I've shared a few graphic novels on the previous lists, but there have been so many great ones this year and lots of kids LOVE graphic novels. If you're not sure, take a chance with a graphic novel and you'll be the cool adult. And don't you worry about whether graphic novels are "real reading" because they definitely are. This year's Newbery medal winner was a graphic novel, too!
Aster and the Accidental Magic by Thom Pico, illustrated by Karensac (Random House Graphic, 2020). This is a really fun, magical graphic novel, a French import that contains two seasonal stories - summer and fall - with another volume being published early next year. With its focus on nature and magic, this is a refreshingly odd fantasy story and young readers will enjoy exploring Aster's new woodland home along with her. Reading this was just as pleasant as taking a crisp autumn walk and I'd grab it for kids who are fans of the show Hilda on Netflix. For ages 8-12.
Class Act by Jerry Craft (Quill Tree Books, 2020). This standalone sequel to the Newbery-medal-winning graphic novel New Kid (which would also make a great gift - why not pick up both?) is a funny school story that will appeal to fans of Big Nate and Diary of a Wimpy Kid. And it manages to do that while still addressing some serious issues like racial microaggressions and police violence. For ages 9-13.
Dancing at the Pity Party by Tyler Feder (Dial, 2020). Okay, so this is a book about grief and it may seem like a really weird choice for a gift, but it may be just the thing for certain readers. Tyler was in college when she lost her mom to cancer. This isn't an easy read, but it is one of my favorite books of the year. Readers who have experienced the loss of a parent or other close loss will find recognition and acceptance here, but even readers who have not experienced this loss should tune in for just a well-crafted and emotionally vulnerable story. Ages 12 and up.
Dog Man: Grime and Punishment by Dav Pilkey (Graphix, 2020). If you're looking for a book that will be a sure bet with younger elementary school kids, you can't go wrong with Dog Man. This silly graphic novel about a canine police officer is super popular with that age group and this is the very latest installment. If your kids are new to Dog Man, you can't go wrong with this box set that collects Dog Man Books 1-6. Ages 6-10.
Logan Likes Mary Anne (Baby-Sitters Club Graphic Novel) (Graphix, 2020). Another sure bet for the elementary school and tween crowd is the latest Baby-Sitters Club Graphic Novel. Since the show debuted on Netflix this summer, this perennially popular series has seen an upsurge in popularity. Scoop up this latest volume or grab a box set that collects Baby-Sitters Club Graphic Novels 1-4 for readers who are new to the series. Ages 8-12.
Stepping Stones by Lucy Knisley (Random House Graphic Novels, 2020). Jen moves to a country farm and deals with new weekend stepsisters in this fictionalized comic memoir by graphic novelist Lucy Knisley. This is a story about a girl finding her own strengths when she feels like she doesn't quite fit in and I think it's a book that many kids in blended families will relate to. If you're shopping for fans of Raina Telgemeier, I think this one's a good choice. Ages 8-12.
When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohammad (Dial, 2020). This heartfelt graphic novel is Omar's memoir of growing up in a Kenyan refugee camp after fleeing war-torn Somalia. It's a compelling story, full of heart, and I think a must-read for fans of books like Refugee by Alan Gratz. Ages 9-13.
The Worry (Less) Book: Feel Strong, Find Calm, and Tame Your Anxiety! by Rachel Brian (Little, Brown, 2020). Give the gift of calm this year! This graphic novel is not a story, but a nonfiction book that talks about worry (we all worry sometimes!), when worry gets in the way of our lives, and gives some techniques for combatting anxiety that's getting in the way. It's written in a conversational, approachable tone and the funny cartoon illustrations set this apart from other self-help books. It's not only helpful, it's a book kids will actually want to read. If you have a young worrier in your life, this might be just the thing.
For the first 12 days of November, I'll be posting a list of children's books perfect for gift giving this holiday season. Check out the full list of lists here to see what's coming. All the lists link to IndieBound to make it easy for you to find an independent bookstore to buy from (and as an IndieBound affiliate, shopping through those links supports me, too!). Independent bookstores need our support more than ever this year, so please shop local if you can or if you don't have a local independent bookstore, please consider ordering online from my local indie Carmichael's Bookstore.
