As a mom who has had some kids struggle to really enjoy reading and as a mom with six kids under the age of 12, I know there is no “one size fits all” scenario when it comes to books. Reading comes easier for some kids, while others struggle to find a book they enjoy picking up.

However, I haven’t found a kid who doesn’t enjoy graphic novels, whether they are avid readers or struggling readers these books grab kids attention and excite them to read more. They seem to be the unicorn of books that fulfill the wishes of any age or reading level. Just ask any school or public librarian and they will tell you they can’t keep these books on the shelves, with all the kids clamoring to check them out.

The pages are covered in illustrations and the text is limited to a thought bubble or one or two sentences per image. Making the books FAR less intimidating than your normal chapter book.

Since we love graphic novels it was hard to narrow our list down to our VERY BEST FAVORITES, but after talking it over with my older boys we decided to go with our favorite graphic novel SERIES. This way, if your kids get hooked on one (or more) of these series there are more for them to pick up and enjoy!

 

The Flying Beaver Brothers By: Maxwell Eaton III

Ages: 7-10

Brothers Ace and Bub love their life on Beaver Island. But all of that stands to be taken away when a group of evil penguins show up and plan to convert the island into a polar-themed resort.

Dog Man By: Dav Pilkey

Ages: 7-10

Dog Man, part human, and part canine, a crime-fighting sensation, as long as he is able to fight through his dog like tendencies and answer the call for justice.

Narwhal and Jelly By: Ben Clanton

Ages: 6-9

Narwhal is a happy-go-lucky narwhal. Jelly is a no-nonsense jellyfish. The two might not have a lot in common, but they do they love waffles, parties and adventures.

The Bad Guys By: Aaron Blabey

Ages: 7-10

They sound like bad guys, they look like bad guys . . . and they even smell like bad guys. But Mr. Wolf, Mr. Piranha, Mr. Snake, and Mr. Shark are about to change all of that as they embark on their first GOOD mission, breaking 200 dogs out of a maximum security pound.

Hilo By: Judd Winick

Ages: 8 and up

Hilo just fell out of the sky and doesn’t know where he came from and what he is doing on Earth.  The worst part of the problem?….what if Hilo isn’t the only thing to fall to our planet? Can Hilo and his new earth friends help figure out where he is from, what he is doing here, and save the planet from destruction?

Lunch Lady Series By: Jarrett J. Krosoczka

Ages: 7-10

Babymouse Series By: Jennifer L. Holm

Ages: 7-10

Babymouse, with a head full of dreams, a wild imagination, and hopes for straighter whiskers she is ready to take on the world.  Babymouse might think she is the queen of the world, but she isn’t even queen of the lunchroom.

Squish Series By: Jennifer L. Holm

Ages: 7-10

A Twinkie eating, comic book loving, grade school aged Amoeba just trying to make it through a day, while navigating school, his family, and friends.

Comic Squad Series These are written by multiple writers and illustrators

Ages: 8 and up

In this book, you will find some of the best comic creators, under the sun, who joined forces to bring you a tribute to classic Sunday comics. This book contains eight hilarious, action-packed stories about every kid’s favorite subject—RECESS!

Bird and Squirrel Series By: James Burks

Ages: 7 and up

Squirrel is afraid of his own shadow. Bird doesn’t have a care in the world. And Cat wants to eat Bird and Squirrel. Of course, he’ll have to catch them first, and that’s not going to be easy.

The Jedi Academy Series

By: Jeffery Brown and Jarrett J. Krosoczka

Ages: 8 and up

Roan Novachez has been invited by Yoda to attend Jedi Academy, but he’s afraid that he’ll flunk out and have to attend the Agriculture Academy on Tatooine next year. This book captures all the humor and awkwardness of middle school  while framing it in the Star Wars world.

Lucy & Andy Neaderthal Series By: Jeffery Brown

Ages: 8 and up

Lucy and Andy are a sister and brother duo who get into trouble like any sister and brother. However, Lucy and Andy live in the Stone Age, so their adventures look a little different than your typical brother and sister pair.

Phoebe And Her Unicorn By: Dana Simpson

Ages: 8 and up

It all started when a girl named Phoebe skipped a rock across a pond and accidentally hit a unicorn in the face. And when you hit a Unicorn in the face you get a wish granted! That one wish changes everything.

Mega Princess By: Kelly Thompson Brianne Drouhard and M. Victoria Roband

Ages: 8 and up

At Princess Max’s 10th birthday, her fairy godmother grants her the gifts of EVERY fairy tale princess, which…sounds a lot cooler than it actually is, in Max’s opinion. She doesn’t want to sing on key or feel a pea under 20 mattresses—she wants to be a detective!

Geronimo Stilton (Graphic Novel Series) By: Geronimo Stilton

Ages: 7 and up

The popular story in graphic novel form! In this series of comics, Geronimo Stilton travels through time to defend history from his arch nemeses, the Pirate Cats (who plan to change history and become the leaders of mouse city).

 

The Chronicles of Claudette  By: Rafael Rosado

Ages: 7-10

A mix of comedy and fairy tale elements will keep little knights and aspiring princesses laughing. Follow Claudette, her best friend Marie (an aspiring princess) and her brother Gaston (a hopeful pastry artist) on an adventure to slay a giant.

The Babysitter’s Club By: Riana Telgemeier and Ann M. Martin

Ages: 8 and up

Meet Kristy, Mary Anne, Claudia, Stacey, and Dawn–The Babysitters Club. They are ready to take on fussy toddlers, scary neighbors, big dogs, and dirty diapers.

Blinky Series By: Ashley Spires

Ages: 6-9

Meet Binky, a space cat who believes he is out saving the universe, but really he is just a house cat who hasn’t left “mission control” (the house he lives in with his owners). The backyard (aka space) and the aliens (aka bugs) are enough to keep him on his toes and deep in his imagination.

CatStronauts Series By: Drew Brockington

Ages: 8 and up

When the world finds itself in darkness due a major energy shortage, the Worlds Best Scientist comes up with a bold plan to set up a solar power plant on the moon. Who will set up this power plant? The CatStronauts!  The best space cats around! Enter this fun world brimming with jokes, science, and tuna sandwiches!