This post is sponsored by Johnson County Library.
Graphic novels have exploded in popularity in recent years, and for good reason! They draw reluctant readers in with their vibrant illustrations and fast paced, engaging storytelling. And for bookworms, graphic novels provide a whole new way to experience narrative and artistry. The unique combination of text and visuals makes reading less intimidating, more accessible and most importantly, more fun. It’s a win, all around!
Whether you child is just starting out with chapter books or already devouring novels by the stack, there’s a graphic novel out there that can capture their imagination and captivate their attention. Here are some of the best graphic novels for kids, tweens and teens, broken down by age group.
Great Graphic Novels for Kids, Tweens and Teens
Early Elementary (Ages 5–8)
Baloney and Friends by Greg Pizzoli
Baloney the pig and his pals tackle everyday adventures with laugh out loud charm, and is a perfect starter book for early readers.
Binky the Space Cat by Ashley Spires
A house cat believes he is a space explorer protecting his humans from alien “invaders”. It is a hilarious mix of adventure and silliness.
Bird & Squirrel by James Burks
This is a fast-paced adventure series featuring an anxious squirrel and his free spirited bird friend, filled with humor and action.
Hilo: The Boy Who Crashed to Earth by Judd Winick
This best-selling book is a mix of science fiction, humor and heart. Hilo, a mysterious boy from space, befriends two kids on Earth.
Mellybean and the Giant Monster by Mike White
Mellybean the pup stumbles into a magical world, making friends and standing up to bullies in this lighthearted, colorful adventure.
Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea by Ben Clanton
This playful series follows the goofy Narwhal and his skeptical friend Jelly the jellyfish as they explore friendship, fun and imagination.
Owly by Andy Runton
A sweet, wordless series about a kind little owl who helps his forest friends. This is THE series for emerging readers who aren’t quite ready to dive into books on their own.
Upper Elementary (Ages 8–11)
The Academy by T.Z. Layton
Have a kid who is a little more interested in sports than reading? This series will blend the two worlds together seamlessly. It is about a boy who joins an elite soccer academy and his coming-of-age story.
Amulet by Kazu Kibuishi
An epic fantasy adventure series where siblings discover a magical amulet and battle dark forces in a richly illustrated world.
The Cardboard Kingdom by Chad Sell
Neighborhood kids transform cardboard boxes into elaborate costumes and kingdoms in this joyful celebration of imagination. Part of a three-book series.
Creaky Acres by Calista Brill & Nilah Magruder
About a girl who is the new kid at school, and how she learns to trust herself through the power of horseback riding.
El Deafo by Cece Bell
An autobiographical story about growing up with hearing loss. It is full of humor, resilience and superhero flair.
Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson
When a girl joins a roller derby camp, she learns about friendship, perseverance and finding her own path.
Smile by Raina Telgemeier
A memoir about dental drama, middle school struggles and learning to be yourself.
The Bad Guys by Aaron Blabey
A group of “bad guys” (a wolf, shark, snake and piranha) try to prove they can be heroes, with plenty of laughs along the way.
Tweens (Ages 11–13)
All’s Faire in Middle School by Victoria Jamieson
A girl raised in a Renaissance Faire faces the realities of middle school drama in this unique and heartfelt story.
Awkward by Svetlana Chmakova
A relatable, funny look at middle school, fitting in and the awkwardness of friendship.
Be Prepared by Vera Brosgol
A summer camp memoir full of humor, heart and the challenges of fitting in from both a boy and a girl’s perspective.
Cassie and the House of Memories by Dean Stuart
The illustrations of this book alone will hook any reader, but the story of a girl, who in her dreams, connects with her grandpa suffering from dementia makes it a book they won’t be able to put down.
Measuring Up by Lily LaMotte and Ann Xu
A moving tale about a girl learning to cook traditional dishes to connect with her grandmother in Taiwan.
New Kid by Jerry Craft
Jordan navigates life at a prestigious private school as one of the only kids of color, exploring themes of identity and belonging.
Sunny Side Up by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm
Sunny spends the summer with her grandfather in Florida, learning about family and facing difficult truths.
When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed
A story of two boys growing up in a refugee camp. The story is both heartbreaking and heartwarming, as well as full of hope and resilience.
The Witch Boy by Molly Knox Ostertag
A magical fantasy about a boy whose family expects him to be a shapeshifter, but he secretly longs to be a witch.
Teens (Ages 14+)
Check, Please! by Ngozi Ukazu
A funny and sweet series about hockey, baking and love, centered on a college freshman navigating life and identity. Sports fanatics will be able to connect to the theme and characters of this series.
The Girl from the Sea by Molly Knox Ostertag
A touching love story between a teen girl and a selkie, blending magic with themes of self-acceptance.
Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me by Mariko Tamaki and Rosemary Valero-O’Connell
High schoolers can’t help but relate to parts of this book. It is a heartfelt look at toxic relationships, self-discovery and friendship.
Ms. Marvel by G. Willow Wilson and Adrian Alphona
Kamala Khan, a Muslim American teen, discovers her superpowers and learns to balance being a hero with being a teenager. This is an easy, fun read.
Nimona by ND Stevenson
Fantasy readers will love this one. It’s a sharp, witty and emotional story about a shapeshifting girl who becomes a villain’s sidekick.
The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang
A tender tale of friendship and identity as a prince secretly hires a dressmaker to help express his true self.
They Called Us Enemy by George Takei, Justin Eisinger, Steven Scott, and Harmony Becker
A powerful graphic memoir about Takei’s childhood in Japanese American incarceration camps during WWII.
Why Graphic Novels Are Worth Exploring
For kids who already love reading, graphic novels offer new layers of storytelling. For kids who feel overwhelmed by long blocks of text, they also provide a way to engage with books that feels easy and approachable. With so many genres, there’s truly something for everyone. Reading isn’t one size fits all, and every kid deserves to find literature that makes them fall in love with the world of literature!
