2025 Best Graphic Novels for Children Reading List
ALA’s Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table (GNCRT) is sharing the nominations for the 2025 Best Graphic Novels for Children (BGNC) Reading List. These reading list nominations highlight the best graphic novels for children aged 5 – 12 years old, published in late 2024 through 2025, and it aims to increase awareness of the graphic novel medium, raise voices of diverse comics creators, and aid library staff in the development of graphic novel collections.
The Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table (GNCRT) and its committees honor the entire creative team (including the writer, penciler, inker, colorist, letterer, and translator) involved in the titles listed. All of these people play a critical role in the creation of the work, helping to lift the story and give it life.
Best Graphic Novels for Children 2025 Selection Committee
- Andréa Fernandes, Committee Chair
- Shaunterria Owens, Committee Vice-Chair
- Ashley Cook, Committee Administrative Assistant
- Alexx Burris
- Althea Georges
- Paige Harp
- Benji Martin
- Hayley Morgeenstern
- Mark Riddle
- Emilio Romero
- Amie Villanueva
- Allison (Ally) Watkins
2025 Best Graphic Novels for Children - Nominations
JULY
Fiction
All Ages (PreK-6th Grade, Ages 0-12)
Younger Readers (PreK-2nd Grade, Ages 0-7)
Art and Oakie Ask: Do you Speak Bee? Written by Josh Oaktree. Art by Josiane Vlitos. 2024. Oak Tree Comics, $19.99 (9781954754072).
Oakie, an anthropomorphized tree stump, talks to a swarm of bees and finds that they are not finding enough flowers for food in the bare school yard. Oakie takes the bees into the school to spread the word of the bees' plight and to help his friend, Art, with her fears. Will the school be able to do anything to help the bees?
Middle Readers (3rd-4th Grade, Ages 8-10)
Older Readers (5th-6th Grade, Ages 10-12)
Dream On. Written by Shannon Hale. Art by Marcela Cespedes. 2025. Roaring Book Press, $22.99 (9781250843067).
As the middle child in a large family, Cassie just wants to be noticed. The only person who understands her is her best friend, Vali. But when a new friend takes all of Vali's time and attention, Cassie feels lonelier than ever.
Millie of the Manor. Written by Karina Evans. Art by Andrea Bell. 2025. HarperAlley, $24.99 (9780063282490).
Amy loves a good mystery, but when she is invited to a classmate's murder mystery themed birthday - she isn't sure what to do. With her anxiety, Amy finds situations like this tough. However, with her new character, Millie, she finds new confidence and makes lasting friendships along the way.
Say Something Poupeh Babaee! Written by Dr. Haleh Massey. Art by Ghazal Qadri. 2025. Yellow Jacket, $24.99 (9781499815276).
A young Iranian Girl, Poupeh Babaee, has moved to the US to live with relatives as the Travel Ban has been enacted. While adjusting to life in a new country, she struggles with her relatives and well-meaning but hurtful adults. She is put under considerable pressure by her family to speak up to Immigration and is eventually diagnosed with selective mutism.
Non-Fiction
All Ages (PreK-6th Grade, Ages 0-12)
Younger Readers (PreK-2nd Grade, Ages 0-7)
Middle Readers (3rd-4th Grade, Ages 8-10)
Trapped Underground. Written by Myra Faye Turner. Art by Daniele Dickmann. 2025. Capstone, $28.49 (9781669082286).
Explore three true stories of survival: a cave explorer trapped in a chasm, two men buried alive after an earthquake, and a child stuck in a well.
Older Readers (5th-6th Grade, Ages 10-12)
JUNE
Fiction
All Ages (PreK-6th Grade, Ages 0-12)
Younger Readers (PreK-2nd Grade, Ages 0-7)
Cloud Puppy: Game On! Written by Kelly Leigh Miller. Art by Kelly Leigh Miller. 2025. Atheneum Books for Young Readers, $12.99 (9781665932158).
Cloud Puppy loves playing her favorite video game, Valley of Runes. When her friend, Jack, calls the game babyish, Cloud Puppy worries that her interests are uncool.
Superman's Good Guy Gang. Written by Rob Justus. Art by Rob Justus. Lettering by Lucas Gattoni. 2025. DC Comics, $12.99 (9781799504061).
Eight-year-old Superman joins forces with two other Super Kids, Green Lantern and Hawkgirl, to defeat a villain.
Middle Readers (3rd-4th Grade, Ages 8-10)
All Aboard the Poo Boat. Written by Park Song-eui. Art by Kim Duck-Young. Translated by Gloria Ohe. 2025. Graphic Universe, $21.99 (9798765627624).
The giant poop capsule is back, but this time it is on the beach. Now the doctors will ride the Poo Boat, identifying the new and mysterious poop found there.
The Golden Poo. Written by Park Song-eui. Art by Kim Duck-Young. Translated by Gloria Ohe. 2025. Graphic Universe, $21.99 (9798765627617).
In a pokemon-ish type way, three scientists are examining different colored capsules of poo in an effort to find the elusive Poo Boy. Each different capsule is examined in a range of ways to discover which animal did which poop.
Heidi: A Graphic Novel. Adapted by Mariah Marsden. Art by Ofride. 2025. Andrews McMeel Publishing, $12.99 (9781524886400).
In this adaptation of the classic novel, Heidi is sent to live with her grandfather in the Swiss Alps and then Frankfurt as a companion for a rich girl her own age.
Older Readers (5th-6th Grade, Ages 10-12)
The Lemonade War. Written by Jacqueline Davies. Art by Karen De La Vega. 2025. Clarion Books, $24.99 (9780063310407).
Summer break is almost over, and Evan and his sister Jessie are at each other's throats. Adding to Evan's frustration is the fact that Jessie's lemonade stand is doing better than his. With less than a week to go before school starts, which sibling will win the war?
One Crazy Summer: The Graphic Novel. Written by Rita Williams-Garcia. Art by Sharee Miller. 2025. Quill Tree Books, $24.99 (9780062935595).
Delphine and her sisters, Vonetta and Fern, spend the summer in Oakland, California with their mother. Together they begin learning more about themselves, their family, and the Black Panther Party.
Pacheco and the Witch of the Mountain. Written by Juan E. Zambrano. Art by Juan E. Zambrano. 2025. Andrews McMeel Publishing, $21.99 (9781524892227).
Pacheco longs to learn magic, but it is forbidden for boys. To save his family business, he sets out on a journey to study with the Witch of the Mountain and enters a whole new world of magic, creatures, and chances to be a hero.
MAY
Fiction
All Ages (PreK-6th Grade, Ages 0-12)
Young Readers (PreK-2nd Grade, Ages 0-7)
The Fire-Breathing Duckling. Written by Frank Cammuso. Art by Frank Cammuso. 2025. TOON Books, $13.99 (9781662665332).
When a momma duck hatches a dragon rather than a duckling, the dragon goes around their village to find where they belong.
Little Mouse Saves the Day. Written by Jeff Smith. Art by Jeff Smith. 2025. TOON Books, $13.99 (9781662665455).
After Little Mouse goes to bed, he spots a mysterious, spooky shape sitting in his closet. Little Mouse must channel his inner superhero to face his fears.
Night Light. Written by Michael Emberley. Art by Michael Emberley. 2025. Holiday House, $14.99 (9780823458165).
A young child is afraid of the dark, so their parent takes the stars from the sky to fill their bedroom with light. When the moon is then afraid of the dark, the child and parent bring the stars back.
Middle Readers (3rd-4th Grade, Ages 8-10)
Box Tales: Grow, Strawberries, Grow!. Written by James Burks. Art by James Burks. 2025. First Second, $12.99 (9781250341938).
Friends Bea and Box want to grow their own strawberries, but the task proves to be more difficult than the pair originally thought. With help from Bea's Mom, their neighbor, Mrs. Gomez, and the public library, the duo learn everything they need to know to grow their beloved strawberries.
Dino Poet. Written by Tom Angleberger. Art by Tom Angleberger. 2025. Abrams Fanfare, $13.99 (9781419772801).
A dino poet wants to write his greatest poem ever. His lunch, a frog, just wants to escape being eaten and tries to delay his fate through the help of poetry.
Faiza is a Fighter. Written by Debasmita Dasgupta. Art by Debasmita Dasgupta. 2025. Soaring Kite Books, $27.99 (9781958372838).
Faiza is an inspiring boxer living in northern India. Even with classmates mocking her, Faiza's strong relationships with her Daadi and Baba help her overcome self-doubt and persevere.
The Many Misfortunes of Eugenia Wang. Written by Stan Yan. Art by Stan Yan. 2025. Atheneum Books for Young Readers, $24.99 (9781665943338).
In this hilarious and heartfelt debut graphic novel, when she's troubled by visions of doom set to occur on her thirteenth birthday, a girl born on a day considered unlucky in Chinese superstition starts to wonder if she really is cursed.
Night Chef. Written by Mika Song. Art by Mika Song. 2025. Random House Graphic, $20.99 (9780593303153).
The Night Chef is a raccoon who has lived all their life in the wall of a kitchen. When creating perfect ramen, they find a baby crow and head out on a culinary adventure to return the baby to 'the roost.'
Nightmare Hunter. Written by Brady Smith. Art by Brady Smith. Colors by Fred C. Stresing. 2025. Penguin Workshop, $23.99 (9780593751183).
Maxwell has the ability to enter people's dreams. He uses this ability to free children from nightmares. While helping his newest client, a routine job goes nightmarishly wrong, risking dangerous, real world consequences.
Older Readers (5th-6th Grade, Ages 11-12)
Beetle & the Chimera Carnival. Written by Aliza Layne. Art by Aliza Layne. 2025. Atheneum Books for Young Readers, $25.99 (9781665907484).
Someone...or something is stealing Dragon Magic, and it is affecting the first Chimera Carnival in ten years. Beetle and her friends work together to save the town and carnival from curses, ghosts, goblins, and more!
Creaky Acres: A Graphic Novel. Written by Calista Brill. Art by Nilah Magruder. Colors by Ellis P. Background Inks by Akem. 2025. Kokila, $24.99 (9780735230613).
Nora loves riding and winning awards on her horse, Hay Fever. But when her family moves, she must leave her beloved stable behind. Now Nora has to deal with a new school, a new house, and a new farm with a competition-hating owner and riders who are a bit...odd.
I Witnessed: The Lizzie Borden Story. Written by Jeramey Kraatz. Illustrated by Crystal Jayme. 2025. HarperAlley, $24.99 (9780063247284).
Charlie is a young neighbor to the wealthy Borden family. When Mr. and Mrs. Borden are brutally murdered, Charlie begins his quest to find out the truth of what happened.
Jazzy the Witch in Broom Doom. Written by Jessixa Bagley. Art by Jessixa Bagley. 2025. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, $14.99 (9781665922326).
Jazzy is struggling with her magic and flying skills and is scared to disappoint her family of broom makers. When she discovers bicycles and cycling, she learns how to tap into her own individual magic.
Kindred Dragons. Written by Sarah Mensinga. Art by Sarah Mensinga. 2025. Abrams Kids, $24.99 (9781419771163).
Alice wants nothing more than a dragon egg, but, despite her obsession, the fairies never bring her one. To her surprise and delight, she befriends an elderly dragon named Brim. When Brim becomes ill, Alice desperately searches for a cure for her new friend.
The League of Littles. Written by Casey Lyall. Art by Sarah Faber. 2025. Greenwillow Books, $24.99 (9780063285262).
The League of Littles defends youngest siblings! A L.O.L. trainee group is activated on their first mission to help retrieve a lost pet. But will the Band of Bigs interfere before they can complete their mission?
The Lost Sunday. Written by Ileana Surducan. Art by Ileana Surducan. 2025. Oni Press, $14.99 (9781637157756).
Nina is exhausted from her life where each day brings more and more work to do. She needs a break. With hope that she can give everyone some much needed rest, Nina goes on a quest to confront an evil witch and bring back the long lost seventh day of the week: Sunday.
APRIL
Fiction
All Ages (PreK-6th Grade, Ages 0-12)
Young Readers (PreK-2nd Grade, Ages 0-7)
Avery and the Fairy Circle. Written by Rowan Kingsbury. Art by Rowan Kingsbury. 2025. Flying Eye Books, $12.99 (9781838741983).
Avery's family has just moved into a new home by the forest. When she accidentally stumbles into a mushroom circle, strange magic causes her to shrink! Now tiny and lost in the forest, her only hope to return home is a young fairy named Birch.
Barnacle Bay. Written by Jana Curll. Art by Jana Curll. 2025. Greystone Books, $14.95 (9781778402791).
A dissatisfied crab teaches a newcomer larva about the sea creatures that inhabit a local bay.
Steve, a Rare Egg. Written by Kelly Collier. Art by Kelly Collier. 2025. Kids Can Press, $16.99 (9781525313004).
Silly Steve is at it once again in the second book of the series. This time he discovers an "Egg" after a birthday party...and he decides he's going to take care of it until it hatches.
Middle Readers (3rd-4th Grade, Ages 8-10)
The Adventures of Invisible Boy: Zeroes to Heroes. Written by Doogie Horner. Art by Doogie Horner. 2025. G.P. Putnam's Sons, $23.99 (9780593532690).
When two boys develop invisibility powers, Stanley wants to use their gifts to fight crime, much to his friend Gene's annoyance. But when a burglary of Stanley's family's store means they'll have to sell their home, the pair must do everything they can to track down the thieves.
Snap! Crunch! Munch? Written by Diana Castillo. Art by Diana Castillo. 2025. Holiday House, $14.99 (9780823456963).
A young boy comes to dinner with his very picky family. With all their food selections, the boy's imagination runs wild and turns them all into animals while they eat and slurp, crunch, and munch!
Older Readers (5th-6th Grade, Ages 11-12)
Almost Sunset. Written by Wahab Algarmi. Art by Wahab Algarmi. 2025. HarperAlley, $24.99 (9780063355675).
Hassan struggles to balance his secular life, including soccer and school, during the fasting month of Ramadan.
Astronautical! Written by Brooklin Stormie. Art by Brooklin Stormie. 2025. Annick Press, $31.99 (9781773219417).
In Astronautical!, brothers Max and Lari go on a space mission to rescue their father who was kidnapped by Cynosure, the Planet Breaker. They meet interesting characters and face challenges in space while learning about the secrets of their destroyed home planet, Zephyr.
The Littlest Fighter. Written by Joey Weiser. Art by Joey Weiser. 2025. Oni Press, $14.99 (9781637156308).
Ash, a small fighter, decides to make a name for himself as he defeats champions across the world. Being the best fighter is all that matters to him...even if it means destroying a few buildings here and there. When he meets Dot, a villager who doesn't believe that fighting is the best answer, they embark on a quest to find the Legendary Champion.
Mr. Muffins: Defender of the Stars. Written by Ben Kahn. Art by Georgeo Brooks. Letters by Susie Lee. Color Assistance by James Penafiel. 2025. Oni Press, $14.99 (9781620108321).
Reuben is just a normal eleven year old boy. His pet corgi, on the other hand, might be the key to saving the universe.
Survival Scout: Lost at Sea. Written by Maxwell Eaton III. Art by Maxwell Eaton III. 2025. Roaring Book Press, $20.99 (9781250790491).
Once again, Scout and Skunk find themselves in a precarious position: this time they're adrift at sea! Scout shares her knowledge of science and survival in this exciting graphic novel.
MARCH
Fiction
All Ages (PreK-6th Grade, Ages 0-12)
Young Readers (PreK-2nd Grade, Ages 0-7)
Badge Quest: A Cheesy Brie-ginning! Book 1. Written by Guy Kopsombut. Art by Guy Kopsombut. 2025. Andrews McMeel Publishing, $11.99 (9781524892302).
When a valuable cheese statue is stolen, an adventurer working to earn hero badges and a young fairy in training join forces to catch the culprit.
The Great Puptective: Purranormal Activity. Written by Alina Tysoe. Art by Alina Tysoe. 2025. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, $13.99 (9781665938273).
This cute and quirky duo is back with a new mystery – a potential ghost on the loose! Can Poppy figure out the truth behind their ghostly new neighbor and make some friends along the way?
Middle Readers (Grades 3-4, Ages 8-10)
Botticelli's Apprentice. Written by Ursula Murray Husted. Art by Ursula Murray Husted. 2025. Quill Tree Books, $24.99 (9780063157941).
Mella is a chicken girl with artistic talent, but she lives in a time when only men can become artists.
Cassi and the House of Memories. Written by Dean Stuart. Art by Dean Stuart. 2025. Viking Books for Young Readers, $24.99 (9780593351123).
Cassi loves her grandfather, but, unfortunately, he sometimes has trouble remembering things. When he vanishes into the woods during her visit, she follows him and finds herself on a mystical dreamlike journey through his memories.
Crumble. Written by Meredith McClaren. Art by Andrea Bell. 2025. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, $24.99 (9781523530687).
Emily and her family have the magic power of being able to bake their feelings into desserts. When all of a sudden a close family member passes away, Emily is instructed not to bake with her "bad" feelings, despite her believing that baking will help her feel better.
Hikaru in the Light: Volume 1. Written by Mai Matsuda. Art by Mai Matsuda. Graphix, $11.99 (9781546140986).
Hikaru is thrilled to be reunited with her friend, Ran, who recently retired from a famous singing group. With Ran's encouragement, Hikaru auditions for a competition to find the next big pop idols.
How to Talk to Your Succulent. Written by Zoe Persico. Art by Zoe Persico. 2025. Tundra Books, $21.99 (9781774883129).
After losing her mom, Adara and her dad have a hard time communicating. After learning she has inherited her mother's ability to talk to plants, she discovers the similarities in what plants and humans both need to grow and thrive.
Lu and Ren's Guide to Geozoology. Written by Angela Hsieh. Art by Angela Hsieh. 2025. Quill Tree Books, $24.99 (9780063207899).
Lu longs to be an adventurer like her Ah-ma and explore the flora and fauna of their world. When Lu's Ah-ma goes on a trip and suddenly stops writing back, Lu knows it's up to her and some friends she meets along the way to find her.
Space Chasers. Written by Leland Melvin and Joe Caramagna. Art by Alison Acton. 2025. First Second, $22.99 (9781250782779).
A group of students are selected to train with NASA and go on an actual mission to outer space. Going through training and being a kid is tough, but what happens when everything seems to go wrong as soon as their shuttle launches?
The Snips: A Bad Buzz Day. Written by Raúl the Third. Art by Raúl the Third. Colors by Elaine Bay. Coloring by Eleonora Bruni. Lettering by Rob Leigh. 2025. Little, Brown Ink, $14.99 (9780316528689).
A crew of hairdresser superheroes save their city from a group trying to create chaos and a world of bad haircuts.
Older Readers (Grades 5-6, Ages 11-12)
How to Draw a Secret. Written by Cindy Chang. Art by Cindy Chang. 2025. Allida, $24.99 (9780358659662).
Cindy's family is normal, or at least that's what she's supposed to say. According to her mom, no one needs to know about her father leaving their family; that changes when Cindy's next homework assignment is to draw "what family means to me." An unexpected death in the family brings the family back to Taiwan, where she sees her father again, and he has his own secrets to tell.
Oasis. Written by Guojing. Art by Guojing. 2025. Godwin Books, $21.99 (9781250818379).
Two siblings live in a dust-covered, post-apocalyptic wilderness while their mother labors in a distant factory city. The pair stumble across a robot in a scrap yard who they quickly grow to love.
Speak Up, Santiago! Written by Julio Anta. Art by Gabi Mendez. Color by Rodrigo Reyes Rico and Juan Murillo. 2025. Random House Graphic, $21.99 (9780593651643).
Santiago's plans for summer vacation include visiting his Abuela Emma in Hillside Valley. While excited to see her, Santi faces anxieties and fears about the language barrier between them; Abuela Emma predominantly speaks Spanish, and Santi worries he won't be able to connect with her or be understood.
Dragon Forged: Sword of the Champion. Written by Eric Lide. Art by Eric Lide. 2025. Union Square & Co., $24.99 (9781454947745).
Orin is training to be a warrior - and lo and behold, they ARE the chosen one. They must go on a quest with a new found sorceress, who may be a little too interested in the money side of the business, and do battle with a host of humorously fiendish fiends.
Non-Fiction
All Ages (PreK-6th Grade, Ages 0-12)
Younger Readers (PreK-2nd Grade, Ages 0-7)
I'm a Dumbo Octopus! A Graphic Guide to Cephalopods. Written by Anne Lambelet. Art by Anne Lambelet. 2025. Lerner Publishing Group, $21.99 (9798765603055).
This non-fiction book features a cute Dumbo octopus narrator introducing readers to fun facts about cephalopods.
The Life-Changing Magic of Baking. Written by Joy Wilson and Cliff Wilson. Art by Tatiana Kamshilina. 2025. Magic Cat, $14.99 (9781419776076).
This graphic autobiography, which is also a cookbook, follows baker Joy Wilson as she describes a variety of different lessons she's learned through baking and as she offers insight, and recipes, for readers based on her own experiences.
Middle Readers (Grades 3-4, Ages 8-10)
Older Readers (Grades 5-6, Ages 11-12)
FEBRUARY
Fiction
All Ages (PreK-6th Grade, Ages 0-12)
Young Readers (PreK-2nd Grade, Ages 0-7)
The Faraway Forest: Wally's Route. Written by Debbie Fong. Art by Debbie Fong. Coloring by Kayla Catanzaro. 2025. Chronicle Books, $12.99 (9781797230412).
Wally is Faraway Forest's trusty mail carrier, so in rain, sleet, or shine, he delivers mail to the forest's residents. Throughout his route he lends a helping hand whenever he can, and, in turn his friends in the forest, including the forest's grumpiest resident, take care of him.
Hilda and Twig: Hide From the Rain. Written by Luke Pearson. Art by Luke Pearson. 2024. Flying Eye Books, $17.99 (9781838741563).
Hilda and her friend, Twig the deer fox, hide in a cave with a crew of forest creatures to escape the rain. However, the cave houses a gigantic white snake, and it is up to Twig to be the bravest soul he can be to protect his friend.
Hupo and the Wonder Thief. Written by Billy Partridge. Art by Billy Partridge. 2025. Flying Eye Books, $17.99 (9781838741624).
Hupo has a story to tell, but unfortunately, no one wants to hear him tell it. When the task to save the town falls on Hupo's shoulders, he discovers that his enemy might actually be his hero.
Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus: The Graphic Novel. Written by Barbara Park. Adapted by Colleen AF Venable. Art by Honie Beam. Coloring by Kiwi Byrd. 2025. Random House Books for Young Readers, $20.99 (9780593706701).
Junie B. is excited to start kindergarten, but she is not so sure about riding the bus. It's loud and scary, and she heard that mean kids might pour chocolate milk on her head.
Monti & Leo: A Mystery in Pocketville. Written by Sylvie Kantorovitz. Art by Sylvie Kantorovitz. 2025. Walker Books U.S., $16.99 (9781536238617).
Monti and Leo discover the joys of having one's own collection after seeing a figurine display at their library. When one of the figurines is stolen and Monti is the prime suspect, can Leo prove his friend is innocent?
Middle Readers (Grades 3-4, Ages 8-10)
Cactus Kid: Rumble at the Rodeo. Written by Emmanuel Guerrero. Art by Emmanuel Guerrero. 2024. Flying Eye Books, $15.99 (9781838741259).
Don't expect things to come easily for Cactus Kid in this second rodeo. How can you learn Dirt Magic when you're having to deal with Rock Giants and Spiders and your mentor has gone missing?
The Cartoonists Club: A Graphic Novel. Written by Raina Telgemeier and Scott McCloud. Art by Raina Telgemeier and Scott McCloud. Inking by Ray Baehr. Coloring by Beniam C. Hollman. Lettering by Jesse Post. 2025. Graphix, $24.99 (9781338777215).
Four young creatives, guided by their school librarian, learn about the process of designing and sharing their own comic books.
Detective Stanley and the Mystery at the Museum. Written by Hannah Tunnicliffe. Art by Erica Harrison. 2025. Flying Eye Books, $12.99 (9781838742119).
Detective Stanley is hoping to enjoy his retirement, but a bizarre break-in at an art museum draws him into a criminal investigation.
Mendel the Mess-Up. Written by Terry LaBan. Art by Terry LaBan. 2024. Holiday House, $22.99 (9780823453566).
Every time Mendel tries to do good, it always ends in disaster. But when dangerous invaders set their sights on his small village, his bad luck might be the key to saving everything he loves.
My Sister the Werebeast. Written by Alina Tysoe. Art by Alina Tysoe. 2025. First Second, $23.99 (9781250896698).
While their parents are on an important mission, sisters Mira and Rosie must take care of their youngest sister, Peanut. While normally stressful enough, things take a turn when Peanut starts exhibiting magical abilities and transforming into a blue beast at the most inconvenient times. Living in a world where monsters are hunted and magic is feared, the two try their best to hide their little sister's powers from the rest of the town, but will their best be enough?
Way Off Track: A Nansi Graphic Novel. Written by Carl Brundtland. Art by Claudia Dávila. Kids Can Press, $16.99 (9781525310041).
Nansi prides herself on being the fastest of runners. When a wealthy rival with expensive running shoes beats her in a track meet, Nansi resolves to get a pair for herself.
Older Readers (Grades 5-6, Ages 11-12)
A Song for You and I. Written by K. O'Neil. Art by K. O'Neil. 2025. Random House Graphic, $21.99 (9780593182314).
Rowan is in training to become a ranger, however an accident, due to Rowan's need to prove themselves, results in their partner getting hurt. Self-doubt of becoming a good ranger surfaces, along with an unlikely friendship that offers Rowan the support they need.
Non-Fiction
All Ages (PreK-6th Grade, Ages 0-12)
Younger Readers (PreK-2nd Grade, Ages 0-7)
Middle Readers (Grades 3-4, Ages 8-10)
Sea Legs: A Graphic Novel. Written by Jules Bakes. Art by Niki Smith. 2025. Graphix, $24.99 (9781338835885).
In this graphic memoir, Janey and her family live on a sailboat which they use to travel across the ocean. Eventually she meets a girl named Astrid with whom she develops an unusual friendship.
Older Readers (Grades 5-6, Ages 11-12)
JANUARY
Fiction
All Ages (PreK-6th Grade, Ages 0-12)
Young Readers (PreK-2nd Grade, Ages 0-7)
Chip Plays Grown Up. Written by Maddie Frost. Art by Maddie Frost. 2024. HarperAlley, $17.99 (9780063306486).
Chip doesn't want to go to bed, so he pretends to be grown up while Mom takes the role of his child.
Middle Readers (Grades 3-4, Ages 8-10)
Fresh Start. Written by Gale Galligan. Art by Gale Galligan. Color by K Czap. 2025. Graphix, $24.99 (9781338045864).
After moving from Germany, Ollie begins a new school year in America. Finding new friends, facing new challenges, and discovering how to be true to themselves, Ollie has a year to remember that will resonate with middle grade readers of all interests!
Mixed-Up. Written by Kami Garcia. Art by Brittney Williams. Lettering by Tyler Smith. 2025. First Second, $22.99 (9781250142337).
Fifth-grader Stella is having trouble keeping up in school, and she discovers she has dyslexia. With the support of her school and her friends, will she learn to manage it?
The Other Side of Tomorrow. Written by Tina Cho. Art by Deb JJ Lee. 2024. HarperAlley, $24.99 (9780063011083).
Yunho and Myunghee, two North Korean children, face many great and terriying dangers as they attempt to escape through China into freedom.
Paws: Hazel Has Her Hands Full. Written by Nathan Fairbairn. Art by Michele Assarasakorn. 2025. G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers, $22.99 (9780593695784).
Hazel, who has Spinal Muscular Atrophy and uses a wheelchair, spends her summer walking dogs with her friends. When she is asked to cat-sit, she decides she can do it on her own with no help. However, when the cats get loose, Hazel may need more help than she realizes.
The Squad. Written by Christina Soontornvat. Art by Joanna Cacao. 2024. Graphix, $24.99 (9781338741322).
Things are finally going well for eighth grader Christina. When cheerleading tryouts are announced, Christina can't be more excited for an opportunity to join the squad. But an alarming revelation about her parents turns her life upside down.
Very Bad at Math. Written by Hope Larson. Art by Hope Larson. 2025. HarperAlley, $24.99 (9780063311299).
Very Nelson is good at everything. Except math. But when her math grades may keep her from continuing her student council presidency, she has to figure out how to move forward and on whom she can depend.
Older Readers (Grades 5-6, Ages 11-12)
No Rules Tonight. Written by Kim Hyun Sook and Ryan Estrada. Art by Ryan Estrada. Coloring by Amanda Lafrenais. 2024. Penguin Workshop, $24.99 (9780593521298).
In the early 80s in South Korea, your freedoms were very limited...especially after dark. One night a year, on Christmas Eve, curfew is lifted. Follow along as a group of young teens revive their book club, confess their feelings, and reveal hidden secrets.
Non-Fiction
All Ages (PreK-6th Grade, Ages 0-12)
Younger Readers (PreK-2nd Grade, Ages 0-7)
Middle Readers (Grades 3-4, Ages 8-10)
Older Readers (Grades 5-6, Ages 11-12)
History Comics: The Prohibition Era, America's War on Alcohol. Written by Jason Viola. Art by Roger Langridge. 2024. First Second, $21.99 (9781250801449).
Discover the historical influences that led to the prohibition of alcohol across the United States, as well as the consequences of the changes in these laws.
