A Book Fairy List

Graphic Novels That Make Reluctant Readers Readers

I used to have a bias against graphic novels. I'll just say it. Then one found my nephew — the kid I'd been trying to reach for years — and made him a reader. They aren't cheating. They're a doorway. Send this to the parent still waiting for their kid's book to find them.

These are the books featured in this post — tap any cover to find it on Amazon.

Cover of The Girl & the Galdurian

The Girl & the Galdurian

by Tim Probert

The one that started it all for my nephew

Cover of The Stonekeeper

The Stonekeeper

by Kazu Kibuishi

Hardcover editions of the first eight books in Kibuishi's #1 "New York Times"-bestselling series are collected in this boxed set.

Cover of Hilda and the Troll

Hilda and the Troll

by Luke Pearson

Strange, cozy, and completely its own world

Cover of Anne of Green Gables: A Graphic Novel

Anne of Green Gables: A Graphic Novel

by Mariah Marsden

One of MY favorites, now one I can share early

Cover of Mighty Jack

Mighty Jack

by Ben Hatke

Modern Jack and the Beanstalk. Jack is oldest child of a single working mom, cares for autistic sister Maddy. He trades the car for magic beans that grow a garden that bites back. Neighbor girl Lilly swings a medieval sword. Two book series plus crossover with Zita.

Cover of Zita the Spacegirl

Zita the Spacegirl

by Ben Hatke

Zita's best friend is kidnapped by an alien doomsday cult. She follows him through a portal and ends up an accidental intergalactic hero in a world of humanoid chickens, neurotic robots, and Miyazaki-esque monsters. Trilogy complete.

Cover of The First Cat in Space Ate Pizza

The First Cat in Space Ate Pizza

by Mac Barnett

Space, a cat, and total chaos — in the best way

Cover of Brume

Brume

by Jérôme Pélissier

Haunting and beautiful — earns the "graphic novel" label

Cover of Stitch Head: The Graphic Novel

Stitch Head: The Graphic Novel

by Guy Bass

Graphic novel adaptation of the first Stitch Head book. Gothic comedy about a forgotten little creation who longs to belong. Strong reluctant-reader format; same creators as the original chapter book.

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