Kids' graphic novels are the perfect option to pick up at any age, whether your children need a little encouragement to complete at-home reading hours or prefer comic books to word-only titles. Known for their rich plots, creative characters, powerful storytelling, and amazing illustrations, graphic novels offer thousands of stories to choose from. Discover a few kids’ graphic novels we enjoy and get inspired.
Is There a Difference Between Comics and Graphic Novels?
While both comic books and graphic novels tell their stories through panels with a combination of illustration and dialogue, it's the length that sets them apart. Comic books are released in small, single-story issues, one at a time over a long period. A graphic novel is much longer, similar to a typical novel, and tells one story from start to finish.
Why Do Kids Love Reading Graphic Novels?
If you're attempting to turn your kid into an avid reader, like yourself, kids’ graphic novels, are the best place to start. With titles available in a wide age-range, graphic novels keep children engaged with colorful illustrations, encourage word comprehension, and are overall more accessible to readers of all ages and skill levels. Soon enough, you’ll be reading your new July book release and their favorite graphic novel side by side!
Popular Genres for Kids’ Graphic Novels:
- Fantasy
- YA fiction
- Dystopian
- Adventure and action
- Classics retellings
5 Kids' Graphic Novels to Add to Your Library
The next time you need to pick a title for your favorite audiobook subscription service or summer reading challenge, support your little reader's love of graphic novels by grabbing one (or all) of these five titles:
1. Smile by Raina Telgemeier
As your child prepares to enter the dreaded middle school years, help them mentally prepare and get the giggles out with the beloved kids’ graphic novel-memoir hybrid, Smile. Raina just wants to be a normal sixth grader, but after a bad fall at Girl Scouts messes up her two front teeth, her life feels so, totally over. Follow this adorkable girl as she deals with a slurry of frustrating dental issues, embarrassing boy confusion, and rocky friendships in this honest and relatable tale.
If you and your child fly through this adored graphic novel, grab the entire trilogy! Sisters, which handles the classic sibling challenge of having to share your parent's spotlight, and Guts, a thoughtful and charming story of dealing with classic school anxiety, will complete your box set.
2. American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang
American Born Chinese tells the story of three seemingly unrelated characters: Jin Wang, a boy who's recently moved and discovered he's the only Chinese-American at his new school; the Monkey King, one of the oldest subjects of Chinese fables; and Chin-Kee, a representation of the negative Chinese stereotype. Chaos and action ensue as their lives become intertwined in inexplicable ways. With themes of identity, acceptance, and inclusion, this kid's graphic novel does more than satisfy the desire for action—it teaches its readers valuable lessons.
3. Mabuhay! by Zachary Sterling
There are amazing kids' graphic novels at any reading level, as proven by Sterling's fantasy tale. In Mabuhay!, you follow two first-generation Filipino siblings, JJ and Althea, each with their own woes at school, who hate nothing more than working on their parent's food truck. But when folklore creatures such as witches and ogres begin threatening their family business, they may have to embrace who they are to save the people they love. Aimed mainly at third and fourth graders, this graphic novel is an adventurous tale of accepting identities, exploring culture, and the heartwarming importance of good food.
4. Scurry by Mac Smith
Dystopian fiction is a niche subgenre for kids' graphic novels, and Scurry does it best. In a world where humans are long gone, the sun rarely shows its face, and a mysterious dark rain ruins everything it touches; follow a group of brave house mice as they struggle to make it through winter. Since their main food source (human wasteful habits) is gone, these scavengers will do anything it takes to survive, including crossing a scary forest with a feral gang of cats on their tails! This fast-paced and beautifully illustrated tale will challenge your reader's imagination and keep them coming back for each new title in the series.
5. Duel, written by Jessixa Bagley and illustrated by Aaron Bagley
Tips for Introducing Kids’ Graphic Novels to Your Children
Help your children get the most out of these vibrant and exciting tales with these helpful tips:
#1 Read aloud: Remember the days your kid loved nothing more than snuggling up and listening to their favorite picture books before bed? Bring that habit back, or have them read to you and enjoy the art together.
#2 Choose a title together: Kids are more likely to get lost in a book if they are involved in the decision. Take a family trip to your local bookstore and browse the kid's graphic novel section to see what tickles their fancy.
#3 Find a genre they love: If your little ones have an unwavering obsession with Greek gods (thank you, Rick Riordan), fairy tales and dragons, superheroes, or more, find a kids’ graphic novel that fits in with the rest of their collection.
#4 Buy the audiobook version as well: Kids can use their Yoto Player or other audiobook subscription service and listen to talented voice-over artists bring the story to life as they read along.
#5 Look at the reading level: most, if not all, kids' graphic novels will have an indicator of the best age for the content, story, and characters.
Ignite your children's passion for reading with exciting and beautiful kids' graphic novels! Our top five titles are just the beginning—there's a whole world of books just waiting to be explored.
