More Graphic Novels for Tweens

Graphic novels as a sub-category, are growing enormously in popularity. They are often aimed at tweens (8-12 yr olds) who can read independently and are ready for more complex storylines or more challenging themes. My oldest is an avid reader and absolutely loves them, but Child #2 who is a more reluctant reader also loves them.

I have to admit that one thing that graphic novels don’t make great family read-aloud books. It’s too tricky to show the pictures to everyone and keep a good pace and flow. But in times past I have sat next to a kid or two to read them aloud, generally pointing at the frame I’m reading the text of.

As we were beginning our graphic novel rabbit hole I wrote a post with some of our favourites. Over three years later and we have enjoyed some really great books. Below is a list, in no particular order, of some I’d recommend you check out. Some of them are already super popular and others are more obscure.

Pawcasso, by Remi Lai

During one point in lockdown, it was tough getting Freya to read a book excitedly and independently. This book broke that spell and she devoured it eagerly. Remy Lai is an Australian author whose reputation is growing strongly, Jude has enjoyed her other books Pie in the Sky and Fly on the Wall, despite them not being graphic novels.

The Babysitter’s Club and Babysitter’s Little Sister, by Ann M. Martin, illustrated by Raina Telgemeier, Gale Callagan and Katy Farina

I’d be surprised if you weren’t aware of these, as they have taken the kids’ book world by storm, much as the original did. If you have a reluctant 8-10-year-old reader, particularly a girl, definitely put these on your library list. They are so popular that most school and public libraries will have them. And while libraries are a great option, we have also started buying these. My older boy has re-read them several times, my number 2 is getting into them and I can see my others will like them too, so it’s worth having some on the shelf.

New Kid and Class Act, by Jerry Craft

My original review of New Kid is here. Class Act is a sequel that is equal to the original in quality of story and design. I have found that these are less available in Australian libraries, and because the topics are very much: “good point, well made”, I think it’s worth having them on your bookshelf. By owning them you can also share them with friends and cousins so they can get the benefits of these masterful books.

Zita the Spacegirl trilogy, by Ben Hatke

I’ve blogged about another Ben Hatke series, Mighty Jack, which I still highly recommend. The Zita series is for 8-10-year-olds and takes kids out of this world. It’s a great introduction to the fantasy genre.

Rollergirl and All’s Faire in Middle School, by Victoria Jamieson

These books each feature tween protagonists dealing with social, family, and identity issues. Typical pre-pubescent stuff. Though they don’t feature the same characters these are excellent companion books as the themes, reading level, and the audience is the same for each.

My review for Roller Girl is on my post about roller-skating books.

This Was Our Pact, by Ryan Andrews

My original review of this book is in this post about books and bikes.

Friends series, by Shannon Hale and LeUyen Pham

My number 2 recently turned 10 and this was her ‘birthday book’. The series explores social dilemmas and friendship drama between a group of tween girls. Books like this are so good at giving young people a glimpse into different (either good or bad) ways they can handle situations with peers.

A story is better than a lecture from Mum and Dad.

Anders, by Gregory Mackay

Jude first read this series over 3 years ago and has re-read it a couple of times since. I still have no idea what the story is about who/what ‘Anders’ even is. But I know these are well-loved, popular books in school and public libraries.

The Secret Garden on 81st Street, by Ivy Noelle Weir and

This is a graphic novel modernisation of the classic novel. With a diverse cast and technological upgrades, this is a fantastic example of a growing trend to make classic stories more accessible for children in the 21st century. My graphic novel-loving tween sailed through this.

And look at that cover – it’s brilliant!

Emmie and Friends series, by Terri Libenson

Jude has read all of this series, but I recently purchased the latest, Remarkably Ruby, which set off a frenzy of reading by Freya. There are quite a few in the series now, and I think we managed to get them all from the library. Jude was happy to re-read them, which I really like, given they appear like ‘girls’ books. A must for tweens.

Be Prepared, by Vera Brosgul

I first reviewed Be Prepared four years ago. It is still a book I’d happily recommend to tweens, in fact, I’ll probably gift it to my 10-year-old for Christmas. It’s about a Russian-Jewish immigrant assimilating to US culture and is through in the deep end at summer camp.

The Odds, by Matt Stanton

The final installment of the trilogy is still to be released and we are patiently awaiting it. I believe this series has been released in colour in the US, which I’d be very keen to see in Australia.

While tweens will like this series, my 5-year-old also had me read and re-read them to him.

My original review is here.

El Deafo, by Cece Bell

Again, four years since my first review of El Deafo, and since then it has been re-read by a couple of my kids. This is such a wonderfully entertaining insight into the challenges of someone with a hearing impairment. I’d say this is a must-read, and not just for graphic novel-loving kids, but for everyone. It’s probably best for 8 years and up.

These last books I bought for our home library. They have been read, but not by me. if they even make it to the top of my TBR pile, I’ll add a quick review.

The Aquanaut, by Dan Santat

Lightfall: The Girl and the Galdurian and Lightfall: Shadow of the Bird, by Tim Probert

American Born Chinese, Gene Luen Yang

The Pathfinder’s Society: The Mystery of the Moon Tower, by Francesco Sedita, Prescott Seraydarian and Steve Hamaker

Fake Blood, Whitney Gardner

The Okay Witch, by Emma Steinkellner