10 Next Reads for Kids Who Love Raina Telgemeier

by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich

On a recent bookshop visit with a friend and her very cute niece, said niece was angling hard for an innocuous-looking illustrated novel. “Eh, this looks okay, but why don’t you get a real book?” said my friend. After a little more back and forth, her response to her niece’s request became a hard “No.” A thicker, text-only book was the only way to go — she wanted her niece to “challenge” herself.

I’ve been there. I’ve felt the fear that my child might not absorb enough SAT vocabulary words to get through life, that one comic book could lead her down a path of ruin and unemployment. I understand the embarrassment that is watching your second grader’s copy of Geronimo Stilton slip out of her backpack as her classmate’s mom tells you that her Little Genius Reader is chilling with the annotated Anna Karenina.

But here’s the thing I’ve learned: Comic books, illustrated stories, graphic novels — these are real books. Beautifully real. As complicated and nuanced and rich with narrative as any fat book with a tiny font. And as a longtime literacy instructor, I know that a graphic novels provide a wonderful tool for helping young readers learn how to make inferences from literature and extract meaning from a variety of different types of texts. “A graphic novel like The Arrival, with a narrative deepened through visual art,” says librarian and author Jesse Karp, “creates a layered experience that affords the opportunity to expand the emotional understanding of the subject and inspire empathy.” Plus, kids LOVE them. Graphic novels are a popular pleasure read, and what better way to promote literacy, engage children in reading, and boost reading skills than by encouraging reading for pleasure?

One of today’s most popular authors of illustrated novels is Raina Telgemeier. Telgemeier exploded onto the middle grade scene with the semi-autobiographical and wildly popular Smile, and released the companion graphic novel Sisters soon after. Smile won a Boston Globe-Horn Book honor, the first graphic novel to do so, and Telgemeier’s 2012 Drama was the winner of a Stonewall Book Award Honor from the American Library Association. And, as one frequent 5th grade patron of a NYC school library recently told me, “Her books are just … funny and real.”

If, like many, your Telgemeier fan has devoured her realistic, funny, and vivid tales multiple times, here are a few other titles that they might enjoy:

  • Roller Girl

    by Victoria Jamieson

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    Astrid fears the loss of her best friend Nicole as divergent interests separate them for the summer. She’s also excited about the prospect of learning roller derby, but the sport, like life, is not as smooth sailing as it looks. Fans of Telgemeier’s Smile will devour this Newbery Honor-winning friendship tale that explores the pain and joys of approaching adolescence.

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  • Penny Draws a Best Friend

    by Sara Shepard

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    From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Pretty Little Liars comes a sweet, heartfelt graphic novel series about a girl navigating the ups and downs of fifth grade. In this book, Penny’s best friend ditches her, leaving Penny wondering if she’s done something wrong. Other books in the series follow Penny as she joins a school play and hunts for lost treasure.

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  • Akissi

    by Marguerite Abouet, illustrated by Mathieu Sapin

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    Akissi is feisty, mischievous, and smart — in other words, she’s a blast to be with. As Akissi battles neighborhood cats, an older brother, and adult rules, she makes this collection of stories hilarious, relatable, and infectious. Literally so — a tapeworm-themed tale is not for the faint of heart (stomach!).

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  • Funny Girl: Funniest. Stories. Ever.

    edited by Betsy Bird

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    With a lineup like Rita Williams-Garcia, Lenore Look, Libba Bray, Cece Bell, Mitali Perkins, Ms. Telgemeier herself, and more, you already know this anthology is golden. From the awkward moments of puberty to just the random cringe-worthiness of daily life, Funny Girl offers up all kinds of laughs with a healthy dose of respect for its readers. While not solely made up of illustrated pieces, this collection of comics, essays, short stories, poems, and jokes is a vibrant and full-bodied package of humor and heart.

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  • PAWS: Gabby Gets It Together

    by Nathan Fairbairn, illustrated by Michele Assarasakorn

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    A group of best friends form an after-school dog-walking business in this adorable graphic novel series. The girls deal with the practicalities of running a business, friendship drama, and lots of cute dogs. With three books in the series, it’s the perfect next read for Raina Telgemeier fans!

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  • Nightlights

    by Lorena Alvarez

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    Every night when the world falls asleep, Sandy creates fantastical creatures out of the tiny stars that appear before her — and in the morning, she recaptures them in exquisite drawings. Then one day at school, a new girl arrives who somehow knows all about Sandy’s artwork. A wonderous story about creativity and self-doubt centered around a charming heroine, this oversized graphic novel is a sight to behold.

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  • Cross My Heart and Never Lie

    by Nora Dåsnes, translated by Matt Bagguley

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    As Tuva starts seventh grade, she navigates new friendships and fashions while trying to keep her first crush (on a girl!) a secret in this diary-style graphic novel. If your child enjoyed Raina Telgemeier’s Crush, add this book to their reading stack. They’ll be glad you did!

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  • Sweet Valley Twins Series

    by Francine Pascal, illustrated by Claudia Aguirre, adapted by Nicole Andelfinger

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    The beloved Sweet Valley Twins series returns in graphic novel format! These New York Times bestselling books are perfect for young readers who love realistic fiction about friendship, romance, and sisterhood. Whether competing for the lead role in a ballet or navigating their diverging interests, Jessica and Elizabeth will keep readers glued to the page.

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  • Witches of Brooklyn Series

    by Sophie Escabasse

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    Kids who enjoy sweet and spooky graphic novels will love this series about a young witch and her adventures in Brooklyn. Effie learns that magic runs in her family and gets swept up in one adventure after another. Effie tackles every challenge with determination and heart, whether she’s making new friends, attending summer camp, or rescuing a mermaid.

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  • Katie the Catsitter Series

    by Colleen AF Venable, illustrated by Stephanie Yue

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    A catsitting job turns Katie’s life upside down when she begins to suspect the owner of being a supervillain. Kids will love this sweet, humorous series about a girl tackling friendship drama and mysteries while caring for dozens of cats!

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  • Flora la Fresca & the Art of Friendship

    by Veronica Chambers, illustrated by Sujean Rim

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    Flora feels lost after her best friend moves away and is unsure how to move forward. But as she explores new friendships and does her best to survive her sister’s quinceañera preparations, Flora learns she can handle difficult situations.

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  • Picture Day

    by Sarah Sax

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    Viv live-streams herself cutting her own hair for picture day and becomes an overnight sensation at her middle school. Suddenly, everyone wants her opinion (and help) to become the next big thing. But fame doesn’t come without a price, and Viv must decide which is more important: her newfound influencer status or the friends she doesn’t have time for anymore.

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  • Garvey’s Choice

    by Nikki Grimes, illustrated by Theodore Taylor III

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    Readers who loved Raina Telgemeier’s Drama will enjoy this heartfelt and award-winning graphic novel. Garvey struggles with low self-esteem until he joins the school chorus. His unexpected musical talent helps Garvey feel better about himself, make friends, and find exciting possibilities.

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  • Lo and Behold

    by Wendy Mass, illustrated by Gabi Mendez

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    Virtual reality and friendship collide in this equally sweet and adventurous graphic novel. Addie moves across the country, meets Mateo, and avoids grief by getting lost in a virtual reality game. This book challenges readers to consider how they deal with grief and technology’s role in their lives (for good or bad).

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  • Doodles from the Boogie Down

    by Stephanie Rodriguez

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    When Steph applies to her dream high school against her mother’s wishes, she lies about it. However, as her lies to family, friends, and teachers pile up, Steph feels the crushing weight of guilt and inevitable discovery. This sweet, funny graphic novel shows readers that honesty isn’t always easy, but it’s far better than being caught in a lie.

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Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2017 and updated in 2023.