Smile by Raina Telgemeier. Recommended for ages 9 and up. The true story of Raina, who knocks her two front teeth out one night after a girl scout meeting and spends the next four and a half years dealing with braces, headgear and embarrassment. Through the story Raina learns the hard way about what a true friendship is, and what it can mean to be yourself. I would recommend this to older readers, such as those entering the sixth grade, who would more likely comprehend and learn from Raina's story and understand her message.
The Life of the Great Escape Artist Houdini by Agnieszka Biskup. The biographical tale of Harry Houdini, who amazed crowds all over the worlds with his stunts and feats of escapism. This book is recommended for ages 8 and up, but I would find it suitable for younger children than that, and may be a great tool for children to learn about biographies in graphic novel format. These types of stories tend to be dry, and children may not be as interested in them, but the illustrations and simple wording make the life of a famous person-especially a magician-much easier and more enjoyable for young readers.
The Popularity Papers by Amy Ignatow. Recommended for ages 9 and up. A story told by Lydia and Julie, two best friends who are striving to be popular throughout their middle school years. An excellent read for girls in the sixth grade, our heroines learn that it is often more important to be true to yourself and your friends than to strive to be popular-and that you never know what you might really like until you try it. A relatively quick story with a great lesson, this book is much more suited to girls than it may be to boys of the same age.
The Elves and the Shoemaker by Martin Powell. Recommended for ages 8 and up. The graphic novel re-telling of the classic Grimm fairy tale is easily suited for younger children, and could even be used as a picture book of sorts. There are not too many words, and the story itself is easy to follow. The tale is simple and has a good message, and the pictures are stunning and fun.
Outlaw: The Legend of Robin Hood by Tony Lee. The graphic novel re-telling of the famous tale of Robin Hood is an excellent story for boys ages 10 and up. Though the story can be difficult to follow at times, and the characters may get a bit confusing, it is overall an enticing read. It keeps readers enthralled as they follow the exploits of Robin Hood and his army as they rob from the rich and give to the poor and attempt to outwit the evil Sheriff and his men.
Babymouse: Puppy Love by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm. Recommended for ages 7 and up. This graphic novel series is definitely geared towards young girls, the stories of Babymouse and all of her pets is a quick read that will keep readers entertained. The pictures are done entirely in black, white and pink, which can sometimes be a bit boring but overall the drawings themselves are well done. The story feels a bit rushed at times, but will be perfect for children who are not accustomed to reading full-length novels yet.
The Baby-Sitters Club: Claudia and Mean Janine by Ann M. Martin, adapted to graphic novel format by Raina Telgemeier. Recomended for ages 9 and up. Another excellent graphic novel for girls, this is the adapted story of the Baby-Sitters Club, a series of novels by Ann M. Martin. Focusing on Claudia the artistic member of the group and her troubles with her intellectual sister Janine, girls will learn that their issues with their family members are not the most important thing, and learn to put aside their differences in important times of need. Though beautifully illustrated, this novel could have done with a bit of color-the black and white can be a bit boring at times.
The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum. Adapted to graphic novel format by Michael Cavallaro. Recommended for ages 8 and up. This story seems like it would be a lot for an 8 year old to read. The story of the Wizard of Oz retold, with a slightly modern twist. Though there are many pictures it would take a long time for an 8 year old to read through this novel, though it is not to say that their interest would not be captivated. From blue-haired Dorothy to a much more selfless Cowardly Lion, these classic characters are given a tune-up from the story that we all know and love.
The Odyssey by Homer. Adapted to graphic novel by Tim Mucci, recommended for ages 10 and up. And excellent way to introduce children to the classic novel by Homer, this graphic novel re-telling is brightly illustrated and very simple to follow. I would recommend this for grades 6 and up, and perhaps boys more than girls based on the story line. However, any child interested in action and adventure would enjoy this story and the way in which it is told.
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