It’s almost impossible to create a list of the best new graphic novels for kids out this year. It’s not even easy to curate a list for the month. I’ve been an elementary librarian for ten years, and the explosion of graphic novels for kids has been one of the most satisfying events to witness. As the genre has grown, new graphic novels have been crowding the shelves to the point where we’ve had to move the section in our stacks. Some books have been heartbreaking, some were absolutely absurd, and all of them were offering “thick books” to more and more students who never felt included in the reading world.
I already appreciated and celebrated graphic novels, but my adoration has expanded after a recent author visit from Mat Heagerty. Mat was excellent for so many reasons. He shared openly about his experiences being a student with ADHD and dyslexia, and talked about the tools that help him write. And then he made the point that the very first tool that let him be an author was reading comics and graphic novels. This was empowering for my students, but also a great reminder to myself and the adults in the room about the need for graphic novels in all libraries. With this in mind, I had a blast picking out a few new releases to get excited about! Just don’t forget, there are so many more out there waiting to be discovered!
Squalo & Mage vs. the Rage of the Bakunawa by Kara Bodegón-Hikino
Cute is huge right now. My elementary students are clamoring for characters that make them say, “aww,” and this book fits the bill, but with a twist. Darker themes (loss of a father, dangerous journey) mix with muted pastels and sweet character design to bring to life a story that will win your heart. The quest and characters are based on Filipino folklore, but the narrative and art leave nothing to question, and even unfamiliar readers will be completely hooked!
Superpunk by Mirtes Santana and Guilherme Petreca
This cover has my entire heart. As a child of the ’90s wallowing in nostalgia, I want to shove this book into the hands of every kid who is writing band names on their sneakers right now. Violetta finds an old cassette player, listens to a tape backward (this is pointed out as punk rebellion), and gains superpowers. Unfortunately, this also unleashes monsters. It’s okay, though, because Violetta is a superpunk, and she’s going to save the day.
The Endless Game by J.D. Amato and Sophie Morse
It’s not always easy to find a realistic fiction graphic novel with a fresh perspective, but we have just that in The Endless Game. Fred is new in town, and the adjustment is about more than figuring out where the local kids like to swim in the summer. Lakeside, Illinois has been in a state of turmoil for decades, all because of an elaborate, almost unbelievable ongoing game of Capture the Flag. Of course, it’s about more than just the game, and everyone learns a lot before a winner is declared.
Sol Goes for Goal! by Julio Anta and Gabi Mendez
The second in a celebrated new realistic fiction series about Hillside Valley, Sol Goes for Goal introduces us to Sol, a star student and soccer player who stumbles when she can’t stop thinking about the soccer captain, Lily. This is a sweet book about the challenges of growing up and being who you want to be.
Hopefully, one of these terrific graphic novels will have caught your eye. If not, never fear. There are so many excellent choices at any given moment! Looking for more graphic novels for kids? Check out this list of graphic novel adaptations! Happy reading!
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