The Best Graphic Novels for Kids

Graphic novels are stories told in pictures. Visually stimulating graphic novels are often high-quality reading material that engages even the most reluctant readers. They are fun, hard to keep on library shelves, relatable, and appealing to young readers.

I will continue to add to this post as I discover new titles. If you have suggestions, I would love to hear them; DM me on Instagram at @playgroundlibrarian.

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Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea by Ben Clanton

Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea by Ben Clanton is a winner of the Will Eisner Award for best early reader comic book and is perfect for kids ages 4+. Clanton weaves facts about narwhals and jellyfish with a funny and cute friendship story between two marine animals. Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea is the first book in an engaging series! For younger friends, Ben Clanton has come out with a cute board book, Bubbles.

Mad Scientist Academy: The Dinosaur Disaster by Matthew McElligott

Do you know someone who LOVES dinosaurs? The Mad Scientist Academy: The Dinosaur Disaster by Matthew McElligott is a great picture book version of a graphic novel for children. ages 5+. Please read my review here.

El Deafo by Cece Bell

El Deafo (ages 7+) won the Newberry Honor in 2015. Chronicling the author’s experience as she navigates childhood with a cochlear implant, El Deafo is a funny memoir. Years ago, I led a parent-child reading club, and this was one of the books we discussed. This book was a favorite of many in the group due to its humor and relatability.

The Aquanaut by Dan Santat

Distraught since her father was lost at sea, Sophia spends time between school and Aqualand, an amusement park/research center her late father and uncle created. One day, she discovers a fantastic creature who reminds her of her Dad, The Aquanaut. Dan Santat, author of many works, including the Caldecott Award-winning picture book The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend, crafts a whimsical fantasy graphic novel that is both moving and funny. Ages 8+

Allergic by Megan Wagner Lloyd and Illustrated by Michelle Mee Nutter

More than anything, Maggie wants a puppy. At home, everyone is paired up but her; her parents have each other, and her younger twin brothers have each other. Plus, her mom is expecting a baby, leaving Maggie the odd one; if only she would get a dog.  Ages 8+

PAWS: Gabby Gets It Together by Nathan Fairbairn and Illustrated by Michele Assasakorn

PAWS is a coming-of-age graphic novel about three friends who bond over a love of animals, but none of whom have a pet of their own. The three eager problem solvers are Gabby Jordan, Mindy Park, and Priya Gupta, and they brainstorm how they can spend time with dogs, even though their parents won’t let them get one of their own. The trio comes up with a dog walking service that will give them ample time to play with pups AND earn some money. Will everything work out as planned? Read PAWS to find out!

This book is perfect for fans of The Baby-sitters Club and Allergic! I love the diversity of the characters’ interests, cultures, and economic backgrounds and that readers can see themselves in the character’s experiences.  Recommended for ages 8+.

Raina Telgemeier

Raina Telgemeier, the QUEEN of Graphic Novels! Ms. Telgemeier’s books are relatable, visually appealing, and enjoyable to read! In the library, it is rare to find her books on the shelves because they are SO popular! The books are great gifts, and I know many kids who have read them repeatedly!

Smile by Raina Telgemeier is a New York Times bestselling, Will Eisner-winning graphic novel for kids ages 8+. This is a sweet and funny graphic memoir based on the author’s childhood, capturing the challenges of growing up, braces, and friendship. This is a book you don’t want to miss! 

If you enjoy Smile (I   It!), check out other phenomenal books by Raina Telgemeier!

Sisters (ages 8+) describes the author’s challenging childhood relationship with her sister and interpersonal challenges at home with her family.

Guts (ages 8+) is a fantastic book to read with your child! This autobiographical graphic novel addresses challenges with friendship, anxiety, and growing up. This book is a great discussion opener for social-emotional learning!

Kristy’s Great Idea: A Graphic Novel (The Baby-sitters Club #1), Written by Ann M. Martin and Illustrated by Raina Telgemeier, is the graphic novel adaptation of Ann M. Martin’s popular middle-grade series. After seeing her single mom’s struggles in finding a babysitter for her younger brother, Kristy organizes a way to address this challenge. Readers will enjoy this sweet and funny first book in the series.

New Kid by Jerry Craft

New Kid is the winner of the Newbery Award, the Coretta Scott King Award, and the Kirkus Prize, all prestigious awards for children’s literature. Craft tackles the challenges faced by a kid starting a new school where he is in the minority and encounters prejudice. Even if you were never the “new kid,” the book is super relatable about trying to fit in a new environment.

Swim Team: Small Waves, Big Changes by Johnnie Christmas

Join Bree as she moves with her Dad to Florida, starts a new school, builds friendships, learns to swim, and overcomes her anxieties. Swim Team inspires readers that nothing is impossible with good friends, hard work, and perseverance! I enjoyed this book immensely! This book is perfect for fans of Raina Telegmeier. Ages 8+.

Be Prepared by Vera Brosgol

Many of the kids at Vera’s school will go to sleep-away camp for the summer. Vera desperately wants to go too. The only camp her single mother can afford is a Russian summer camp. Will the experience be as wonderful as she expects? Excellent book about social acceptance, friendship, and camp. For ages 8+.

Love to hear YOUR thoughts!

I am always on the lookout for a great graphic novel! Please DM me on Instagram @playgroundlibrarian or Facebook at Sheryl Hoffman with recommendations!

Happy Reading!

XO, Sheryl