43 Graphic Novels for Young Readers, From Toddlers to Teens

18. Phoebe & Her Unicorn series

By Dana Simpson

Phoebe is a 9-year-old daydreamer; her best friend is Marigold Heavenly Nostrils, a unicorn. They were both lonely until they met, but their bond makes them stronger and they take on goblins, school bullies and more. 

19. City of Ember 

By Jeanne DuPrau 

City of Ember became an overnight hit upon its 2003 publication. Now the story of two children who beat the odds to escape a doomed dystopian city is available in graphic novel form. The rich illustrations bring the story to life and the graphic novel format is perfect for reluctant readers.

20. Dork Diaries series

By Rachel Renee Russell 

The diary entries of Nikki Maxwell are a hilarious look at her life at a prestigious middle school where she doesn’t exactly fit in. Inspired by the experiences of the author and her two daughters, this popular series is a relatable and visually engaging option for the middle school crowd. 

21. Lunch Lady series

By Jarrett J. Krosoczka 

Krosoczka’s series chronicles the life of a school lunch lady who does far more than serve meatloaf.

22. Diary of a Wimpy Kid series

By Jeff Kinney 

Kinney’s series helped put graphic novels on the map as a genre that’s beloved by kids, and the newest addition (Book #11) will publish in November. Middle schooler Greg Heffley deals with problems kids will relate to such as fitting in at school and siblings who get away with everything.

23. Hilo series

By Judd Winick 

This new series focuses on DJ and Gina, two ordinary kids who team up with Hilo, a robot who’s adjusting to life on Earth. When a number of strange events occur in town, the three must figure out a way to send mysterious creatures back to space before they wreak havoc.

24. Zita the Spacegirl series

By Ben Hatke

When her friend is abducted by an alien cult, Zita sets out to rescue her. She ends up on a strange planet where she suddenly becomes an intergalactic hero as she confronts humanoid chickens and neurotic robots. 

25. Oddly Normal series

By Otis Frampton 

Oddly Normal is a 10-year-old girl who also happens to be half-witch — complete with pointy ears and green hair. When her parents disappear, she travels to Fignation and embarks on a series of adventures, broom races and quirky games.

26. Smile

By Raina Telgemeier

Based on the author’s own childhood, Smile follows Raina as she struggles with body image issues upon wearing headgear after a dental mishap.

27. Coraline

By Neil Gaiman and P. Craig Russell

Coraline makes a surprising discovery when she and her family move into a new house. A door leads her to a different home and a mother and father who want to keep Coraline as their little girl.

28. Tommysaurus Rex

By Doug TenNapel 

Tommy is devastated when his beloved dog is hit by a car. But he makes a new friend while exploring a cave: a giant but friendly dinosaur.

29. Jellaby series

By Kean Soo 

Lonely in her neighborhood and school, Portia takes a midnight walk and meets a friendly, kind purple monster. But Jellaby is homesick and Portia takes it upon herself to help him find his way back home. 

30. Lucy & Andy Neanderthal series

By Deckle Edge

What was life like for cave-residing kids 40,000 years ago? Follow this brother-sister pair as they deal with bossy teenagers, paint caves and mammoths.

31. The Misadventures of Max Crumbly

By Rachel Renee Russell

This first book in a brand-new series introduces readers to Max Crumbly, a student at South Ridge Middle School. He aspires to be a superhero like the ones in his comics, but first Max needs to find a way to stop the school bully from stuffing him in his locker every single day.