I have to admit that graphic novels are somewhat new to me. I don’t remember reading any when I was growing up, but my oldest daughter has recently really enjoyed them. If you have a child or student who really doesn’t love reading, I would recommend trying out a graphic novel. It has a totally different feel than a regular book, and oftentimes it barely feels like you’re reading at all. Graphic novels can also be a great choice for kids who feel burned out with school and just need a little variation. My daughter read all five of these graphic novels and sincerely loved them all!
New Kid
This won the Newbery Medal in 2020 and was the first graphic novel to win this prestigious award. The book tells the story of a biracial middle schooler at an elite New York private school who feels somewhat torn between his neighborhood life and his new friends from school. I loved that this book dealt with race in a way that was relatable and somewhat lighthearted. In some ways it reminded me of the book Wonder with an emphasis on racial stereotypes rather than physical deformities. If you love this one, don’t miss the sequel, Class Act.
When Stars are Scattered
This was such a unique story about two brothers growing up in a refugee camp in Kenya. It gives an intimate look at the life of refugees and really humanized the characters. Interestingly, it’s based on the true story of a Somali refugee who dictated his story directly to author Victoria Jamieson.
Little Rock Nine
This graphic novel tells the story of the desegregation of Little Rock’s Central High School from the perspective of two students, one black and one white. I was amazed at how well this graphic novel captured the tensions and emotion surrounding these historic events, and the illustrations really made the story personal. Because of some mature language, I would recommend this book for kids 10 and older.
Roller Girl
This was a fun read about a pre-teen girl from Portland, Oregon who falls in love with roller derby. As she improves her skating skills, she also deals with the loss of one friendship and the gain of a new one. I enjoyed learning so much about roller derby and also felt that the characters were believable and relatable.
The Dragonet Prophecy
The entire Wings of Fire series has been one my 10-year-old has loved, but this was a fun spin on the first novel. Even though she had already read the original, my daughter equally enjoyed this new adaptation. Tui Sutherland has created a completely new fantasy world filled with all different species of dragons, and the action and adventure in each installment keeps readers on the edge of their seats. (If you love dragons, check our other favorite dragon books!)
Have you or your kids enjoyed any graphic novels? I’d love to hear your favorites in the comments!