10 Graphic Novels Your Middle Schooler Will Want to Read
Supporting Your Child During Back-To-School Season
With back-to-school upon us, many parents of middle school children are on the hunt for school supplies and other items that will help bolster their kids’ education. As it has become so easy to turn to an electronic device, parents want to reduce the amount of screen time that their kids are getting. Though it is important throughout the year, the desire to cut screen time and encourage learning in other ways is more critical than ever. And teachers will tell you that graphic novels are a great way for kids to continue learning after the school day ends, rather than turning to video games.
Check out this list of 10 graphic novels perfect for middle schoolers
The team at Must Love Kids has put together a list of graphic novels that your middle schooler will love. Believe it or not, we’ve read some of these ourselves. And if we haven’t gotten to them yet, they’re likely on our reading list for this fall. Since we love shopping local too, we’ve made it easy for you to locate these books. We have linked each of our recommendations to the website of a local independently owned bookstore. We hope this will make it easy for you to get some great books for your middle schooler while supporting local businesses at the same time!
1. The Dog Man Series, Written by Dav Pilkey
Imagine a superhero that is half dog and half man, and you have the Dog Man. Readers of all ages will love Pilkey’s series, which is chock full of lessons of empathy, persistence, and kindness.
2. The Bone Series, Written and Illustrated by Jeff Smith
With 55 issues released between 1991 and 2004, these novels follow Fone Bone and his two cousins, Phoney Bone and Smiley Bone. Full of light-hearted comedy and some dark fantasy, this series has been wooing fans for ages.
3. El Deafo, Written by Cece Bell
Another great superhero option, El Deafo is perfect for those in grades three through seven. This story outlines Cece Bell’s hearing loss at an early age and the struggles she went through to fit in. Over time, she learned to harness her own powers and become El Deafo, Listener for All. Middle schoolers and parents alike will love this humorous memoir that embraces uniqueness and the challenge to stand apart from the crowd.
4. Pumpkinheads, Written by Rainbow Powell and Illustrated by Faith Erin Hicks
This hilarious story focused on two teenagers who discover what it means to leave behind a place and a person without regrets. Your middle schooler will love Pumpkinheads so much that they’ll be ready to keep on reading.
5. Hey Kiddo, Written by Jarrett J. Krosoczka
Hey Kiddo is a poignant memoir about a child who grows up in a family struggling with addiction. From a mother who is an addict in and out of rehab and a father who is a mystery, Jarrett resides with his grandparents who never thought they’d be raising another child. The story shows how Jarrett pieces together his family puzzle, reconciles with his mother, and tracks down his father. A tough story to swallow, Jarrett helps to educate readers on what it takes to survive.
6. The Lumberjanes Series, Written by Shannon Watters, Grace Ellis, Brooklyn A. Allen, and Noelle Stevenson
This series of several graphic novels is published by Boom! Studios and tells the story of five friends who spend their summer at Lumberjane Scout Camp. But this camp is just a bit different than what might come to mind when we think of a summer cap. This camp is full of yetis, three-eyed wolves, and giant falcons. The series is sure to keep your middle schooler flipping the pages for more.
7. The Graveyard Book, Written by Neil Gaiman
This book was written back in 2008 but continues to delight young readers, especially those who love ghosts and thrills. The Graveyard Book will bring your middle schooler through the dangers and adventures of a perfectly normal boy named Bod, who just so happens to reside in a graveyard and is taught by ghosts.
8. New Kid, Written by Jerry Craft
The 2020 winner of the Newbery Medal and 2020 Winner of the Coretta Scott King (Author) Book Award, New Kid is quite a delight and will be sure to bring some laughter to your middle schooler. Jordan, the new kid at school, has been sent to an elite private academy. Though this might seem prestigious and fun, Jordan would rather go to art school. Full of Jordan’s drawings, readers will find the main character to be both talented and relatable.
9. Noise, Written by Kathleen Raymundo
Published in 2019, this graphic novel tells the tale of a girl who just wants to be left alone. Noise also tells the story of a boy who loves to talk and has just one very important wish. Based on a true story, this heartwarming read teaches middle schoolers how to find joy in the most unexpected of places. A great read with full-color illustrations, adults will like it too.
10. Guts, Written by Raina Telgemeier
Guts is a true story, written by #1 New York Times bestselling author, Raina Telgemeier. This is the tale of Raina, who wakes up in the middle of the night with a tummy ache only to find out her mom has one too. But their tummy troubles don’t seem to go away. Over time, Raina learns that her upset stomach coincides with her anxiety about school, changing friendships, and even food. This story teaches middle schoolers to both face and conquer their foods.
Share your favorite graphic novels with The Must Love Kids team.
As pediatric dentists, we care about more than just your child’s teeth. Your child’s education is important. But even more so, we know that middle school can be challenging. We want to make things just a bit easier by sharing interests with you and your kids. We strive to provide a fantastic experience for all of our superhero patients. At our pediatric dental office in Vancouver, Washington, we love hearing about your superhero’s education and their favorite graphic novels and other pre-teen reading material. We know too that reading together is a great family activity and a great way to enjoy time with your kids.
So, at their next visit, be sure to encourage your child to tell us about the latest books they have been reading, especially those you have been reading together. In the meantime, if your child is due for their next trip to the dentist, be sure to request an appointment using our online form.