Must-Read Graphic Novels for Kids Ages 8-12
You’ve likely heard that graphic novels are taking the kidlit world by storm. You know that they count as real books, perfect for reluctant, struggling, and ESL readers, and that they challenge visual thinkers and advanced learners because they require higher levels of comprehension. Graphic novels are not just glorified comics, but you know that.
What you don’t know is which books will captivate young readers from cover to cover. Out of all the graphic novels cramming the shelves, which ones should your kid read?
Graphic novels are not all about superheroes in tights or mischievous kids wreaking havoc on adults. The following 13 titles feature a variety of stories. These books are filled with laughter, heartwarming moments, relatable coming-of-age stories, and fast-paced adventures.
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1
Add to BookshelfFlora and Ulysses: Tie-in Edition
by Kate DiCamillo
Winner of a Newbery Medal and adapted into a heartwarming movie, this book firmly belongs in the must-read category for upper elementary students. Ten-year-old Flora Belle Buckman is a self-proclaimed cynic and comic book lover until a runaway vacuum cleaner sucks up a squirrel and gives him superpowers. Now, with her new sidekick, Ulysses — the flying, poetry-writing squirrel — Flora sets out on a hilarious adventure full of chaos, villains, and unexpected heroism. Interspersed with dashes of comic book layouts, Flora & Ulysses comfortably straddles the fence between chapter book and graphic novel.
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$7.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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2
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Mexikid
by Pedro MartĂn
With eight siblings, Pedro MartĂn’s house is already bursting at the seams. The last thing he expects is a road trip to Mexico to pick up his legendary Abuelito, a former revolutionary and soon-to-be roommate. Set in the 1970s, this heartfelt graphic memoir follows Pedro as his family embarks on an epic journey in a Winnebago, filled with sibling chaos, cultural clashes, and plenty of laughs. Along the way, Pedro learns what it means to connect with his roots and find his grito. This Newbury Honor Award winner is a delightful coming-of-age story.
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$24.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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3
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We Are Big Time
by Hena Khan
When Aliya moves from sunny Florida to chilly Wisconsin, she’s ready for a fresh start, but her new school’s basketball team needs serious help. With a new coach, some awkward teammates, and a lot of spirit, Aliya and the Peace Academy girls work to turn things around on and off the court. Along the way, they discover that teamwork, confidence, and pride in who you are matter more than the scoreboard. Funny and fast-paced, this graphic novel is based on the real-life Milwaukee Salam Stars.
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$21.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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4
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Picture Day
by Sarah Sax
Viv is tired of blending in, so on picture day, she grabs some scissors, kisses her boring braid goodbye, and says hello to viral fame. Overnight, she becomes Brinkley Middle School’s go-to influencer and starts helping classmates plan everything from epic haircuts to over-the-top dance proposals. Viv’s star is on the rise, but as her follower count goes up, her true friendships dwindle. Soon, Viv must decide if being noticed is worth the trade-off. This graphic novel about friendship, identity, and the messy side of going viral is both funny and relatable.
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$21.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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5
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Creaky Acres: A Graphic Novel
by Calista Brill and Nilah Magruder
When 10-year-old Nora’s mom lands a new job in the country, she has to leave behind her friends, her fancy horse stable, and everything she knows. Now the only Black kid at her new school and the newest rider at the rundown Creaky Acres barn, Nora is anything but thrilled. But with the help of her trusty horse, Hay Fever, and a quirky new group of friends, she discovers that winning isn’t just about ribbons — it’s about learning to shine.
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$24.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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6
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The City of Ember
by Jeanne DuPrau
Deep underground in the city of Ember, the lights are failing, and no one knows why. When Lina discovers a mysterious message from the past that might hold the key to saving their dying city, she and her friend Doon set off on a daring race against time to decode it before everything goes dark. This graphic novel brings Jeanne DuPrau’s classic adventure to life for a whole new generation of readers, featuring striking artwork that captures the glow and gloom of Ember.
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$13.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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7
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Deepwater Creek: A Graphic Novel
by Michael Regina
Wade and his little brother Andrew love fishing more than anything, until one foggy trip when they hook something so big it pulls them under. In the murky water, they come face-to-face with a real-life river monster. No one believes them, so the brothers and two of their friends set out to prove their story and save their town in the process. As the kids dive deeper (literally and figuratively), they discover that not all monsters live underwater.
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$24.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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8
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Monkey King and the World of Myths: The Monster and the Maze
by Maple Lam
Sun Wukong sprang forth from a rock with a fierce fighting ability and the power to transform himself. Unfortunately, this makes him an outcast, and he longs to become a god so people will worship and love him. The gods promise to fulfill Sun Wukong’s wish in exchange for saving the world from an ancient evil. His journey takes him to Greece, where he faces a labyrinth, a three-headed dog, and the fearsome Minotaur. This colorful remix of Chinese mythology is packed with action, adventure, and a little bit of monkey business.
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$23.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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9
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Roller Girl
by Victoria Jamieson
Twelve-year-old Astrid’s summer flips upside down when her best friend Nicole chooses dance camp over roller derby. While at derby camp, Astrid comes face-to-face with tough girls, new friendships, and her first roller derby bout. She also contends with her feelings about the impending arrival of middle school and a friendship that’s drifting apart. In this classic coming-of-age story, you’ll find plenty of heart, laughs, and roller-skating action.
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$23.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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10
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When Stars Are Scattered
by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed
Omar and his younger brother Hassan have spent most of their lives in Kenya’s Dadaab refugee camp under the care of their foster mother, Fatuma. Life is tough, incredibly dull, and lacks the medical care his non-verbal brother needs. When Omar gets the chance to attend school, he faces an impossible choice: Chase a better future or stay by his brother’s side. With warmth and honesty, this graphic memoir is a powerful look at hope and resilience in the face of unimaginable challenges. Pictures of the brothers and the author’s notes in the back matter provide emotional and historical context to this multi-award-winning novel.
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$24.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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11
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Hoops: A Graphic Novel
by Matt Tavares
In 1975, the girls’ basketball team at Wilkins Regional High is ready to make history — if only someone would notice them. With no uniforms, no bus, and only the elementary school gym to practice in, the Lady Bears must dribble through an unfair playing field to alley-oop their way to a championship. Based on a true story, Matt Tavares’s debut graphic novel is an inspiring look at teamwork, friendship, and the early days of Title IX, when girls had to fight for the right to play sports.
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$22.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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12
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The Legend of Auntie Po
by Shing Yin Khor
In a late 19th-century Sierra Nevada logging camp, 13-year-old Chinese American Mei keeps her spirits high by spinning tall tales about Auntie Po, a towering, magical matriarch who protects the camp. As she navigates the harsh realities of anti-Chinese discrimination, camp politics, and her growing feelings for her best friend Bee, Mei discovers the power of stories, community, and holding onto your traditions while carving out a place in the world.
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$22.99Buy from Other Retailers:
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13
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The Adventures of Invisible Boy: A Graphic Novel
by Doogie Horner
Stanley’s first day at a new school takes a wild turn when a science-fair mishap turns him invisible! At first, it’s the ultimate freedom — he can sneak around and do whatever he wants. But when the potion’s inventor unleashes chaos across town, Stanley must team up (and face off) with another invisible kid to set things right. Packed with zany inventions, comic-style action, and laugh-out-loud antics, this is invisibility like you’ve never seen before.
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$23.99Buy from Other Retailers:
