Best graphic novels and comics for kids
The best graphic novels for kids include Narwhal and Jelly, Dog Man and Zita the Spacegirl. Comics are real reading: children follow a plot, read dialogue and infer from pictures, and many move on to longer books from here.
12 books, checked for age-appropriate content. Updated .
Content checked by Dhiraj Bodade, co-founder of Bookstaken.
- 1
Ages 6–8
Narwhal and Jelly
by Ben Clanton
Meet happy-go-lucky Narwhal and slightly cynical Jellyfish in this delightful early graphic novel. Despite their opposite personalities, the two sea creatures bond over a shared love of waffles, imaginative make-believe, and playful underwater adventures. Told across three short stories with sweet, simple illustrations, this lighthearted tale charms beginning readers with gentle silliness and a heartwarming celebration of friendship.
- 2
Ages 6–11
Dog Man
by Dav Pilkey
When a police officer and his loyal police dog are injured on the job, a life-saving surgery creates Dog Man—part dog, part policeman, and wholly dedicated to justice. While struggling with doggy habits like chasing balls, he must protect the city from the scheming villain Petey the Cat. Told through lively, full-color comic panels with interactive flip-o-ramas, this fast-paced story appeals to young and reluctant readers through slapstick humor, warmth, and relentless energy.
- 3
Ages 9–11
Zita the Spacegirl
by Ben Hatke
When her best friend is suddenly pulled through a mysterious portal, Zita doesn't hesitate to jump in after him. She lands on an alien planet facing total destruction and must navigate a strange new world full of quirky creatures, friendly monsters, and neurotic robots. Along the way, she takes on the mantle of an unlikely hero to save her friend and help those in need. It is an energetic, fast-paced graphic novel with charming art, humor, and a strong, courageous heroine who learns the true meaning of friendship and sacrifice.
- 4
Ages 6–11
Captain Underpants
by Dav Pilkey
Fourth-grade pranksters George and Harold spend their days creating comic books and driving their mean principal, Mr. Krupp, completely crazy. When they accidentally hypnotize him with a 3D Hypno-Ring, he transforms into their greatest superhero creation: the enthusiastic, wedgie-powered Captain Underpants. Full of wacky flip-o-rama animations, silly comic strips, and slapstick action, this heavily illustrated novel keeps reluctant and confident readers alike giggling from start to finish.
- 5
Ages 9–11
Secret Coders
by Gene Luen Yang
Hopper enters Stately Academy, an odd school filled with creepy four-eyed birds and mysterious secrets. Teaming up with fellow student Eni, she uncovers puzzles left behind by the school's eccentric founder. By learning real-world computer science concepts, binary code, and logic, the pair begin hacking their way through the school's bizarre mysteries. It is an engaging graphic novel that seamlessly blends an intriguing detective story with playful STEM learning.
- 6
Ages 9–11
Max and the Midknights
by Lincoln Peirce
Max dreams of becoming a knight rather than an apprentice troubadour, even though medieval traditions stand in the way. When Uncle Budrick is captured by the cruel King Gastley, Max bands together with a lively group of misfit friends called the Midknights to mount a daring rescue. Blending comic strips with illustrated narrative, this fast-paced adventure delivers constant jokes, magical surprises, and heroic moments that keep young readers laughing and turning pages.
- 7
Ages 9–11
Big Nate
by Lincoln Peirce
Nate Wright is an energetic middle-schooler who is completely convinced he is destined for greatness. Armed with a sketchbook and big ideas, he spends his days navigating detentions, dodging his strict social studies teacher Mrs. Godfrey, and hanging out with his best friends Francis and Teddy. Told through a lively mix of text and comic strips, this funny story captures the daily highs and chaotic lows of school life, making it a hit with kids who enjoy fast-paced laughs and cheeky underdogs.
- 8
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.
- 9
Ages 9–14
Ghosts
by Raina Telgemeier
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.
- 10
Ages 9–11
Roller Girl
by Victoria Jamieson
Astrid has always done everything with her best friend Nicole, but when summer arrives, she signs up for roller derby camp while Nicole chooses dance camp instead. Finding herself completely out of her depth on skates and drifting apart from her closest friend, Astrid faces tough practices, scrapes, and self-doubt. With vibrant graphic novel artwork and plenty of heart, this relatable coming-of-age story captures the bumpy reality of growing up, learning new skills, and discovering who you are.
- 11
Ages 12–14
New Kid
by Jerry Craft
Seventh-grader Jordan Banks loves drawing cartoons and dreams of art school, but his parents enroll him in an elite, academically rigorous private academy where he is one of the few kids of colour. As he travels daily from Washington Heights to the upscale campus, he must learn to navigate two very different worlds. Readers relate to Jordan's struggles with fitting in, subtle prejudice, and staying true to himself, all portrayed with humor, honesty, and expressive graphic novel artwork.
- 12
Ages 6–11
Phoebe and Her Unicorn
by Dana Simpson
Nine-year-old Phoebe accidentally hits a unicorn with a skipped rock, freeing the mythical beast from her own reflection. In return, the vain but delightful unicorn, Marigold Heavenly Nostrils, grants Phoebe a wish—to become best friends. Together, the quirky pair navigate elementary school, playground rivalries, and everyday life with a mix of magic and dry humor. Presented in witty comic strips, this charming graphic novel appeals to young readers who love hilarious friendships, clever banter, and sparkling fantasy.
More book lists for kids
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.