Best Graphic Novels for Kids and Teens

Kelly R. said:  The Narwhal and Jelly books are fun early graphic novels for kids. My daughter loved them! Each book contains stories about adorable friends narwhal and jellyfish, fun facts about ocean life, and comics. The stories are simple and easy for first graders to read independently, but are filled with enough silliness and cute illustrations to give them a lot of repeat readability.

Kelly R. said:  An inspiring graphic novel that tells the true story of German pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who was involved in plots against Hitler's life. The striking tri-color illustrations really drew my middle schooler in (he finished it in a day). I'm impressed that he gained a better understanding of some pretty complex WWII history, including the moral conflict of many who resisted Hitler.

Shila said:  #1 New York Times bestselling author, Raina Telgemeier, has several middle school graphic novels starting out with Smile, a story about a 6th grader requiring braces after her teeth were suddenly knocked out. Imagine that happening, and still having to go through middle school? This story is actually a memoir of Raina's childhood!

Alexandra F. said:  The Stonekeeper begins the Amulet Series by Kazu Kibuishi, a story about two children on a dangerous mission to rescue their mother, who was kidnapped into a fantastical underground world of demons, robots, and talking animals. My tweens aren't usually into graphic novels, but really enjoyed this engaging fantasy adventure story.

Kelly R. said:  My sixth grader absolutely loved these graphic novels about John Lewis and his role in the civil rights movement. They are especially powerful books for middle schoolers, as the format makes the history very real (I found myself sucked in as well). Be aware that there is violence and graphic language in the books...we kept an open dialogue about this as he was reading them, and it led to some good conversations.

Shila said:  Wings of Fire, by Tui T. Sutherland, are one of my 4th grader's favorite chapter books to read; she can get lost in them for hours. The books are set in a fantasy world with dragons, prophecies, and raging battles.

The series spans over 15 titles and is available in both full text or graphic novel format. Though, there are only a handful of graphic novel versions currently released (books 1-5).

In full disclosure, my child prefers the full text version because the dragon illustrations can be a bit elaborate and scary looking to her, but if your child appreciates these type of graphics alongside an awesomely addictive storyline, check it out!

Shila said:  With dozens of plot titles featuring all of your favorite crime-fighting heroes and villainess foes, Marvel-verse include some of the best graphic novels for kids. From Black Panther to Black Widow, be ready at the library to check out one quick read after another.

Shila said:  The characters in the Baby-Sitters Club are full of heart and continue to experience whirlwinds of adventure as they manage their teenage side gig, a neighborhood babysitting business. These were super popular chapter books in the 80's, and have withstood the test of time as kids today tend to enjoy them just as much. The recently-adapted graphic novel versions feature the same stories as before but with illustrations that help paint each page, scene after scene.

Kelly R. said:  I can't get these awesome graphic novels for my tween quickly enough...they are a hit! From World War 1 to Harriet Tubman to the Donner Party, each book in Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales series tells exciting stories from American History in an engaging graphic novel format. They are educational, funny, and filled with fascinating detail - great for repeat reading.

Shila said:  El Deafo is a Newbery Honor winning graphic novel for kids and tweens, featuring Cece, the new student in school who also happens to wear a hearing device. This Phonic Ear has given Cece the secret superpower to be the ultimate listener, earning her alter ego the name, El Deafo.

This is a fun, witty and relatable read for kids of all abilities about growing up, inclusiveness, and forming friendships.

All of the characters (authored by Cece Bell) are illustrated with bunny ears which are symbolic of hearing, too.

Shila said:  Svetlana Chmakova has written some of the best graphic novels for teens, including her relatable series that include the titles, Awkward, Brave and Crush that resemble coming-of-age themes and how to navigate middle school. The stories and its illustrations are honest and raw, but sweet and very encouraging too!

I especially like books that feature a wider set of diverse characters and Chmakova does a great job of being inclusive in all of her works.

Shila said:   Kayla Miller has written a few really good graphic novels for girls that showcase life as one in the 5th and 6th grades. The main character, Olive, comes to navigate friendships, uncomfortable social situations, and school dynamics over a series of 3 books (Camp, Click, and Act).

Camp is about exploring friendships with or without old ones potentially holding you back. Readers are introduced to a lot of different characters with varying personalities which can be reminiscent of real life. These are lovely and relatable books for young middle schoolers.

Shila said:  Although Dana Simpson's Phoebe and Her Unicorn books are written at an older elementary reading level (some books are over 200 pages), the very nature of a magical unicorn friendship can be appreciated by younger kids too. The plotline along with the whimsical illustrations are light and funny. The series stars Marigold Heavenly Nostrils as 9-year-old Phoebe's unconventional (and forced) best friend.

Shila said:  The successful YouTube show, PopularMMOs, presents a series of graphic novels for kids that feature the Minecraft-loving duo, Pat and Jen, and many other show characters going on epic adventures (as cartoon versions of themselves) to rescue, battle, and collect armor (among other things). These books are quick, funny, and addicting - just like so many YouTube channels for kids are!

Alexandra F. said:  This popular manga series by Masashi Kishimoto stars a young trouble maker on a mission to be the world’s greatest ninja.