Graphic Novels for Middle School

Graphic Novels are novels that are made up of drawings, most often in comic strip format. Many readers are naturally drawn to this format, and in the past few years there has been a boom of these kids of books being published for younger readers. Here are a few great ones from the past few years:

Sisters by Raina Telgemeier

This semi-autobiographical story is the newest book by the beloved author Raina Telgemeier. Telgemeier has a talent for understanding middle school life and in Sisters she perfectly nails the changing relationships between sisters as they grow up. Kids have also loved Telgemeier's other graphic novels including Drama, Smile, and her graphic renditions of Ann M. Martin's classic series The Baby Sitter's Club. 

Amulet by Kibuishi Kazu

This adventure series follows Emily and Navin who discover a magical amulet that provides them with special powers. They enter the fictional world of Alledia where they build a crew of resistance fighters and battle evil. 

Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson

This book was a Newbery Honor Book for 2015. It tells the story of Astrid who falls in love with roller derby while navigating the ups and downs of middle school.

Sunny Side Up by Jennifer Holm

Young Sunny is sent by her parents to spend her summer vacation away from her friends in Florida with her grandfather at his retirement home. Sunny discovers the reason her parents sent her to Florida is because they are trying to protect her from and deal with her brother's addiction issues. Sunny learns to cope with this knowledge and the tedium of her summer at the retirement home.

Ms. Marvel by Wilson G. Willow

Kamala Khan is a stunning new superhero in the Marvel universe. She starts out as an ordinary girl from Jersey City, but an unusual experience leaves her with mysterious powers.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians graphic novel adaptations by Robert Venditti

Rick Riordan's popular series is brought to life with excellent art and a great narrative.

Drowned City: Hurricane Katrina & New Orleans by Don Brown

This stunning book takes on the tough topic of Hurricane Katrina. It is extremely well researched and provides a multifaceted look at this natural disaster. It was named a Sibert Medal Honor Book of 2015 which recognizes outstanding nonfiction for youth.

El Deafo by Cece Bell

This autobiography shares the author's experience of growing up with hearing loss. She must wear a large hearing aid known as the Phonic Ear, which gives her the ability to hear. She imagines it gives her other super powers as well to help her deal with the struggles of growing up.

You'll find these books in the graphic novel areas of our Children's and YA collections. Stop by and browse for more!

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