30 Best Graphic Novels of All Time for Kids of Every Reading Level
These must-read stories are page-turners for younger children, teens and adults.
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The kids' graphic novel category of children's books is booming, and we're here for it! According to a survey last year by School Library Journal, the format has grown increasingly popular at more than 90% of school libraries nationwide. The comic-like stories are flying off the virtual and physical shelves too. In 2023, Dog Man: Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea sold more than a million copies.
Whether your child is already a bookworm or needs a little extra nudge to crack open a great read, our favorite graphic novels — many from our annual Kids' Book Awards—will capture their attention. Because they use both pictures and words, graphic novels may tempt kids who aren't strong readers or for whom a novel is a little daunting. Graphic novels come in a whole array of genres and styles just like their text-based brethren and many of them also feature art that's, well, true works of art.
Ignore any nonsense you might hear about graphic novels not being "real books." When you're learning to read, doesn't every word count?
Get more book recommendations from Good Housekeeping:
A group of middle schoolers set out on their bikes to find out if a town's legend is true: Do the paper lanterns for the annual equinox festival actually turn into stars? With a breathtaking color palette, friendship subplot and superb dialogue, this graphic novel grips readers. Ages 10-14
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The only graphic novel to win a Newbery Medal introduces kids to seventh-grader Jordan Banks, one of the few students of color at his new school. He finds himself torn between two worlds in a story that's perfect for any kid who's ever felt like an outsider. Paired with companion graphic novels Class Act and School Trip, the three-book boxed set won a 2024 Good Housekeeping Kids' Book Award. Ages 8-12
Young readers will savor every page of this food-driven graphic novel. A 12-year-old enters a cooking contest so she can buy her Taiwanese grandmother a plane ticket to visit her with the prize money. Chapters highlight the contest, round by round, as the girl's confidence grows and she learns a lot about herself. Read with snacks! Ages 8-12
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In a story that helped the graphic novel movement gain momentum, Telgemeier focuses on how she lost her two front teeth in an accident when she was 12. Kids with braces or other major dental work will especially relate. The book won a Will Eisner Comic Industry Award in 2011. Ages 8-12
At the school science fair, a new student bumps into a stain-removing potion and turns invisible! Science-focused antics, unlikely friendships and plot twists make this graphic novel an irresistible read. Fans of Disney's Phineas and Ferb may be especially smitten. Ages 8-12
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Based on a true story about a girls' championship basketball team with players who wear hijabs, this fast-paced graphic novel explores themes of teamwork, self-confidence and bias. The play-by-play game scenes in this 2024 Kids' Book Award winner are especially exciting. Ages 8-12
When Stars Are Scattered by Omar Mohamed and Victoria Jamieson
Based on co-author Omar Mohamed’s childhood in an African refugee camp with his brother who doesn’t speak, this heartfelt story ends on a hopeful note. It was a National Book Award finalist in 2020. Ages 8-12
Winner of a 2024 Good Housekeeping Kids' Book Award, this STEM gem follows the adventures of a young dragon and her family. When a birthday cupcake and a magical artifact merge, they attempt to take over the city. Can the dragon family come to the rescue? Ages 6-9
The series almost every tween reviewer in our Kids' Book Awards requested to review, Dog Man engages readers-in-training with its silly antics, flip-o-rama pages and beloved characters. Gift new readers the first half-dozen books in the series — and you'll no doubt fuel a reading obsession. Ages 7-12
A gamer's hopes are dashed when his parents sign him up for a no-electronics summer camp that takes place at the same time as a video game tournament. The 2024 Kids' Book Award winner impressed our junior reviewers for taking a balanced approach to screen time. Ages 8-12
Katie the Catsitter: More Cats, More Fun! Boxed Set by Colleen AF Venable, illustrated by Stephanie Yue
A 12-year-old thinks she's going to be bored this summer because her friends are at camp. Then she gets a job babysitting her neighbor’s 217 cats. School vacation just got exciting! The first two books in this series are packed with adventure and plot twists. Ages 8-12
Books can help kids process and cope with difficult stuff in their own lives, and this one about a little boy dealing with his parents' divorce definitely fits the bill. It's a great look at family dynamics through a lens slightly older kids will understand. Ages 10-14
The Breadwinner: A Graphic Novel, by Deborah Ellis, adapted by Cartoon Saloon and Melusine Aircraft Pictures and Nora Twomey
Education activist Malala Yousafzai recommends that all girls read this story about a young woman who had to dress as a boy to support her family while living in Afghanistan under the Taliban. If that's not a ringing endorsement, we don't know what is. Ages 10-14
The Stratford Zoo Midnight Revue Presents Romeo and Juliet by Ian Lendler, illustrated by Zack Giallongo
This laugh-out-loud series isn't just a great way to introduce kids to some of Shakespeare's best, it's also a rollicking good time in itself. Start with the timeless Romeo and Juliet and branch out from there. Ages 7-10
Written by a roller derby girl, this heartwarming tale of discovering new passions, surviving a failing friendship and, of course, junior high, won a Newberry Honor Award and other accolades for good reason. Give it to any kid who needs a little dose of confidence. Ages 9-12
Kids will learn about the scientific method alongside Olga, a child scientist who discovers a new species and investigates the little critters with the help of some friends and her trusty notebook. Now that's what we call a win-win. Ages 8-12
Anne of Green Gables: A Graphic Novel adapted by Mariah Mardsen, illustrated by Brenna Thummler
Graphic novels can help introduce young or reluctant readers to the classics, like this one that features everyone's favorite redhead. The illustrations add an entirely new dimension to the classic that adults will appreciate, as well. Ages 8-11
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Warriors Graphic Novel: The Prophecies Begin by Erin Hunter, illustrated by Natalie Riess and Sara Goetter
The bestselling Warriors series was just turned into a graphic novel! This volume covers the first two books in the series about the clans of feral cats who live in the forest — and the young house cat who joins them. Ages 8-12
Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea! by Ben Clanton
This prizewinning graphic novel follows the delightfully heartwarming and adorably silly story of two friends who, at first blush, have nothing in common. It's a great way to teach kids about the joys of making friends from different backgrounds. Ages 6-9
The Spy School vs. SPYDER Graphic Novel Paperback Collection by Stuart Gibbs, illustrated by Anjan Sarkar
For both fans of the series and new readers, the graphic novel adaption of the blockbuster Spy School mystery series retains high-quality writing while also having comic panels to make the action more exciting. This boxed set contains the first three books of the series, which follows a middle schooler who is recruited by the CIA. Ages 8-12
Karen is a seasoned journalist who specializes in travel, book, lifestyle and food coverage. Cicero has visited almost every state with her family (look out Wyoming, she’s coming for you next!). She has spoken at several travel industry conferences, including PRSA and the Mid-Atlantic Tourism Alliance and was previously the senior editor at Parents. A mom who goes overboard for all the holidays, Cicero lives in the Christmas city itself: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
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