Welcome to Part II of Unmissable Graphic Novels! Hopefully by now you know the appeal and worth of graphic novels, the way the images add another level to the storytelling, the fast pace of the action, how the reader must fully engage with the illustrations in order to get every nuance out of the plot, and more. There are so many benefits to reading graphic novels at any age, plus they are so much fun! The following suggestions are geared towards upper elementary schoolers, from those in 3rd through 6th grade. These graphic novels -- and many others -- are available in print form in our library, and online in our digital resources collection.
Comics Squad (series) edited by Jennifer L. Holm, Matthew Holm, & Jarrett J. Krosoczka (3rd grade & up)
GRAPHIC NOVEL COMICS
This graphic novel series has something for everyone. Each volume includes around eight short comics from a variety of well known artists. Readers will see popular graphic characters and become introduced to new ones as well. There are three collections in the series (Recess, Lunch, and Detention), which can be read in any order.
Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales (series) by Nathan Hale (4th grade & up)
GRAPHIC NOVEL HALE
This graphic novel series perfectly blends exciting events from America’s past with humorous byplay between the core characters that appear in each volume. There are nine (soon to be 10) books, each “told” by American’s first spy, Nathan Hale, who regales the reader with vignettes from history in an attempt to stave off his execution. Start with One Dead Spy and you’ll surely want to continue with the rest in order!
Mighty Jack and Zita the Spacegirl by Ben Hatke (3rd grade & up)
GRAPHIC NOVEL HATKE
Mighty Jack (a contemporary update of Jack from Jack and the Beanstalk) and Zita the Spacegirl (an intrepid young intergalactic adventurer) each star in a successful series of graphic novels written by Ben Hatke. In an epic move, Hatke has created the most mind blowing crossover event ever, by putting Jack and Zita on a quest together! Whether you read this title, or one of the volumes from the individual series, you’re bound to enjoy it!
Amulet (series) by Kazu Kibuishi (4th grade & up)
GRAPHIC NOVEL KIBUISHI
Beautifully illustrated with breathtaking adventures, this is one of our most popular graphic novel series for middle grade readers. When Emily and her brother Navin stumble across a mysterious amulet, it turns out that it has magical powers, and dangerous creatures from another world will do anything to get their claws on it -- no matter who stands in their way. The adventures continue for a total of eight volumes, with the ninth -- and final -- entry due out sometime in 2021.
Cleopatra in Space (series) by Mike Maihack (3rd grade & up)
GRAPHIC NOVEL MAIHUCK
You might think you know a bit about Cleopatra, but you’ve never seen her like this! When she finds a strange tablet, young Cleopatra is transported from 52 BC to the far, far, (really far) future, where she discovers that it’s up to her to save the universe. This six-book series is visually vibrant and action packed!
Maker Comics (series) by various authors (5th grade & up)
GRAPHIC NOVEL MAKER
It’s possible that you might have a little time on your hands at the moment, and what better way to fill it than to make something? These comics are actually DIY (Do it Yourself) guides that provide illustrated step-by-step instructions for fixing a car, baking, creating costumes, drawing comics, and growing a garden. With options like these, there’s no excuse not to take on a productive project.
Science Comics (3rd-6th grade & up, depending on topic)
GRAPHIC NOVEL SCIENCE
Entertaining while educating is the biggest strength of this awesome non-fiction series. Each stand-alone volume takes on a different topic such as The Brain: The Ultimate Thinking Machine, Dogs: From Predators to Protectors, Rockets: Defying Gravity, and so many others -- 22 books thus far! Pick a topic (or three or four) and become a mini-expert!
5 Worlds (series) by Mark Siegel (4th grade & up)
GRAPHIC NOVEL SIEGEL
Three strangers: a clumsy dance student, a boy that comes from an impoverished background, and a star athlete are thrust together in an attempt to save the Five Worlds from extinction. During their adventures, they will discover hidden skills, untapped bravery, and an unbreakable friendship that they never knew they were missing.
Phoebe and Her Unicorn by Dana Simpson (4th grade & up)
GRAPHIC NOVEL SIMPSON
While skipping stones, Phoebe accidentally hits a unicorn in the face. What are the odds?! Luckily, Magical Heavenly Nostrils (LOL!) forgives Phoebe and they become best of friends, taking on an array of ordinary and fantastical problems, and having a ton of fun along the way. This series is a hit with boys and girls in a wide range of ages.
Geronimo Stilton (series) and Thea Stilton (series) created by Elisabetta Dami (3rd grade & up)
GRAPHIC NOVEL STILTON
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, or a very large block of cheese, you’ve probably heard of Geronimo Stilton, the mouse journalist who is constantly forced to go on adventures when he’d rather live a quiet life. His younger sister Thea is his opposite, as she is always on the lookout for excitement. These two rodent protagonists are featured in roughly a bajillion hybrid chapters books (heavily illustrated novels), but they also star in a number of standard graphic novels, which can be found at the library in our print collection, or in our digital collection through Overdrive.
