Graphic Novels for All

It’s definitely time for more graphic novels. In fact I have 2 weeks’ worth of them. I've arranged them roughly by reading and/or interest level. But don’t let that get in the way of choosing. Some of the easier books have outstanding stories and graphics and just happen to have a lower reading level.

EARLY ELEMENTARY

 The Totally Awesome Epic Quest of the Brave Boy Knight by Pranas T. Naujokaitis

A young boy and his best friend Butterscotch are brave knights. The Animal Princess has an epic quest for them. They must save the city from an angry monster. Two more adventures come after this one.

 Johnny Boo: The Best Little Ghost in the World by James Kochalka

Johnny is a ghost with a powerful boo. He and his friend Squiggle share a love of ice cream. But this love attracts an ice cream monster. This would be a good first graphic novel.

   Goalkeeper Goof by Cari Meister, illustrated by Cori Doerrfeld

David was a good soccer player, except when he played goalkeeper. His teammates called him Goalkeeper Goof. Will he ever figure out how to play goalkeeper? This is part of the My First Graphic Novel series.

 Benny and Penny in Just Pretend by Geoffrey Hayes

Benny does not want his little sister to play with him. She keeps showing up and he keeps sending her away. But maybe she’s not such a pain after all.

MIDDLE ELEMENTARY

 Warriors: Ravenpaw’s Path…Shattered Peace by Erin Hunter

This is a manga version from the popular Warriors series. Ravenclaw leaves his clan to settle into a quiet life on a farm with his friend Barley. All is peaceful until a group of cats ask for their help. Ravenclaw loves the newly born kittens but all is not well with the others. This is a good story.

 Babymouse: Puppy Love by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm

Babymouse’s goldfish died (as did her previous 5 goldfish). Babymouse goes through several more pets – hamster, turtle, ants… They all escape and it’s pretty funny where they end up. Then she finds a lost dog. Will this be the pet of her dreams? This is #8 of the Babymouse series. It’s my new favorite.

 The Shadow Door by Bannister and Nykko

Four friends discover a door to another world in a spooky house. Two of the friends get stuck there while the other two try to figure out how to get them back. The graphics are dark and scary and make you want to keep reading. This is book one of The Elsewhere Chronicles.

 Attack of the Mutant Lunch Lady by Scott Nickel, illustrated by Andy J. Smith 

If you ever thought cafeteria food was scary, you’re going to like this book. Something quite awful happens to the cafeteria cook when she falls into a vat of her food. The story is quite funny and the graphics are too.

 The Meeting by Brigitte Luciani and Eve Tharlett

Three badger cubs live happily with their dad. That is, until Mrs. Fox and her little one move in. The young ones are not pleased with this new situation and they plot to turn the grownups against each other. The graphics are terrific. This is book 1 from the Mr. Badger and Mrs. Fox series.

 The Adventures of Ook and Gluk: Kung-Fu Cavemen from the Future by Dav Pilkey

This book is pure silliness. Ook and Gluk travel to the future. They meet a martial artist who teaches them kung fu. They return to their prehistoric time and fight an evil corporation that is endangering the past. Warning: if misspellings and terrible grammar bother you, this book will bug you!

LATER ELEMENTARY

 Benjamin Bear in Fuzzy Thinking by Philippe Coudray

Benjamin Bear is an odd and funny bear. He stars in several one-page adventures in which he does things he probably shouldn’t do. The humor is quiet and quite sly.

 Captain Raptor and the Moon Mystery by Kevin O’Malley, illustrations by Patrick O’Brien

Something lands on one of the moons of the planet Jurassica. Captain Raptor (yes, a dinosaur) and his spaceship crew go to investigate. I love the graphics – they feel very prehistoric. Next in the series: Captain Raptor and the Space Pirates

 Billions of Bats: a Buzz Beaker Brainstorm by Scott Nickel, illustrated by Andy J. Smith

Buzz Beaker likes being the smartest kid in class. So when Sarah Bellum shows up with her high IQ and smarty-pants ways, Buzz is not happy. But what about when Sarah’s science experiment is a disaster? Will Buzz help her out?

 Rapunzel’s Revenge by Shannon and Dean Hale, illustrated by Nathan Hale

Rapunzel is raised in a grand house that is surrounded by gigantic walls. On her 16th birthday, she learns that Gothel, the cold woman who raised her, was not her mother. Her real mother is a slave in Gothel’s gold mine. If you know the original Rapunzel story, you’ll see this story is like the original and very much not like it. Think of Old West adventures.

 Smile by Raina Telgemeier

We all go through experiences that stay with us for the rest of our lives. Telgemeier had such an experience when she got braces in sixth grade. The story and graphics are outstanding and tell about her tough and wonderful year.

Click here  and here for books I suggested last year. And make sure you check out next week's list, too!

Gail