So you read the fantastic graphic novels by Raina Telgemeier, and now you’re on the hunt for books like Raina Telgemeier’s graphic novels? Welcome!
Recommending readalikes can be a tricky process, but as I said in the first post in this series, I enjoy the process of finding similar threads running through even books that appear different on the surface. Today’s pick is slightly different because I’m sharing 10 brilliant books (all but one are graphic novels) for fans of Raina Telgemeier.
Telgemeier is an excellent illustrator who shares stories, mostly inspired by her life experiences. My favorite books of hers are Smile, Guts, and Sisters. The readalikes I’m recommending today are most similar to those three stories! If you or your kids loved these books, here are more books like Raina Telgemeier’s graphic novels.
Ready? Let’s go.
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10 Wonderful Books Like Raina Telgemeier’s Graphic Novels
Here are 10 great graphic novels for your Raina Telgemeier fans:
Picture Day
Published: June 27, 2023
This is the first in a brand new graphic novel series starring seventh-grader Viv. On picture day, Viv decides she’s tired of being boring and blending in style-wise. So she cuts her hair into an edgy style — first by herself in the school bathroom and later in a hairstylist’s shop.
Suddenly, Viv is an influencer, and everyone wants life and style advice from her. But fame comes at a cost. This was a fun, lighthearted graphic novel with important lessons about being yourself and focusing on what really matters in life.
Jawbreaker
Published: October 24, 2023
Max Plink’s life is complicated. Her parents aren’t getting along. The school bullies are relentless―and her own sister is the cruelest of them. Worst of all, her mouth is a mess. With a mismatched puzzle of a jaw, Max has a Class II malocclusion, otherwise known as a severe overbite. She already has braces, which means she lives on Advil and soft foods after each orthodontist appointment. But now Max has to wear painful (and totally awkward) orthodontic headgear nicknamed “the jawbreaker.” Could things get any worse?
Yes. The journalism competition Max wants to enter has a video component. But being on camera means showing her face not just to her junior high classmates, but possibly the whole city. Going viral is the last thing Max needs, but winning this competition is what she wants most. Turns out, following her dreams is complicated, too.
Four Eyes: A Graphic Novel
Published: May 2, 2023
Sixth grade isn’t as great as Rex thought it would be. He’s the only kid who hasn’t had a growth spurt, and the bullies won’t let him forget it. His closest friend is unreliable, at best. And there’s a cute girl in his class, who may or may not like him back.
With so much going on, everything is a blur — including Rex’s vision! So when he discovers that he needs glasses, and his family can only afford the ugliest pair in the store, any hope Rex had of fitting in goes completely out of focus. I loved this sweet and moving graphic novel!
Doodles from the Boogie Down
Published: April 25, 2023
Steph is finishing eighth grade in a Catholic middle school, and she and her friends are applying to high school. She is not great at Math or Science and prefers art instead, so she’s thrilled when her art teacher encourages her to apply to LaGuardia, an arts high school.
Unfortunately, her strict Dominican mom doesn’t think art is a profitable career pursuit, so Steph’s plan is to only tell her mom about plans when she’s gotten in. On top of that, she’s struggling with understanding one of her friends who seems to like a group of girls who bully Steph. This is a great pick for kids who enjoy graphic novels/graphic memoirs and middle grade books set in New York City.
Roller Girl
Published: March 10, 2015
Astrid and Nicole are best friends who do nearly everything together. Until Astrid’s mom takes them to watch roller derby. While Astrid can’t get enough of the cool girls and all the derby action, Nicole is immediately put off. So when Astrid signs up for junior derby, Nicole chooses a ballet elective instead — but she never tells her mom that she’s derby rolling instead of doing ballet with Nicole.
I loved this action-packed exploration of roller derby, the thrill of finding a passion, and the power of perseverance. Raina Telgemeier fans and Fans of sports graphic novels like The Tryout and Play Like a Girl will love this one.
Frizzy
Published: October 18, 2022
Marlene hates the salon where her mom takes her to get her natural curls straightened weekly. Her mom and some in their circle/family believe that “good hair” is straight hair. But Marlene isn’t so sure. She sees an internet influencer and her favorite aunt, Tia Ruby rocking their curls and is eager to try. But her first attempt fails woefully.
I loved this delightful, thought-provoking graphic novel about natural hair, self-acceptance, and body image. It’s also the 2023 Winner of the 2023 Pura Belpré Award for Children’s Text!
Allergic
Published: March 2, 2021
Maggie loves animals and has been waiting patiently to get a dog, only to discover that she’s allergic. She starts getting shots to get her allergies under control while on the hunt for a hypoallergenic pet. Things appear to be looking up when Maggie meets Claire, an only child living with her single dad who indulges her every whim. Claire is one grade above Maggie but the two become fast friends — until Claire gets a dog.
This graphic novel is a sweet, realistic depiction of what it’s like to suffer from allergies. This graphic novel features stunning illustrations, a lovable protagonist, and a rambunctious family.
Play Like a Girl
Published: September 27, 2022
When Misty gets mocked for wanting to play football with the boys, Misty determines she’ll sign up for the team with her best friend (who’s convinced because she wants time with boys). But the training process is rigorous, and playing football is physically challenging — especially with boys.
This was a great read! It’s a compelling, heartfelt middle grade graphic memoir about challenging the status quo, playing football, and finding your tribe.
Lo and Behold
Published: May 2, 2023
The last thing Addie wants to do is make a new friend, but when her dad’s summer job takes them across the country, she meets Mateo and finds herself caught up in an exciting project. With the help of a virtual reality headset, she’s suddenly scaling castle walls, dodging angry kittens, and seeing the world in whole new ways. She and Mateo use VR to help other kids — and also help themselves cope with their emotional issues.
This graphic novel has such a unique premise and addresses tough topics like the death of a sibling and a parent with drug addiction/misuse. I loved the insight into VR and appreciated Addie and Mateo’s platonic friendship.
Measuring Up
12-year-old Cici who moves from Taiwan to the US with her parents, leaving behind her beloved A-ma (her grandmother). She and her parents struggle with American culture, like sleepovers, and fireplaces, and she quickly stops bringing Taiwanese food to lunch, preferring instead to learn to make American food, so she can blend in. Most of all, Cici misses her A-ma with whom she used to go to the market and cook. So when she stumbles upon a kid cooking contest, it feels like the perfect opportunity to earn $1000.
This is an excellent feel-good, coming-of-age story that pays homage to the love between a granddaughter and her grandmother. It will certainly appeal to Julia Child fans who enjoy middle-grade books about food or those who enjoy watching cooking contests.
There they are: 10 of the best books like Raina Telgemeier’s graphic novels! Which of these graphic novels have you read and loved? What did I miss?
More Readalikes
- Books like The Wild Robot
- Great books like Refugee
- Books like New Kid by Jerry Craft
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