Graphic Novels Fiction

Algarmi, Wahab. Almost Sunset. HarperAlley.
Gr 5-8–A necessary mirror for middle grade Muslim readers, and a tremendous window into the customs of Ramadan for peers and educators.

Angleberger, Tom. Dino Poet. Abrams/Fanfare.
K-Gr 3–Elementary school readers and their teachers will delight in this laugh-out-loud narrative lesson on poetry writing or even pick it up just for fun.

Bakes, Jules. Sea Legs. illus. by Niki Smith. Scholastic/Graphix.
Gr 4 Up–This captivating story about stormy friendships and life at sea is a must-have for middle grade graphic novel collections.

Bass, Guy. Stitch Head. illus. by Pete Williamson. Capstone.
Gr 4 Up–This is a quirky, sweet, and spooky graphic novel with appeal to readers who enjoy stories that challenge their expectations of good and evil.

Colossal, Eric. Ghost Town. Abrams/Fanfare.
Gr 5 Up–Brimming with luminous artwork, this coming-of-age graphic novel is a perfect pick for fans of Ghostbusters, Stranger Things , and other paranormal stories that feature unlikely heroes.

EATON, Maxwell, III. Survival Scout: Lost at Sea. Roaring Brook.
Gr 4 Up–With its intelligence, tact, and humor, every boat that sets sail could benefit from having a copy of this book on board.

Emberley, Michael. Night Light. Holiday House.
PreS-Gr 1–A richly imagined story to help children find balance when they are afraid, this is highly recommended for all collections.

Fahmy, Huda. Huda F Wants to Know? Dial.
Gr 7-10– A captivating graphic novel that shows readers from all communities that it’s possible to recognize and address mental health concerns while still respecting cultural values.

Fajardo, Kat. Miss Camper. Scholastic/Graphix.
Gr 4 Up–For graphic novel fans who enjoy realistic family and friend relationships, camp stories, and characters who grow up before their eyes.

Galligan, Gale. Fresh Start. Scholastic/Graphix.
Gr 3-8–This humorous and energetic story about starting over in a new town and forging friendships and identity is a must-have for libraries serving elementary and middle school readers.

Healy, Kay. Casey’s Cases: The Mysterious New Girl. Holiday House/Neal Porter.
Gr 2-5–Fun and irreverent mysteries with relatable humor fill this charmer that highlights the value of friendship and being yourself.

Horn, Dara. One Little Goat: A Passover Catastrophe. illus. by Theo Ellsworth. Norton.
Gr 9 Up–This Passover story is written with nimble tongue-in-cheek humor. Readers won’t want it to end.

Larson, Hope. Very Bad at Math. HarperAlley.
Gr 4-8–With captivating characters and a thoughtful exploration of dyscalculia, this book is a wonderful addition to any library.

Moyle, Sabrina. Comet Together! illus. by Eunice Moyle. Abrams/Fanfare.
Gr 2 Up–Sometimes you just need to laugh at a wild, goofy story. These cosmic adventures are as absurd as a squirrel and unicorn being friends.

O’Neill, K. A Song for You and I. Random House Graphic.
Gr 5-7–A novice archer tries to prove they are ready to follow tradition and become a fully fledged ranger in this stunningly illustrated and heartfelt tale of self-discovery and growth.

Park, Barbara. Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus: The Graphic Novel. adapt. by Colleen AF Venable. illus. by Honie Beam. Random.
K-Gr 2–A must-buy for any collection, whether Junie is new to readers or an old friend. Park could not ask for a better representation of her classic.

Persico, Zoe. How to Talk to Your Succulent. Tundra.
Gr 4 Up–With enchanting artwork and profound storytelling, this debut offers windows and mirrors into the grieving process, and will move readers to tears—in the best way.

Ramm, Meggie. Batcat: Cooking Contest! Abrams/Fanfare.
Gr 2 Up–Batcat and friends have another hit, this time with a healthy dose of friendship, and a lot of food. A wonderful book for all seasons.

Robin, Taylor. Hunger’s Bite. Union Square Kids.
Gr 7 Up–This harrowing story of vampires, sea survival, and justice is a feast for horror enthusiasts and lays the groundwork for a sequel.

Scrivan, Maria. Nat a Chance. Scholastic/Graphix.
Gr 3-7–A relatable series installment that delivers positive lessons and humor as its awkward heroine grapples with her confidence in sports.

Smart, Jamie. Max and Chaffy: Welcome to Animal Island. DK.
PreS-Gr 4–This new series starts strong, providing the hope of new friends and adventures to early readers.

Snyder, Scott. Duck and Cover. illus. by Rafael Albuquerque. Dark Horse.
Gr 9 Up–A thrilling series from a modern horror master and an absolute must-read for sci-fi or dystopian fiction fans.

Stuart, Dean. Cassi and the House of Memories. Viking.
Gr 4-7–As Cassi navigates through her grandfather’s memories, this look into the early stages of dementia is an elegantly written and touching family story with wonderful art, and a must-have for all shelves.

Tang, Betty C. Outsider Kids: A Parachute Kids Graphic Novel. Scholastic/Graphix.
Gr 5 Up–As powerful and triumphant as the first book, this eye-opening story will have readers cheering on the siblings as they band together to prove they can make their American life work.

Telgemeier, Raina & Scott McCloud. The Cartoonists Club. illus. by Raina Telgemeier, Scott McCloud & Ray Baehr. Scholastic/Graphix.
Gr 5 Up–A powerhouse team-up from two of comic’s very best creators. Young readers who have an interest in making comics or who love to read them will benefit from understanding the process behind the format.

Terciero, Rey. Dan in Green Gables: A Modern Reimagining of Anne of Green Gables. illus. by Claudia Aguirre. Penguin Workshop.
Gr 8 Up–This queer retelling of Anne of Green Gables is a bright tale with hard themes, perfect for fans of Mike Curato’s Flamer or those who enjoy the works of Ivy Noelle Weir and Kathleen Gros.

Turnbloom, Lucas. Steve L. McEvil and the Twisted Sister. Crown.
Gr 3-7–Mad science and superheroes collide again in this galactic adventure where characters are much more than they seem.

van Lieshout, Maria. Song of a Blackbird. First Second.
Gr 10 Up–Touching, gripping, and heartbreaking, this historical graphic novel doesn’t shy away from the dark sides of the true WWII events it’s based on, while still offering a ray of hope for the genuine good out there.

White, Owena. Tripping Over You. illus. by Suzana Harcum. First Second.
Gr 10 Up–Fans of Alice Oseman’s Heartstopper will enjoy this tension-filled LGBTQIA+ romance and anxiously await the next volume.

Williams-Garcia, Rita. One Crazy Summer: The Graphic Novel. illus. by Sharee Miller. HarperCollins/Quill Tree.
Gr 3-7–The personal is profoundly political, and a specific experience feels universally meaningful in this fantastic graphic novel adaptation.

Graphic Novels Nonfiction

Combs, Alex L. & Andrew Eakett. Trans History: A Graphic Novel: From Ancient Times to the Present Day. Candlewick.
Gr 9 Up–An incredibly comprehensive and strongly researched reference, resource, and overview of historical accounts surrounding trans identity.

Lambelet, Anne. I’m a Dumbo Octopus!: A Graphic Guide to Cephalopods. Lerner/Graphic Universe.
Gr 2-4–Perfect for young marine biologists, this guide to cephalopods uses humor and fascinating facts to capture the imagination and remind readers that new discoveries are being made every day.

Osborne, Mary Pope. Magic Tree House Fact Tracker Graphic Novel: Dinosaurs. adapt. by Jenny Laird. illus. by Jomike Tejido. Random.
Gr 1-5–This thorough introduction to dinosaurs of all kinds is a valuable reference tool for educators and students, and a fun read. Dino fans will hate returning this one.

Shah, Amar. Wish I Was a Baller. illus. by Rashad Doucet. Scholastic/Graphix.
Gr 5 Up–This excellent coming-of-age sports nonfiction is a perfect example of trying, failing, and rising again.

Vavagiakis, Eve M. I’m a Photon. illus. by Mike Malbrough. MIT Kids.
Gr 2-4–A surprisingly captivating introduction to particle physics that will serve as a helpful selection to libraries and classrooms.

Manga

Doyle, Sir Arthur Conan. Manga Classics: Sherlock Holmes, Vol. 1. adapt. by Crystal S. Chan. illus. by Julien Choy. Manga Classics.
Gr 6 Up–Ushering in a color era for the “Manga Classics” series, this volume looks great while weaving a puzzling mystery to both entertain and introduce teens to the amazing deduction magic of Sherlock Holmes.

Syuu. Victoria of Many Faces, Vol. 1. illus. by Komo Ushino & Nanna Fujimi. Yen Pr.
Gr 7 Up–Highly recommended for manga collections looking to add deeply captivating stories with themes of found family and strong female leads.