Best Graphic Novels for Young Readers

Graphic novels are one of the best ways to turn a hesitant reader into an eager one. The pictures carry part of the story, so readers can follow a longer, richer plot than they could manage in text alone — and they finish the book feeling capable.

How to choose for ages 6–12

• Ages 6–8: look for big panels, few words per balloon, and a story that can be read in one or two sittings.
• Ages 8–10: chapter-length graphic novels work well here; readers can handle more characters and longer arcs.
• Ages 10–12: many readers are ready for adapted classics, where the pictures make an older book's setting and language approachable.

Check the age range on each book, and leaf through the sample pages when you can — the amount of text per page varies a lot between books.

Our picks from the Illustrated Classics

Our own editions are written for readers around 8 and up. These two are a good place to begin:

Tips for reading together

Let young readers linger on the pictures — a lot of the story is told there. Ask what a character is feeling in a panel with no words, or what they think will happen when the page turns. And if a graphic novel sparks interest in the original book, that's a wonderful next step.