Graphic novels for middle school are the topic of our blog post today!
There are various reasons why graphic novels are important for students and especially middle school students. First, graphic novels engage reluctant readers and stimulate visual learners, providing a different avenue to improve literacy. The combination of text and images aids in comprehension and vocabulary acquisition, making them incredibly useful educational tools.
Second, remember that time we tried to use traditional novels to discuss complex issues like diversity or emotional intelligence? Some kids get it right away, but for others, the 300-page block of text is daunting. Graphic novels can offer the same thematic richness but in a more digestible format. In my extensive research as an educational researcher and my 15 years in the classroom, I’ve come across an array of graphic novels that do a fantastic job in offering both educational and entertainment value.
There are studies which even suggest that graphic novels can improve reading comprehension skills and medial literacy. So, in this blog post, we’re diving into some top picks for graphic novels for middle school students. From coming-of-age stories to explorations of identity, these books tackle relevant topics with grace, humor, and, of course, fantastic artwork.
Graphic Novels for Middle School
Here are our top picks for graphic novels for middle school:
1. Twins, by Varian Johnson and Shannon Wright
Maureen and Francine Carter are inseparable twins, sharing interests and activities until middle school comes along and reshapes their identities. Francine, now going by Fran, starts developing her own interests like joining the chorus and running for class president, creating a rift between the two. The story masterfully captures the complex dynamics of sibling relationships and the pains of growing up. If you’ve ever navigated the emotionally charged terrain of middle school friendships and family ties, this book will resonate with you.
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2. Allergic, by Megan Wagner Lloyd and Michelle Mee Nutter
Maggie has a problem that many kids her age don’t have to think about—she’s severely allergic to fur, thwarting her dreams of getting a pet. While her family preps for a new baby, Maggie embarks on a quest to find the perfect hypoallergenic pet. Drawing upon the author’s own experiences with allergies, the story is not just a tale of allergies but also one of self-discovery and resilience. This graphic novel will tug at your heartstrings if you’ve ever felt a bit out of place in your family or had to deal with the complexities of allergies.
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3. All’s Faire in Middle School, by Victoria Jamieson
Imogene (Impy) is not your average middle schooler. Raised by parents who work at a Renaissance Faire, she decides to take on public school after being homeschooled. Quickly, Impy realizes that fitting into middle school culture is no less challenging than mastering the arts of the Faire.
She encounters the pitfalls of trying to conform, even at the cost of her own values. The story is an intricate mesh of Impy’s experiences at school and her medieval escapades at the Faire, offering a fresh take on the age-old middle school dilemmas of fitting in and staying true to oneself.
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4. Dear Sister, by Alison McGhee and Joe Bluhm
This graphic novel is a hilarious and poignant exploration of sibling dynamics, told through letters from an older brother to his annoying younger sister. It paints an authentic portrait of the complexities, annoyances, and underlying love that define sibling relationships. The story gets extra relatability points for tackling typical family issues, such as eating dreaded lima beans and childhood fears, through a candid lens. It’s a perfect read for anyone who’s had to deal with the blessings and curses of having a sibling.
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5. Swing it, Sunny, by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm
In this sequel to Sunny Side Up, Sunny Lewin is navigating the maze that is middle school. While she paints a rosy picture for her Gramps in Florida, Sunny is actually struggling. Unlike the warmth and simplicity of summer, middle school is a complex puzzle that Sunny finds challenging. The novel successfully tackles the mixed bag of emotions that come with changes in friendships, academic pressures, and family life. If you’ve ever felt adrift in the choppy waters of middle school, this story will feel like a friend telling you, ‘You’re not alone.’
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6. Invisible, by Christina Diaz Gonzalez & Gabriela Epstein
In a tale that echoes “The Breakfast Club,” this bilingual graphic novel introduces us to five diverse students stuck together for community service. George, Sara, Dayara, Nico, and Miguel initially believe they have nothing in common beyond their Latinx heritage. Yet, when faced with someone who genuinely needs their assistance, they’re forced to confront their own vulnerabilities and learn to see beyond the labels. With its groundbreaking format featuring text in both English and Spanish, “Invisible” offers a relatable storyline about the significance of friendship and the necessity to be seen for who you truly are.
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7. Shadow Jumper, by J M Forster
Shadow Jumper delivers a punch of mystery and adventure with its protagonist, Jack Phillips, who suffers from a sunlight allergy that confines him to shadows. Desperate for a cure, Jack and his new friend, Beth, dig into his missing scientist father’s murky past. The story is an adrenaline-charged race against time filled with shocking secrets and challenges. But it’s not just a page-turner; it delves into complex issues like family loss, courage, and friendship, making it relatable for its young readers.
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8. The Witch Boy, by Molly Knox Ostertag
Set in a world where gender dictates one’s magical abilities—girls become witches, boys become shapeshifters—Aster finds himself at a crossroads. Fascinated by witchery but bound by societal norms, Aster must summon his courage, aided by his non-magical friend Charlie, to embrace his true identity and protect his family. The story is a compelling examination of gender norms and the courage it takes to be oneself, wrapped in a magical, illustrative cloak.
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9. When Stars Are Scattered, by Victoria Jamieson, Omar Mohamed, and Iman Geddy
This is a poignant and deeply moving graphic novel that dives into the harsh realities of life in a refugee camp. Told from the perspective of Omar, a young Somali refugee, the story revolves around his life in Kenya’s Dadaab refugee camp, as he grapples with the choices and sacrifices he must make to offer a better future for his nonverbal brother, Hassan. It’s a story of despair, hope, and the human spirit, and serves as an eye-opener to the often ignored plight of refugees.
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10. Buzzing, by Samuel Sattin and Rye Hickman
This middle-grade novel dives into the life of Isaac, a 12-year-old kid grappling with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Traditional therapy isn’t much help for him, but when he joins an after-school role-playing game with new friends, his perspective starts to shift. It’s a heartwarming story that shows the struggles and triumphs of dealing with mental health at a young age, highlighting the importance of friendship and self-acceptance in navigating through life’s challenges.
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11. Illegal, by Eoin Colfer and Andrew Donkin
“Illegal” is a gripping graphic novel by Eoin Colfer and Andrew Donkin, that follows the perilous journey of a young boy named Ebo across Africa to Europe. This poignant narrative, punctuated with vibrant artwork, serves as a timely exploration of the refugee experience through the eyes of a child. Ebo’s story is one of courage, desperation, and the indomitable human spirit, aiming to foster empathy and understanding. Highly recommended for its impactful storytelling, this novel could serve as a compelling educational tool for middle school students and beyond..
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12. Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life
James Patterson’s “Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life” is a hilariously relatable account of Rafe Khatchadorian’s tumultuous first year in middle school. Rafe, in collaboration with his best friend Leonardo, attempts to spice up his school year by breaking every rule in the book, quite literally. From chewing gum in class to pulling fire alarms, they tally up points for every audacious act. However, as his rule-breaking spree catches up with him, Rafe is forced to confront the truths he’s been avoiding, questioning what really matters in life.
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13. Noise, by Kathleen Raymundo
Written by Kathleen Raymundo, “Noise” is a heartwarming graphic novel that’s also a teacher’s pick. The story is based on real events and centers on an introverted girl and a chatty boy who form an unlikely friendship. In a world clamoring for attention, both find joy and understanding in the most unexpected places. This beautifully illustrated book serves as a reminder that even in a noisy world, silence can speak volumes.
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14. “Hey, Kiddo,” by Jarrett J. Krosoczka
“Hey, Kiddo” by Jarrett J. Krosoczka is a graphic memoir that delves into the complex emotions of growing up with an absent father and a drug-addicted mother. The story begins when Jarrett’s kindergarten teacher asks him to draw his family, igniting a journey of self-discovery and understanding. The book navigates through Jarrett’s complicated relationship with his grandparents, who are at once judgmental yet supportive. A finalist for the National Book Award, it’s a compelling, teachers’ pick narrative that speaks volumes about the messiness and resilience of family.
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15. Frizzy, by Claribel A. Ortega
Claribel A. Ortega’s “Frizzy,” illustrated by Rose Bousamra, is a New York Times bestseller and multiple award-winner, including the 2023 Pura Belpré Award for Children’s Text. The book is about Marlene, a young Dominican girl who finds her biggest adversary in hair salons. In a humorous and touching way, the book addresses issues of identity and self-love through the lens of Marlene’s hair-related adventures. This book is especially powerful for children struggling with self-acceptance and hits home the point that it’s okay to be different.
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16. Invisible, by Christina Diaz Gonzalez and Gabriela Epstein
If you liked New Kid and Allergic, “Invisible: A Graphic Novel” by Christina Diaz Gonzalez and Gabriela Epstein could be a perfect addition to your reading list. The story centers on five diverse students who find themselves lumped together for a community service project. While they all seem so different on the surface, they soon discover they might have more in common than they thought. The graphic novel taps into the theme that often, the most “invisible” kids in school have the most to offer. It’s a compelling look at how even the most unlikely alliances can make a big impact.
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17. Making Friends, by Kristen Gudsnuk
Ah, the trials of seventh grade, a time when your former friend circle disintegrates and you’re pretty much left navigating the social maze alone. “Making Friends” by Kristen Gudsnuk explores this very predicament through the eyes of Dany, who misses her sixth-grade simplicity. When she gets a magic sketchbook, she thinks she’s solved her “friend issue” by sketching the perfect friend. But maintaining friendships? That’s a different ballgame. The book tackles the complexities of middle school friendships in a way that’s both touching and comical.
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18. New Kid, Jerry Craft
Jerry Craft’s “New Kid” needs little introduction, having racked up an impressive list of awards. The graphic novel follows Jordan Banks, a seventh-grader who loves drawing but finds himself enrolled in a school that’s not his first choice and where he’s one of the few kids of color. The narrative handles themes of racial inequality, belonging, and the struggle to maintain one’s identity in a place that tries to fit you into pre-existing molds. A staple for anyone who’s trying to diversify their understanding of the young adolescent experience.
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19. Fake Blood, by
For a twist of fantasy in a school setting, Whitney Gardner’s “Fake Blood” serves up an interesting premise. AJ is feeling left behind as his friends grow and evolve, and his crush, Nia Winters, seems interested only in vampires. So, AJ decides to turn himself into a vampire—only to discover Nia is a slayer. Awkward. It’s a funny coming-of-age story that incorporates the supernatural as a metaphor for the exaggerated ups and downs of adolescent emotions and expectations.
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20. Swim Team: A Graphic Novel
Johnnie Christmas’ “Swim Team” dives right into the world of competitive middle school swimming, and you don’t need to be a swim fan to get soaked into the story. Bree, the protagonist, reluctantly joins a swim team and turns out to be the underdog everyone’s rooting for. With coaching from an elderly former swim captain, Bree finds herself at the heart of her school’s shot at redemption against their rival. This book is about overcoming fears and the community that rises to support you when you do.
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Final thoughts
Whether you’re a teacher aiming to diversify your classroom library, a parent searching for engaging reads for your tween, or even a student looking for a relatable story, graphic novels offer a unique, multifaceted approach to storytelling that’s hard to match. In my years of teaching and my ongoing work as an educational researcher, I’ve found that these visual stories can be powerful tools in cultivating a love for reading, enhancing critical thinking, and even tackling complex topics in a relatable way.
If you haven’t already, I highly recommend diving into the world of graphic novels. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the depth, diversity, and educational potential that these books bring to the table.
