Embedded Files
Highly Recommended (24-25)
DUEL
DUEL
Jessixa Bagley
Summary: Lucy’s entering a new school for sixth grade, where her sister, GiGi, is an eighth-grader. Almost right from the start, the thick tension between them at home spills over at school when GiGi trips Lucy and Lucy challenges GiGi to a duel with GiGi’s own fencing foil. (Booklist)
Curricular Use: graphic novel, fencing, family, grief.
Audience: Grades 4+
WAY OFF TRACK
WAY OFF TRACK
Carl Brundtland
Summary: A budding track star desperately wants new sneakers but instead needs to learn a few life lessons. (Kirkus Reviews)
Curricular Use: graphic novel, sports, running/track fiction, family, Jamaican heritage.
Audience: Grades 4+
CURVEBALL
CURVEBALL
Pablo Cartaya
Summary: When Elena fakes an injury to get out of playing baseball for the summer and avoid her competitively driven mother, the middle schooler must find a new passion with the help of her younger brother. (Booklist)
Curricular Use: graphic novel, baseball fiction, Latinx, family
Audience: Grades 3+
WIRES CROSSED
WIRES CROSSED
Beth Fantaskey
Summary: While 13-year-old Mia was busy getting braces, glasses, and the world's worst haircut, her science camp bestie Tariq was busy glowing up. When Tariq's mom's job is transferred to Mia's town, she rejoices at the idea of attending school with Tariq, especially since her school best friend Addy has been exploring new friendships this year. (School Library Journal)
Curricular Use: graphic novel, science/robotics, friendship, family, growing up.
Audience: Grades 5+
PIZZA FACE
PIZZA FACE
Rex Ogle
Summary: Just when Rex starts getting used to his status of being labeled four eyes, acne wreaks havoc on his first day of school. To make matters worse, he overhears his friends making fun of him for his delay in puberty. He spirals downwards and pushes his friends away while he continues to suffer at the hands of his bullies. (SLJ)
Curricular Use: Graphic novel, bullying, coming of age. Sequel to Four Eyes.
Audience: Grades 4+
WE ARE BIG TIME
WE ARE BIG TIME
Hena Khan
Summary: When Aliya and her family move from Florida to Wisconsin, she finds comfort in the basketball program at her new school, Peace Academy. But in order for her team to win, she’ll have to rise to the challenge and prove that she has what it takes to lead as co-captain, even if she still has a lot to learn. Inspired by the Salam School basketball team that made headlines in 2018, Khan tells a heightened yet realistic sports story of teamwork and identity. (Booklist)
Curricular Use: graphic novel, Muslim American, basketball, sports.
Audience: Grades 4+
Grades K-2 (23-24)
ALPHABUDDIES: G IS FIRST
ALPHABUDDIES: G IS FIRST
Beth Bacon, Karen Kane, & Eric Barclay
Summary: G is fed up. He wants to be the first letter of the alphabet. A isn’t having it. He tells everyone that if G is the first letter in the alphabet, words will be destroyed and kids will never learn how to read. The letters decide to do a little experiment and see if they can rearrange the alphabet. In the end, Z convinces them that order doesn’t matter and that all letters are equally important.
Curricular use: This will make a great read aloud- many opportunities to interact with the book. Many speech bubbles and chances to sing along.
THE LOST MITTEN
THE LOST MITTEN
Jannie Ho
Summary: Mouse and Rabbit have found a lost mitten. Whose could it be? The two friends set off on an adventure to find the owner. Mouse and Rabbit learn that it is important to do the right thing, even when it is hard.
Curricular use: Themes of friendship and doing the right thing are front and center of this book. With the simple panels and text, this book for emerging readers is a great introduction to graphic novels.
Grades 3-4 (23-24)
THINGS IN THE BASEMENT
THINGS IN THE BASEMENT
Ben Hatke
Summary: From the author of Zita the Space Girl comes the story of Milo- a young boy who discovers a portal to a secret world in his basement. Milo goes into the basement of his old house to retrieve his sister’s sock when his adventure begins.
Curricular use: This graphic novel touches on aspects of Social Emotional Learning- overcoming fears and anxieties. Themes of family, friendship and teamwork are woven throughout the book. Expect a sequel!
CRYPTID KIDS: THE BAWK-NESS MONSTER
CRYPTID KIDS: THE BAWK-NESS MONSTER
Natalie Riess
Summary: What is the Bawkness Monster? The Bawkness Monster is a combination of a chicken and the Loch Ness Monster, of course! The Bawkness Monster is a Cryptid- and in the universe of this graphic novel by Natalie Riess, they are real.
Curricular use: Student choice reading.
Grades 5-6 (23-24)
ALL THE LOVELY BAD ONES
ALL THE LOVELY BAD ONES
Mary Downing Hahn
Summary: Staying true to the 2008 novel by Hahn, this graphic novel introduces us to Travis and his sister Corey. The two siblings have gotten kicked out of their summer camp for pulling pranks and the only place for them to stay over the summer is at the Fox Hill Inn. This inn is run by their grandmother and it is famous for being haunted. The kids don’t believe in ghosts, so they decide to cook up some paranormal activity of their own. Big mistake.
Curricular use: Student free choice reading. This graphic novel can be paired with the chapter book version.
MUHAMMAD NAJEM, WAR REPORTER: HOW ONE BOY PUT THE SPOTLIGHT ON SYRIA
MUHAMMAD NAJEM, WAR REPORTER: HOW ONE BOY PUT THE SPOTLIGHT ON SYRIA
Muhammad Najem & Neus Neu
Summary: This graphic memoir is told from the perspective of Muhammad Najem who was only 8 years old when the war in Syria began. After his father was killed in a bombing while in prayer, Muhammad was done hiding, he wanted to act. He used his phone to record his life and put a spotlight on what his family and others like his were enduring in Syria: being bombed by their own government. He took to social media and reported on the war. He interviewed kids like him and asked them their hopes and dreams. He wanted to show the world that Syrian kids were just like any other kids in the world. Eventually, the world took notice.
Curricular use: This book can be used for a biography or memoir unit. It can also be used to show the power of social media, free speech and true reporting. Use this link to watch the CNN footage of Muhammad.
Grades K-2 (22-23)
ROVER AND SPECK: THIS PLANET ROCKS
Jonathan Roth
ROVER AND SPECK: THIS PLANET ROCKS
Jonathan Roth
Rover and Speck couldn't be more different. Rover is organized, careful, and on a mission to explore the far reaches of the galaxy. Speck is impulsive, excitable, and stranded alone on a rocky planet. But these two rovers have to team up when Rover crash lands and helps Speck recharge his battery. (From the publisher)
Sprinkled with informational text boxes, this would make an ideal selection for students who enjoy the idea of the Mars Rover and silly stories. Many different connections can be made on the topics of solar power, space exploration, and even cave paintings.
SIR LADYBUG AND THE BOOKWORMS
Corey R. Tabor
SIR LADYBUG AND THE BOOKWORMS
Corey R. Tabor
In this third book of the series, Sir Ladybug and his friends embark on a journey to return an almost overdue library book. Along the way, they help a number of different bugs who are all in need.
The simple text and an easy-to-follow storyline makes this series a fantastic choice for early readers and those first exploring the graphic novel format. This would be an engaging text to pair with a book care lesson, but the themes of kindness and responsibility (and the celebration of libraries for everyone) make it a strong choice for many readers.
Grades 3-4 (22-23)
THE WOLF SUIT
Sid Sharp
THE WOLF SUIT
Sid Sharp
Bellwether Riggwelter is, once again, out of blackberries. This time, rather than tiptoe through a forest full of predators, he comes up with a new plan. He will keep himself safe by blending in—he will sew a Wolf Suit! The disguise works perfectly . . . sort of. (From the publisher)
This beautiful book is perfect for readers in this age range who are considering the kinds of bravery it takes to be yourself in life and friendships. With humor and heart we watch Bellwether Riggwelter venture out into the forest refusing to be stopped by his fear of the unknown (and of course, those big bad wolves).
ADVENTUREGAMES COMICS: Leviathan
ADVENTUREGAMES COMICS: Leviathan
Adventuregame Comics is a new series of interactive graphic novels in the vein of Jason Shiga's hit graphic novel Meanwhile. Readers follow the story from panel to panel using tubes that connect them, and sometimes the path will split, giving readers the chance to choose how the story unfolds. (From the publisher)
This book is part Choose Your Own Adventure, part maze, part graphic novel. In it the main character is guided through an adventure that the reader can play over and over and is sure to bring hours of fun to readers that love gaming, using creativity and using deduction to experience all there is in this book.
Grades 5-6 (22-23)
INVISIBLE
Christina Diaz Gonzalez & Gabriella Epstein
INVISIBLE
Christina Diaz Gonzalez & Gabriella Epstein
Can five overlooked kids make one big difference? There's George: the brain, Sara: the loner, Dayara: the tough kid, Nico: the rich kid, and Miguel: the athlete. And they're stuck together when they're forced to complete their school's community service hours. Although they're sure they have nothing in common with one another, some people see them as all the same--just five Spanish-speaking kids. Then they meet someone who truly needs their help, and they must decide whether they are each willing to expose their own secrets to help--or if remaining invisible is the only way to survive middle school. (From the publisher)
With relatable characters and a swift plot, this modern version of The Breakfast Club includes both Spanish and English translations of many conversations throughout the story. It could be a way to begin conversations about initial judgments of other people, and it may resonate with those who often feel misjudged by authority figures.
FRIZZY
Claribel A. Ortega
FRIZZY
Claribel A. Ortega
Tired of going to the salon to have her curls straightened every weekend, Marlene slowly learns to embrace her natural curly hair with the help of her best friend and favorite aunt. (From the publisher)
This Pura Belpre award-winning book portrays the pressure of beauty standards, most prominently projected by Marlene’s mother, on a young tween. The colors and art will appeal to this age group, and readers can learn about caring for curly hair alongside Marlene. As students begin trying different styles and exploring their own self-expression, they may enjoy seeing how Marlene navigates this journey.
Also Recommended : Grades K-6 (22-23)
THE SHARK PRINCESS
Nidhi Chanani
THE SHARK PRINCESS
Nidhi Chanani
Meet Kitana-a Shark Princess and the first of her kind. Her allergy-ridden best friend, Mack, wants to be one too, but he worries that his sharp teeth and big sneezes make him too dangerous to be a princess. With Kitana's help, Mack realizes his unique shine. (From the publisher)
THE FLAMINGO
Guojing
THE FLAMINGO
Guojing
A little girl arrives, excited for a beachy vacation with her Lao Lao. The girl and her grandmother search for shells, chase crabs, and play in the sea, but when the girl finds an exquisite flamingo feather in her grandmother's living room, her vacation turns into something fantastical. A nearly wordless graphic novel (From the publisher)
This book has to be seen to be appreciated. The illustrations are breathtaking and capture the imagination of readers of all ages. This graphic novel is a chapter book which will appeal to younger readers looking for a longer book to read and the sparse text will make it more accessible as well. A beautiful journey worth taking.
GUSTAV & HENRI: SPACE TIME CAKE!
Andy Matthews
GUSTAV & HENRI: SPACE TIME CAKE!
Andy Matthews
Opposites attract in this humorous graphic novel series about best friends, Gustav and Henri, short for Henrietta. (From the publisher)
ISLA TO ISLAND
Alexis Castellanos
ISLA TO ISLAND
Alexis Castellanos
Marisol loves her colorful island home. Cuba is vibrant with flowers and food and people…but things are changing. The home Marisol loves is no longer safe—and then it’s no longer her home at all. Her parents are sending her to the United States. Alone.(From the publisher)
In this beautiful wordless book, readers are transported to 1960’s Cuba and follow Marisol as she becomes an immigrant in a new land.
SMALLER SISTER
Maggie Edkins Willis
SMALLER SISTER
Maggie Edkins Willis
Lucy's always looked up to her big sister, Olivia, even though the two are polar opposites. But then, Lucy notices Olivia starts to change. She doesn't want to play with Lucy anymore, she's unhappy with the way she looks, and she's refusing to eat her dinner. Finally, Lucy discovers that her sister is not just growing up: Olivia is struggling with an eating disorder. (From the publisher)
This touching graphic novel deals with a heavy topic like eating disorders with humor and heart. Readers will find the relationship between the sisters to be realistic and encouraging. A must read book of the year.
Grades K-2 (2021-22)
TINY TALES: SHELL QUEST
TINY TALES: SHELL QUEST
Steph Waldo
When a little slug finds new friends in the backyard, she notices they look a lot like her… except they have shells! Maybe a shell is exactly what she needs to fit in– but finding one is a lot harder than it sounds! (From the publisher)
This is the perfect introduction to the graphic novel format– includes a handy “how-to” guide for reading comics. A comparison between a slug and a snail could also lend itself to work with venn diagrams or other comparing/contrasting activities.
KRACKEN ME UP
KRACKEN ME UP
Jeffrey Ebbeler
Izzie and her unusual pet make a big splash at the county fair in this punny easy reader comic. Izzie can't wait to debut her pet at the county fair. While the other children have brought pigs or chickens, Izzie brought a...Kraken! Even though everyone thinks Kraken is big and frightening, he is not. He's like Izzie, sweet and shy. Kraken and Izzie use creativity and humor to win over the crowd in this hilariously adorable comic. There are a variety of panel styles, speech bubbles, and fonts. (From the publisher)
This book has a clear and straightforward lesson centered around being open-minded, and unlike some graphic novels, would work for a classroom read aloud.
Grades 3-4 (2021-22)
SIMON AND CHESTER: SUPER DETECTIVES!
SIMON AND CHESTER: SUPER DETECTIVES!
Cale Atkinson
Welcome to the world of Simon and Chester, ghost and boy duo extraordinaire. They like to kick butt and take names. They don’t like chores. They are best friends. And they are about to solve the MYSTERY OF A LIFETIME. (Oh, and eat some snacks probably.) (From the publisher)
This would be a fun choice for introducing or reviewing the mystery genre. Any classroom or library collection is sure to see this book get frequent usage.
GARLIC & THE VAMPIRE
GARLIC & THE VAMPIRE
Bree Paulsen
Garlic feels as though she’s always doing something wrong. At least with her friend Carrot by her side and the kindly Witch Agnes encouraging her, Garlic is happy to just tend her garden, where it’s nice and safe. But when her village of vegetable folk learns that a bloodthirsty vampire has moved in, Garlic reluctantly agrees to face the mysterious vampire. (From the publisher)
Themes include friendship, bravery, overcoming challenges, and not judging a book by its cover. Other than a witch and a vampire, the characters are all vegetables; it could be a useful example in a discussion about personifying nonhuman characters. And though it may be a stretch, this would be a fun book to have on hand during a gardening unit.
Grades 5-6 (2021-22)
JUST ROLL WITH IT
JUST ROLL WITH IT
Veronica a. Agarwal & Lee Durfey-Lavoie
Starting middle school is hard enough when you don't know anyone; it's even harder when you're shy. A touching middle-grade graphic novel that explores the complexity of anxiety, OCD, and learning to trust yourself and the world around you. (From the publisher)
This is an important book for library or classroom collections; it provides representation for young people struggling not only with anxiety, but specifically OCD, which is often less discussed and less understood. It addresses the misconception that OCD is about obsessive organization, and explains some of its defining characteristics. It also ultimately shows the value of therapy. This story will be helpful to both those struggling with OCD themselves, or those just looking to have a better understanding of its impact. The author addresses her own experience with OCD in the author’s note, and additional backmatter includes a nifty overview of the graphic novel creation process.
ANOTHER KIND
ANOTHER KIND
Cait May & trevor Bream
Six kids search for a new place to call home in this middle grade graphic novel. Another Kind is not your average monster story. Tucked away in a government facility nicknamed the Playroom, six not-quite-human kids learn to control their strange and unpredictable abilities. (From the publisher)
This is a classic version of the “embrace your unique strengths” storyline, with a huge emphasis on the power of teamwork, diversity, and ultimately, love.
Additional Graphic Novels to Consider (2021-22)
TIDESONG
Wendy Xu
Sophie is a young witch whose mother and grandmother pressure her to attend the Royal Magic Academy—the best magic school in the realm—even though her magic is shaky at best. To train for her entrance exams, Sophie is sent to relatives she’s never met. Cousin Sage and Great-Aunt Lan seem more interested in giving Sophie chores than in teaching her magic. (From the publisher)
YUMMY: A HISTORY OF DESSERTS
Victoria Grace Elliott
Cake is delicious and comics are awesome: this exciting non-fiction graphic novel for kids combines both! Explore the history of desserts through a fun adventure with facts, legends, and recipes for readers to try at home. (From the publisher)
THE FIFTH QUARTER
Mike Dawson
Lori Block is dedicated to her fourth-grade basketball team, despite being relegated to an extra period before the real game starts, known as the fifth quarter, where the not-so-good kids play and the points don’t count. That doesn’t matter to Lori though, because working on her skills gives her hints of self-confidence, which is a nice break from feeling awkward and out-of-place in her daily life. (From the publisher)
JUST PRETEND
Tori Sharp
Tori has never lived in just one world. Since her parents' divorce, she's lived in both her mom's house and her dad's new apartment. And in both places, no matter how hard she tries, her family still treats her like a little kid. Then there's school, where friendships old and new are starting to feel more and more out of her hands. Thankfully, she has books–and writing.
PIZZA AND TACO
Stephen Shaskan
K-3 : Best friends are the BEST. But WHO is the BEST? Is it Pizza or Taco?
PEA, BEE, & JAY: STUCK TOGETHER
Brian "Smitty" Smith
K-3 : On their own they may not look like much, but if this trio can stick together they can overcome anything!
DONUT FEED THE SQUIRRELS
Mika Song
K-3 : Two squirrel best friends meet their match: a donut food truck!
TWINS
Varian Johnson
Grades 3-6 : Starting middle school, outgoing Francine is fine with it, but soft-spoken Maureen is filled with anxiety. When both girls decide to run for sixth grade class president, they are faced with sorting out decisions that could force them apart or grow them closer.
MEASURING UP
Lily LaMotte
Grades 3-6 : This sweet, family-oriented graphic novel celebrates cultural traditions and new beginnings in equal measure. Cici is good at making friends and adjusting to American culture, but she also celebrates her Taiwanese roots, finding joy and balance in both.
ACT
Kayla Miller
Grades 3-6 :Olive enters the world of small-scale politics when she decides to run for student council at her school.
WHEN STARS ARE SCATTERED
Victoria Jamieson
Omar Mohamed
Grades 5-6 : Through Omar’s journey, and those of his friends and family members, readers get a close, powerful view of the trauma and uncertainty refugees may experience as well as the faith, love, and support from the unexpected.
LIGHTFALL
Tim Probert
Grades 5-6 : Bea’s in a perilous position—dangling from a tree—when she meets Cad, an axolotl-like Galdurian, a race of beings long thought lost to history.
ATHLETES WHO MADE A DIFFERENCE
Blake Noena
Series recommendation : A collection of titles showing athletes with grit, leadership and resistance.
NOISE MAKERS
Series recommendation : Did anyone ever get anywhere by being quiet? To change anything, you have to make some noise.
ACTION PRESIDENTS
Fred Van Lente
Series recommendation : Each Action Presidents book includes useful,informative backmatter to supplement the comic-style interior text. The backmatter includes comprehensive timelines, historically accurate maps, helpful glossaries.
Page updated
Report abuse