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...
Courtney Crumrin. Volume one, The night things
Naifeh, Ted
Ebook
Fan-favorite and critical darling Courtney Crumin is back in a series of newly remastered, full-color Hardcover editions! Courtney's parents have dragged her out to a high-to-do suburb to live with her creepy Great Uncle Aloysius in his spooky old house. She's not only the new kid in school, but...
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...
Garlic & the vampire
Paulsen, Bree
Paper Book
An enchanting, farm-fresh debut graphic novel starring an unusual heroine who is braver than she realizes, for middle grade readers looking for a cozy, adventuresome read in the vein of Witch Boy or Be Prepared. Garlic feels as though she's always doing...
Into the uncut grass
Noah, Trevor
Ebook
From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Born a Crime comes a timeless illustrated story inviting people of all ages to connect with one another in a world brought to life with imagination.   "But sooner or later your mother will find us," Walter said...
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."-...
The new girl
Calin, Cassandra
Paper Book
This funny, feel-good middle-grade graphic novel about change and acceptance will be a hit with fans of Guts by Raina Telgemeier, Pizza Face by Rex Ogle and Dave Valeza, and Parachute Kids by Betty C. Tang. Goodbye, old life... Lia and her family are...
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!...
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...
Taxi ghost
Escabasse, Sophie
Paper Book
In this hilarious and heartwarming graphic novel, a young girl's first period brings an unexpected gift- the ability to see ghosts! As she meets these spectral visitors, she uncovers her family's secret lineage of mediums, while learning about the power of compassion and community.
The Tea Dragon Society
O'Neill, Kay (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...
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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