2025 Best Graphic Novels for Children Reading List and Top Ten List Announced by the Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table

ALA’s Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table (GNCRT) is pleased to introduce the 2025 Best Graphic Novels for Children (BGNC) Reading List and Top Ten List. This reading list highlights 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 2025 BGNC Top Ten List features such titles as: Deepwater Creek, Ghost Boys, Oasis, One Crazy Summer, The Cartoonists Club, and Fresh Start.

The Best Graphic Novels for Children Reading List Selection Committee is made up of GNCRT members with a background in graphic novel selection and their use for children and children’s services. Andréa Fernandes, chair of the BGNC selection committee said, “Graphic novels let readers truly step into the story, experiencing other perspectives than their own. Our Top Ten list this year provides fun escapism, realistic situations, scares and thrills, and glimpses into the past, the present, and the future.”

The complete 2025 Best Graphic Novels for Children Reading List, including the Top Ten List, is available online on the GNCRT’s website.

In creating and publishing these lists, the GNCRT has followed its resolution to honor the entire creative team (including writers, artists, letterers, colorists, and translators) involved in the books listed.   

The 2025 Best Graphic Novels for Children selection committee members are Andréa Fernandes (Chair), Ash Cook (Administrative Assistant), Shaunterria Owens, Alexx Burris, Allison Watkins, Althea Georges, Benji Martin, Hayley Morgenstern, Mark Riddle, Paige Harp, and Emilio Romero.

The Best Graphic Novels for Children committee would like to recognize and thank Midwest Tape for allowing all committee members free access to Hoopla® during this term of service, and the committee would also like to recognize and thank LibraryPass and Comics Plus for access to their services during the committee term.

Nominations for the 2026 Best Graphic Novel for Children Reading List are now open! Nominations can be made by all members of the public, including committee members and ALA members.  All nominations must be submitted by midnight CST on September 15, 2026.

Eligible graphic novels for the 2026 Best Graphic Novels for Children will include all fiction and non-fiction titles published between September 1, 2025 - December 31, 2026, that appeal to children ages 5 - 12. Nominations can be made by all members of the public including committee members, library workers, educators, and comics fans through the online form.

Publishers and creators are welcome to submit copies of titles to the committee for review, though they are not eligible to nominate their own titles for consideration. Find more information on how to submit review copies.

About the Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table

The Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table of the American Library Association is dedicated to supporting library staff in all aspects of engaging with graphic novels and comics, including collection development, programming, and advocacy. For more information connect with GNCRT on Discord; X: @libcomix; Instagram: @libcomix; Bluesky: or the GNCRT ALA Connect page.

About ALA

The American Library Association (ALA) is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, the ALA has been the trusted voice for academic, public, school, government, and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library's role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit www.ala.org.