List of 10 Best Graphic Novels for Kids and Teens
Graphic novels are a popular way to engage readers, be they kids or teens. They explore stories, combining the appeal of comics with rich storytelling techniques and creative artwork. No matter if they are new and developing a reading habit or seasoned readers, readers are drawn to the dynamic combination of illustrations and narrative offered through graphic novels.
In this blog, we will list some of the top graphic novels for kids and teens, with minor details about each. So let’s get started.
5 best Graphic novels for kids
1. Swim Team (Ages 8 to 12)
Johnnie Christmas, the author and illustrator, opens the story by narrating that Bree cannot wait for her first day at the new middle school, Enith Brigitha, which is a home to the Mighty Manatees. She is stuck with the only elective that fits her schedule, the dreaded Swim 101. The thought of swimming made her sick. She was forced to do so. She is lucky as an elderly occupant of her apartment building, and the former swim team captain, Etta helps her. Under Etta’s training and hard work, she was able to overcome her fear.
2. Hooky (Ages 8 to 12)
One of the best graphic novels for kids is by Miriam Bonastre, author and illustrator. The novel is so interesting and loved by readers that it has been published in more than one volume. The story unfolds when Dani and Dorian miss their bus to the magic school. They encounter a series of mishaps. They are being chased by powerful magic families seeking the prophesied king of witches and royals searching for missing princes.
The story shows that they are not alone. With the local troublemaker, a princess, and a teacher who can see the future on their side. They might just be able to clear their names.
3. New kid (Ages 8 to 12)
Jerry Craft, the author and illustrator discusses the story of a seventh grader Jordan Banks who is fond of drawing. He draws cartoons of his life. His parents did not enroll him in an arts school but sent him to a private school. He daily goes from Washington Heights apartments to the upscale Riverdale Academy Day School. Jordan finds himself torn between two worlds and is unable to fit into any one of them. Read through to know how he tackles the situation.
4. When stars are scattered (Ages 9 to 12)
The author and illustrator, Victoria Jamieson, narrates the story of the two brothers Omer and Hassan, who spend most of their lives in Dadaab, one of the refugee camps in Kenya. Life there is hard with insufficient food, achingly dull, and without access to medical care. Omer gets the opportunity to go to school; he knows it might be a chance to change their future. He also knew that he had to leave his brother. This graphic novel is based on the themes of heartbreak, hope, and gentle humour existing together.
5. Dog Man (Ages 6 to 14 years)
In one of the best graphic novels for kids, the best-selling author and artist Dav Pilkey wrote The Dog Man, the canine cop who is part dog and part man. George and Harold highlighted a new breed of justice. With the head of a dog and the body of a human, the story takes the reader into deep deception. The author’s popular series appeals to readers of all ages and explores the positive themes of empathy, kindness, and the importance of being true to one’s self.
5 top Graphic Novels for teens
1. Belle of the Ball (Ages 14 to 18 years)
One of the best graphic novels for teens is written by Mari Costa. The story unfolds in the scene when Hawkins, one of the high school seniors and infamous wallflower, removes her mask. She talks with her longtime crush, Regina Moreno. The problem begins when Regina is already dating Chloe Kitagawa who is an athletic all-star and middling English student. Regina finds a perfectly self-serving opportunity and asks the Smitten Hawkins to tutor Chloe free of charge. The story goes on taking twists and turns. The author has reinvigorated satisfying, reliable tropes in teen romantic comedy.
2. Brooms (Ages 12 and above)
Brooms by Jasmine Walls and Teo Duvall, the illustrator, is a heart-pounding graphic novel soaring with magic, friendship, and rebellion. It is fast and furious, with broomsticks instead of cars. A historical spotlight on struggles silenced by time and a celebration of the strong spirits that dare to challenge the odds. Buckle up, witches and dreamers, for this ride is about to take flight. The author has covered different genres in this novel apart from the graphic novel. Moreover, the illustrations are up-to-date, and services like graphic novel printing and book printing have worked hard to deliver the best quality work.
3. Family style: memories of an American from Vietnam (Ages 14 to 18 years)
An award-winning best graphic memoir by Thien Pham begins the story by sharing the nostalgic vibes of his first memory. He uses different metaphors to explain his narration. The story starts when Pham’s family arrives at a refugee camp in Thailand, struggling to survive. Things were not easy after settling in California. Through every chapter of their lives, food has a different meaning. Strawberries came to signify struggle as Thien’s mom and dad looked for work. Potato chips brought joy to the author and became a necessity. The story moves on to describe his association with each food throughout the story.
4. Heartstopper series (Ages 12 and onwards)
The bestselling LGBTQ+ graphic novel by Alice Oseman is about the life, love, and everything that happens in between. The warm and cozy feels are back with Nick and Charlie as the novel continues to thrive on all the underappreciated moments of life and love that make it a must-buy book.
5. A first time for everything (Ages 12 and onwards)
A middle-grade graphic memoir writer and illustrator, Dan Santat, unfolds his story when he was 13 years old. His experience with the middle school was negative. He was bullied by his peers at school, and home. His mother has strained his family. Despite all these conditions, his parents insisted that he should take a school-sponsored three-week trip to the six European countries. During this trip, he experienced many firsts. He began to take his art seriously and share his thoughts with others without being bullied.
Some comic books for kids and teens
1. Pete the cat and the space chase (Ages 4 to 8)
One of the stories from The New York Times bestselling author-illustrator, James and Kimberly Dean’s. In this book, Agent Meow known as Pete the Cat finds an empty alien spaceship and launches into space. He finds a lot of things there. The early readers love the adventure journey of Agent Meow. Through this book, new readers are introduced to the world of reading and storytelling, and encourage visual literacy in emerging readers.
2. Fish and worm (Ages 4 to 8)
A story from the series Let’s Read Comics! I can read Comics, familiarize the readers with the world of graphic novel storytelling, and encourage visual literacy in the new readers. The story unfolds with the scene when it is time for dinner, and the fish finds a new friend. That friend knew about the games. Services from best book printing companies and illustration companies have poured their heart and soul into delivering the gist of the tale in the best way possible through colorful animations.
3. Nimona (Ages 12 and above)
One of the graphic novels debuted from the rising star ND Stevenson. The story is based on the beloved and critically acclaimed web comic. This graphic novel is perfect for the bands of webcomic fans and will allow Noelle to win more. Nimona is an impulsive young shapeshifter with a talent for wickedness. The villain of the story is Lord Ballister Blackheart. Nimona and Lord Blackheart are about to create some serious chaos. Small acts of mischief escalate into a cruel battle, and Lord Blackheart realizes that Nimona’s powers are as dark and mysterious as her past. Her unpredictable wild side might be dangerous than he is willing to admit.
4. I am Alfonso Jones (Ages 12 to 18)
The book by Tony Medina illustrated by John Jennings, provides young readers with a narrative that not only addresses the complexity and history of police brutality. Themes like change in climate, control of guns, and other elements are highlighted.
Alfonso Jones was anxious to play the role of Hamlet in his school event. He wanted his best friend, Danetta to know about his feelings. When he is buying his first suit, the duty police officer shoots him by mistake. The story unwinds when he wakes up in the afterlife; he is on a ghost train and is guided by the well-known victims of police shootings. His friends and family members are struggling to seek justice for Alfonso in the street. Everyone realizes that there is work ahead for justice.
What are some of the best graphic novels of 12-year-olds?
Some of the best novels for 10–12 years age group include:
· Persepolis
· The Legend of Sally Jones
· Mysteries of the Quantum universe
· Kariba
· Northern Lights
Which novel is the most successful graphic novel among readers?
Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz is one of the most popular graphic novels and has a new record of sales among the audience.
What is the advantage of adding graphic novels to the reading list?
Reading a graphic novel boosts memory and is an effective tool that works better than long textbooks.
Can graphic novels be used as a tool to develop reading habits among kids?
These books are an amazing tool if you wish to develop the reading habit among new readers. They will enjoy the journey, and the habit can be developed easily.
The final words
Graphic novels provide an exciting experience for readers to dive into the world of reading, offering both visual appeals and thought-provoking stories.
These best graphic novels for kids and teens are designed on different themes so the interest of readers can be fulfilled. All these books leave a lasting impression on readers, making them an excellent choice for all categories of readers.
