25 Fantastic Graphic Novels Your Middle Schooler Will Love
This collection of graphic novels for middle school contains a variety of titles so you can find the perfect one for your child. But don’t be surprised if you find yourself immersed in these titles as well.
While an engaging graphic novel can draw in a reluctant reader, don’t limit these delightful, visual stories to only reluctant readers. Everyone can benefit from learning to use their brains in a new when reading a graphic novel, even adults.
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NOTE: As children read books intended for tweens and teens, there might be content that doesn’t suit your family culture. Be sure to research these titles before giving them to your children. Common Sense Media is a helpful website with information about the content of various books and movies.
Graphic Novels for Middle School
Awkward by Svetlana Chmakova
This series is a favorite with the tweens in my house. Awkward is the first book in this series of graphic novels that take place at Berrybrook Middle School.
The other two books in the series are Crush by Svetlana Chmakova and Brave by Svetlana Chmakova. My kids love all three in this series and shared that you can read them in any order.
Bone: Out from Boneville by Jeff Smith
This book is one of several books in a series that follow the adventures of the three bone cousins – Fone Bone, Phoney Bone, and Smiley Bone. My kids love this series though it wasn’t one of my personal favorites.
Phoebe and Her Unicorn by Dana Simpson
This is the first book in a series of adventures with Phoebe and her unicorn friend.
From Amazon: “This beautifully drawn comic strip follows the unlikely friendship between a somewhat awkward girl and the magic unicorn who gradually shows her just how special she really is.”
Estranged by Ethan M. Aldridge
This epic graphic novel is perfect for fans of Amulet (another popular graphic novel series).
From Amazon: “…when the cruel sorceress Hawthorne seizes the throne, the Childe and Edmund must unite on a dangerous quest to save both worlds—even if they’re not sure which world they belong to.”
All’s Faire in Middle School by Victoria Jamieson
This book is a perfect choice for your middle school reader.
From Amazon: “Impy has always thought of herself as a heroic knight, but when she does something really mean in order to fit in, she begins to wonder whether she might be more of a dragon after all.”
Sunny Side Up by Jennifer L. Holm & Matthew Holm
This graphic novel deals with the topic of substance abuse by family members. Sunny’s brother is struggling with substance abuse and Sunny is packed off to live with her grandparents for the summer. My daughter really enjoyed this one and we had some great conversations following her reading.
Mighty Jack by Ben Hatke
This is another favorite alongside the Zita the Spacegirl series by the same author.
From Amazon: “In Mighty Jack, what starts as a normal little garden out back behind the house quickly grows up into a wild, magical jungle with tiny onion babies running amok, huge, pink pumpkins that bite, and, on one moonlit night that changes everything…a dragon.”
Explorer: The Hidden Doors by Kazu Kibuishi
This is the first book in a series of Explorer graphic novels.
From Amazon: “Funny, fantastic, spooky, and suspenseful, each of these unique and beautifully illustrated short graphic works revolves around a central theme: a mysterious box and the marvels—or mayhem—inside”
El Deafo by Cece Bell
This graphic novel is about a deaf child’s experience in the classroom with all hearing students. All of my kids read this one and it is an all-time favorite book in this house. My mother, a sign language interpreter in the school system for years, read this book and thought it was one of the best she has read when it comes to capturing the experience of a deaf student.
The Lunch Witch by Deb Lucke
This the first book in a series of graphic novels about the witch, Grunhilda.
From Amazon: “Bad business has left the witch Grunhilda with no choice; she must find a new job. Her limited skill set leaves her with few options, though, for “nobody really believes in magic anymore.” On her first day as lunch lady for the local elementary school, her secret is discovered by an underachieving little girl who decides to blackmail her. Nonetheless, Grunhilda chooses to help, but her good intentions lead to trouble.”
Fake Blood by Whitney Gardner
This one is a funny tale of one boy who tries to get his crush’s attention but discovers her hidden secret.
From Amazon: “When AJ and Nia are paired up for a group project on Transylvania, it may be AJ’s chance to win over Nia’s affection by dressing up like the vamp of her dreams. And soon enough he’s got more of Nia’s attention than he bargained for when he learns she’s a slayer.”
Real Friends by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham
This is a great option for some good middle school appropriate conversation.
From Amazon: “Shannon and Adrienne have been best friends ever since they were little. But one day, Adrienne starts hanging out with Jen, the most popular girl in class and the leader of a circle of friends called The Group. Everyone in The Group wants to be Jen’s #1, and some girls would do anything to stay on top . . . even if it means bullying others.”
Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales by Nathan Hale
My boys own every book in this series and some of the special versions. They read these historical graphic novels again and again. I finally read the one that takes place during WW1 and learned a ton. It gave me plenty of insight as to why they love this series so much!
Rapunzel’s Revenge by Shannon and Dean Hale
This title is a thrilling adventure for your tween or teen.
From Amazon: “Rapunzel escapes her tower-prison all on her own, only to discover a world beyond what she’d ever known before. Determined to rescue her real mother and to seek revenge on her kidnapper would-be mother, Rapunzel, and her very long braids team up with Jack (of Giant killing fame) and together they perform daring deeds and rescues all over the western landscape, eventually winning the justice they so well deserve.”
Lumberjanes: Beware the Kitten Holy by Noelle Stevenson, Shannon Watters, Grace Ellis, and Brooke A. Allen
This book is the first in a series of graphic novels about these five best friends.
This was Our Pact by Ryan Andrews
This graphic novel takes place during the Autumn Equinox Festival and the release of paper lanterns down the river. A group of friends is determined to discover if the legend of the lanterns is true.
Click by Kayla Miller
This graphic novel is about finding where you “click” in middle school.
Smile, Drama, and Ghosts by Raina Telgemeier
These three graphic novels are choices that my children absolutely adore. All three titles include fun storylines that are perfect for middle schoolers.
The Witch Boy by Molly Knox Ostertag
This is the story of Aster’s family in a magical world that has rules about the magic assigned to girls and the magic assigned to boys. This book sensitively explores gender roles and could open up a discussion with your tween.
Baba Yaga’s Assistant by Marika McCoola
This story is a modern-day twist on the classic Russian tale of Baba Yaga.
What are your middle schoolers favorite graphic novels?
Got an elementary school student?
Check out this list of graphic novels that your elementary schooler will love.
Looking for a Family Reading Challenge?
She believes that creativity, laughter, and fun are the backbone for engaging and inspiring homeschools. You can find her encouragement and tips on this blog, Mary Hanna Wilson.
She is an enneagram 7 and an extrovert. She enjoys traveling, tea (iced or hot), good conversations, and books. You can connect with her on Instagram and Facebook.
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While an engaging graphic novel might entice a skeptic, these charming, visual stories aren’t just for reluctant readers. Thank you!