The Best Graphic Novels for Kids of 2023

Babymouse Queen of the World at Amazon

Dog Man at Amazon

Cat Kid Comic Club at Amazon

Spider-Ham: Great Power, No Responsibility at Amazon

Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea at Amazon

Owly: The Way Home at Amazon

Hilda and the Mountain King at Amazon

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Best for Young Readers

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Classrooms can be a fun, exciting, and adventurous place for new students. That’s why we love this story that is centered around the unique cast of (animal) characters in “Mr. Wolf’s Class.” He’s a new teacher, and his fourth grade students’ big personalities make each day a bit more fun. The story from Eisner Award-winning author Aron Nels Steinke is best suited to kids from second grade to fifth grade.

Price at time of publication: $10

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Babymouse is tired of the same old ordinary routine, and wants a little glamor and excitement! When she hears about an invitation to the most exclusive slumber party of the year, she’s faced with the difficult decision to attend or cancel plans with her best friend. Read along as Babymouse grapples with the tough decision in her own cute, smart, and sassy way. From author Jennifer L. Holm, Babymouse is recommended for readers with a second-grade to fifth-grade reading level.

Price at time of publication: $7

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Part dog and part man, this police officer is quite the memorable hero. This funny, engaging story follows Dav Pilkey’s Dog Man as he takes down evil cat thieves and squirrels at the same time. It explores ideas of empathy, kindness, and persistence (even if this comes along with some share of potty jokes), which makes it a particularly strong choice for a younger audience. The recommended grade level is second grade and up.

Price at time of publication: $11

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Also from Dav Pilkey comes this hilarious Dog Man spinoff, a collection of stories. Featuring a team of baby frogs who share their stories in the comic book club, these silly comics serve as stories-within-the-story. The style is thoughtful and creative, and young or new readers will love taking in all the vibrant imagery. The recommended reading level is grade two and up.

Price at time of publication: $10

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This story follows the hilarious Marvel character Spider-Ham, a notoriously distracted anti-hero, as he loses (and must recover) the key to the city. This action-packed story is filled with silliness, so it’s perfect for grabbing the attention of young ones. Author Steve Foxe’s Spider-Ham series is recommended for kids from second to fifth grade.

Price at time of publication: $7

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The love of friendship is highlighted in this delightful book from Ben Clanton that follows an unlikely pair—a narwhal and a jellyfish—as they discover the deep ocean together. Through parties and adventures their bond grows stronger and stronger, and they soon form a pod of even more friends. This book is a fantastic way to teach little ones about the joys of friendship, the benefits of working together, and the delights of imagination and curiosity. It’s recommended for grade levels one to four.

Price at time of publication: $6

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Owly is a helpful, good-natured, and sweet little owl who is always helping others. He wants a friend, but he always manages to scare everyone away. That is, until he meets Wormy—another creature in need of a friend. This introduction to graphic novels from Andy Runton is perfect for young readers, because it combines a collection of words, images, and symbols. It’s recommended for grade levels two to five.

Price at time of publication: $11

Best for Middle Grade

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Split between two worlds—the neighborhood he lives in and the fancy private school his parents enrolled him in—Jordan just doesn’t seem to fit in, no matter where he is. This complex, Newberry Award-winning story from author Jerry Craft depicts the struggle of fitting in, especially when you don’t feel or look like the other kids in school. This insightful story shows how Jordan learns to navigate two different cultures, while staying true to himself along the way. It’s recommended for grade levels three to seven.

Price at time of publication: $13

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Smiling seems easy, but for kids with tooth trouble, it can cause a lot of anxiety. After tripping and falling after Girl Scouts one night, Raina starts down a path of surgery, headgear, fake teeth, and on-again, off-again braces. It’s a frustrating and tiresome journey, one that so many kids can relate to. This charming story from author Raina Telgemeier that helps kids realize that even the toughest times can get easier eventually. It’s recommended for readers grade three to six.

Price at time of publication: $11

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This action-packed series from author Luke Pearson is fun for the whole family, thanks to the misadventures of our heroine, Hilda. As Hilda is stuck in the body of a troll, her mother is worried, confused, and disturbed by the monster who has taken her daughter’s place. This is a fun read for the whole family, and even little ones will delight in the adventurous imagery. It’s best for readers in grades three to seven.

Price at time of publication: $11

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Parents and kids will love reading the modern retelling of this classic story from author Ivy Noelle Weir. Mary is surrounded by technology and heavily dependent on her gadgets until she moves in with her uncle in New York City and discovers an abandoned rooftop garden. With the help of some new friends, Mary leaves her gadgets behind and works to revitalize the garden and bring it back to its former glory. This story is recommended for readers in grades three to seven.

Price at time of publication: $12

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Neil Gaiman’s best-selling children’s book is given a new life with descriptive imagery in the graphic novel version from illustrator P. Craig Russell. When Coraline discovers another world that’s eerily similar to her own, she finds it marvelous at first. However, it’s more difficult to return to normal life than she thought. Coraline must use her wit, strong will, and courage to get back home. This story is recommended for readers in grades three to seven.

Price at time of publication: $11

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When Raina wakes up with a stomach ache, she assumes it’s probably just a bug. Once back at school, Raina realizes her tummy trouble might have something to do with the anxiety she’s feeling about school, food, and her changing friendships. Another true story from author Raina Telgemeier, this is a thoughtful take on growing up and our ability to gather the courage to face hardships, no matter how big or small they seem. It’s best suited for readers in grade levels three to seven.

Price at time of publication: $6

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This fun and funny story from author Emma Steinkellner follows Moth Hush, an ordinary girl who discovers extraordinary powers. Born and raised in a town that’s packed with witch history, Moth slowly discovers that she has a lot in common with the witches of the past. After some adventures with a talking cat, a magic diary, and a secret witch world, Moth slowly uncovers the truth about her town, her family, and herself. This story is recommended for grades three to seven.

Price at time of publication: $13

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The first story in this other-worldly series from author Tim Probert introduces us to two friends, Bea and Cad, who find themselves in the midst of an epic quest to save the world. Cad is a member of the Galdurians, an ancient race that everyone believed to be extinct. The two set out on an adventurous and enticing journey, which makes this story a fantastic read for parents and young ones to enjoy together. This is recommended for readers in grades three to seven.

Price at time of publication: $13

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This fun adaptation from author Mariah Marsden is the perfect way to enjoy a timeless classic with the whole family. Anne is a delightfully mischievous orphan who brightens up the town of Green Gables with her bright personality. Though the graphic novel is best suited for kids age 7 and up, but parents will love remembering the old story that’s refreshed and new again. This story is recommended for readers in grades four through six.

Price at time of publication: $10

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This heart wrenching story from author Jen Wang has it all: friendship, mystery, and joy. Moon and Christine soon become fast friends after moving in next door to each other. When Moon tells Christine her deepest secret—that she sees visions of celestial beings who speak to her from the stars—Moon ends up in the hospital fighting for her life. Their warm, relatable friendship is tested with these challenging times. This story is recommended for readers in grades three and four.

Price at time of publication: $13

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This silly, clever story is the second in a collection from “Pearls and Swine,” a series of stories from author Stephan Pastis specifically designed for young readers. It’s goofy and fun, and the cast of characters is expertly drawn. The digestible and approachable comics are fantastic for younger readers, so this is a great book for parents to read with children, helping to encourage an early love for books. This story is recommended for readers in grades four through six.

Price at time of publication: $7

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A pet is the perfect companion, unless you’re severely allergic to anything with fur. That’s the situation Maggie finds herself in this sweet story from author Megan Wagner Lloyd. While her parents are preoccupied and her twin siblings are off in their own world, Maggie wishes for a puppy to keep her company. Read along as she seeks to overcome her allergies in search of the perfect pet. This story is best suited to readers from third to seventh grade.

Price at time of publication: $12

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It can be hard to embrace a new sibling, especially for the big sister who doesn’t have time for cranky, grouchy babies. However, once Raina realizes the importance of sticking together, she and Amara develop a closer bond than she could’ve ever imagined. Hilariously funny and wildly charming, this tale of two sisters from Raina Telgemeier is inspiring and sweet. It’s recommended for readers in grades three to seven.

Price at time of publication: $10

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When they’re forced to complete mandatory community service, these five students think they couldn’t be more different. One is brainy, one is tough, one’s rich, one’s a loner, and one is an athlete, but eventually, they realize they have more in common than they thought. Parents will recognize the “Breakfast Club '' inspiration of this story from author Christina Diaz Gonzalez and will love the way it brings unique kids together despite their differences. It’s recommended for grade levels three to seven.

Price at time of publication: $10

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This inspiring story from author Lily LaMotte is an example of how food can help us come together and find our way. After entering a kids’ cooking contest, Cici realizes she only knows how to cook Taiwanese food. Determined to cook something more widely recognized, she seeks to find a recipe that will help her fit in more with her new friends. Read along as Cici learns the importance of staying true to herself, even when immersed in a new culture. This story is recommended for readers in grades three to seven.

Price at time of publication: $13

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Entering a new school can be tough, and it’s a challenge that most people remember for their entire lives. This hilarious depiction of middle-school-aged Greg shows him grappling with the challenges of adapting to school with the big kids. This modern classic is a blend of standard novel and graphic novel from author Jeff Kinney that any kid can relate to, regardless of their age or background. (And get ready to buy another 16 in the series, not to mention the spinoffs.) It’s best for kids in grades three to seven.

Price at time of publication: $9

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In this graphic novel from author Jennifer L. Holm, Sunny gets shipped off to Florida to spend the summer with her grandfather. The trip is pretty boring at first, that is until she meets Buzz, another kid living in her grandfather’s neighborhood. Sunny and Buzz get up to all kinds of adventures, facing off against alligators, runaway cats, and mysterious neighbors. All the while, Sunny still isn’t sure why she’s in Florida in the first place, and the reason turns out to be the biggest mystery of all. This story is recommended for grades three to seven.

Price at time of publication: $13

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When transitioning to a new school, Cece struggles to fit in, partly because she’s the new kid, and partly because she wears a large hearing aid strapped to her chest. After realizing that her hearing aid lets her hear her teacher wherever she is, she becomes a superhero to her classmates. Though it seems great at first, her disability makes her feel different, and her newfound super power makes her feel different, too. All Cece wants is a true friend, and this book from author Cece Bell teaches little ones that it’s OK to feel different sometimes. It’s recommended for grades three to seven.

Price at time of publication: $10

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While at a magical school for girls, Manu is silly and playful, rather than serious and studious. Her teacher thinks she can use her magic for good, but Manu would rather have fun than help people with her powers. After a prank goes seriously wrong, Manu is forced to grapple with the strength of her power, and get serious about her intention. This story from author Kelly Fernández, who based this story in part on the magical folklore of the Dominican Republic, is recommended for grades three to seven.

Price at time of publication: $11

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Fans of the original novels from Ann M. Martin will love this adaptation of the beloved “Baby-Sitters Club” books. The graphic novel version from adapters Gale Galligan and Raina Telgemeier follows Kristy, Mary Anne, Dawn, Mallory, Stacey, and Claudia as they tackle all the usual problems babysitters face—like barking dogs, cranky kids, and scary neighbors. Nothing is too much for this group of headstrong, entrepreneurial girls, who always seem to save the day. This series is recommended for grade levels three to seven.

Price at time of publication: $38

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In this engaging series, historical facts combine with action-packed stories for a book your young one won’t be able to put down. With titles like “I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic 1912,” and “I Survived the Nazi Invasion 1944,” this series from author Lauren Tarshis handles advanced subject matter in a way that’s easy to digest and approach. Each book contains a nonfiction section with real-life facts and images of each event, so your child can get a real idea of the story from a historical point of view. It’s recommended for grades three to seven.

Price at time of publication: $44

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The series—”Real Friends,” “Best Friends,” and “Friends Forever”—in this box set is inspired by author Shannon Hale’s own life, which makes it insightful, thoughtful, and thought-provoking. Friendship can be a tough thing to navigate, especially in middle school. Anyone facing the cliques of school will relate to these graphic memoirs that also touch on family and the difficulties of staying true to one’s own self. It’s recommended for readers in grades four to six.

Price at time of publication: $39

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Granted one magic wish after freeing unicorn Marigold Heavenly Nostrils from an unusual trap, Phoebe wishes to make the beautiful, vain creature her best friend. The two unlikely pals form a special bond, while facing hilarious adventures. The unicorn’s magic shines on Phoebe, who gradually discovers how special and awesome she really is. From author Dana Simpson, this story is recommended for grade levels four to six.

Price at time of publication: $10

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Summer is a magical time for kids, and this graphic novel from Chad Sell highlights all the fun and adventure the season has to offer. All you need is some cardboard and your imagination. Kids will love to read along as this crew turns their neighborhood into a cardboard kingdom. They’ll encounter knights, robots, and monsters, all with the help of a few ordinary boxes. The recommended reading level is fourth grade to seventh grade.

Price at time of publication: $10

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As a Russian girl in the American suburbs, Vera struggles to fit in. When her friends all escape to fancy summer camps, all Vera wants to do is follow suit, and she does so by attending a Russian summer camp filled with the same drama and hijinks. This hilariously truthful story is an honest depiction of author Vera Brosgol’s experience growing up. This story is recommended for readers in grades four to seven.

Price at time of publication: $11

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This fun and inspiring book from author Claribel A. Ortega teaches young girls to embrace their appearance, and to love the special traits that make us all different. For Marlene, that trait is her big, beautiful curly hair. When her mom tries to make her straighten it, she refuses to do so and instead, embraces her curls with pride. This story is recommended for grades three to seven.

Price at time of publication: $11

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From the author Colleen AF Venable comes this irresistible series about friends, adventures, and cats. Katie picks up a summer job so she can pay for summer camp, but it turns out her job is way more fun, exciting, and illuminating than camp could ever be. Can Katie wrangle cats, save a friendship, and crack a mystery all at the same time? We promise, your young reader won’t be able to put this story down. It’s recommended for grades three to seven.

Price at time of publication: $13

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After moving to help her sister deal with chronic illness, Catrina realizes there are ghosts in their new town. Cat’s sister Maya is determined to meet one, but Cat wants nothing to do with them. In this insightful story from one of our favorite authors, Raina Telgemeier, Cat learns to put aside her fears to help her sister. It’s a touching story about the power of friendship and family, and is a good example of how loved ones give us courage that we might not have thought possible. It’s recommended for readers grade three to six.

Price at time of publication: $19

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For any kid struggling with the transition to middle school, this funny book from author Victoria Jamieson will be a welcome read. Eleven-year-old Imogene’s parents work at the Renaissance Faire, and she’s excited to join them by training as a squire. In an effort to prove her bravery, Impy enrolls in middle school after a lifetime of being homeschooled. Just like most kids, she’s faced with the highs and lows, embarrassment, and anxiety of middle school, and it isn’t as easy as she thought it might be. This story is recommended for readers in grades four through seven.

Price at time of publication: $10

Best Graphic Novels for Teens

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In this sweet coming-of-age story from author Molly Knox Ostertag, 15-year-old Morgan is desperate to grow up and escape the little island that she grew up on. After meeting Keltie, a mysterious girl from the sea, she realizes her feelings might be stronger than friendship. The more she tries to hide from her feelings, the more they come to the surface. This story is recommended for readers in seventh grade and up.

Price at time of publication: $13

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This sweet coming-of-age story from author Alice Oseman combines the ideas of friendship and growing up with the challenges and ups and downs of coming out. It’s a charming and funny LGBTQIA+ series that’s great for teens who might be struggling with their own sexuality, or anyone who just wants a wholesome love story. This series is recommended for grades seven and up.

Price at time of publication: $15

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This important graphic novel from author Kiku Hughes draws attention to a time in our country’s history that is often forgotten or overlooked: the Japanese-American internment camps. When Kiku visits San Francisco, she finds herself forcibly placed in the 1940s internment camp her late grandmother was in. The story is riveting and educational for kids who might not already know the struggles previous generations went through in the not-so-distant past. This story is recommended for grades seven through nine.

Price at time of publication: $18

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This meaningful and moving memoir tells the true story of author Thi Bui and her family as they escape South Vietnam in the 1970s. The family searches for a better future while longing for the past, and the detailed imagery shows the struggle and despair that families can go through during the immigration process. It’s evocative, emotional, and provocative, and it’s recommended for grades eight and up.

Price at time of publication: $22

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From Grammy winner and author Alicia Keys and author Andrew Weiner comes the riveting story of Lolo, an ordinary girl who discovers extraordinary powers. Lolo finds strength she didn’t know she had in this coming-of-age tale that’s packed with family drama, action, and magic. This story is recommended for readers in grades nine through 12.

Price at time of publication: $15

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In this collection of comics, mini-essays, and illustrations, author ND Stevenson depicts exactly what it’s like being a creative person in the world. Drawing from his own experiences spanning over eight years of his life, this collection is an accurate depiction of the highs and lows of everyday life. This memoir is recommended for grade levels nine to 12.

Price at time of publication: $18

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This is a powerful memoir from author Jarrett J. Krosoczka that handles some tough subject matter—main character Jarrett has a drug-addicted mother and missing father. The story follows along as he tries to make his abnormal family life seem as normal as possible. Thankfully, he finds a way to express himself through drawing, which is an artform that helps him cope with it all. This memoir is recommended for grades seven to nine.

Price at time of publication: $10

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Thrust into a world that she doesn’t quite understand, Robin finds solace in her local comic book drawing class. This emotional memoir tells the story of the author Robin Ha and her recently married mother, who were once as close as can be, after they move from Seoul, South Korea, to Huntsville, Alabama. Robin relies on drawing to get her through the challenging time, and it gives her the confidence to try to find her place, even when she feels like an outsider. This story is recommended for readers in grades eight and nine.

Price at time of publication: $12

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Immigrating from a different country can be unspeakably challenging for a young kid, but this memoir tells author Laura Gao’s story in a way that’s engaging, relatable, and hilarious. Packed with real-life anecdotes of her experience moving from Wuhan, China, to Texas at an early age, it chronicles her experience developing her own identity, both culturally and sexually. This story is best for readers in grades nine through 12.

Price at time of publication: $13

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Jacob grew up hearing stories of the remarkable children at Miss Peregrine’s Home—the place where his grandfather lived during the second World War. As Jacob got older, he assumed these stories must be fake, but after his grandfather’s surprising death, he seeks to untangle the mystery of the strange, gifted children living on an island in Wales. Cassandra Jean illustrated the graphic novel adaptation of author Ransom Riggs’ beloved YA novel, and it is recommended for readers in grades eight and up.

Price at time of publication: $20

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For high school girls, meeting a new group of kids can feel like a horror story. Turns out, this story from author Maggie Tokuda-Hall actually is. After Becca transfers to a new school, she quickly befriends the most popular girls in school. Suspicious, Becca soon discovers that something isn’t quite right about Marley, Arianna, and Mandy. Their big secret is revealed in this captivating and fast-paced story. It’s recommended for readers in grades nine through 12.

Price at time of publication: $13

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