{"id":40411,"date":"2025-03-21T07:53:53","date_gmt":"2025-03-21T11:53:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/readingmiddlegrade.com\/?p=40411"},"modified":"2025-03-21T14:42:04","modified_gmt":"2025-03-21T18:42:04","slug":"graphic-novels-for-10-year-olds","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/readingmiddlegrade.com\/graphic-novels-for-10-year-olds\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Graphic Novels for 10 Year Olds"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Graphic novels are exciting for every age group, but kids ages 8-12 have such an impressive range of options. That is why I’m sharing this list of graphic novels for 10-year-olds. We also have a list for 9 year olds<\/a> if you want to have a browse. I tried to have a good mix of books, and of course most kids between the ages of 9-12 can read and enjoy the stories on this list, but I think these are just perfect for the 10-year-old crowd. You’ll find a solid mix of realistic, historical and fantasy choices with a few of them releasing later in 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n

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20 Impressive Graphic Novels for 10 Year Olds<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here are 20 great graphic novels for 10 year olds:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Dog Trouble<\/h2><\/div>
By Kristin Varner 
Published: October 29, 2024<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

When Ash\u2019s mom ships him off to the island to spend the summer with his dad, he\u2019s forced to do community service at a dog shelter where he gets to know different dog breeds and personalities \u2014 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, 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! <\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Duel<\/h2><\/div>
By Jessixa Bagley (Author), Aaron Bagley (Illustrator)
Published: November 7, 2023<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Sisters Gigi and Lucy haven\u2019t seen eye to eye since their father died. Their mother is worn out by her grief and her demanding job and doesn\u2019t have the capacity to deal with their constant bickering. Now Lucy is a new 6th grader at the school where Gigi is the 8th grade Queen Bee, and on Lucy\u2019s first day, the girls get into an altercation that ends with Lucy challenging her sister (and school fencing champion) to a duel. What follows are chapters alternating between each girl\u2019s first-person narration as they go between the past and present, exploring their relationship and where it went wrong and planning their fencing duel. There\u2019s sports, friendship, sisterhood, family, grief, and even a grandparent relationship in this story, lending it some major kid and adult appeal! <\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Measuring Up<\/h2><\/div>
By Lily LaMotte (Author), Ann Xu (Illustrator)
Published: October 27, 2020<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

12-year-old Cici moves from Taiwan to the US with her parents, leaving behind her beloved A-ma (her grandmother). Thankfully, the adjustment period isn\u2019t too hard on her. Although Cici and her parents want to bring her grandmother over for a visit at least, they can\u2019t afford to yet. 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\u2019s 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. This is an excellent feel-good, coming-of-age story that pays homage to the love between a granddaughter and her grandmother. <\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Knots <\/h2><\/div>
By Colleen Frakes
Published: September 3, 2024<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

I had very low expectations of this book but ended up being charmed by it! In the vein of Telgemeier’s SMILE and SISTERS, Frakes introduces readers to anxious overthinker Norah, who’s desperate for a means of self-expression and blonde hair as she enters middle school. Her prison warden parents bicker constantly, and her contrarian little sister is a bit sick of being the black sheep to Norah’s good kid. But a bad dye job is only the beginning of Norah’s challenges. This is a slice-of-life graphic novel all about how Norah finds her voice, gains a deeper appreciation for her family, and discovers her hair as a vehicle for experimentation and expression. It is funny, touching, and oh-so relatable, especially for kids struggling to find their voice in a home with a loud (but not abusive) parent. Really good for ages 9+<\/strong><\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Sea Legs<\/h2><\/div>
By Jules Bakes (Author), Niki Smith (Illustrator)
Published: February 4, 2025<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Janey and her parents often take breaks to spend time on the seas and then stop to work and earn money when their funds run out. She’s leaving behind her friends and feels a bit whiny and lonely, being the only kid on the boat. Until she meets Astrid. Astrid is mysterious, snarky, and sometimes unkind, but Janey remains inexplicably drawn to her. Then, a hurricane comes in and ruins everything. Fans of Continental Drifter<\/em> and coming-of-age graphic novels will enjoy this story inspired by the author’s experiences.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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New Kid<\/h2><\/div>
By Jerry Craft 
Published: February 5, 2019<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Seventh grader Jordan Banks loves nothing more than drawing cartoons about his life. But instead of sending him to the art school of his dreams, his parents enroll him in a prestigious private school known for its academics, where Jordan is one of the few kids of color in his entire grade. As he makes the daily trip from his Washington Heights apartment to the upscale Riverdale Academy Day School, Jordan soon finds himself torn between two worlds\u2014and not really fitting into either one. Can Jordan learn to navigate his new school culture while keeping his neighborhood friends and staying true to himself?<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Frizzy<\/h2><\/div>
By Claribel A. Ortega (Author), Rose Bousamra (Illustrator)
Published: October 18, 2022<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Marlene hates the salon where her mom takes her to get her natural curls straightened weekly. Marlene\u2019s mom and some in their circle\/family believe that \u201cgood hair\u201d is straight hair. Marlene\u2019s mom wants her to focus on school and look \u201ctidy\u201d by having her hair straight and slick. But Marlene isn\u2019t 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\u2019s hair, Marlene learns to care for her natural hair better and embrace her curls. Frizzy<\/em> is a delightful, thought-provoking graphic novel about natural hair, self-acceptance, and body image<\/a>. <\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Next Stop<\/h2><\/div>
By Debbie Fong
Published: March 19, 2024<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Pia heads out on a desert sightseeing road trip on which one of the stops is a famous lake which many believe has magical properties. Pia has a secret: she’s hoping that the lake will bring back her younger brother who died in a drowning accident several months ago. Along the way, she gets to know the odd group traveling together, including a candy-distributing grandma, a reluctant tween traveler, a couple with ever-bickering kids, and an elderly couple hoping for a health miracle. I liked the camaraderie of the travelers and the flashbacks in every chapter that show us Pia’s life before and just after the accident. I also really liked that the plot is sad but not too heavy. This is great for readers who enjoy sad books or stories featuring a road trip.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Stepping Stones: (A Graphic Novel) (Peapod Farm)<\/h2><\/div>
By Lucy Knisley
Published: May 5, 2020<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s 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\u2019s market. Her mother\u2019s boyfriend, Walter, is infuriating and dismissive of Jen\u2019s feelings. Things get worse when Walter\u2019s 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\u2019t stop whining. Can Jen make a life at Peapod Farm? This is an engaging, wholesome, true-to-life middle grade graphic novel about dealing with life changes<\/a>. <\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The Other Side of Tomorrow<\/h2><\/div>
By Tina Cho (Author), Deb JJ Lee (Illustrator)
Published: November 12, 2024<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

In this gorgeous graphic novel, tweens Myunghee and Yunho\u2019s paths intersect the day before they both escape the communist regime and converge again in China, where Yunho\u2019s mother takes Myunghee in and along on their arduous, perilous escape plan.The Other Side of Tomorrow<\/em> is a breathtaking, suspenseful, and gorgeously illustrated graphic novel about two kids escaping North Korea. Ages 9+<\/strong><\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Twins<\/h2><\/div>
By Varian Johnson (Author), Shannon Wright (Illustrator)
Published: October 6, 2020<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Twins Maureen and Francine Carter have always done everything together, but things have changed as they start sixth grade. For one, they have nearly all their classes apart, and Francine is dressing differently, trying to stand out from her twin Maureen. Maureen has always been the quieter, introverted one \u2014 her parents call her the thinker, and Francine, the talker. So she feels a bit lost when Francine joins different clubs and extra-curricular activities, while she joins cadet training. 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. Varian Johnson\u2019s new graphic novel is simply a delight! I loved following Maureen and Francine \u2014 and am really hoping we get a few more books about them. <\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Sports<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Match Point<\/h2><\/div>
By Maddie Gallegos
Published: September 19, 2023<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Rosie\u2019s 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\u2019s family away from her father\u2019s harsh supervision, she realizes what it means to play for fun. Match Point <\/em>is a delightful graphic novel about racquetball, female friendship, and the value of true sportsmanship. <\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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We Are Big Time<\/h2><\/div>
By Hena Khan (Author), Safiya Zerrougui (Illustrator)
Published: August 6, 2024<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Still adjusting to a move from Florida to Milwaukee, Aliya is excited to start playing basketball at her new Islamic school, but the girls\u2019 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 <\/strong>graphic novel. <\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The Fifth Quarter<\/h2><\/div>
By Mike Dawson
Published: May 25, 2021<\/strong> <\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Lori Block is dedicated to her fourth-grade basketball team despite being relegated to an extra period before the <\/strong>real game starts, known as the fifth quarter,<\/strong> where the not-so-good kids play and the points don\u2019t count. That doesn\u2019t 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. <\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Historical<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Botticelli’s Apprentice<\/h2><\/div>
By Ursula Murray Husted
Published: March 11, 2025<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Mella is a chicken girl in the studio of the famous painter, Sandro Botticelli, during the 1800s in Italy. She wants to become an artist, but girls can’t be apprentices, so instead, she decides to help the painter’s clueless apprentice, Datus, with his assignments, allowing him to take credit for her work. But how long can she stomach the injustice? I loved the narrative arc and the unique historical setting of this one. Mella is an interesting character, and there are many side quests to keep readers engaged. It’s a good graphic novel if you’re looking for something set in a unique period and tackling gender inequality. <\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Drive <\/h2><\/div>
By Cynthia Copeland
Published: January 7, 2025<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

This historical graphic novel has a past and present timeline. In the 1960s, we follow trailblazing female Indy 500 racecar driver Janet Guthrie as she breaks barriers to the sport, and in 2019, car girl, 12-year-old Alex, works to restore her grandfather’s jaguar. As both Alex and Janet explore and fight for their love of cars, they must navigate sexism in the auto industry and even from family members. This book–especially Janet’s story–is thrilling and fresh, sure to appeal to fans of car racing and cars in general. It also has a powerful overarching message, especially for girls interested in traditionally male-dominated industries, that they can do anything they put their minds to. <\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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One Crazy Summer (The Graphic Novel)<\/h2><\/div>
By Rita Williams-Garcia (Author), Sharee Miller (Illustrator)
Published: May 6, 202<\/strong>5<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Whether or not you’ve read Garcia’s Newbery Honor-winning book, the graphic adaptation just begs to be experienced. With illustrations from acclaimed illustrator Sharee Miller (Curlfriends: New in Town) and powerful history and emotions on the page, I devoured this book in one sitting! I liked the original book just fine but adored this novel and felt the Gaither sisters come to life vividly in its pages. With important themes like mother-daughter relationships, activism, and Black history, I’m eager for realistic graphic novel fans to discover this one over the summer.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Fantasy<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The First Cat in Space Ate Pizza<\/h2><\/div>
By Mac Barnett (Author), Shawn Harris (Illustrator)
Published: May 10, 2022<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Something terrible is happening in the skies! Rats are eating the MOON<\/em>!There\u2019s only ONE hero for the job, a bold and fearsome beast bioengineered in a secret lab to be the moon\u2019s savior and Earth\u2019s last hope! And that hero is . . . <\/strong>a cat.<\/strong> A cat who will be blasted into space!Accompanied by the imperious Moon Queen and LOZ 4000, a toenail clipping robot, the First Cat in Space journeys across a fantastic lunar landscape to save the world. Will these unlikely heroes save the moon in time? Can a toenail-clipping robot find its purpose in the vast universe? And will the First Cat in Space ever eat some pizza? This is a silly graphic novel with plenty of action and wacky humor. <\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The Bizarre Bazaar: Mirror Town (A Graphic Novel) (The Bizarre Bazaar, 1)<\/h2><\/div>
By Daniel Nayeri (Author), Liz Enright (Illustrator)
Published: July 8, 2025<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

I loved the premise and setup of this story about a boy who falls into a mirror world where everything goes his way until he discovers an evil conspiracy. It’s the first in a series and ends on a cliffhanger with a small preview of the next book in the series. I also liked that it’s under 200 pages. This a great graphic novel for kids who love spooky stories without magic or horror.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Operation: Cover Up<\/h2><\/div>
By Tate Godwin
Published: January 21, 2025<\/strong><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

When two new 5th graders determined to “be themselves” get mistaken for class clown and brainiac (the opposite of what they each are), they band together to help each other succeed in the vein of Cisneros’s Falling Short<\/a><\/em>, but in graphic novel format with animal characters a la Mr. Wolf’s Class. This is a clever (sometimes a teeny bit didactic) story that is funny and relatable about friendship, being yourself, and staying open to possibilities. Fans of quirky graphic novels with a dash of humor will enjoy this.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Join our Patreon community<\/a> to get the printable version of this li<\/b>st<\/strong>! You’ll also get access to other kid lit resources and perks, like our seasonal guides, book tasting menus, and book discussion guides, to inspire you. You can also\u00a0buy the standalone printable<\/a>\u00a0from our shop<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More Books for 10 Year Olds<\/h2>\n\n\n\n