Boys get a bad rap for not enjoying books and reading, but I think what happens over time is that there are fewer and fewer books made for boys in mind as they get older. Yes, all kids can read all books, but often, boys gravitate toward stories with a similar wacky humor, books with male protagonists, and graphic novels. If your boys can’t get enough of graphic novels, this is the list you need. I’ve compiled some of the best graphic novels boys love for a wide range of ages, starting as soon as they can read and going up to the teenage years. You’ll also see a few memoirs/sem-autobiographical graphic novels on this list.
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20+ Fabulous Graphic Novels for Boys
Here are 20+ of the best graphic novels for boys:
Graphic Novels for Boys Ages 5-8
The graphic novels in this section are for the new readers and can be read independently or with an adult.
Owl and Penguin
Published: October 11, 2022
These stories about unlikely besties are always such a hit for new readers. This one is super short but sweet — reminiscent of Bear and Bird’s adventures but in graphic novel format as Owl and Penguin help each other through ice-cream spills, a flying disaster, and learning to play in the rain.
Missed Meal Mayhem (1) (The Hunger Heroes)
Published: November 9, 2021
The Hunger Heroes are a group of super food ingredients (Toots the Bean, Chip Ninja, Tammy the Tomato, and Leonard, a wedge of cheddar cheese), saving kids everywhere from hunger. In this first book, they’re out to rescue a kid who’s missed breakfast and has a test before lunch–even though his teacher despises crumbs and kids eating in class. With a fun graphic-prose hybrid setup, this book has fun illustrations, an engaging plot, and funny characters who sometimes explain what big words mean. Plus, it’s just a treat for foodie readers.
Cranky Chicken
Published: September 7, 2021
Cranky Chicken is, well, cranky. With one cranky eyebrow, cranky eyes, and even cranky, scratchy feet. But then, one day, Cranky meets a very friendly worm named Speedy, who wants nothing more than to be friends. Young readers will love seeing the mismatched friendship grow over the course of three charming and laugh-out-loud short adventures as Chicken and Speedy become BFFs (Best Feathered Friends) and Speedy shows Chicken how to look on the bright side.
Wombats: Go Camping!
Published: April 4, 2023
Friends Albert and Pickles are off on a camping trip but sadly have very different expectations. Albert is prepared for the great outdoors, while Pickles is expecting more of a glamping situation. So, imagine the drama when they arrive in the woods for a true camping experience. Add in a lost baby koala, a surprise visit from their platypus friend, and a potentially scary monster(?) in the woods, and the wombats are in for many surprises! I laughed out loud several times while reading this one, and it is exceptional! Older kids in the second and third grades will also enjoy it.
Bad Guys
Published: December 27, 2016
Mr. Wolf, Mr. Piranha, Mr. Snake, and Mr. Shark look scary, and they have a reputation for being bad guys, but Mr. Wolf has a plan to rebrand their reputation by doing some good deeds such as rescuing a cat stuck in a tree and breaking two hundred dogs out of a Dog Pound. He just needs to make sure Mr. Snake doesn’t swallow Mr. Piranha. This hilarious chapter book breaks the fourth wall often and will crack up young readers ages 5-8.
Mr. Wolf’s Class: A Graphic Novel (Mr. Wolf’s Class #1)
Published: June 26, 2018
It’s Mr. Wolf’s first time as a teacher and his class is a potpourri of animals including pigs, birds, cats, and more — all with varying personalities and personal circumstances. There’s the new kid Margot, the focused student Aziza, and then there’s Penny who is soo sleepy because her new sibling keeps the house awake at night. Mr. Wolf is in for a stressful first day when Penny goes missing. This cute slice-of-life series is perfect for animal lovers who are anticipating their first day of school.
Graphic Novels for Boys Ages 9-11
These graphic novels are firmly in middle grade territory and are great for kids in grades 4-6, and many can be read by 8-year-olds too.
The First Cat in Space Ate Pizza
Published: May 10, 2022
Something terrible is happening in the skies! Rats are eating the MOON! Only one hero can stop them: a cat with a microchip-enhanced brain. Along with the Moon Queen and a toe-clipping robot, the first cat in space has his work cut out for him. This book is bizarre (in the best way) but so entertaining, creative, and cinematic. Tween boys won’t be able to stop flipping the pages. Good for ages 8+
Four Eyes
Published: May 2, 2023
Sixth grade is off to a rocky start for Rex. His district moved most of his elementary school to another middle school, his best friend ditches him for the popular crew, and his blurry vision means he has to get clunky new glasses–the only kind his family can afford. This sweet graphic novel for fans of Telgemeier is an ode to middle school, family, and finding your people. The second book in the series is out in 2024. Ages 8+
Leon the Extraordinary: A Graphic Novel (Leon #1)
Published: October 4, 2022
In the city where Leon lives, superheroes — and supervillains — live side by side with ordinary folks (like Leon). Leon wishes he was a superhero and is constantly dreaming of all the ways he can save the day. When all his classmates suddenly become obsessed with a new phone app that turns them into zombies, Leon gets his chance to prove that using his brain and following his heart can save the day. This is a really fun graphic novel with bright, appealing illustrations and a joyous, relatable protagonist. Great for kids ages 8+
Invisible: A Graphic Novel
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. This is a powerful, heartwarming graphic novel about immigration, homelessness, racism, and finding your tribe. Suitable for ages 9+
Freestyle
Published: October 18, 2022
Cory’s dance crew is getting ready for a major competition. It’s the last one before they graduate eighth grade and go their separate ways to high schools all over New York City, so they have to make it count! The group starts to have problems as their crew captain gets increasingly intense about nailing the routine, and things go from bad to worse when Cory’s parents ground him for not taking his grades seriously. He gets stuck with a new tutor, Sunna, who he dismisses as a boring nerd… until he catches her secretly practicing cool yo-yo tricks. Cory wants to learn the art of yo-yo, and as his friendship with Sunna grows, he ends up missing practice and bailing on his crew — and they are not happy about it. With mounting pressure coming from all sides, how is Cory supposed to balance the expectations of his parents, school, dance, and his new friend? Good for ages 9+
Alterations
Published: January 30, 2024
Kevin Lee lives in a crowded Toronto apartment above his mother’s alterations and dry-cleaning store. His mom is super busy with work and his sister is busy practicing the violin and helping out. Kevin feels largely unnoticed and feels most at home drawing his comics and exploring his imagination. But when Kevin’s class plans a trip to Thrill Planet, a spectacular theme park, he has a chance to prove himself more than just a fragile egg to his classmates. This is an interesting graphic novel based on the author’s life. It’s set in 1990’s and Kevin’s imaginative drawings and the scenes in his imagination lend a wacky, humorous vibe to the novel’s realistic setting that I think will appeal to boys who enjoy books like The Last Cat in Space Ate Pizza. Great for ages 9+
New Kid
Published: February 5, 2019
This Newbery Award winning graphic novel follows 7th grader Jordan Banks who loves drawing and gets enrolled in a prestigious private school where he’s one of the few students of color. As Jordan straddles the differences between his Black neighborhood and his white school, he needs to adapt to school culture, maintain old ties, and stay true to himself. There are several great sequels and companion titles to this one and kids can’t get enough of it–especially boys!
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. This is a lively, funny, and transporting middle grade graphic novel about family, Mexican history, and a life-changing family road trip.
Graphic Novels for Boys Ages 12+
Hand these graphic novels to the tweens and teens in grades 7 and up.
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. Great for readers ages 12 and up.
A First Time for Everything
Published: February 28, 2023
A First Time for Everything is Dan Santat’s new graphic memoir about his school trip to Europe at the end of middle school. Middle school Dan is shy and socially awkward. He spends most of his time helping his mom, who has Lupus, and gets made fun of a bit by some girls in his grade. Thankfully, his parents are determined that he sees the world, and they support his Europe trip. As they visit Germany, France, Switzerland, and England, Dan is swept up in many, many firsts, making for a life-changing trip. Good for readers ages 11+
Hey, Kiddo
Published: October 9, 2018
In kindergarten, Jarrett Krosoczka’s teacher asks him to draw his family, with a mommy and a daddy. But Jarrett’s family is much more complicated than that. His mom is an addict, in and out of rehab, and in and out of Jarrett’s life. His father is a mystery — Jarrett doesn’t know where to find him, or even what his name is. Jarrett lives with his grandparents — two very loud, very loving, very opinionated people who had thought they were through with raising children until Jarrett came along. This is a profoundly important memoir about growing up in a family grappling with addiction, and finding the art that helps you survive. Good for ages 12+
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. Suitable for ages 11+
Long Way Down (Graphic Novel)
Published: October 13, 2020
This popular Jason Reynold’s YA novel now has a graphic novel adaptation that teens will love just as much — especially if they prefer this format. It follows a boy with a revenge plot after his brother’s death down a unique elevator ride. On each floor, he meets a different person from another time in his life. Like everything from Reynold, this is a real gut punch. Good for readers ages 13 and up.
Lunar New Year Love Story
Published: January 9, 2024
This semi-fantastical story about a girl who believes she’s been cursed never to fall in love is unique and poignant. The art in this book is phenomenal, and it is also a sweet YA romance. Readers who love Yang’s work (from Dragon Hoops and American Born Chinese) will enjoy this as it has the same elements as his others do. This is a great pick for younger YA readers as it tackles several important themes (parental abandonment, identity, alcoholism) sensitively. Ages 13+
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There they are: 20 of the best graphic novels for boys of all ages! Which of these have your boys read and loved? What did I miss? I’m reading a ton of 2024 releases so I expect to update this list with some new picks soon.
More Books Boys Love
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