Free Comic Book Day - Kids

In celebration of Free Comic Book Day (annually on the 1st Saturday of May), GVPL asked staff what their favorite graphic novels are. Here are some of the ones we love and think you might love too.


Updated April 27, 2026
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Be prepared
Brosgol, Vera
Paper Book
A sharp, funny, and deeply relatable graphic memoir from acclaimed creator Vera Brosgol, Be Prepared is a coming-of-age story about fitting in, standing out, and surviving the chaos of expectations. All Vera wants is to fit in with her friends--but that's not so easy...
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...
Kirby manga mania. Volume 1
Hikawa, Hirokazu
Paper Book
Kirby and friends get up to yummy hijinks in this delightful manga collection. Join Kirby and his Dream Land friends as they go on zany adventures in manga form! Jump into Dream Land with Kirby and gobble up some fun! Everyone's favorite pink puff teams up with his...
Ms. Marvel. Stretched thin
Shammas, Nadia
Paper Book
An original middle-grade graphic novel starring breakout character (and New Jersey's own) Ms. Marvel! Kamala Khan (a.k.a Ms. Marvel) is stretched too thin-literally. She's having a hard time balancing schoolwork with being a good friend, being there for her family, becoming the best fanfic...
Plain Jane and the mermaid
Brosgol, Vera
Paper Book
Eisner Award Winner A New York Times Best Children's Books of the Year An NPR Best Book of the Year From Anya's Ghost and Be Prepared author Vera Brosgol comes an instant classic graphic novel that flips every fairy tale you know on its head!...
Weirdo
Weaver, Tony.
Paper Book
"A touching story of belonging." -- Publisher's Weekly, starred review"Honest, hopeful.." --Kirkus, starred review A Kirkus Best Book of the YearA School Library Journal Best Book of the Year A Publishers Weekly<...

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