Back again with a list of graphic novels for 11 year olds! If you missed it, we’ve been doing this for kids ages 8-12. You can find a list of all the others we’ve published so far. For this list, I focused on graphic novels with slightly more mature subject matter, such as eating disorders, homelessness, Islamophobia, grief, and crushes. If you have younger kids who read at a higher level, they could definitely read these and handle the subject matter as none of the books are particularly graphic (ha!).
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20 Great Graphic Novels for 11 Year Olds
Here are 20 awesome graphic novels for 11 year olds:
Saving Sunshine
Published: September 5, 2023
This is a solid graphic novel about two siblings who’ve grown apart and can’t stop bickering. One is a NASA nerd/space head, while the other is a budding environmental activist. After their parents become fed up with their antics on a family trip to Florida for their mother’s job, their devices are confiscated until they can get along again. What finally turns the tide for them is a sick turtle they find on the beach. I love the illustrations in this one and the balanced way the author examines the public response to hijabs and cultural differences. Although slow initially and didactic at times, this is a great pick, especially for Muslim kids who want to see themselves in graphic novels written by Muslims or readers looking for environmental activism stories.
Invisible
Published: August 2, 2022
Five different students have yet to complete their community service for a school offense and must explain why (as well as what they did) to their principal. Thus, these five seemingly socially invisible kids each share from their perspectives how they got in trouble — and readers are definitely in for a ride. There’s George, the smart kid who is Latino but can’t speak Spanish; Sara, the loner; Dayara, the tough kid, Miguel, the baseball player; and Nico, the rich kid. The story is told in Spanish and English. Invisible is a powerful, heartwarming graphic novel about immigration, homelessness, racism, and finding your tribe. Like Vrabel’s The Reckless Club,
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. However, Astrid never tells her mom that she’s derby rolling instead of doing ballet with Nicole. Things get more difficult when Astrid realizes that roller derby is no joke — physically, mentally, and emotionally. Will she make it? Roller Girl is an action-packed exploration of roller derby, the thrill of finding a passion, and the power of perseverance.
Wires Crossed
Published: April 30, 2024
13-year-old Mia feels like her social circle is changing faster than she can keep up. Her best friend Addy is now friends with a not-nice popular girl whom they were both united in not liking. In a positive twist of events, one of her good friends, Tariq whom she knows from science camp announces that he’s moving to her town. But when Tariq arrives, he looks different: cool haircut, contacts, and he plays sports too now? This is another slice-of-life graphic novel about finding your way through the messy process of growing up and doing it your way. The friendship miscommunications add a necessary level of tension and suspense. I also loved the friendship between these kids, their diverse interests (coding, art, etc.), and the fact that each character is portrayed in a nuanced way.
The Aquanaut
Published: March 1, 2022
Sophia has been hanging out in Aqualand, the marine theme park her late father and uncle started. Her uncle is doing his best to finish Sophia’s late father’s marine project and Sophia seems to have little or no zest for school work. Imagine her shock when a diving suit controlled by sea creatures appears in Aqualand. It turns out the suit is controlled by sea creatures who’ve come to Aqualand looking for a place to call home. Unfortunately, they discover that Aqualand doesn’t treat sea creatures in the best way. Now, they’ll need Sophia and her uncle to help them find their way to safety. But Sophia’s uncle is under pressure from investors to keep up the tourist attractions in the park. Can they do the right thing? The Aquanaut is a moving, emotion-packed graphic novel about grief, the environment, marine life, and family.
Big Apple Diaries
Published: August 17, 2021
Big Apple Diaries is Alyssa Bermudez’s graphic memoir detailing her life experiences in New York City between the 7th and 8th grades. Her middle school years also coincide with the attack on 9/11, and the book documents the impact on her and her circle. Before that, though, Alyssa is an average tween who attends a Catholic co-ed school, likes doodling, and has a crush on a schoolmate named Alejandro. Her parents are also divorced, so she spends time between each of their apartments in New York. Big Apple Diaries is a relatable and enjoyable coming-of-age graphic memoir.
The New Girl
Published: June 4, 2024
This is a semi-autobiographical story of Lia, who moves from Romania to Canada just as she’s getting her first (very painful) period. It seems to be the first in a series about Lia. In Montreal, she struggles at first in her French immersion school. I love the progression as she begins to understand more and more French. This is a great one if you’re looking for a slice-of-life graphic novel tackling periods and puberty, featuring crushes, and exploring the struggles and wins of immigrating. Readers should know that a girl crushes on another girl in this story, but doesn’t reveal it.
Invisible Emmie (Emmie & Friends)
Published: May 2, 2017
This is the story of two totally different girls— quiet, shy, artistic Emmie popular, outgoing, athletic Katie —and how their lives unexpectedly intersect one day, when an embarrassing note falls into the wrong hands. . . . All the crushes, humiliations, boredom, and drama of middle school are compressed into one surprising day in this extraordinary novel.
Smaller Sister
Published: June 14, 2022
Lucy’s always looked up to her big sister, Olivia, even though the two are polar opposites. But then, Lucy notices Olivia starts to change. Olivia doesn’t want to play with Lucy anymore, she’s unhappy with the way she looks, and she’s refusing to eat her dinner. Finally, Lucy discovers that her sister is not just growing up: Olivia is also struggling with an eating disorder. While her family is focused on her sister’s recovery, Lucy is left alone to navigate school and friendships. Lucy feels lonely and like she’s always on the verge of messing up. But with time, work, and self-love, both sisters begin to heal. Soon enough, Olivia and Lucy find their way back to each other―because sisters are forever.
Almost American Girl
Published: January 28, 2020
Robin is 14 when she and her mother leave for one of their regular visits to the US. Except, this time it’s not Hawaii or any other vacation hotspot — it’s Alabama. When they arrive in Huntsville, Robin realizes that her mother is there to visit a man she has been corresponding with. His family welcomes them, but Robin feels out of place since she neither speaks nor understands English. She dreams of returning to Korea when the vacation is over. However, Robin is in for a shocker as her mom announces that she’s marrying this man, and she and Robin are staying in America. Her whole life changes forever as she struggles to assimilate while handling the ups and downs in her mother’s relationship. This is a moving exploration of the joys and misfortunes of immigrant life — especially for a teen. It also examines themes of racism, identity, Korean culture, and the definition of family.
We Are Big Time
Published: August 6, 2024
Aliya’s family has moved to Wisconsin from Florida to be closer to family. It’s colder and the basketball team in her Islamic school is terrible and Noura, the team captain thinks Aliya wants to steal her spot. But with help from their coach and oodles of determination, the girls find a way to make it work. This is a brand new graphic novel that beautifully depicts Muslim girls in sports and provides much-needed representation. Like everything Khan does, this has plenty of warm family dynamics.
The Love Report
Published: June 13, 2023
This book is about two best friends, Grace and Lola, who begin a project to study love. Their research (if you can call it that) opens their eyes to how fickle romantic love can be (especially among infatuated teens), the negative effects of stereotypes (a goth has more to her personality than the way she dresses, an assumed “bimbo” is more than just a pretty face). But it also forces them to examine their friendship and how well they show up for each other. I loved the illustration style in this book. It kept me turning the pages for sure. Good for kids interested in manga and romance.
Button Pusher
Published: April 12, 2022
This is a FANTASTIC graphic memoir about Tyler Page’s life with ADHD. Early on, his parents realized that Tyler couldn’t seem to stay focused. He acts out in class, is impulsive, and often distracts his classmates. He can’t finish his work in time, even though he’s smart and creative. Most intriguing, he doesn’t actually want to cause trouble but can’t stop himself. Tyler is eventually diagnosed with ADHD and gets on medication for it. I loved seeing his depiction of the way ADHD affects his life and how the medication changes it. We also learn a lot about his family and how life as a teenager changes his relationship with his ADHD meds. The book also includes back matter at the end of every chapter, providing more information (in graphics still) about ADHD.
Class Act
Published: October 6, 2020
Eighth grader Drew Ellis is no stranger to the saying “You have to work twice as hard to be just as good.” His grandmother has reminded him his entire life. But what if he works ten times as hard and still isn’t afforded the same opportunities that his privileged classmates at the Riverdale Academy Day School take for granted? To make matters worse, Drew begins to feel as if his good friend Liam might be one of those privileged kids. He wants to pretend like everything is fine, but it’s hard not to withdraw, and even their mutual friend Jordan doesn’t know how to keep the group together. As the pressures mount, will Drew find a way to bridge the divide so he and his friends can truly accept each other? And most important, will he finally be able to accept himself?
Hoops
Published: March 14, 2023
It’s the 1970s, and Judi loves to shoot hoops in the driveway with her brother and his friends. She hopes she can join a basketball team someday, but her school doesn’t have a female team. So when she gets to high school, she chooses the next best thing: cheerleading with her best friend Stacey. But one day, the school announces that they’re starting a team for the girls because of the Title IX ruling. Unfortunately, as willing as the girls who sign up are (Judi inclusive), there’s little to no funding for their team. They have to DIY their jerseys and practice only when the boys’ team isn’t using the court. On top of that, Stacey is upset that Judi has left cheerleading to play ball, and some girls want to quit because they’re so frustrated. Can Judi and the team make it work? Hoops is a fantastic, historical middle grade graphic novel about equality and basketball set against the backdrop of the rise of a female basketball team in the 1970s.
Ink Girls
Published: November 21, 2023
This stunning graphic novel follows Cinzia, an Avvisi’s/newswriter’s apprentice living in sunny Sianerra. Cinzia and her mestra write news stories/pamphlets to the city, but not everyone likes it when they tell the truth. After an edition exposing the ruling family for extortion, Cinzia and her Mestra are arrested at night, and she has to join forces with the princess to fight back against censorship. Ink Girls is a beautiful graphic novel about activism, speaking the truth, and speaking up despite censorship.
Twin Cities
Published: July 19, 2022
Twins Luisa and Fernando find their paths diverging as they enter sixth grade. Luisa will attend middle school in the US just across the border from Fernando’s school in Mexico. There, they face different but equally pressing challenges that threaten to tear them apart. This is a fascinating look into Mexican culture, life as a twin, and finding your own identity.
Mexikid
Published: August 1, 2023
In his debut memoir, Mexikid, author Pedro Martin relates a pivotal experience of his childhood. Pedro Martin and his family of 11 (NINE kids!) decide to drive from the US to Mexico to pick up his aging Abuelo and bring him to the US with them. Along the way, they encounter corrupt border patrol officers, diarrhea-inducing milk, bad haircuts, stories of his Abuelo’s past, and plenty of family. Mexikid is a lively, funny, and transporting middle grade graphic novel about family, Mexican history, and a life-changing family road trip.
Match Point
Published: September 19, 2023
Rosie’s dad wants her to play racquetball even though she says she wants no part and has no interest. He used to love it when he was a kid and he pushes Rosie to improve by constantly critiquing her game. But Rosie has a bad attitude about the sport because of the pressure he puts on her. Blair is a new student with a warm family who are all into racquetball and Rosie wants her to compete in her behalf. But as Rosie hangs out with Blair’s family away from her father’s harsh supervision, she realizes what it means to play for fun. Match Point is a delightful graphic novel about racquetball, female friendship, and the value of true sportsmanship.
Lo and Behold
Published: May 2, 2023
Addie has reluctantly moved across the country with her dad for his summer job in the virtual reality industry. He’s working on research to use VR for therapeutic purposes, such as helping people cultivate empathy. Addie is not into VR, but that starts to change when she meets Matteo another kid on campus, and tries out VR on her own. Eventually, the two find a helpful use for VR that helps other people. This is a clever middle grade graphic novel about virtual reality, grief, and parental addiction.
There they are: 20 of the best graphic novels for 11 year olds! Which of these have you read and loved? What did I miss?
More Books for 11 Year Olds
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