25 of the Finest Graphic Novels for Children


As soon as extra for the folks within the again: Graphic novels are books! Not solely do they “depend” as studying (how foolish to assume in any other case), however the very best graphic novels are an invaluable instrument to assist early readers be taught to like the written phrase. That’s why we suggest having all kinds of the very best graphic novels for youths on the cabinets in your classroom. Not solely are these selections a number of the quickest to unfold from scholar to scholar, however the various tales and exquisite illustrations can have interaction readers of all ages for whom massive blocks of textual content can show difficult. From early readers excellent for studying aloud to Nationwide Guide Award finalists, these are our picks for the very best graphic novels for youths.

Finest Graphic Novels for Children in Grades 2 and three

Cover of Shark Princess graphic novel
Penguin Younger Readers

1. Shark Princess by Nidhi Chanani

Kitana is the very first Shark Princess the ocean has ever seen. Her finest pal, Mack, desires to be one too however worries his huge enamel and larger allergic reactions make him a poor candidate to comply with in her fin-steps. This light journey story is a superb decide for kiddos who want a lift of confidence, both in studying or in realizing that who they are surely is sufficient. Bonus: tons of shark details for science integration!

Purchase it: Shark Princess

Cover of Pencil and Eraser graphic novel
Penguin Younger Readers

2. Pencil & Eraser by Jenny Alvarado

Pencil and Eraser are your basic head-in-the-clouds/feet-on-the-ground duo. However one factor they’ve in widespread is their love of journey (at the least when their human, Stella, isn’t wanting). And when Pencil faces the beginning of the varsity 12 months with a uninteresting level, the pair should set off to discover a sharpener. Will they have the ability to cross the classroom collectively with out being noticed by Stella’s classmates, the trainer, and the eagle-eyed janitor? A fantastic decide for youths who be taught finest once they’re laughing.

Purchase it: Pencil & Eraser

The cover of Cookie & Broccoli: Ready for School graphic novel.
Penguin Younger Readers

3. Cookie & Broccoli: Prepared for College! by Bob McMahon

Cookie and Broccoli couldn’t be extra completely different, however that doesn’t cease them from being finest pals. However on the primary day of college, making new pals may be arduous, even for outgoing Cookie. The 2 provide you with the proper plan to recover from their first-day jitters: forming the Shy Associates Membership! This early graphic novel collection is a enjoyable read-aloud for youths nonetheless getting used to their new classroom.

Purchase it: Cookie & Broccoli: Prepared for College!

The cover of The Gingerbread Man: Class Pet on the Loose graphic novel.
Penguin Younger Readers

4. The Gingerbread Man: Class Pet on the Unfastened by Laura Murray

The fan-favorite Gingerbread Man graphic novels for early readers are again with a brand new pal: the category pet, Squeaks. However when her cage door is left open, it’s a wild-goose chase (mouse chase?) to seek out her. The interactive illustrations and rhymes make this a wonderful decide for the youngest readers, notably followers of the image e-book collection.

Purchase it: The Gingerbread Man: Class Pet on the Unfastened

Cover of Amber Brown Is NOT a Crayon graphic novel.
Penguin Younger Readers

5. Amber Brown Is Not a Crayon by Paula Danziger

Amber Brown shouldn’t be a crayon, however the basic younger reader chapter e-book is now a graphic novel! 9-year-old Amber and fellow third grader Justin have been finest pals since preschool. However when Justin finds out his household is shifting, the besties should be taught to maintain their bond robust at the same time as they are saying goodbye.

This can be a excellent “department out” e-book for youths who is likely to be skeptical of chapter books. How does the graphic novel examine to the unique? They’ll should learn to seek out out.

Purchase it: Amber Brown Is Not a Crayon

Finest Graphic Novels for Children in Grades 4-6

The cover of the graphic novel PAWS: Gabby Gets It Together.
Penguin Younger Readers

6. PAWS: Gabby Will get It Collectively by Nathan Fairbairn

Finest pals Gabby, Mindy, and Priya love animals. Sadly, none of them are in a position to have pets. So the trio comes up with the proper plan: an after-school dog-walking enterprise. However it seems that really working a enterprise is tougher than they first thought. Will they have the ability to steadiness their different commitments and maintain their shoppers completely satisfied? PAWS is a superb collection for enthusiastic college students who may see themselves mirrored in these bold characters.

Purchase it: PAWS: Gabby Will get It Collectively

The cover of Redwall: The Graphic Novel.
Penguin Younger Readers

7. Redwall: The Graphic Novel by Brian Jacques

Illustrated by famed comics artist Bret Blevins, this award-worthy graphic novel brings vibrant new life to the basic journey story. The mice of Mossflower Wooden concern the approaching of the depraved rat, Cluny, and his horde. Solely the misplaced sword of Martin the Warrior can save them … that and a humble, bumbling apprentice who seeks to turn out to be a hero. The Redwall saga has been a examined favourite for nearly 40 years and is good for reluctant readers and bookish children alike.

Purchase it: Redwall: The Graphic Novel

The cover of the graphic novel Who Is the Man in the Air? Michael Jordan.
Penguin Younger Readers

8. Who Is the Man within the Air? Michael Jordan by Gabe Soria

Followers of the favored Who Was collection will love this story of the athleticism and willpower of a real G.O.A.T. (in case you don’t know, ask your college students), Michael Jordan. This graphic novel for youths highlights Jordan’s triumphant “Flu Sport” of 1997 when he powered by a mysterious sickness in recreation 5 of the NBA finals. Nice for inclusion in a biography unit or for college kids who assume they might quite be watching the sport than studying a e-book.

Purchase it: Who Is the Man within the Air? Michael Jordan

The cover of the graphic novel The Deep! Wild Life at the Ocean's Darkest Depths.
Penguin Younger Readers

9. The Deep! Wild Life on the Ocean’s Darkest Depths by Lindsey Leigh

Do you know that scientists know extra concerning the floor of the moon than the underside of the ocean? And what we do know is fascinating: clear fish, 1,000-year-old tube worms, and an aquatic worm known as a “flying buttocks.” Among the best graphic novels for youths that presents scientific details comics-style, and a good selection to show in tandem with an ocean unit.

Purchase it: The Deep! Wild Life on the Ocean’s Darkest Depths

The cover of the graphic novel Doodles from the Boogie Down.
Penguin Younger Readers

10. Doodles From the Boogie Down by Stephanie Rodriguez

Steph is a creative Dominican American woman about to embark on an NYC ceremony of passage: making use of to excessive faculties. Her dream is to attend LaGuardia Excessive College of Music & Artwork and Performing Arts, however she is aware of her strict mother would by no means let her make the every day commute from the Bronx to midtown Manhattan. Her plan to make her dream come true is genius, however it requires mendacity to everybody she loves. This graphic novel for youths is a good way to introduce readers to literary battle.

Purchase it: Doodles From the Boogie Down

The cover of Monkey King and the World of Myths graphic novel.
Penguin Younger Readers

11. Monkey King and the World of Myths: The Monster and the Maze by Maple Lam

Chinese language literature meets Greek mythology on this charming graphic novel. Solar Wukong—the Monkey King—is on the trail to turning into a god. However first he should battle monsters that plague the land, beginning in Greece, famend for its many horrible monsters, like a three-headed hellhound and the Minotaur. The Monster and the Maze is among the many finest graphic novels for youths who’ve already learn all of Percy Jackson and nonetheless need extra.

Purchase it: Monkey King and the World of Myths: The Monster and the Maze

The cover of the graphic novel The Adventures of Invisible Boy.
Penguin Younger Readers

12. The Adventures of Invisible Boy by Doogie Horner

Stanley is the brand new child in school, and he needs he may disappear. Fortunately, after a mysterious spill on the science honest, that’s precisely what occurs. Unluckily, the components’s inventor can be invisible now and is utilizing their newfound powers to wreak havoc in town. Stanley desires to assist, however will doing so value him his newfound powers? For readers who love Canine Man and Captain Underpants, that is among the many finest graphic novels for youths to broaden their literary horizons.

Purchase it: The Adventures of Invisible Boy

Who Was the Voice of the People? Cesar Chavez.
Penguin Younger Readers

13. Who Was the Voice of the Individuals? Cesar Chavez by Terry Blas

In 1966, Cesar Chavez helped lead the Nationwide Farm Employees Affiliation on “the Highway to Sacramento.” For 300 miles, they protested in help of farmworkers’ rights. Now, college students can have interaction on this vital historical past by vivid, full-color illustrations. This can be a nice decide for Hispanic Heritage Month and past.

Purchase it: Who Was the Voice of the Individuals? Cesar Chavez

The cover of the graphic novel The Last Kids On Earth.
Penguin Younger Readers

14. The Final Children on Earth: The Graphic Novel by Max Brallier

This is without doubt one of the finest graphic novels tailored from an unique collection and is certain to be successful with reluctant readers. Jack has been residing in his tree home ever because the monster apocalypse hit city. The 13-year-old has protected himself with catapults and a moat and is properly provided with video video games and junk meals. However Oreos and even a moat can’t defend him from the creatures that lurk beneath. So he builds a crew of some unlikely allies to defeat the vile Blarg.

Purchase it: The Final Children on Earth: The Graphic Novel

The cover of the graphic novel Anzu and the Realm of Darkness.
Penguin Younger Readers

15. Anzu and the Realm of Darkness by Mai Okay. Nguyen

It’s Obon, a Japanese pageant of the lifeless, however the celebration of ancestors hasn’t been the identical since Anzu’s obaachan (grandmother) died. Whereas avoiding vacation festivities, Anzu chases after a mysterious stray canine and takes a spill. When she awakes, she finds she’s in Yomi, the Shinto underworld, and the canine is none apart from the Gatekeeper of this spirit realm. Can she return to the bodily aircraft—and escape the evil Queen Izanami—earlier than dawn? The nervousness of shifting to a brand new place, id, and different SEL themes shall be relatable for a lot of children.

Purchase it: Anzu and the Realm of Darkness

The cover of the graphic novel Mexikid: A Graphic Memoir.
Penguin Younger Readers

16. Mexikid: A Graphic Memoir by Pedro Martín

Pedro has grown up listening to tales about his grandfather, a hero of the Mexican Revolution. However that doesn’t imply he’s excited that Abuelito (Grandpa) is coming to dwell along with his household. His highway journey to Mexico to deliver Abuelito house is stuffed with laughs, heartache, and vital life classes. This Newbery Honor and Pura Belpré award winner is without doubt one of the finest graphic novels for youths, full cease.

Purchase it: Mexikid: A Graphic Memoir

Penguin Younger Readers

17. The Evening Librarian by Christopher Lincoln

Web page and Turner (get it?) consider within the magic of the library. They’ve been going since they have been infants, particularly since their mother and father are sometimes touring for work. However when their dad’s worthwhile version of Dracula uncovers a world they’ve by no means recognized, they discover themselves on a secret mission that includes a mysterious Evening Librarian, and well-known heroes (and villains) which have damaged free from basic books. Can they save their beloved New York Public Library from destruction? This graphic novel is a superb free-read selection in your book-loving college students.

Purchase it: The Evening Librarian

The cover of the graphic novel When Stars Are Scattered.
Penguin Younger Readers

18. When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed

Now we have seen multiple scholar begin tearing up over this Nationwide Guide Award finalist. Omar and his youthful brother, Hassan, have spent most of their lives in a Kenyan refugee camp, the place life is tough and the objective is at all times to get out. When Omar has the chance to go to highschool, he is aware of it is likely to be an opportunity to alter their future, however it additionally means leaving non-verbal Hassan day by day. Based mostly on a real story, this lovely, humorous, heartbreaking graphic novel for youths is a superb strategy to train character growth and parts of storytelling.

Purchase it: When Stars Are Scattered

The cover of the graphic novel Fake Chinese Sounds.
Penguin Younger Readers

19. Faux Chinese language Sounds by Jing Jing Tsong

Měi Yīng has resigned herself to a boring summer time. Properly, besides that her năi nai (grandma), with whom she connects regardless of a language barrier, is visiting from Taiwan. However because the summer time ends and năi nai heads house, Měi Yīng finds herself beginning fifth grade because the butt of racist jokes, and she or he should wrestle to reclaim her id and voice. This graphic novel is a superb strategy to speak about bias-based bullying.

Purchase it: Faux Chinese language Sounds

The cover of Saving H'Non: Chang and the Elephant graphic novel.
Penguin Younger Readers

20. Saving H’Non: Chang and the Elephant by Trang Nguyen and Jeet Zdung

From the creators behind the Eisner-nominated Saving Sorya: Chang and the Solar Bear, this gorgeously illustrated graphic novel journey based mostly on a real story follows younger conservationist Chang as she overcomes the chances to save lots of and return an elephant, Wat, to its pure habitat close to Yok Don Nationwide Park in Vietnam. A fantastic graphic novel for youths to include into an environmental unit.

Purchase it: Saving H’Non: Chang and the Elephant

The cover of the graphic novel The Legend of Auntie Po.
Penguin Younger Readers

21. The Legend of Auntie Po by Shing Yin Khor

This genre-bending journey story has earned quite a few awards for its artistic and delicate depiction of a 13-year-old-girl struggling to thrive in America within the years following the Chinese language Exclusion Act. Mei works in a logging camp within the western United States within the Eighteen Eighties and copes with the racism—and her rising romantic emotions for her pal Bee—by reimagining American folks hero Paul Bunyan as Po Pan Yin, a Chinese language matriarch. Actually among the finest graphic novels for youths prior to now few years, Auntie Po is a superb learn for folklore items in addition to AAPI Heritage Month (and past!).

Purchase it: The Legend of Auntie Po

Penguin Younger Readers

22. Curler Lady by Victoria Jamieson

Astrid has achieved nearly the whole lot in her 12-year life together with her finest pal, Nicole. However when the women’ pursuits diverge—Astrid dives into curler derby whereas Nicole goes to bounce camp—it’s going to be a troublesome summer time. Astrid struggles to maintain up with the older women at camp, and she or he feels Nicole slipping away. This Newbery Honor winner is a fan favourite and an incredible learn for any scholar who wants an additional enhance of woman energy.

Purchase it: Curler Lady

The cover of the graphic novel Alex Rider: Stormbreaker.
Penguin Younger Readers

23. Alex Rider: Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz

Alex was advised his uncle died in a automobile accident. However when the 14-year-old discovers bullet holes in his uncle’s windshield, he is aware of it’s as much as him to seek out out what actually occurred. Quickly, Alex has picked up his uncle’s top-secret mission, full with government-issued tech … and unhealthy guys who need to see him lifeless. A fantastic decide for the reader in search of their subsequent journey collection.

Purchase it: Alex Rider: Stormbreaker

The cover of the graphic novel Puzzled.
Penguin Younger Readers

24. Puzzled by Pan Cooke

Rising up with undiagnosed OCD wasn’t simple for Pan Cooke. His intrusive ideas have been pervasive, and on this heartfelt, comic story, he shares these experiences with candor and compassion. This graphic novel is a good way to begin a dialog on psychological well being together with your college students.

Purchase it: Puzzled

The cover of the graphic novel Sports Superheroes: Stephen Curry.
Penguin Younger Readers

25. Sports activities Superheroes: Stephen Curry by Josh Bycel and Wealthy Korson

Steph Curry is without doubt one of the NBA’s all-time greats, however his success was by no means assured, and even seemingly. Thought of too brief, too sluggish, and too weak, he was a real underdog on his path to 4 championships. Center-grade readers could discover themselves connecting along with his inspiring story. Good for a biography unit.

Purchase it: Sports activities Superheroes: Stephen Curry

Love these titles? See all of the superb graphic novels from Penguin Younger Readers.

Plus, take a look at our webcast on cool methods to show with graphic novels.

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