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 Top Ten

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. PreK - 2nd grade.

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. 3rd - 4th grade.

Deepwater Creek: A Graphic Novel. Written by Michael Regina. Art by Michael Regina. 2025. G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, $24.99 (9780593117378).

Brothers Wade and Andrew join their friends in an adventure of a lifetime when their last fishing trip of the summer brings up a monster. 5th - 6th grade.

Fresh Start. Written by Gale Galligan. Art by Gale Galligan. Coloring 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! 3rd - 4th grade.

Froggy: A Pond Full of Pals! Written by Paige Walshe. Art by Paige Walshe. 2025. Flying Eye Books, $12.99 (9781838742195).

Froggy goes on an adventure to a new pond and gets into all kinds of adventures with new friends including a fish, snails, and Mothman. PreK - 2nd grade.

Ghost Boys: The Graphic Novel. Written by Jewell Parker Rhodes. Art by Setor Fiadzigbey. 2025. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, $24.99 (9780316279796).

A young Black boy is killed in a police shooting and we see him examine the aftermath of his family, friends, and the family of the police officer who shot him, accompanied by the ghosts of other murdered boys, including Emmett Till. 5th - 6th grade.

Night Light. Written by Michael Emberley. Art by Micahel 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. PreK - 2nd grade.

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. 5th - 6th grade.

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. 5th - 6th grade.

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 terrifying dangers as they attempt to escape through China into freedom. 3rd - 4th grade.

2025 Best Graphic Novels for Children - Official List

Younger Readers (PreK-2nd Grade, Ages 0-7)

Fiction

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Froggy: A Pond Full of Pals! Written by Paige Walshe. Art by Paige Walshe. 2025. Flying Eye Books, $12.99 (9781838742195).

Froggy goes on an adventure to a new pond and gets into all kinds of adventures with new friends including a fish, snails, and Mothman.

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?

Hide & Seek with Clyde & Monique: Clyde in Plain Sight. Written by Graham Annable. Art by Graham Annable. 2025. HarperAlley, $17.99 (9780063414150).

Two best friends play hide and seek.

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.

Ivy and Bearlock Holmes: The Case of the Missing Flower: 15 Puzzles for Sleuths to Solve. Written by Kristyna Litten. Art by Kristyna Litten. 2025. Magic Cat, $8.99 (9781917768108).

When a rare flower goes missing, Ivy and her grandpa Bearlock Holmes are here to solve the case! Solve the mystery alongside them with puzzles, mazes, and riddles.

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.

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.

Lost. Written by Bob Staake. Art by Bob Staake. 2025. Anne Schwartz Books, $18.99 (9780593707029).

A wordless sequential picture book in which a little girl sets forth through her neighborhood to search for her lost cat.

Monti & Leo: A Mystery in Pocketville. Written by Sylvie Kantorovitz. Art by Sylvie Kantorovitz. 2025. Walker Books US, $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?

Night Light. Written by Michael Emberley. Art by Micahel Emberley. 2025. Holiday House, $14.99 (9780823458165).

Otis & Peanut Find a Way. Written by Naseem Hbrab. Art by Kelly Collier. 2025. Owlkids Books, $18.95 (9781771476119).

Otis dreams of going on a trip, but he is too nervous about leaving his home. To help build his courage, his best friend, Peanut, helps him practice travelling.

Pickle on Wheels. Written by Sylvie Kantorovitz. Art by Sylvie Kantorovitz. 2025. Holiday House, $14.99 (9780823460304).

Pickle wants to learn to rollerskate so he can be like his favorite superhero. Unfortunately, skating is hard, and his repeated falls leave him frustrated. Will Pickle have to give up his dream?

Sky & Ty 2: Dinomite! Written by Steve Breen. Art by Steve Breen. Pixel+Ink, $14.99 (9781645952176).

A cowgirl and her dinosaur partner run the fastest package delivery service in the West and have adventures along the way.

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!

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.

Tate Tuber, Space Spud. Written by Michael Slack. Art by Michael Slack. 2025. Holiday House, $14.99 (9780823458479).

A potato is determined to make his dream of being an astronaut come true.

Welcome to the Forest: The Harvest Party. Written by Katie Risor. Art by Katie Risor. 2025. Andrews McMeel Publishing, $11.99 (9781524894283).

Harvest time means party time! Mossman tries his hardest to get everything ready for his friends, but hi-jinks always ensue!

What if Marty Doesn’t Like My Party? Written by Katie Arthur. Art by Katie Arthur. 2025. Owlkids Books, $18.95 (9781771476010).

Henry is excited about his birthday party tommorow…until he starts to worry about all the things that could go wrong. Can his older sister help calm his fears?

Non-Fiction

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.

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.

Magic Tree House Fact Tracker Graphic Novel: Dinosaurs. Written by Mary Pope Osborne. Adapted by Jenny Laird. Art by Jomike Tejido. 2025. Random House Books for Young Readers, $17.99 (9780593705858).

Jack & Annie of the Magic Tree House series tell the reader all about dinosaurs.

Middle Readers (3rd-4th Grade, Ages 8-10)

Fiction

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.

Four young creatives, guided by their school librarian, learn about the process of designing and sharing their own comic books.

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.

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.

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.

Diary of a Nature Nerd: A Graphic Novel. Written by Tiffany Everett. Art by Tiffany Everett. 2025. Scholastic Inc., $22.99 (9781546110149).

Brooke deals with jealousy and the dangers of nature on her first adventure with her new blended family.

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 her Baba help her overcome self-doubt and persevere.

Fresh Start. Written by Gale Galligan. Art by Gale Galligan. Coloring by K Czap. 2025. Graphix, $24.99 (9781338045864).

Ghost Town. Written by Eric Colossal. Art by Eric Colossal. 2025. Abrams Books, $24.99 (9781419745843).

Lily Cole loves her life in her small town, even with the regular power outages and run down buildings. While exploring an old mansion, Lily and her friends find mysterious contraptions that lead them to becoming the town's resident ghost hunters.

Goosebumps: The Graphic Novel: Monster Blood. Written by R.L. Stine. Art by Maddi Gonzalez. 2025. Scholastic Inc., $12.99 (9781338879421).

When Evan and his new friend, Andy, come across a container of green slime labeled, “Monster Blood,” they’re excited to try out their new toy. It soon becomes evident that the slime contains a dangerous secret.

Heidi: A Graphic Novel. Adapted by Mariah Marsden. Art by Ofride. 2025. Andrews McMeel Publishing, $12.99 (9781524886400).

In this adaption 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.

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.

Jackson’s Wilder Adventures: Volume 2: Dentistry and Dreams. Written by Sarah Davidson. Art by Sarah Davidson. 2025. Papercutz, $14.99 (9781545818978).

Jackson's imaginary friend takes him on a journey to visit a variety of animals to learn about teeth and sleep to help Jackson deal with his new loose tooth and his difficulty sleeping in a new bedroom.

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.

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?

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.

Maker Girl and Professor Smarts. Written by Jasmine Florentine. Art by Jasmine Florentines. 2025. MIT Kids Press, $19.99 (9781536227642).

When a superpowered menace starts turning everyone’s ice cream into slime, Yaya and her best friend Chuy must use their skills of inventing and super smarts to save the day.

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?

My Sister the Werebeast. Written by Alina Tysoe. Art by Alina Tysoe. 2025. First Second, $23.99 (9781250896698).

With their parents away, sisters Mira and Rosie babysit their youngest sister, Peanut, but things take a turn when Peanut starts exhibiting magical abilities and transforming into a blue beast. The two try their best to hide their little sister's powers, but will their best be enough?

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.

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 terrifying dangers as they attempt to escape through China into freedom.

School Dance. Written by Sarah Sax. Art by Sarah Sax. 2025. Knopf Books for Young Readers, $21.99 (9780593306963).

What's more intimidating than a school dance? Going to a school dance thinking you're cursed! Follow Milo as he prepares for his first school dance with the help of his best friends and Abuela.

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.

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.

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.

Weenie Featuring Frank & Beans: Not-So-Sweetie-Pie. Written by Maureen Fergus. Art by Alexandra Bye. 2025. Tundra Books, $13.99 (9781774884904).

Weenie's world is rocked when another Weiner Dog comes to visit him, Frank, and Beans.

Winging It. Written by Megan Wagner Lloyd. Art by Michelle Mee Nutter. 2025. Papercutz, $14.99 (9781338818529).

After Luna's dad is relocated from California to Virginia, she learns how to live with her rigid grandmother, how to make new friends and how to connect with the mother she never really knew by exploring the world outside.

Non-Fiction

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.

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.

Whose Poo Is This?: The Golden Poo. Written by Park Song-eui. Art by Kim Duck-Young. Translated by Gloria Ohe. 2025. Graphic Universe, $21.99 (9798765627617).

Three scientists examine 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.

Older Readers (5th-6th Grade, Ages 11-12)

Fiction

Absolutely Everything: A Graphic Novel. Written by Damian Alexander. Art by Damian Alexander. 2025. Lerner Publishing Group, $31.99 (9798765608517).

After starting 6th grade, Marcella finds it more and more difficult to manage school, friends, deadlines, and life in general. As teachers, friends, and her dads see that she is struggling, Marcella has to decide if she can open up about her troubles and ask for help.

Agent Cupcake. Written by Mel Hilario and Lauren Davis. Art by Katie Longua. 2025. Oni Press, $14.99 (9781637158760).

Miguel is excited to start his independent study with the MBB, a spy organization made up of humans and mythical creatures. When an information gathering mission uncovers a secret dark conspiracy, he teams up with expert unicorn spy, Agent Cupcake, to dismantle the operation.

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).

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.

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.

Deepwater Creek: A Graphic Novel. Written by Michael Regina. Art by Michael Regina. 2025. G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, $24.99 (9780593117378).

Brothers Wade and Andrew join their friends in an adventure of a lifetime when their last fishing trip of the summer brings up a monster.

Don’t Cause Trouble. Written by Arree Chung. Art by Arree Chung. 2025. Henry Holt and Co. (BYR), $22.99 (9781250887290).

Twelve-year-old Ming Lee navigates the challenges of middle school as a first-generation American, facing cultural misunderstandings, difficulties with friends, and a shoplifting incident.

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.

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.

Ghost Boys: The Graphic Novel. Written by Jewell Parker Rhodes. Art by Setor Fiadzigbey. 2025. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, $24.99 (9780316279796).

The Ghost of Wreckers Cove. Written by Angelica Del Campo. Art by Liniers. Color by Christian Argiz. 2025. Papercutz, $22.99 (9781545821244).

After the death of their mother, Martha and Cristina move near an abandoned lighthouse. They soon befriend a mysterious girl and are drawn into a mystery over a century in the making.

Good Boy. Written by Andy Hisch. Art by Andy Hirsch. 2025. First Second, $22.99 (9781250291967).

Charlie adopts a rescue dog and the two become an inseparable pair. Together, they join a dog agility group, and Charlie faces some of his greatest fears with his new best friend.

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.

It’s Jeff: Jeff Verse. Written by Kelly Thompson. Art by Gurihiru. 2025. Outreach/New Reader, $15.99 (9781302961695).

In It’s Jeff: Jeff-Verse, Jeff the Land Shark embarks on delightful, nearly silent adventures throughout the Marvel Universe. From taking over pet shops to uncovering snack mysteries, Jeff’s antics enchant heroes and readers.

Kindred Dragons: A Graphic Novel. Written by Sarah Mensinga. Art by Sarah Mensinga. 2025. Abrams Fanfare, $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 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. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Refugee: The Graphic Novel. Written by Alan Gratz. Art by Syd Fini. 2025. Scholastic, Inc., $24.99 (9781338733976).

This follows three children across history as they and their families flee danger in their home countries in pursuit of better lives.

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 well-meaning but hurtful adults and under considerable pressure to speak up to Immigration.

The Scarlet Ship. Written by Claire Grimond. Art by Léo Verrier. Translated by Rebecca Potters. 2025. Andrews McMeel Publishing, $12.99 (9798881601744).

A young boy encounters a mysterious and magical new friend as he embarks on an adventure through the clouds on a flying pirate ship.

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.

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.

Squeak Chatter Bark: An Eco-Mystery. Written by Ali Fitzgerald. Art by Ali Fitzgerald. 2025. Fantagraphics, $24.99 (97988750000584).

Hazel and her family live in a bio-dome called PAW (Perfect Animal Worlds) where animals are created to reverse pollution and human-made ecological problems. But when her parents go missing, she must utilize her talents in learning animal languages and her friends to uncover the mysteries and threats inside PAW.

Tuck Everlasting: The Graphic Novel. Written by Natalie Babbitt. Adapted by K. Woodman-Maynard. Art by K. Woodman-Maynard. 2025. Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR), $22.99 (9780374391850).

After stumbling across a young man on her family land, Winnie is kidnapped by the mysterious Tuck family. Despite their crime, she can’t help but be drawn in by the family’s kindness. When they reveal a magical secret, she must make a decision which could impact the entire world.

Non-Fiction

Graphic Novel Builder: The Illustrated Guide to Making Your Own Comics. Written by Edward Ross. Art by Aysha Tengiz. 2025. Collins, $20.99 (9780008696047).

The Graphic Novel Builders are a group of friends that aspire to create their own comics; each of the builders has their own comic-making talent that they demonstrate to each other (and the reader), to accomplish their goals.

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, but then Cindy gets an assignment to draw “what family means to me.”

How to Say Goodbye in Cuban. Written by Daniel Miyares. Art by Daniel Miyares. 2025. Anne Schwartz Books, $21.99 (9780593568293).

Carlos loves life in the Cuban countryside, but everything changes with a move to the city, followed by Castro’s take-over of the government.. To find a better life for his family, Carlos' Papi flees to America. Will the family ever be reunited with Papi?

Lost at Windy River: A True Story of Survival. Written by Trina Rathgeber. Art by Alina Pete. Color by Jilian Dolan. 2024. Orca Book Publishers, $19.95 (9781459832268).

Ilse Schweder’s story is reclaimed with this graphic novel written by her granddaughter chronicling the tale of the nine days she spent lost in the snow in northern Canada in 1944.

Wish I Was a Baller. Written by Amar Shah. Art by Rashad Doucet. 2025. Scholastic, Inc., $24.99 (9781546110514).

Amar loves sports, so when NBA players have a practice in his school gym, he seizes the opportunity to get close. A memorable encounter with the coach Phil Jackson gets him media attention, and Amar uses the opportunity to jumpstart his journey into the field of sports journalism.