While often dismissed by the lesser-informed as sophomoric “comic books,” graphic novels have been shown to provide enormous benefits to developing readers, including the enhancement of cognitive and literacy development, especially for visual learners, those with learning disabilities, and those learning a new language for the first time. So, if you and your young readers are diving into the world of children’s graphic novels for the first time or are longstanding fans, be sure to check out some of these new and upcoming graphic novels that combine visual artistry with compelling stories.
Maker Girl and Professor Smarts by Jasmine Florentine
When the villainous Mr. Antifreeze appears in New Bork City (“not a typo”) to turn all the ice cream into gooey green slime, twelve-year-olds Yaya and Chuy can’t find any superheroes to save the day — so they decide to become heroes themselves, utilizing their science and engineering know-how to put the dastardly rogue on ice!
Free Piano (Not Haunted) by Whitney Gardner
When Margot stumbles upon a synth keyboard left on a sidewalk with the titular sign, she can’t help but be intrigued; she’s tired of feeling invisible to her school and family, and she’s ready to make a splash. However, the sign proves to be hilariously deceitful when the synth’s previous owner, 80s pop star Vision, emerges to shake up Margot’s world… but is stardom all it’s cracked up to be?
Deepwater Creek by Michael Regina
Brothers Wade and Andrew are never closer than when they fish together on the Enoch River, until the day that a massive monster of inexplicable origins drags Andrew overboard. Even though Wade rescues him, Andrew is changed, and his older brother and their friends believe that only one thing can restore his old self: finding the monster that attacked them and bringing it to the surface.
Tuck Everlasting: The Graphic Novel by Natalie Babbitt, Adapted and Illustrated by K. Woodman-Maynard
Babbitt’s classic coming-of-age fantasy is gorgeously adapted into graphic novel form in timeless fashion. Lonely ten-year-old Winnie Foster is faced with an impossible decision after meeting the Tucks, an ageless, immortal family living in a cabin in the woods near her home. With a suspicious stranger on the Tucks’ tail, Winnie must make her choice: have the chance to grow up, or live as a child forever.
The Raven Boys: The Graphic Novel by Maggie Stiefvater, Adapted by Stephanie Williams, Illustrated by Sas Milledge
Adapted from Stiefvater’s beloved YA fantasy series, this retelling of the first book in The Raven Cycle introduces Blue Sargent, an ordinary girl from a family of clairvoyants. When she is invited by Gansey, a wealthy student of the all-boys school Aglionby, to join him and his friends on a quest to uncover a long-forgotten local legend, she jumps at the chance… but will it be a leap too far?
Casey’s Cases: Everything Is Terrible by Kay Healy (Coming September 30th)
Young amateur detective Casey has a lot going on right now: she’s running for class president, working up the nerve to ask her crush to the dance, and trying to find homes for seven rambunctious kittens while dealing with friendship troubles and family secrets. What’s a novice sleuth to do when the case to be solved is a series of fifth-grade disasters?
Cabin Head and Tree Head by Scott Campbell (Coming September 30th)
In a world where every creature has something random sprouting from its head, Cabin Head and Tree Head are the type of best buddies that are always up for a laugh or an adventure. In this title, packed with six stories and three mini-tales, readers of all ages will enjoy the ridiculous antics of the oddly adorned duo, from a disastrous “leaf-cut” to an ill-advised treasure hunt.
The Scarlet Ship by Claire Grimond, Illustrated by Léo Verrier, Translated by Rebecca Potters (Coming October 7th)
When Malo and his Grandma Zita, a popular artist, board a peculiar flying vessel called the Scarlet Ship, they are shocked to find that their deckmates are a band of thieves — art pirates, to be precise! To prevent the fearsome Captain Magenta from stripping the world of all artistic expression, Malo must arm himself with art supplies and find the courage to create.
Kindred Dragons by Sarah Mensinga (Coming October 14th)
In a world where only a select few inherit the ability to be Kindred — individuals who are bonded to dragons that they raise from birth — dragon-obsessed Alice is glum; as the daughter of adopted children, she can claim no such birthright. However, when she meets and befriends the elderly dragon Brim, she will discover that she has her own connection to the dragons… one that may save Brim’s life.
Ghost Boys: The Graphic Novel by Jewell Parker Rhodes, Illustrated by Setor Fiadzigbey (Coming December 2nd)
A stunning adaptation of Parker Rhodes’s revelatory novel, this biting story begins with the death of its twelve-year-old protagonist, Jerome, when he is shot by a White police officer. Watching as his family and neighborhood reel in the wake of his murder, he is joined by other murdered Black boys from history, as he and the reader must process the deadly effects of historical and contemporary racism.
Wrong Friend by Charise Mericle Harper, Illustrated by Rory Lucey (Coming January 2026)
Charise and Casey have been besties for as long as they can remember. However, when Casey starts high school two years ahead of Charise, things change, and Charise suddenly finds herself left behind and in the market for a new best friend. Set in the 1970s and based on the author’s own experiences, this honest look at evolving friendships has timeless appeal.
Worm and Butterfly Are Friends Always by Kaz Windness (Coming January 2026)
The much-anticipated sequel to the award-winning Worm and Caterpillar Are Friends, this graphic novel series is designed for beginners to the format, with easy-to-follow panels and accessible vocabulary. Picking up where the last story left off, devoted pals Worm and Butterfly must navigate the newest hiccup in their friendship: Butterfly’s need to migrate somewhere warm come winter.
We hope that you and your young readers enjoy these graphic novels, and that they encourage you to check out more reads in this engaging, accessible, and expressive format. Happy reading!
For more thoughts on how graphic novels can facilitate emotional learning and development, check out our one-on-one interview with author-illustrator Dan Santat!
To see all of our recommendations for mini bookworms, check out our Bookshop bookshelf.
