16 New Graphic Novels You Don’t Want to Miss

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I’m excited to share with you new graphic novels to keep your kids reading all summer…The first 11 reviews, my daughter Jemma wrote while I was unable to read graphic novels during my concussion recovery. I gave her a stack of 20 books to read and she cut out many because she didn’t like them for a variety of very astute reasons like poor character development, plot holes, pacing, etc. So you’re getting her curated list. I think she did an excellent job.

Adding on to Jemma’s list, you will also see my own recent reviews because I can finally read graphic novels again!!!

(Last week, I shared four more NEW graphic novels for beginning readers, ages 6 to 9, here.)

Graphic Novel Reviews Written by Jemma Taylor


Owly Flying Lessons
by Andy Runton (ages 7- 10)
Owly and Wormy one day come across a flying squirrel, but for the squirrel, new friends can be daunting! It comes easy for Wormy, but Owly can’t seem to break the squirrel out of her shell. Will he manage to get past this stranger’s fear of owls, or will they remain strangers forever?


Pup Detectives
by Felix Gumpaw (ages 7- 10)
Someone keeps stealing all the lunches at Pawston Elementary, and it’s up to this group of mystery-solving dogs to investigate! Join Rider and her friends as they crack this lunchroom case once and for all. 


Agent 9
by James Burkes (ages 8 – 12)
Agent 9 is a cat secret agent who’s currently on probation for how reckless she is on her missions. What will she do when the entire rest of her organization gets captured by the evil King Crab, and only she can help?


Cosmic Pizza Party
by Nick Murphy & Paul Ritchey (ages 8 – 12)
This fun and comedic novel follows the mishaps and adventures of a sci-fi gang of pizza makers as they market their pizza across the galaxy. 


Kyle’s Little Sister
by BonHyung Jeong (ages 8 – 12)
Grace constantly lives in her brother’s shadow, only having two friends who like her for her. But when the trio gets into a big fight, will their friendship be able to survive? And when will everybody stop comparing her to Kyle!? This is a relatable and engaging read about the ups and downs of middle school –perfect for younger siblings or any reader who enjoys realistic stories. 

Escape at 1,000 Feet by Tom Sullivan (ages 8 – 12)
This nonfiction graphic novel story with comic panels, documents, photos, and sidebars with facts recounts D.B. Cooper’s infamous plane hijacking from 1971–-a feat in which he escaped with $200,000 dollars and mysteriously dropped off the face of the earth. 


The Secret Garden
by Mariah Marsden & Hanna Luechtefeld (ages 8 – 12)
A cute and fitting illustrated rendition of the 20th-century classic, The Secret Garden, with an adorable art style and a story for all ages. 


Miles Morales: Shock Waves
by Justin A. Reynolds & Pablo Leon (ages 8 – 12)
In this Spider-Man graphic novel adventure, Miles Morales is faced with a problem. As he struggles to juggle both his superhero and civilian lives at the same time, a fellow student’s father suddenly goes missing with just a few too many connections to strange supernatural activity in the area. Can he figure out what’s going on and save this innocent civilian? 


Tell No Tales: The Pirates of the Southern Seas
by Sam Maggs & Kendra Wells (ages 8 – 12)
A daring adventure story of the found family pirate crew captained by none other than Anne Bonny, based on the real-life pirate of the same name. Things seem to be going great for the crew until they happen upon a fearsome rival, one dead-set on destroying pirates everywhere. Together, they can defeat him—but only through their unique pasts and skills that each person brings to the table. 


Lightfall: The Girl & the Galdurian
by Tim Probert (ages 8 – 12)
An adventurous fantasy story following Beatrice, an anxious human girl trying to find her adopted grandpa who supposedly left on a quest. She gathers help from a Galdurian and together, they just might be able to complete this quest of their own (which might be a bit bigger than Bea ever imagined). Beautifully imagined artwork!


Long Way Down: The Graphic Novel
by Jason Reynolds (ages 14+)
An illustrated version of Jason Reynolds’ free verse book about Will, a teenager who witnesses his own brother get shot before his very eyes. He needs to follow The Rules, he needs to take revenge on the killer. But as he travels seven floors in an elevator, each level provides an encounter with a deceased person, their conversations halt Will’s plans and reveal to him the bigger story of what really happened with his brother. 

Graphic Novel Reviews Written by Melissa Taylor


Mellybean and the Giant Monster
by Mike White (ages 8 – 12)
Run out to buy this series — it’s heartwarming and adventurous and a new favorite. Mellybean is a happy dog whose outlook on life is positive and innocent. Outside in her yard, she falls into a hole that leads to another world. There, a greedy king is hunting a large, lovable monster who Melly and her new friends rescue from the king’s knights. She shows the so-called monster that not all humans are mean like the king. And, Melly saves the entire kingdom!! (Guess who will be the new king? Hint: It’s not Melly.)


Animal Rescue Friends
by Meika Hashimoto, Gina Loveless, and Genevieve Kote (ages 8 – 12)
Interconnected stories of children’s lives show how they find solace and purpose through the Animal Rescue Friends shelter. Each child’s character is well-developed and we feel connected to their story and to their life. Kids who love animals will fall in love with this beautiful, appealing graphic novel.


Super Sidekicks #1: No Adults Allowed
by Gavin Aung Than (ages 8 – 12)
Sick and tired of their superhero, the sidekicks (who happen to be kids) form their own team that includes a sidekick named Goo who used to belong to the evil Dr. Enok. First, the adult superheroes come to find out where they all are and then, the evil Dr. Enok arrives and kidnaps back Goo. The sidekicks must take action to rescue their new friend. Kid-power, friendship, teamwork, and adventure, this graphic novel is sure to be a hit with 8 to 12-year-old readers!


Ham Helsing Vampire Hunter
by Rich Moyer (ages 8 – 12)
If you like adventure, some potty humor, surprising plot twists, and characters like treasure-seeking rats, a vampire hunting pig, an evil chicken, a vampire pig, and a wolf-shifter boy, then do not miss this entertaining story with heart and humor. And instead of vampire hunting, the hunter and vampire team up to fight the evil spider-woman who has been terrorizing the town, becoming friends instead of enemies. And the ending?–Perfection!


The Cardboard Kingdom Roar of the Beast (book 2)
by Chad Sell (ages 8 – 12)
If you’re a fan of the first book, then you’ll probably enjoy this second book with stories of neighborhood kids who must figure out the mystery of the monster lurking in the neighborhood at night. The stories for me felt a bit disjointed and I struggled to follow the plot but most of the time, kids can follow these things better than me. I’ll ask Jemma to read and review this and see if she has a different take than I did.

16 New Graphic Novels You Don't Want to Miss

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