50+ Favorite Middle-Grade Graphic Novels

This sweet (and actually mysterious) graphic novel follows a kitten named Beans, who’s obsessed with the idea of being a detective. When his hat goes missing, he embarks on his first mission, following a trail of surprising, funny clues to rescue his hat. This is a great pick for strong second-grade readers and older who love a good mystery. Ages 7+

When his family moves in the middle of the school year, Stanley wishes he could be invisible because being the new kid is too hard. Then he’s caught in a spill during the science fair and his wish comes true: he’s invisible. There’s only one problem: the kid who made the potion is not pleased! Can Stanley escape his wrath? This is such a fun sci-fi graphic novel for kids who love funny books with plenty of hijinks. Ages 8+

This is a hilarious graphic novel for fans of Squished and The Vanderbeekers about a girl who is sick of her little siblings but gets stuck at home with them when they all get chickenpox. Set in Indonesia and roughly based on Lai’s own experiences but written from her older sister’s perspective, this book will sing to firstborns but also to any sibling in a large family who’s trying to find their voice and see the gift their siblings are to them. I loved the funny depictions of life with chickenpox, the tween angst and gossip as Abby navigates her friend group and friendships that may or may not be crushes. While there is some sibling angst, this one has a lovely, heartwarming resolution and will appeal to kids between the ages of 8 and 12.

I LOVED this forthcoming young graphic novel by the author of the Stella Diaz series. This is the perfect illustrated graphic-prose series for fans of Dory Fantasmagory and Ryan Hart in grades 2-4 and stars a precocious, funny female protagonist who gets a whiff of the dark side of social media in her first adventure. The formatting of this one is just gorgeous, with graphic panels and short prose sections livened by full-color illustrations. It also has cute Spanish vocabulary tips, a mom who’s a bookstore owner and is set in the same world as Stella Diaz (Gabby looks up to Stella, who’s now a middle schooler). Ages 7+

Eliot is a middle schooler with a brilliant superhero comic idea but insufficient drawing skills to bring his ideas to life. Enter Pam, a fellow classmate who is a talented artist. The two begin collaborating on the comic but run into common partnership woes that threaten to destroy their collaboration. I loved this story. Mark Crilley is TALENTED. At first, I didn’t know what to expect, but the whole story is told to readers from Eliot’s perspective as he draws on notepads and then we see his and Pam’s conversations via note scraps passed in class, and we also see their comic series and read the fan mail they receive. It feels immersive, funny, and interactive, and I think middle schoolers will love this. Such a fantastic win! Ages 8+

Tyler got into solving Rubik’s cubes after his father’s death and now has made it to the National competition. We follow him and four other contestants (an elderly record holder, a 17-year-old arrogant champion, twin contestants, and a prodigy that isn’t what he seems) as they prepare for and compete in the finals. This is a unique SHORT illustrated prose-graphic novel that takes readers behind the scenes of a cubing contest while delving into important themes like grief, integrity, modesty, popularity, and individual identity. There’s an element of mystery and I read this in one sitting eager to see how the contest turned out and also learn more about each contestant. It’s truly different from anything I’ve read and I think kids who love cubing, contests, and graphic novels will enjoy this one. Ages 8+

When Ash’s mom ships him off to the island to spend the summer with his dad, he’s forced to do community service at a dog shelter where he gets to know different dog breeds and personalities — as do readers. Varner includes a note about a different dog breed at the start of each chapter as Ash makes new friends, becomes an asset to the shelter, and gets closer to his dad and stepmom and sibling, he experiences a life-changing summer. Heads up for the death of one dog (not on the page!). I can see animal lovers ADORING this one! Ages 9+

This adorable graphic novel follows four kids on their journeys to find a beloved pet and the animal rescue center, where they converge as the pets bring joy to their lives. It’s a great mash-up of PAWS meets Allergic and is perfect for young (capable) readers as young as the second grade. Ages 7+ 

Lori Block is dedicated to her fourth-grade basketball team, despite being relegated to an extra period before the real game starts, known as the fifth quarter, where the not-so-good kids play and the points don’t count. That doesn’t matter to Lori, though, because working on her skills gives her hints of self-confidence, which is a nice break from feeling awkward and out of place in her daily life. This is a fast-paced basketball series about perseverance, friendship, and love for the sport. Ages 8+

Meet Abbie Wu. Abbie is in crisis—and not just because she’s starting middle school or because she’s stuck in a family that doesn’t quite get her or because everyone seems to have a Thing except her. Abbie Wu is always in crisis.From author and professional doodler Booki Vivat, Frazzled dives right into the mind of this hilariously neurotic middle school girl as she tries to figure out who she is and where she belongs. Akin to Smile by Raina Telgemeier, Frazzled is heavily illustrated, embarrassingly honest, and sure to appeal to anyone in the middle of figuring out how to survive the everyday disasters of growing up. Ages 8+

This graphic novel adaptation is introducing so many young readers to Ann M. Martin’s beloved series, and I am all for it! The first installment is wonderfully enhanced by illustrations by Telgemeier. If your young readers love realistic graphic novels, this one is a must-try. Ages 8+

After she and her dad move from Brooklyn to Florida, Bree is excited for her first day in middle school. But also, she’s super anxious about whether she’ll make friends and fit in. Thankfully, she makes a new friend in the housing complex where they live. Unfortunately, when Bree goes to choose her math club elective, it’s fully booked. As a math lover who can’t swim, she’s crushed to hear that the only elective left is swim 101. Swim Team is a highly engaging graphic novel about swimming, Black history (and why many Blacks don’t swim), and friendship. Ages 8+

Charlie is the new kid for the umpteenth time, but this time things will be different. Her dad is no longer in the military, and this is a more permanent home, so she feels more pressure to find and impress some new friends. When she meets a cool group of Black girls with varying interests, she decides to hide her “babyish” style and hobbies to befriend them. But she soon learns that with true friends, you can be your whole self.Curlfriends: New In Town is the cute first book in a new graphic novel series about Black hair, girlfriends, fashion, and adjusting to change. Ages 8+

Maggie loves animals and has been waiting patiently to get a dog, only to discover that she’s allergic. She’s also dealing with a changing family in which she feels less and less like she belongs. Maggie starts getting shots to get her allergies under control while on the hunt for a hypoallergenic pet. Things appear to be looking up when Maggie meets Claire, an only child living with her single dad, who indulges her every whim. Claire is one grade above Maggie, but the two become fast friends — until Claire gets a dog. Allergic is a sweet, realistic depiction of what it’s like to suffer from allergies. Ages 8+

12-year-old Cici moves from Taiwan to the US with her parents, leaving behind her beloved A-ma. Cici misses her A-ma with whom she used to go to the market and cook. So when she stumbles upon a kid cooking contest, it feels like the perfect opportunity to earn $1000. The only problem is that Cici can only cook Taiwanese dishes. Fortunately, she’s paired up with an Italian-American girl, Miranda, whose father runs a restaurant (and who practically grew up working in a restaurant). Halfway through the contest, though, each contestant has to compete alone. Measuring Up is an excellent, feel-good, coming-of-age story that pays homage to the love between a granddaughter and her grandmother. Ages 8+

Twins Maureen and Francine Carter have always done everything together, but things have changed as they’re starting sixth grade. The girls are still figuring out their new dynamic when Francine decides to run for student council, and by some stroke of fate, her shy, terrified-of-public-speaking sister is also running for president. Despite the ground rules laid by their parents, things get a bit messy as both girls try to establish their personal identities while fighting to reconcile their relationship as twins and sisters. This graphic novel is simply a delight! I loved following Maureen and Francine — and am really hoping we get a few more books about them. Ages 8+

It’s the 1970s, and Judi loves to shoot hoops in the driveway with her brother and his friends. She hopes she can join a basketball team someday, but her school doesn’t have a female team. So when she gets to high school, she chooses the next best thing: cheerleading with her best friend Stacey. But one day, the school announces that they’re starting a team for the girls because of the Title IX ruling. Unfortunately, as willing as the girls who sign up are (Judi inclusive), there’s little to no funding for their team. Can Judi and the team make it work? Hoops is a fantastic, historical middle grade graphic novel about equality and basketball set against the backdrop of the rise of a female basketball team in the 1970s. Ages 9+

Avery has SIX siblings and is feeling squished at home, so she’s crushed when her older brother Theo gets the first chance to room alone. She has to share a room with her younger siblings, Pearl and Max. On top of that, she often babysits the youngest three siblings. Her dad is a teacher, and her mom is studying to become a programmer, so things can be hectic at home. Avery decides to get a job so she can earn money and set up a basement bedroom. But just when she’s finding her groove, it appears that the family will have to move to another city — away from the friends and neighborhood Avery has come to love. Squished is a heartwarming, relatable middle grade book about being part of a large family, navigating sibling relationships, and adjusting to change. Ages 9+

Astrid and Nicole are best friends, and they do nearly everything together. Until Astrid’s mom takes them to watch roller derby. While Astrid can’t get enough of the cool girls and all the derby action, Nicole is immediately put off. So when Astrid signs up for junior derby, Nicole chooses a ballet elective instead. However, Astrid never tells her mom that she’s derby rolling instead of doing ballet with Nicole. Things get more difficult when Astrid realizes that roller derby is no joke — physically, mentally, and emotionally. Will she make it? Roller Girl is an action-packed exploration of roller derby, the thrill of finding a passion, and the power of perseverance. Ages 9+

Stepping Stones is the first in the PeaPod Farm graphic novel series by Lucy Knisley. It features young Jen, whose mother moves her from the city to a farm to live with her mother’s new boyfriend, Walter and help him care for his farm. At the farm, Jen is saddled with chores like caring for chickens and selling at the farmer’s market. Her mother’s boyfriend, Walter is infuriating and dismissive of Jen’s feelings. Things get worse when Walter’s daughters Andy and Reese come to the farm on weekends. The girls are alright, but Andy seems to be a know-it-all while Reese won’t stop whining. Can Jen make a life at Peapod Farm? Stepping Stones is an engaging, wholesome, true-to-life middle grade graphic novel about dealing with life changes. Ages 9+

Marlene hates the salon where her mom takes her to get her natural curls straightened weekly. Marlene’s mom and some in their circle/family believe that “good hair” is straight hair. Marlene’s mom wants her to focus on school and look “tidy” by having her hair straight and slick. But Marlene isn’t so sure. She sees an internet influencer and her favorite aunt, Tia Ruby rocking their curls and is eager to try. But her first attempt fails woefully. With Tia Ruby’s hair, Marlene learns to care for her natural hair better and embrace her curls. Frizzy is a delightful, thought-provoking graphic novel about natural hair, self-acceptance, and body image. Ages 9+

When Zoey’s parents decide she’ll go from homeschooling to in-person middle school, she’s nervous about fitting in. Fortunately, she has one major skill: coding. Having been exposed to computers and coding earlier, Zoey builds a mobile app called The Cool Code, which uses artificial intelligence and data to predict which outfits she should wear, what to say in conversations, and even which kids to befriend if she wants to be popular. When two not-so-popular kids befriend Zoey, they’re eager to experiment with the app as their STEM project to see if following its tips really makes Zoey popular. But letting an app decide your social interactions gets complicated pretty quickly. The Cool Code is a fun, STEM-centered graphic novel about fitting in, being yourself, and finding your tribe. Ages 9+

The Click series, in general, is fantastic, but I especially love Camp. Olive is excited to be going to summer camp this year, especially since her best friend, Willow, is also going. She’s looking forward to doing camp things and making new friends. As soon as the girls arrive, Olive jumps right into the friend-making and activities, but Willow is not as adept at making friends and instead wants to follow Olive everywhere. Eventually, things start to get to her, and the girls’ friendship becomes strained. Will this ruin camp for both girls? Camp by Kayla Miller is a realistic portrayal of a common friendship issue: clinginess. Ages 9+

Besties Beth and Chanda need to find a way to earn some money. Beth wants to give her mom a spa day, while Chanda needs money to adopt a new pet (and prove herself responsible to her parents, who are constantly comparing her to her big sister). But when the two land a house-sitting gig, they end up breaking their employer’s prized possession. Can they fix the problem without losing their friendship and reputation? Besties: Work It Out is a sweet, realistic graphic novel about friendship, starting a business, animals, and family relationships. Ages 9+

This stunning graphic novel follows Cinzia, an Avvisi’s/newswriter’s apprentice living in sunny Sianerra. Cinzia and her mestra write news stories/pamphlets to the city, but not everyone likes it when they tell the truth. After an edition exposing the ruling family for extortion, Cinzia and her Mestra are arrested at night, and she has to join forces with the princess to fight back against censorship. Ink Girls is a beautiful graphic novel about activism, speaking the truth, and speaking up despite censorship. Ages 9+

Middle schooler Viv is tired of being boring and ordinary. She wants to amass social media followers and be a trendsetter like some of her classmates. She also watches a YouTuber who encourages her inclinations. So on Picture Day, she gets the grand idea to chop off her pigtail, creating a strange hairstyle, which a hairstylist eventually refines into something more attention-grabbing. Suddenly, everyone wants Viv’s advice, and she becomes more pushy too, especially towards her friends. It’s not long before everything comes crashing down.Picture Day by Sarah Sax is a funny but thoughtful start to a new graphic novel series for fans of the Click Series. Ages 9+

Rosie’s dad wants her to play racquetball even though she says she wants no part and has no interest. He used to love it when he was a kid and he pushes Rosie to improve by constantly critiquing her game. But Rosie has a bad attitude about the sport because of the pressure he puts on her.Blair is a new student with a warm family who are all into racquetball and Rosie wants her to compete in her behalf. But as Rosie hangs out with Blair’s family away from her father’s harsh supervision, she realizes what it means to play for fun. Match Point is a delightful graphic novel about racquetball, female friendship, and the value of true sportsmanship. Ages 9+

Pawcasso is what 11-year-old Jo names the basket-toting dog in town when a group of kids at the library mistake her for the dog’s owner. Jo is a lonely kid bored at home during the summer holidays and missing her father, who works in a different city and visits the family periodically. She’s seen the dog walking through her neighborhood several times. As the kids fall more in love with “Pawcasso,” and by extension, Jo, she begins to enjoy having friends in her life. But what happens when the lie is exposed? Jo also begins to worry whether her new plan is endangering Pawcasso’s freedom. Pawcasso is an adorable middle grade graphic novel with a relatable protagonist and a sweet dog friend. Ages 9+

Be Prepared is based on Vera Brosgol’s experience at Russian camp in her childhood. Vera is almost ten years old and now lives in the US with her mom and her brother. Vera feels like the outsider with her American friends who are more well-to-do and have slumber parties in their larger houses.When she tries and fails to fit in repeatedly, she decides that she will go to summer camp just as her friends do. This way, she’ll have something to say when they’re all sharing summer plans and experiences. However, the Russian Scout camp she and her brother are sent to is not at all like the American summer camp she envisioned. Gross toilets, snobby older kids, a lot of reading in Russian, and tough outdoor conditions teach Vera a lot about life and friendships. Be Prepared by Vera Brosgol is a fun graphic novel about summer camp, friendships, Russian culture and traditions, and sibling dynamics. Ages 9+

This quirky middle grade graphic for fans of Victoria Jamieson is all about Elena, the only female baseball player on her team. Elena likes baseball, but her mother is obsessed with it and obsessed with Elena playing because she didn’t have the chance to play the sport as a teen. Elena’s brother on the other hand, shuns competitive sports, preferring Live Action Role Playing (LARP-ing) with his friends, which Elena can’t grasp (who plays pretend?!). But when she gets injured, she’s forced to take a break from baseball and learn what it means to play for fun, not for sport. Hand to 4th graders who love role-playing, Dungeons and Dragons, or could stand to learn a thing or two about having FUN and being open to new paths. Ages 9+

Max is a video-game-obsessed tween who’s qualified for the Gamerville finals when his parents decide that he’s too addicted to his devices and schlepp him over to Camp Reset, a technology-free camp where he’ll be stuck during the week of his Gamerville finals. There, Max gets thrown in the mix with campers Ari, Dylan, and Zazzi, who are dealing with upheavals in their own lives. In all the mayhem, Max decides to break out of the camp for his finals. This was fun — though not as good as this author’s Swim Team — and I loved the camp vibes and the adventure, the community, and the friendships. The illustrations are lovely! Ages 9+

Katie is dreading the boring summer ahead while her best friends are all away at camp–something that’s way out of Katie and her mom’s budget, UNLESS Katie can figure out a way to earn the money for camp herself. But when Katie gets a job catsitting for her mysterious upstairs neighbor, life get interesting. First, Madeline has 217 cats (!) and they’re not exactly . . . normal cats. Also, why is Madeline always out EXACTLY when the city’s most notorious villain commits crimes?! Is it possible that Katie’s upstairs neighbor is really a supervillain? Can Katie wrangle a whole lot of wayward cats, save a best friendship (why is Beth barely writing back? And who’s this boy she keeps talking about?!), AND crack the biggest story in the city’s history? Some heroes have capes . . . Katie has cats! Ages 9+

This WORDLESS graphic novel is a charmer! Marisol’s picture-perfect life in Cuba with her parents suddenly turns gray when Fidel Castro gains power in the 1950s, forcing Marisol’s parents to ship her off to the US using Operation Peter Pan. There, as she struggles to assimilate, Marisol’s world is drained of color and she must find her voice and joy again through books and plants. This is a great choice for ESL students as there are very few English and Spanish words throughout. You can see a flip-through of the book on my Instagram page. Ages 9+

Still adjusting to a move from Florida to Milwaukee, Aliya is excited to start playing basketball at her new Islamic school, but the girls’ team is well known for losing all their games. With a new coach and renewed team spirit, the girls find something better than high scores in this soaring, sporty graphic novel. Ages 9+

This notebook-style graphic novel about a girl who doesn’t feel enough — worsened by her best friend finding new friends — is so relatable that it’s sometimes painful to read. Hand to kids who love reading about friendship drama and self-esteem. Ages 9+

In this gorgeous graphic novel, tweens Myunghee and Yunho’s paths intersect the day before they both escape the communist regime and converge again in China, where Yunho’s mother takes Myunghee in and along on their arduous, perilous escape plan.The Other Side of Tomorrow is a breathtaking, suspenseful, and gorgeously illustrated graphic novel about two kids escaping North Korea. Ages 9+

This book is about two best friends, Grace and Lola, who begin a project to study love. Their research (if you can call it that) opens their eyes to how fickle romantic love can be (especially among infatuated teens), the negative effects of stereotypes (a goth has more to her personality than the way she dresses, an assumed “bimbo” is more than just a pretty face). But it also forces them to examine their own friendship and how well they show up for each other. It covers many (maybe too many) themes, from parental separation to sexual harassment, but I think what it does best is extol the value of female friendships through the ups and downs of life. Ages 11+

Lia moves from Romania to Canada just as she’s getting her first (very painful) period. In Montreal, she struggles at first in her French immersion school. I love the progression as she begins to understand French more and more. This is a great one if you’re looking for a slice-of-life graphic novel tackling periods and puberty, featuring crushes, and exploring the struggles and wins of immigrating. Readers should know that a girl crushes on another girl in this story but doesn’t reveal it. Ages 10+

This book follows 7th grader Gemma Hopper, whose mother has left their family. Gemma lives with her dad, older brother Teddy, and their twin younger brothers. While their dad works overtime to fend for the family materially, Gemma is saddled with caring for the home and her twin siblings while also serving as a ball machine/practice partner for her brother, who’s a baseball prodigy of sorts. One day, while practicing with Teddy, she strikes him out with two impressive pitches, capturing the attention of some scouts from a competitive baseball team. All of a sudden, Gemma now also has star potential. Can both siblings find a way to work together? And can Gemma get through the family tree project? Fox Point’s Own Gemma Hopper is an engaging graphic novel about family (absent mothers), baseball, and sibling relationships. Ages 10+

This companion title to Craft’s New Kid sees the kids from Jordan’s art school on a school trip to Paris where they learn plenty about French culture, prejudice, and being considerate of others’ emotions. I surprisingly enjoyed this one on audio and found the dialogue and characterization — with such an ensemble — to be very well done. Ages 10+

Addie has reluctantly moved across the country with her dad for his summer job in the virtual reality industry. He’s working on research to use VR for therapeutic purposes, such as helping people cultivate empathy. Addie is not into VR, but that starts to change when she meets Matteo, another kid on campus, and she tries out VR on her own. Eventually, the two find a helpful use for VR that helps other people. Lo and Behold is a clever middle grade graphic novel about virtual reality, grief, and parental addiction. Ages 10+

What if all you wanted for the summer was to go to camp with your best friends and draw comics in peace — BUT your parents thought it was better to go to Honduras, where they’re from, instead? That’s Sue’s dilemma in Miss Quinces. On top of that, she finds out that her family is throwing her a surprise Quincenera against her wish. Will Sue survive the summer? Miss Quinces is an engaging, immersive graphic novel about identity, Latin-American culture, a love for art, and family. Ages 10+

Sophia has been hanging out in Aqualand, the marine theme park her late father and uncle started. Her uncle is doing his best to finish Sophia’s late father’s marine project, and Sophia seems to have little or no zest for school work. Imagine her shock when a diving suit controlled by sea creatures appears in Aqualand. It turns out the suit is controlled by sea creatures who’ve come to Aqualand looking for a place to call home. Unfortunately, they discover that Aqualand doesn’t treat sea creatures in the best way. Now, they’ll need Sophia and her uncle to help them find their way to safety. The Aquanaut is a moving, emotion-packed graphic novel about grief, the environment, marine life, and family. Ages 10+