12 Graphic Novels 6- to 8-Year-Old Kids Are Raving About
by Kari Ness Riedel
Young readers in my book clubs gobble up graphic novels. They say that this format immerses them in the story, and the mix of pictures and words sparks their imaginations and brings the plot to life in their heads. I once resisted graphic novels but have come to love them, too. As a notorious speed reader, they make me slow down and read each frame carefully. As I absorb the details of the illustrations, they help me understand the feelings and actions of the characters.
Graphic novels are an excellent way for emerging and newly independent readers to practice their phonics and decoding skills and experience the pure joy of an engaging book. Here are 12 graphic novels highly recommended by young readers on Bookopolis, an online platform I created that is like Goodreads for kids. This list spans genres including fantasy, adventure, realistic fiction, and historical fiction that will let readers laugh, learn, and reflect.
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Pacey Packer: Unicorn Tracker Book 1
Available from:Pacey is skeptical that unicorns are real, despite her little sister Mina’s claims about her favorite stuffed unicorn toy, Slasher. But when Mina disappears, Pacey follows Slasher into a magical land to save her sister and discover the truth. Girl power reigns in this witty, magical, and adventure-filled series. Molly raves, “If you love Phoebe and Her Unicorn, read this!!”
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Babymouse #1: Queen of the World!
Available from:Babymouse delivers a mix of optimism, pluck, and charming dorkiness as she navigates everyday dramas that elementary school kids can relate to. In the first book of this bestselling series that blends fantasy, drama, and humor, Babymouse wants to be the queen of the world and tries to get invited to a sleepover with the popular mice. But will it be as fun as she imagines? Lane highly recommends it, “I love this book and this whole series...it is hilarious!!”
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Bug Boys
Available from:This charming “opposites attract” friendship story centers on two beetles: Stag-B and Rhino-B. As they go on adventures around Bug Village, they learn to appreciate each other’s strengths and navigate the normal ups and downs experienced by elementary school-aged friends. Evelyn recommends it. “It's an amazing, cute adventure book. [If you are] looking for a comforting graphic novel, this one is for you!”
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Batpig: When Pigs Fly
Available from:Gary was your typical mud bath and video game-loving pig until a radioactive bat bit him, and he became…Batpig! Hijinks and adventures ensue as he fights local bullies and supervillain robots. Written by the acclaimed cartoonist behind Big Top and Adam@Home, this series uses humor and action to tell a fun story that packs an emotional punch.
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Grumpy Monkey Freshly Squeezed
Available from:When Jim Panzee wakes up grumpy, he sets out on a walk by himself. As friends and neighbors join him, he gets grumpier and grumpier. This hilarious graphic novel series is an excellent way to talk with young readers in an age-appropriate way about handling emotions and dealing with stress. And Jackson wants other young readers to know, “This is a very funny and fun book!”
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Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea! (A Narwhal and Jelly Book #1)
Available from:A shared love of waffles and adventure leads to an unlikely friendship between happy-go-lucky Narwhal and strait-laced Jelly the Jellyfish. As they travel across the ocean, they have fun escapades and learn the value of friendship. Sienna gives it high praise. “This book is filled with humor and will make you laugh. I really love this book.”
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Pizza and Taco: Who's the Best?
Available from:The title sums up the underlying premise of this laugh-out-loud funny book that Dimitrius rated 5 out of 5 stars. While most of us will agree that both Pizza and Taco are amazing, they want to know if one is more popular! Can Pizza and Taco’s friendship last when they get friends like Hamburger and Hot Dog to vote on who is the best? Read to find out!
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Max Meow Book 1: Cat Crusader
Available from:When Max takes a bite of a radioactive space meatball, he gets superpowers and becomes the Cat Crusader. But his newfound abilities go to his head. Can he remain a kind and loyal friend AND save the day? This “hiss-terical” book is perfect for Dog Man and Cat Kid fans. Or, as Penelope shares, “I recommend it to 2nd and 3rd graders, but every superhero fan will love this book.”
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Donut Feed the Squirrels
Available from:What would you do to get a donut? Squirrel best friends, Norma and Belly, go on a page-turning adventure to find the best donut ever. Positive values like the power of working together and tenacity blend with fast-paced action and pure silliness to make this humorous story a delight.
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Dinosaurs Before Dark Graphic Novel
Available from:The magical tree house whisks siblings Jack and Annie across time and space for fast-paced adventures that offer readers an engaging story filled with historical facts. In the first book, they time travel to a prehistoric period where dinosaurs roam free. This graphic novel is excellent for fans who already love this bestselling series and newly independent readers who might want to try the “words” version after enjoying this one.
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Disney Encanto: The Graphic Novel (Disney Encanto)
Available from:If your young reader breaks into song at the mention of Bruno, this graphic novel is for them. It retells the beloved story of the magical Madrigal family and how Mirabel, the only Madrigal without a special power, takes a risk to save her beloved Encanto. Elisabeth gives it 5 stars and simply says, “I love it!”
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Scaredy Squirrel in a Nutshell
Available from:As his name suggests, Scaredy Squirrel is afraid of everything. He prefers to stay in his safe, comfortable tree. One day, he must go out into the world, where he encounters a super-scary bunny. As he tries new things and meets new friends, he realizes new things can be great, too. This charming story is perfect for readers who prefer sticking to their comfort zones. Liz raves, “OMG, this is more than a 5-star rating. It is a 1,000-star rating!”
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