Wondering if graphic novels for kids are the best route for your children? Graphic novels and comic books have a bad reputation among some parents, teachers, and librarians. But the research shows that graphic novels are beneficial for kids. They work just as well (and sometimes even better than prose) to teach storytelling, harness creativity, and make reading enjoyable. And kids are more likely to keep reading when they enjoy it.
Benefits of Graphic Novels for Children
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Three important research-backed benefits of graphic novels for growing children are:
1. They’re visually engaging
When children first start learning to read, they’re drawn to the colorful pictures in picture books and they lean into the storytelling, hanging on to every word. Graphic novels recreate this experience for young readers. It’s no wonder they can’t get enough.
2. They improve children’s vocabulary
Although graphic novels contain pictures, they’re in no way “baby books.” Research shows that graphic novels contain more rare words (higher level vocab) than other children’s books (and many adult books). While enjoying their stories, rest assured that your kids will be learning new words with graphic novels.
3. They’re easier to understand and follow
Finally, kids gravitate towards enjoyment (more than adults who are often searching for “deeper meaning). That alone shows that graphic novels are much easier to understand and follow. The illustrations provide context and the relatively minimal text in bubbles keeps readers following the story — and keeps them reading!
Now that we know the value of graphic novels, here are 100+ of the best graphic novels for kids for a variety of ages, including pre-schoolers, tweens, and teens alike. Click on the images to be redirected to the post page. Happy reading!
The Best Graphic Novels for Elementary School Kids (Ages 6-9)
These picks have short text and fewer pages, but wonderfully illustrated stories for kids ages 6-9. My favorite is Weenie featuring Frank & Beans: Mad About Meatloaf — absolutely delightful!
Graphic Novel Series for Middle Schoolers (Ages 8-12)
If your kids ask for more after reading graphic novels, you might want to look into these graphic novel series for tweens. I have so many favorites on this list, but I’ll share three:
The Click series by Kayla Miller
The Best Middle Grade Graphic Novels
Whether your kids love sports, food, animals, or other interests, you’ll find something for them on this list of middle grade graphic novels. A few of my favorites:
- Allergic by Megan Wagner Lloyd and Michelle Mee Nutter
- Big Apple Diaries by Alyssa Bermudez
- Sunny Makes a Splash by Jennifer and Matthew Holm
- Guts by Raina Telgemeier
- Measuring Up by Lily Lamotte and Anne Xu
- Twins by Varian Johnson and Shannon Wright
- Be Prepared by Vera Brosgol
The Best Graphic Novels for Teens
On this list, I absolutely love Robin Ha’s Almost American Girl, which is also perfect for older middle schoolers. Cub is equally fantastic.
Want Even More Kids Graphic Novels?
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