Graphic Novels for Middle School and YA
Graphic Novels for middle school have become so popular in the last few years- and for good reason. These books have compelling storylines with amazing illustrations, which make for a book that is hard to put down, even for the most reluctant reader. These are must-read graphic novels for middle school and beyond.
The graphics in these books enhance the story. You know the adage: a picture paints a thousand words. It is true for all of these amazing stories. The illustrations and the storyline take these novels to a new level. They can create emotions or humor that are almost impossible to create with words alone. Graphic novels have come a long way since the Archie Double Digests, and I am all for it.
The Best Graphic Novels for Middle School
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
Best Fiction Graphic Novel
New Kid by Gerry Kraft- Jump to Section
Best Historical Fiction Graphic Novel
White Bird by R.J. Palacio- Jump to Section
Best Fantasy Graphic Novel for Middle School
Witch Boy by Molly Knox Ostertag- Jump to Section
Best Nonfiction Graphic Novel
Dragon Hoops by Gene Luen Young- Jump to Section
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Fiction Graphic Novels
New Kid
Author: Jerry Craft
Illustrator: Jerry Craft
Year: 2019
Genre: Graphic Novel
Age: 9 – 12
More info: Winner of the Newbery Medal, Coretta Scott King Author Award, and Kirkus Prize for Young Readers’ Literature — New Kid #1
Plot
This is a thought-provoking story about Jordan Banks, a 7th-grade boy who wants to pursue his dream of becoming an artist. Instead, his parents send him to a prestigious private school where he is one of the few diverse students. He can’t seem to figure out where he fits in at home or at school.
Trigger Warnings
Racism, Classism, Bullying
Why Jackie loves it
This graphic novel has won numerous awards and for good reason. This is a good one for kids who aren’t yet ready for Angie Thomas’s books.
Find this book in: Best Book for 12-year-olds / Best Books for Tweens / Middle Grade Fiction / Back to School Books / Newbery Award Winners / Full Cast Audiobooks for Kids / Graphic Novels for Middle School and YA
Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute
Author: Jarrett J. Krosoczka
Illustrator: Jarrett J. Krosoczka
Year: 2009
Genre: Middle Grade Graphic Novel
Age: 7 – 9
More info: Lunch Lady #1
Plot
The first in a graphic novel series, this story is quite funny! Hector, Terrence, and Dee are students who can’t help but wonder what their Lunch Lady is upto when she’s not working to feed them. It turns out she secretly fights bad guys in her free time!
Why Jackie loves it
These hilarious books are graphic novels that are sure to keep your middle-grade student entertained with crazy antics and ridiculous situations. This lunch lady serves lunch and justice in the best way.
Find this book in: Best Books for 8-year-olds / School Books / Graphic Novels for Middle School and YA
Swim Team
Author: Johnnie Christmas
Year: 2022
Genre: Graphic Novel
More info: National Book Award Winner, Coretta Scott King Award
Age Range: 8 – 12
Plot
Bree and her dad have just moved to Florida for her father’s new training program. She’s excited to join electives and make new friends until she realizes the only one she can join is swimming…and that makes her quite nervous. Soon Bree begins counting on her neighbor Etta to give her swimming lessons, and ends up joining the swim team with the hopes of winning the big competition!
Trigger Warnings
Bullying, Racism
Why Kirsten loves it
This story is an award winner for a reason. It’s a story I read to get me in the mood for the Olympic games, but I soon forgot the games as I became invested in this middle grade graphic novel.
Find this book in: Best Books for 8-year-olds / Graphic Novels for Middle School and YA
Plot
Raina Telgemeier has a unique way of incorporating sensitive subjects into her books without making them overwhelming or scary. In Ghosts, Cat’s younger sister, Maya, has Cystic Fibrosis. They have just moved to a new city where the air is easier for Maya to breathe.
Cat has given herself the role of protector of her younger sister and as the festival of Dia De Lost Meurtos draws closer, the two sisters each confront the idea of death in very different ways.
Trigger Warnings
Terminal Illness
Why Jackie loves it
At its heart, Ghosts is a story about family connection. Any of Raina Telgemeier’s books can be considered incredible graphic novels for tweens. She’s won numerous awards, and after reading this one, it’s clear why!
Find this book in: Best Books for 13-year-olds / Middle Grade Books for Tweens / Graphic Novels for Middle School and YA / Ghost Books for Tweens
Booked
Author: Kwame Alexander
Illustrator: Dawud Anyabwile
Year: 2022
Genre: Middle Grade Graphic Novel
Age: 10 – 12
More info: Crossover #2, Graphic Novel Adaptation of New York Times Bestseller
Plot
Kwame Alexander’s signature novel-in-verse has been adapted into a graphic novel. It tells the story of Nick, a soccer player struggling with life at home, a bully, and his first crush. As he tries to juggle everything at once, he leans on his best friend and also a librarian who keeps giving him books to inspire him.
Why Kirsten loves it
My sports loving 10 year-old DEVOURS anything by Kwame Alexander but he particularly loves this graphic novel series for his engaging illustrations that bring Alexander’s words to life.
Find this book in: Best Books for 11-year-olds / Graphic Novels for Middle School and YA
Roller Girl
Author: Victoria Jamieson
Illustrator: Victoria Jamieson
Year: 2015
Genre: Middle Grade Graphic Novel
Age: 8 – 11
More info: Newbery Honor Medal
Plot
Astrid and Nicole have done everything together until now. Astrid wants to go to roller derby camp. And thus begins a summer of friendship, finding yourself, perseverance, and girl power. Astrid may be strong enough to endure middle school.
Why Jackie loves it
Snag this if you are looking for a book for 11-year-olds. It’s entertaining and the pictures will engage even the most reluctant of readers.
Find this book in: Middle Grade Books for Tweens / Best Books for 9-year-olds / Graphic Novels for Middle School and YA / Newbery Award Winners
The Tryout
Author: Christina Soontornvat
Illustrator: Joanna Cacao
Year: 2022
Genre: Graphic Novel
Age: 8 – 12
More info: The Tryout #1
Plot
Christina is struggling with the transition to middle school. Her teachers and classmates can’t pronounce her name, she feels like she’s never wearing the right clothes, her best friend is always busy, and she envies the popular crowd. In the process of trying to fit in, she hurts other people’s feelings, starts acting differently, and then decides to try out for the cheerleading squad, hoping it will make her fit in with everyone else.
Cheerleading is harder than it looks and Christina works hard as she prepares for tryouts. Along the way, she figures out how to stand up to bullies and even makes some new friends.
Trigger Warnings
Racism
Why Kirsten loves it
I liked that this graphic novel showed middle schoolers making mistakes. It was hard to see Christina fumble, but the pictures did a great job of illustrating her guilt and sadness when she did. This is a tough age for any kid, but it’s particularly difficult for kids who feel different from their peers. This is a wonderful look at the fumbles of growing up.
Find this book in: Best Books for 10-year-olds / Graphic Novels for Middle School and YA
Historical Fiction
White Bird
Author: R. J. Palacio
Year: 2019
Genre: Historical Fiction Graphic Novel
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Age Range: 9+
Plot
White Bird is a story about Grandmère set in the Wonder universe. It tells the story of her young childhood as a young Jewish girl in Nazi-occupied France and how someone she once bullied saved her during WWII. Grandmère tells Julian the story over the course of Palacio’s debut graphic novel in a way that is so moving.
Trigger Warnings
Antisemitism
Why Jackie loves it
This graphic novel came my way through my local bookstore and it was a beautiful surprise for me. I loved Wonder. The story was told beautifully and with compassion. I wondered if I would be disappointed with how a story about the holocaust would translate into a graphic novel and whether the story could be told with an equal amount of compassion. Happily, I was not disappointed at all. It is so poignant and powerful with a message of kindness that is so relevant today.
Find this book in: WWII Books for Kids / Books with Color in the Title / Best Books for 13-year-olds / Full Cast Audiobooks for Kids / Graphic Novels for Middle School and YA
Fantasy Graphic Novels
The Witch Boy
Author: Molly Knox Ostertag
Illustrator: Molly Knox Ostertag
Year: 2017
Genre: Middle Grade Graphic Novel
Age: 10 – 13
More info: Witch Boy Trilogy #1
Plot
Boys grow up to be shapeshifters and girls become witches. But, what if you are a boy who loves witchery? Would you show your talents if it meant you would be exiled? Aster, with the help of his non-magical friend Charlie, practices his witch skills. Can he be accepted for who he really is?
Why Jackie loves it
This story challenges gender stereotypes in a meaningful way. Not only is the story great, but the illustrations are gorgeous and the message of this book makes it a must for every kid.
Find this book in: Witch Books for Kids / Best Books for 12-year-olds / Graphic Novels for Middle School and YA
Last Kids on Earth
Author: Max Brallier
Illustrator: Douglas Holgate
Year: 2015
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 8 – 11
More info: Last Kids on Earth #1, New York Times Bestseller
Plot
After a monster apocalypse hit his town, Jack has been living in his treehouse with everything a 13-year-old needs: Oreos, Mountain Dew, and many video games. He realizes that he cannot fight the monsters on his own so he builds a team of middle schoolers to launch a fight back.
Why Jackie loves it
This is the first book in the fantasy books for tweens series with over 7 million copies in print. My son, a reluctant reader, devoured this series in one summer!
Find this book in: Best Books for 11-year-olds / Graphic Novels for Middle School and YA
The Stonekeeper: A Graphic Novel
Author: Kazu Kiuishi
Illustrator: Kazu Kiuishi
Year: 2008
Genre: Graphic Novel
Age: 8 – 11
More info: Amulet #1
Plot
After Emily and Navin’s father dies, they move into the home of their great-grandfather with their mother. strange things start happening and a strange creature lures their mother into another world. With the help of a mechanical rabbit, they must venture to the underground world to save her.
Why Jackie loves it
To me, the images in this graphic novel, along with the story, make this one of the scarier picks on the list. Make sure your child is ok with that before giving it to them! If they can handle a little scare factor, they will love this fun story!
Find this book in: Best Books for 11-year-olds / Graphic Novels for Middle School and YA
Coraline
Author: Neil Gaiman
Illustrator: Dave McKean
Year: 2012
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 9+
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Plot
In this book, Coraline steps through a door and finds a house just like hers, maybe even better! She meets another set of parents who want her to be their little girl. Can Coraline escape these parents and get back to her ordinary life?
Why Jackie loves it
Neil Gaiman’s imagination never ceases to amaze me. The movie adaptation and graphic novel remake are both fantastic as well.
Find this book in: Halloween Movies Based on Books / Halloween Chapter Books / Books for a 10-year-old / Graphic Novels for Middle School and YA
Nonfiction Graphic Novels
Plot
Gene does not like sports. He doesn’t like to play or watch but, the high school where he teaches is obsessed with their basketball team, the Dragons.
Why Jackie loves it
This graphic novel is part memoir as the author tells about the current students and their quest for the state championship and part biography of the history of the team. It does a great job at looking at the racism and sexism in the sport.
Find this book in: Best Books for 13-year-olds / Graphic Novels for Middle School and YA
El Deafo
Author: Cece Bell
Year: 2014
Genre: Graphic Novel
More info: Newbery Honor Winner, Vermont Golden Dome Book Award,
Age Range: 7-10
Plot
Cece is starting a new school, which is already scary, but even scarier is having to explain your hearing aid. Cece has the Phonic Ear to help her hear the teacher, but makes it very hard to make friends. That is what Cece wants: a true friend.
When Cece discovers that the Phonic Ear helps her hear her teacher in the classroom AND across the school, she wonders if it is her superpower.
Why Jackie loves it
I love that this book gives kids a look into the challenges for kids with hearing impairments. It is so important for kids to be able to read about people who are different from them or find characters that can reflect their experiences!
Find this book in: Must-Read Graphic Novels for Middle School
Maus: A Survivor’s Tale
Author: Art Spiegelman
Year: 1986
Genre: Biographies
More info: Pulitzer Prize Winner, 1982
Age Range: 14+
Plot
Maus is the author’s haunting retelling of his father’s fight for life during the Holocaust. It is also the story of Spiegelman’s relationship with his father. Jews are drawn as mice, while the Nazis are drawn as cats. This is a haunting story of survival.
Trigger Warnings
Graphic
Why Kirsten loves it
A very interesting take on the Holocaust, this graphic novel depicts the Nazis and the Jews as cats and mice, respectively. It’s slightly easier to see the horrific acts of the holocaust visually when you aren’t looking at people, but I promise you, you will still be disturbed.
Why Jackie loves it
It’s one thing to read and imagine something and another to see it depicted. Art Spiegelman handles the subject matter with care, but it is still incredibly sad. I think it is interesting that this book was banned in a Tennessee school district for its objectionable language. All the more reason this book is a must-read.
Find this book in: Banned Books / Books About the Holocaust / Graphic Novels for Middle School and YA
Chunky
Author: Yehudi Mercado
Illustrator: Yehudi Mercado
Year: 2021
Genre: Graphic Novel Memoir
Age: 8 – 12
Plot
Hudi is trying to figure out what sport he likes to play because he needs to lose weight. He’s trying to be healthy because of a serious illness he had as a younger kid.
He invents an imaginary friend named Chunky to help cheer him on. As he goes through sport after sport, the laughs roll in. But It’s not all fun and games, his dad loses his job and we get flashbacks of the medical problem that started his journey.
Why Kirsten loves it
My son read this graphic novel in one sitting, while I listened to him giggling on the couch. I think it’s one of the perfect middle grade books for a 10-year-old reluctant reader!
Find this book in: Best Books for 9-year-olds / Middle Grade Books for Tweens / Graphic Novels for Middle School and YA
Smile
Author: Raina Telgemeier
Illustrator: Raina Telgemeier
Year: 2020
Genre: Graphic Novel
Age: 8-11
More info: Vermont Golden Dome Book Award Winner
Plot
This graphic novel is based on the author’s childhood! When she was in 6th grade, she tripped and fell, injuring her two front teeth. She spent years with surgery, braces, and a retainer with fake teeth.
Then, there is an earthquake!
Why Jackie loves it
Every child in middle school thinks that nobody has ever felt like them. I love that this graphic novel is a true story that every child can relate to. The need to fit in in middle school is not unique, and this book makes that story relatable for everyone.
Find this book in: Graphic Novels for Middle School and YA
Expert Tip
I have heard people say that their children “only” read graphic novels. In my opinion, as a language professional, reading a graphic novel is reading. Listening to a book is also reading. Graphic novels are fantastic books for all ages, but they are also a wonderful way to get reluctant readers to enjoy books. No matter how you or your child is consuming books, there is no wrong way to do it. Graphic novels are not a “lesser” version of “real” books!
- Colorful illustrations add to the story
- Illustrations are a perfect opportunity to infer parts of the story that are not written
- Decreased amount of text on each page can eliminate the visual overload
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some must-read great graphic novels?
There are so many fantastic books on this list that it is hard to choose. New Kid by Jerry Kraft is a fantastic fiction book. White Bird by R.J Palacio is a must-read historical fiction, and the three nonfiction picks on this list are must-reads. Dragon Hoops by Gene Luen Young, El Deafo by Cece Bell, and Maus by Art Spiegelman
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Epilogue
Which pick from this list of must-read graphic novels for middle school and YA is your favorite?
I’m hoping to start reading more graphic novels next year as one of my bookish goals. I just finished Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell so I’m excited to see she wrote a graphic novel. Also, I didn’t realize so many classic books were turned into this format.