppi Torres quickly attempts to surround herself with new friends in the art club, she can’t shake the fact that she wasn’t so nice to Jamie. But Jamie is in the science club, and everyone knows the art club and the science club are staunch rivals. Will the two find a way to get over their awkwardness and unite for common causes? My students love this trilogy! Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!
Cardboard Kingdom, by Chad Sell: This is the story of sixteen children tackling their demons – both internal and external – by constructing fantastical creatures out of old cardboard boxes. And then? Neighborhood adventures, quests and shenanigans ensue, with the kids learning how to navigate their conflicts both on their own and as a team. This book so fabulously celebrates friendship, imagination and innovation, and if your kids love graphic novels, they will fall in love with this one! Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!
Click, by Kayla Miller: Olive has great friends. In fact, she is good friends with almost everyone in her class! But when it comes time for the big variety show, Olive suddenly realizes that all her friends have formed groups for their acts, and Olive has no act to join. Will Olive be able to click with any of the cliques? Or will she have to go on stage solo? We love this story of a young girl’s journey as she wonders where she belongs in her school’s social construct, a feeling so many of us have grappled with at one point or another. This is the first of three books in the series (check out Camp and Act as well!). Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!
Real Friends, by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham: How I wish I had this book when I was in school! Navigating friendships can be so daunting, especially when your forever bestie suddenly begins hanging out with a new crew. Shannon and Adrienne have been best friends forever… until Adrienne starts hanging out with Jen, the most popular girl in school and leader of “The Group.” Will Adrienne become Jen’s number one? Even if it takes bullying to get that coveted spot? We love Hale’s reflection of her own childhood, one that is sure to resonate with every tween who picks up the book. If your kids love this one, make sure to check out Best Friends, the second book in the series! Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!
Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales, by Nathan Hale: If you haven’t gotten Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales for your elementary history buffs, you must check them out! With topics ranging from the revolution to the civil war, not only are these educational, but they are, at times, rip roaring funny — and even pretty gruesome. These books would make for a fantastic companion novel to any units on the foregoing subjects, and your kids and students will eat them up. I cannot keep them in our library- they get checked out as soon as they get checked in. Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!
Pashmina, by Nidhi Chanani: Priyanka Das has a lot of questions. What she really wants to know is why her mother left India so many years before — and why she left behind Pri’s father, who Pri never even knew. Yet, the answers Pri seeks are locked away in her mom, and Pri can only answer these tough questions using her own imagination. Until, that is, the day Pri discovers an old pashmina forgotten in a suitcase, and when she wraps it around her body, Pri is suddenly transported to a far off place — the real India, where Pri believes she can finally learn more about her heritage and find the answers she wants so desperately. This is a beautiful journey of self discovery, and an awesome blend of fantasy and reality! Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!
The Prince and the Dressmaker, by Jen Wang: This book totally rocks! Prince Sebastian is in quite the pickle. His parents are looking for his bride… but, little do they know, their prince has a big secret – and big dreams. Sometimes, he wears dresses. And only his best friend Frances knows the truth, because Frances is a dressmaker and creates the daring wardrobe that Prince Sebastian wears when he takes Paris by storm as Lady Crystallia, the hottest fashion icon in the capital of fashion. Yet — Frances has her own dreams, and being Sebastian’s secret weapon is tough when she has to remain in the shadows. Will Frances have to cast her desires aside in order to protect her best friend? Love, love, love this one! Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!
Invisible Emmie, by Terri Libenson: What happens when one embarrassing note falls into the hands of someone who was not supposed to receive it? The lives of two very dissimilar girls suddenly intersect when this happens, with shy and artistic Emmie colliding with popular and athletic Katie. This is the story of one fateful day, taking readers on a journey filled with equal parts laughter and heart. Another beloved series in our school library! If you like this one, make sure to check out the other three books in the series, including Positively Izzy, Just Jamie and Becoming Brianna. Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!
The Nameless City (series), by Faith Erin Hicks: Rat and Kaidu meet in the Nameless City. Rat is a native, one who doesn’t want her city to be named by outsiders. Kaidu, however, is just what Rat despises – an outsider and an invader, one who has come to occupy, name, and take over the Nameless City. At first, Rat can’t stand Kaidu. But he loves his new home, and that love may be the very thing that ties these two kids together. Unexpected alliances make this graphic novel series a hit! Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!
Short and Skinny, by Mark Tatulli: Poor Mark. It’s 1977 and the summer before seventh grade, and he has two strikes against him — he’s short and skinny, which has really done a number on his confidence. To build himself up, he tries to bulk himself up with the directions and ploys on the back of his beloved comics. And then — Star Wars arrives on the scene, and Mark has a new obsession. Determined to make his own movie with a Star Wars spin, he comes up with “Star Bores.” As the summer unfolds, so to, does Mark’s movie and his own emotional journey. Fabulous! Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!
The Witch Boy, by Molly Knox Ostertag: In Aster’s family, boys grow up to be shapeshifters and girls grow up to be witches. Cross the lines? Risk being exiled. Uh oh. There’s just one problem…. Aster, for some reason, still hasn’t gotten his shapeshifter magic, and he’s much more intrigued by witchery than shapeshifting anyway, no matter how forbidden that may be. When danger suddenly threatens the other boys, Aster knows he can help fight the mysterious enemy — but only as a witch. Will he have the courage to save his family, even if it means exposing his true self? Another gem! Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!
Science Comics, by various authors: I cannot tell you how hard it is to keep these amazing, nonfiction graphic novels on the shelf in our school library. My elementary students are totally and completely head over heels for Science Comics! From plagues to volcanoes to rockets to cars, from dogs to cats to dinosaurs, these fact-filled, gorgeous graphic novels are as fun and fresh as they are factual. These are must haves for your homes nonfiction loving kids who can’t get enough of learning everything about everything. Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!
This was Our Pact, by Ryan Andrews: Each year on the night of the Autumn Equinox Festival, Ben’s town gathers to float paper lanterns down the river. This year, Ben and his classmates are determined to discover whether the legend about these lanterns — that they drift out of sight, soar off to the Milky Way, and become the most brilliant stars — is really true. They set off on their mission with only two rules — no one turns for home, and no one looks back. Soon, though, the pact is broken by everyone but Ben and Nathaniel, the one kid who never seems to fit with the rest of their friends. But the two end up on a journey that is as magical as it is mysterious — one that might end up with some unexpected friendship, too. Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!
Human Body Theater: A Non-fiction Revue, by Maris Wicks: Welcome to the human body theater, where your emcee will take you on a tour of the great human body! From the skeleton to the muscles to reproduction (yes, periods and erections are discussed, but sex is not!), this wonderfully informative — and at times hilarious — romp through the body will teach your kids everything they ever wanted to know about biology. Detailed, but so kid-friendly, this book is a favorite of my older students! Support independent bookstores and get the book on Bookshop.org right here!
Can’t wait to read…
We are also dying to read the following graphic novels!
Alison says
Such a wonderful list with so many great recommendations. I have already added several to a wish list for the future. I am an Early Learning Librarian and have to say your site has some of the best lists I’ve seen with great variety. All the books on your lists that I’ve read, I love and for the rest, I want to read them all. Thank you!
Kevin Bhasi says
As someone who has Asperger’s and has trouble reading regular novels, including having to get away with not reading during morning assembly back when I went to primary and secondary school as I had never realised I had that problem, and even having only vaguely heard of comics and graphic novels back then (the mid-to-late ’00s), this really resonates with me.
> Graphic novels … Kids LOVE them. And when a child falls in love with a book, or even — wait for it! — a whole series of books, we adults should do everything we can to keep that love alive and strong, no matter the format.
The "Mr. Wolf’s Class" series immediately comes to mind for me, as while building booklists for book-related projects I’m working on privately, that series stuck out to me as something I would’ve read as a kid and loved if it were to exist back in my childhood and I were to know of its existence. I don’t know why, but I kept thinking about the titular wolf from that series. Coincidentally, I found your article through a certain "Aron Nels Steinke"! Other series that stuck out to me in the same way include "Bird & Squirrel", "Wolfie Monster", "Hilda", and "InvestiGators". among many others that not only encompass graphic novels, but also illustrated novels (like the "Flember" series), however, no regular novels.
>Some parents, and even teachers, worry that graphic novels do not provide kids with the same enriching literary experiences as true novels do.
(I’ve been referring to "true novels" as "regular novels")
I imagine that the adults who think that way may have grown up with cheap comic books (that had ads in them) and lots of regular novels with little to no illustrations, not realising how much comics have evolved as an art form, and that the comic landscape (at least to me) feels different now than it may have been been in their childhoods 15-40 years ago, and by "comic landscape", I don’t just mean graphic novels, but comic books, comic strips, webcomics, and comic collections in book form.
You provided EXCELLENT reasons for why kids should NOT be blocked fromr reading graphic novels! 😃
>Because they do not contain as much text as a typical novel, graphic novels hook readers who often find significant pressure when picking up a more “wordy” text.
I think that includes me.
Thanks for all the great recommendations! I thought about my own nephews, who appear to me to only really read the mainstream stuff (like the "Dog Man" series), but their opinions may change if I show them this list.