Age rating and parents' guide:Ghosts
by Raina Telgemeier
Ages 9–14
Ghosts by Raina Telgemeier is best for children aged 9–14. It has no violence, a few mildly scary moments, no romance and no bad language. Worth knowing: Sibling illness theme.
Catrina and her family move to a foggy coastal town because the salty air might help her younger sister, Maya, who has cystic fibrosis. Cat wants nothing to do with the local rumors about real spirits walking the streets, but Maya is eager to meet one. As the Day of the Dead approaches, Cat must confront her deepest worries about her sister's health. It balances genuine emotional weight with warmth, sibling love, and gentle supernatural mystery.
Content ratings
How much of each a parent can expect, from none to strong.
- Violence
- None
- Scary moments
- Mild
- Romance
- None
- Bad language
- None
Worth knowing: Sibling illness theme
Content checked by Dhiraj Bodade, co-founder of Bookstaken, on .
At a glance
- Graphic novel
- Easy to get into from the first page
- Plenty of illustrations
- Emotionally light
- A good pick for reluctant readers
Great for kids who like
- Animals
Reading mood
- Playful
Good to talk about
- Family
Books like Ghosts
Similar stories for the same ages, none more intense than this one should be for its youngest readers.
Ages 9–14
Measuring Up
by Lily LaMotte
Having recently moved from Taiwan to Seattle, twelve-year-old Cici misses her beloved grandmother A-má terribly. Desperate to buy A-má a plane ticket for her seventieth birthday, Cici enters a local kids' cooking competition with a grand cash prize. The catch: she only knows traditional Taiwanese recipes, but the judges want creative fusion and American-style dishes. Readers will cheer for Cici as she navigates cultural identity, middle school friendships, and delicious recipes in this warm and relatable graphic novel.
Ages 6–12
Ganesha (Amar Chitra Katha)
by Anant Pai
This classic comic introduces young readers to Ganesha, the beloved elephant-headed Hindu deity of wisdom and new beginnings. Through colorful graphic storytelling, it follows the popular legends of his birth, how he received his elephant head, and the clever race around the world against his brother Kartikeya. It offers an engaging, accessible introduction to traditional Indian folklore that children enjoy for its vibrant illustrations and playful mythology.
Ages 6–12
Shiva (Amar Chitra Katha)
by Anant Pai
This graphic novel introduces young readers to Lord Shiva, one of the most revered figures in Hindu mythology. Through vibrant comic panels, the book depicts key legends, including his role as the cosmic destroyer, his marriage to Parvati, and the descent of the sacred river Ganga. Children are drawn to the dramatic visual storytelling, legendary battles, and timeless cultural tales, making it an engaging and accessible entry point into Indian epics.
Ages 9–14
Smile
by Raina Telgemeier
In sixth grade, Raina trips and severely injures her two front teeth, kicking off an arduous multi-year saga of braces, surgery, and headgear. Alongside her dental troubles, she has to navigate middle school social drama, shifting friendships, and her first crushes. This autobiographical graphic novel is relatable, funny, and honest about the awkwardness of growing up. Readers empathize deeply with Raina's struggles and cheer for her as she finds her voice and genuine friends.
Ages 12–14
Sheets
by Brenna Thummler
Thirteen-year-old Marjorie Glatt is barely keeping things together. While dealing with the loss of her mother and an overwhelmed father, she is forced to run the family laundromat, all while facing pressure from a sleazy local businessman and cruel classmates. Enter Wendell, a young ghost wrapped in a sheet who longs for friendship but inadvertently wreaks havoc on Marjorie's wash cycles. With its soft pastel palette and poignant storytelling, this graphic novel balances gentle whimsy with tender, relatable reflections on grief, loneliness, and hope.
Ages 9–11
The One and Only Ivan
by Katherine Applegate
Ivan is an easygoing gorilla who has lived for years in a glass enclosure at a roadside shopping mall, spending his time watching television and painting. He is used to his small world until Ruby, a baby elephant taken from the wild, arrives. Ruby's arrival awakens long-buried memories of Ivan's past in the jungle. Determined to give her a better life, Ivan uses his art and intelligence to find a way to freedom. Written in spare, poetic prose from Ivan's perspective, this gentle, moving story explores friendship, empathy, and hope.
On these book lists
A good book is the start. A mentor makes it stick.
In a free 1:1 session, a trained Bookstaken mentor reads with your child, asks what they think and helps the reading habit last.