Graphic Novels for Older 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 August 16, 2024
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Garlic & the witch
Paulsen, Bree
Paper Book
Bree Paulsen's brave little protagonist, Garlic, is back in this charmingly illustrated standalone companion to Garlic and the Vampire, serving up another tale of friendship, magic, and self-discovery. Give both books to readers who fell in love with Tidesong or Witch Boy! ...
Cross my heart and never lie
DÃ¥snes, Nora
Audiobook
Marian seems really cool ... and nice ... and we've got SO MUCH in common. Well, two things at least. But if feels like more. I don't think I've ever met someone I wanted to be friends with so badly! IS THAT WHAT SOUL MATES ARE? "Charming ......
Tegan and Sara : junior high
Quin, Tegan
Ebook
Duel
Bagley, Jessixa
Ebook
A rivalry between sisters culminates in a fencing duel in this funny and emotional debut graphic novel sure to appeal to readers of Raina Telgemeier and Shannon Hale. Sixth grader Lucy loves fantasy novels and is brand-new to middle school. GiGi is the undisputed queen bee of...
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...
Go with the flow
Williams, Lily
Paper Book
High school students embark on a crash course of friendship, female empowerment, and women's health issues in Lily Williams and Karen Schneemann's graphic novel Go With the Flow. Good friends help you go with the flow. Best friends help you start a...
The Tea Dragon Society
O'Neill, Katie (Cartoonist)
Paper Book
The Tea Dragon Society is the two-time Eisner Award-winning gentle fantasy that follows the story of a blacksmith apprentice, and the people she meets as she becomes entwined in the enchanting world of tea dragons. Winner of the 2018 Eisner Award for...
Snapdragon
Leyh, Kat
Paper Book
Kat Leyh's Snapdragon is a magical realist graphic novel about a young girl who befriends her town's witch and discovers the strange magic within herself. Snap's town had a witch. At least, that's how the rumor goes. But in reality, Jacks is just a crocks...
Lumberjanes. [Volume one], Beware the kitten holy
Stevenson, Noelle
Paper Book
Friendship to the max! Jo, April, Mal, Molly and Ripley are five best pals determined to have an awesome summer together...and they're not gonna let any insane quest or an array of supernatural critters get in their way! Not only is it the second title launching in our new BOOM! Box imprint but...
Hilda and the troll
Pearson, Luke
Paper Book
Hilda Season 1 is now on Netflix! "Luke Pearson is one of the best cartoonists working today. Hilda is utterly brilliant!" --Raina Telgemeier, creator of Smile This brand new paperback edition of Hilda and the Troll offers a fresh chance to...
The witch boy
Ostertag, Molly
Paper Book
From the illustrator of the web comic Strong Female Protagonist comes a debut middle-grade graphic novel about family, identity, courage -- and magic.In thirteen-year-old Aster's family, all the girls are raised to be witches, while boys grow up to be shapeshifters. Anyone who dares cross...
Pashmina
Chanani, Nidhi
Paper Book
A Junior Library Guild Selection 2017 Amazon Top Twenty Children's Book of the Year 2017 Amazon Best Book of the month December 2017 Chicago Public Library Best Book of 2017 Texas Maverick Graphic Novel 2017 Northern California Indie Bookseller Association Long...
Peapod Farm. Apple crush
Knisley, Lucy
Paper Book
After finally adjusting to life on a family farm with two brand new step-sisters, a young girl faces an even bigger challenge - figuring out where she fits in at her first year in middle school. This middle grade graphic novel explores family, friendship, and change! Jen is just...

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