Know a reader of graphic novels? Most likely, you do! There are many fantastic and unique graphic books for young readers because this genre has exploded recently. The following graphic novels are some of our favorites to use in the classroom for high-level and middle school students.

Middle School Graphic Novels

Allergic: A Graphic Novel by Megan Wagner Lloyd

A child with severe allergies finds it challenging to find a pet. Unfortunately, the household is too preoccupied to pay attention.

Class Act by Jerry Craft

This is the beautifully illustrated follow-up to Craft’s “New Kid,” which took home the Kirkus Prize, the Coretta Scott King Author Award, and the 2020 Newbery Medal.

Pashmina by Nidhi Chanani

A teenage girl uses a magical pashmina to get to India! She takes advantage of the chance to do so to discover more about her family history.

Measuring Up by Lily LaMotte

A middle school kid is struggling to fit in at a new institution. She also hopes to win a cooking competition to pay for her grandmother’s trip from Taiwan with the money.

Princess Princess Ever After by Katie O’Neill

In this LGBTQ+ fairy tale, two princesses understand that they are each other’s heroes and source of happiness.

Pie In the Sky by Remy Lai

A lighthearted comic book was named a “Best Kids Book of the Year” by Kirkus and Horn Book. Follow the misadventures two brothers get up to after coming to America that is inspired by baking.

Twins by Varian Johnson

In sixth grade, twin siblings begin to accept their own identities without compromising their close bond.

Séance Tea Party by Reimena Yee

This imaginative tale examines the difficulties of growing up. Follow a young woman who still craves recreation as she gradually realizes that her last remaining buddy is a ghost.

Stargazing by Jen Wang

Chinese-American best friends endeavor to help each other through good and difficult times after one becomes seriously ill.

Snapdragon by Kat Leyh

A work of fiction that deals with contemporary topics like bullying, monogamous families, and transgenderism.

When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed

In this National Book Award Finalist, co-author Omar Mohamed describes the struggles and successes he had as a kid coming up in a refugee camp in Kenya.

High School Graphic Novels

Amazons, Abolitionists, and Activists: A Graphic History of Women’s Fight for Their Rights by Mikki Kendall

This contemporary feminist reference work tracks important movements predominantly led by women.

Dancing at the Pity Party by Tyler Feder

The author’s struggle after losing a parent to cancer is described in this visual memoir. It also offers a glimpse into the Jewish tradition of “sitting shiva,” observed after a family member passes away.

Displacement by Kiku Hughes

A historical graphic novel explores the struggles of Japanese Americans interned during World War II.

Honor Girl: A Graphic Memoir by Maggie Thrash

A 15-year-old at a sleepaway camp suddenly discovers she is drawn to her female counselor. And it might take the entire summer to sort out the ensuing internal and exterior drama.

Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me by Mariko Tamaki

In this queer YA book, which NPR named one of the “Best Books of 2019,” a vital issue is covered regarding the social repercussions of being in an unhappy relationship.

Quincredible Vol. 1: Quest to be the Best by Rodney Barnes

A mistreated teen realizes he now has a unique superpower following a celestial occurrence.

The Fire Never Goes Out: A Memoir in Pictures by Noelle Stevenson

An author-illustrator whose work has been included on the New York Times bestseller list talks candid about the highs and lows of pursuing one’s artistic goals, coming out, and overcoming depression.

The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen

This moving tale of a Vietnamese boy struggling to reveal his sexual orientation is told in two distinct narratives with a folklore motif woven throughout.

The Oracle Code by Marieke Nijkamp

A teen hacker adjusts to having special needs while simultaneously looking into the disappearance of other patients at a rehab facility.