Graphic novels for fans of Raina Telgemeier

For tween readers who enjoy Raina's Telgemeier's books, here's a list of realistic graphic novels about school, friends, family and growing up. Like Telgemeier, these creators tell stories with heart, humor, and great artwork. Many of these titles are series starters, and most creators on this list have other great books too -- if you find something you like, there is more to explore!

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Updated January 6, 2024
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LINCC (Libraries in Clackamas County)Happy Valley Library
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Two tribes
Bowen Cohen, Emily
Paper Book
In her poignant debut graphic novel inspired by her own life, Emily Bowen Cohen embraces the complexity, meaning, and deep love that comes from being part of two vibrant tribes. Mia is still getting used to living with her mom and stepfather, and to the new role their Jewish...
Be prepared
Brosgol, Vera
Paper Book
"Beautifully drawn, brutally funny, brilliantly honest. Vera is such a good cartoonist I almost can't stand it." --Raina Telgemeier, author of Smile In Be Prepared, all Vera wants to do is fit in--but that's not easy for a Russian girl in the suburbs. Her friends live...
Awkward. 1.
Chmakova, Svetlana
Paper Book
Cardinal rule #1 for surviving school: Don't get noticed by the mean kids.Cardinal rule #2 for surviving school: Seek out groups with similar interests and join them.On her first day at her new school, Penelope--Peppi--Torres reminds herself of these basics. But when she trips into a quiet boy in...
Swim team
Christmas, Johnnie
Paper Book
"Combines wonderful characters and history to create a story that will make you want to dive right in!" JERRY CRAFT, author of the Newbery Medal-winning New Kid A splashy, contemporary middle grade graphic novel from bestselling comics creator Johnnie Christmas! Bree can't wait for...
Sink or swimSink or Swim - a Graphic Novel
Durfey-Lavoie, Lee
Paper Book
Summer is here! School's out, the pool is open, and new adventures with friends await! But what happens when twelve year old Ty's anxiety has other plans? From the world of Just Roll With Itcomes a boy-centric graphic novel about accepting yourself even when it's a little scary....
Gabby gets it together
Fairbairn, Nathan
Paper Book
Are you a fan of Raina Telgemeier or Shannon Hale? Then don't miss PAWS, a new graphic novel series about best friends, cute dogs, and all the fun (and trouble) that comes with them. Perfect for fans of Real Friends, Roller Girl, and Allergic, this funny and heartwarming...
Making friends
Gudsnuk, Kristen
Paper Book
Danielle needs a perfect friend, but sometimes making (or creating) one is a lot easier than keeping one! Sometimes making a friend is a lot easier than keeping one! Sixth grade was SO much easier for Dany. All her friends were in the same room and she knew exactly what to expect...
Real friends
Hale, Shannon
Paper Book
"Fresh and funny." --New York Times Book Review Newbery Honor author Shannon Hale and New York Times bestselling illustrator LeUyen Pham join forces in this graphic memoir about how hard it is to find your real friends--and why it's worth the journey. ...
Sunny side up
Holm, Jennifer L.
Paper Book
When is a summer vacation not really a summer vacation?Sunny Lewin has been packed off to Florida to live with her grandfather for the summer. At first she thought Florida might be fun -- it is the home of Disney World, after all. But the place where Gramps lives is no amusement park....
Roller girl
Jamieson, Victoria
Paper Book
For most of her twelve years, Astrid has done everything with her best friend Nicole. But after Astrid falls in love with roller derby and signs up for derby camp, Nicole decides to go to dance camp instead. And so begins the most difficult summer of Astrid's life as she struggles to keep up with...
Pawcasso
Lai, Remy
Paper Book
Remy Lai, the award-winning creator of Pie in the Sky makes her middle-grade graphic novel debut, Pawcasso, about the unexpected friendship between the loneliest girl in class and the coolest canine in town. A Booklist Editors...
Mexikid : a graphic memoir
Martin, Pedro
Paper Book
NEWBERY HONOR AWARD WINNER * An unforgettable graphic memoir about a Mexican American boy's family and their adventure-filled road trip to bring their abuelito back from Mexico "One of those books that kids will pass to their friends as soon as they have finished it."-...
Lo & behold
Mass, Wendy
Paper Book
Can a virtual reality headset help change the way twelve-year-old Addie looks at things? Introducing an unforgettable graphic novel about connection, friendship, and the wonder all around us from New York Timesbestselling author Wendy Mass and debut illustrator Gabi Mendez.<...
Four eyes
Ogle, Rex
Paper Book
A humorous and heartwarming middle-grade graphic memoir about fitting in, facing bullies, and finding the right pair of glasses. 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...
Growing pangs
Ormsbee, Kathryn
Paper Book
AN NPR BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR . A PARENTS MAGAZINE BEST BOOK Inspired by a true story! Eleven-year old homeschooled Katie has always felt different . . . and now she can't stop worrying. Introducing an irresistibly relatable graphic novel about friendship, anxiety...
Frizzy
Ortega, Claribel A.
Paper Book
Winner of the Pura Belpré Award for Children's Text Winner of the Eisner for Best Publication for Kids Indie Bestseller New York Times-bestselling author Claribel A. Ortega and star debut artist Rose Bousamra's Frizzy is about Marlene, a...
A first time for everything : a true story
Santat, Dan
Paper Book
*Winner of the National Book Award for Young People's Literature* A middle grade graphic memoir based on bestselling author and Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat's awkward middle school years and the trip to Europe that changed his life. Dan's always been a...
Picture day
Sax, Sarah
Paper Book
Everyone knows the most stressful day of middle school is picture day! And that's exactly where thisyearbook-worthy graphic novel series opener begins- with reinventing yourself, drama, popularity, and the friends who see you through. Seventh-grader Viv never looks forward...
Nat enough
Scrivan, Maria
Paper Book
A New York Times bestseller!Making friends isn't easy, but losing them is even harder!Natalie has never felt that she's enough -- athletic enough, stylish enough, or talented enough. And on the first day of middle school, Natalie discovers that things are worse than she thought -- now she's...
The tryout
Soontornvat, Christina
Paper Book
STAND TALL. BE LOUD. GAME FACE ON. This pitch perfect graphic memoir about courage and competition, friendship and belonging is perfect for fans of Smile, New Kid, Rollergirl, and Real Friends. "A captivating...
Parachute kids
Tang, Betty C.
Paper Book
**National Book Award Longlist Title** **Asian/Pacific American Award Honor Book** This funny, fast-paced, and heartrending story about three siblings living on their own as undocumented new immigrants is perfect for fans of New Kid and Front Desk....
Guts
Telgemeier, Raina
Paper Book
A true story from Raina Telgemeier, the #1 New York Times bestselling, multiple Eisner Award-winning author of Smile, Sisters, Drama, and Ghosts!Raina wakes up one night with a terrible upset stomach. Her mom has one, too, so it's probably just a bug. Raina...
The Baby-sitters Club. a graphic novel1, Kristy's great idea
Telgemeier, Raina.
Paper Book
A graphic novel adapted and illustrated by Raina Telgemeier, the #1 New York Times bestselling, multiple Eisner Award-winning author of Smile! Kristy, Mary Anne, Claudia, and Stacey are best friends and founding members of The Baby-sitters Club. Whatever comes up -- cranky...
Drama
Telgemeier, Raina.
Paper Book
From Raina Telgemeier, the #1 New York Times bestselling, multiple Eisner Award-winning author of Smile and Sisters! Callie loves theater. And while she would totally try out for her middle school's production of Moon over Mississippi, she can't...
Sisters
Telgemeier, Raina
Paper Book
Raina Telgemeier's #1 New York Times bestselling, Eisner Award-winning companion to Smile!Raina can't wait to be a big sister. But once Amara is born, things aren't quite how she expected them to be. Amara is cute, but she's also a cranky, grouchy baby, and mostly prefers to play...
Allergic
Lloyd, Megan Wagner
Paper Book
A coming-of-age middle-grade graphic novel featuring a girl with severe allergies who just wants to find the perfect pet! At home, Maggie is the odd one out. Her parents are preoccupied with getting ready for a new baby, and her younger brothers are twins and always in their own world....

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