Comics aren’t just for kids, and these graphic novels are sure to get anyone excited about reading! It’s not just about superheroes anymore. Graphic novels are a great way to experience new genres and find something new to love.
The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl Beats Up the Marvel Universe! by Ryan North and Erica Henderson
You may not have heard of Squirrel Girl, but she is the best super hero in the world. She has the proportional strength, speed, and agility of a squirrel. She can talk to squirrels, her front teeth have super-gnawing power, and, oh yeah, she’s UNBEATABLE. Squirrel Girl has the powers of both squirrel and girl, which make her an amazing and inspiring superhero.
Compass South by Hope Larson and Rebecca Mock
Twins Alexandra and Cleopatra Dodge go on a daring journey to find their father in this classic adventure story. Pirates, secret societies, gangs, sabotage, and action – this book has it all. Fans of Treasure Island, My Side of the Mountain, or The Island of the Blue Dolphins will love this story, and it is a great introduction to the genre for kids who like action. The first in the Four Points duology is sure to delight readers of all ages.
Earth Before Us #1: Dinosaur Empire! by Abby Howard
Conversational language and funny illustration are what make this graphic novel about the Mesozoic Era a treat to read. Abby Howard introduces the character of Ms. Lernin, who takes our protagonist Ronnie (who recently failed a quiz about dinosaurs) on an adventure through time to learn all about when dinosaurs ruled the earth. This book is perfect for the non-fiction readers in your life, and a great introduction to non-fiction for the hesitant reader.
Awkward by Svetlana Chmakova
Perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier and Victoria Jamieson, Awkward is about Peppi Torres starting a new year at a brand new school. This slice of life story has some important lessons about making friends and breaking down stereotypes. Followed up by Brave and Crush, two more books about Peppi’s friends, this is the first in a series about what being in middle school is really like.
The Witch Boy by Molly Knox Ostertag
In Aster’s family, girls are witches and boys are shapeshifters. Those are the rules. Aster can’t shapeshift and wants to be a witch. He learns in secret, and wants to show everyone what he can do, including his non-magical friend. When shapeshifters go missing, Aster has to decide if using his magic and breaking the rules is worth it to help someone in need. This book is a good read for kids who like both fantasy and contemporary fiction.
Princess Princess Ever After by Katie O’Neill
This is a gorgeous book about being true to yourself and becoming friends with people who are different to you. Amira rescues Sadie from a tower prison, and they set off on an adventure across the kingdom. The two princesses complement each other and work together to defeat the sorceress who imprisoned Sadie in the first place. This is a story about finding friendship and love in unexpected places, and what “happily ever after” looks like, no matter who you love.