Graphic Novels: Children's Edition

    When flipping through the pages of a graphic novel, they might seem like they are just bigger comic books, but graphic novels can offer a lot to a child. Graphic novels tell longer stories using pictures which can appeal to kids who enjoy more visual media or who might be intimidated by the length of a regular book. Graphic novels can be especially good for kids who have trouble reading or are reluctant readers even though they are frequently checked out by kids of all interests and abilities. Many graphic novels can also be tested on to earn AR reading points.

​Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson:
    Roller Girl tells the story of twelve year old Astrid as she decides to try something different from her best friend for the first time and enroll in roller derby camp. Throughout her hardest summer ever, roller derby helps to give Astrid the strength to follow her dreams, even if her best friend's dreams involve going to ballet camp instead.
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Teen Zone, YA Graphic Roller, Reading Level: Third Grade

​CatStronauts Series by Drew Brockington:
    The CatStronauts series is about a group of lovable cat astronauts who are sent on super silly missions throughout space. Major Meowser, pilot Waffles, technician Blanket and science officer Pom Pom feature in three books. These books are a perfect starting point for a child who is interested in reading graphic novels but is still at a lower reading level. These books are also great for reading together with the child in your life because there are plenty of laugh out loud moments for adults as well as children. 

 Children’s Room, J Fic Brocki, Reading Level: Third Grade

Middle School is Worse than Meatloaf by Jennifer L. Holm with illustrations by Elicia Castaldi:
    I was initially drawn to this book as a tween because of instead of using the expected comic style illustrations, Holm tells the story of Ginny’s first year of middle school through “stuff”. This includes a receipt for a botched haircut, a detention note, CDs and so much more. Middle School is worse than Meatloaf is highly entertaining but also relatable to anyone who has survived or is currently surviving the crazy world of junior high. Told by the author of the Baby Mouse series, Jennifer Holm, this book is perfect for the new middle schooler who has already devoured the Baby Mouse books as well as any younger child who wants to learn what the big deal is about being in middle school.
Children’s Room, J Fic Holm Reading Level: Fourth Grade

The Witch Boy by Molly Ostertag:
    When you are thirteen years old, there can be a large divide between who you want to be and how everyone around you sees you. This is especially true for magically gifted thirteen year old boy Astrid who is a member of a family where boys become shapeshifters and girls become witches. For most kids, this would be a dream come true, however, Astrid shows more ability as a witch than a shapeshifter. This book perfectly captures the feeling of finding your talents and learning to make your own path.
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Teen Zone, YA Graphic Witch, Reading Level: Third Grade

Real Friends by Shannon Hale with illustrations by LeUyen Pham:
    Real Friends is an autobiographical graphic novel by Shannon Hale, the author of favorites like The Princess Academy Series, Austenland, and The Princess in Black books.  This book is a nostalgic look at learning what it takes to find a true friend in the constantly changing world of growing up. It follows young Shannon from Kindergarten through to fifth grade as she makes friends, loses friends and learns what it it means to have, and be, a real friend.
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Teen Zone, JUV HALE Shanno Real-f, Reading Level: Second Grade

El Deafo by Cece Bell:
    El Deafo is a sweet and funny graphic memoir by Cece Bell which chronicles how hard it can be to be a kid, especially one with a disability. The fun part about this book is that it is told completely in adorable bunny form. This book portrays its subject matter in a way that is truthful, while also highlighting that it is the things that make us different which give us our superpowers.
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Teen Zone, YA Graphic El-Deafo, Reading Level: Second Grade

​Other great titles to check-out:
Drama by Raina Telgemeier
March Series by Andrew Aydin and John Lewis
Bad Island by Doug TenNapel
Friends With Boys by Faith Erin Hicks
Fish Girl by David Wiesner
Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea by Ben Clanton
The Complete Chi's Sweet Home Volumes 1-3 by Kanata Konami

-Megan O.