Graphic novels (Middle Grade)

These comics and graphic novels offer a different route into discovering the pleasure of reading. This selection is for children who can read themselves and who enjoy a visual narrative too.

An illustration from the front cover of Tamsin and the Deep - a girl riding on a body board holding a glowing stick as a figure with red eyes emerges from the water below her
  • Brownstone’s Mythical Collection: Arthur and the Golden Rope

    by Joe Todd-Stanton 

    2016 5 to 14 years 

    • Adventure
    • Graphic novels
    • Myths and legends
    • Picture books

    Arthur goes to the great hall to help Thor catch the wicked Fenrir. There, he is set the almost impossible task of making a magical Golden Rope. A fantastic version of a Norse myth that falls between a picture book and a graphic novel.

  • Azzi in Between

    by Sarah Garland 

    2015 5 to 14 years 

    • Around the world
    • Graphic novels

    This is a moving tale of a refugee family told in graphic novel style and so appealing to a wide range of younger readers.

  • Asterix the Gaul

    by René Goscinny, illustrated by Albert Uderzo 

    2004 5 to 14 years 

    • Around the world
    • Classics
    • Comic books
    • Funny
    • Graphic novels
    • Historical

    In a tiny corner of Brittany, one small village of indomitable Gauls hold out against the almighty, all-conquering Romans.

  • Hilo: The Boy Who Crashed to Earth

    by Judd Winick 

    2016 5 to 14 years 

    • Adventure
    • Funny
    • Graphic novels
    • Science fiction

    Colourful, action-filled and laugh-out-loud funny, with plenty of burps, farts and catchphrases, HILO is the first in a bestselling US graphic novel series for younger readers. It’s also a genuinely well-told, gripping sci-fi story.

  • Cactus Kid: The Battle for Star Rock Mountain

    by Emmanuel Guerrero 

    2024 5 to 14 years 

    • Adventure
    • Funny
    • Graphic novels

    Cactus Kid is determined to become the world’s most powerful wizard, so he journeys to Star Rock Mountain in search of a special ingredient for his potion. This madcap graphic novel is teeming with vibrant comic-strip illustrations, offbeat humour and quirky characters.

  • Boss of the Underworld: Shirley vs the Green Menace

    by Tor Freeman 

    2025 5 to 14 years 

    • Adventure
    • Funny
    • Graphic novels

    A very funny graphic novel about Shirley’s adventures after falling down a manhole. 

  • Looshkin

    by Jamie Smart 

    2018 5 to 14 years 

    • Comic books
    • Funny
    • Graphic novels

    Looshkin is named the maddest cat in the world’ for good reason – anything that could possibly go wrong all comes down to this kitty. An outrageously fun graphic novel in a class of its own for silliness.

  • Fantasy Sports No. 1

    by Sam Bosma 

    2015 5 to 14 years 

    • Adventure
    • Fantasy
    • Graphic novels

    Magic and sport are rarely combined in stories for children, especially with a girl protagonist you can root for from the first page – and all this presented in a bright, stylish, engaging graphic novel format make Fantasy Sports a winner.

  • The King of Birds

    by Alexander Utkin 

    2018 5 to 14 years 

    • Fantasy
    • Graphic novels
    • Myths and legends

    Gamayun, the magical human-faced bird of Slavic mythology, narrates this vibrant and luxurious graphic novel for younger readers. The story is magical and full of the strangeness of the original fairytale that inspired it.

  • Pets Tell Tales: Ancient Egypt

    by Rik Worth, illustrated by Jordan Collver 

    2025 7 to 14 years 

    • Around the world
    • Comic books
    • Funny
    • Graphic novels
    • Non-fiction

    Every aspect of Ancient Egyptian life is covered in this funny non-fiction comic book. Great fun. 

  • El Deafo

    by Cece Bell 

    2014 9 to 14 years 

    • Graphic novels
    • Deafness

    Delivered in graphic-novel format, this story is based on the childhood of US author/​illustrator Cece Bell who was diagnosed as deaf at the age of four.

  • Hilda and the Stone Forest

    by Luke Pearson 

    2016 9 to 14 years 

    • Adventure
    • Around the world
    • Comic books
    • Fantasy
    • Graphic novels

    In her fifth adventure, the daring Hilda is back on form with plenty of strange magic, but this time with mum in tow. This allows Pearson to explore their mother-daughter relationship – as they battle two-headed trolls, of course.

  • Nightlights

    by Lorena Alvarez 

    2016 5 to 14 years 

    • Adventure
    • Fantasy
    • Graphic novels

    A remarkable, haunting and beautiful graphic novel for younger readers, Nightlights is a magical fable about creativity and believing in yourself. With a Studio Ghibli’ feel and some sumptuous artwork, this is a wonderful read and a visual treat.

  • Electrigirl

    by Jo Cotterill, illustrated by Cathy Brett 

    2016 9 to 14 years 

    • Adventure
    • Funny
    • Graphic novels
    • Science fiction

    An exciting graphic fantasy novel about a girl who develops amazing superpowers – but who values her family and friends even more.

  • Boffin Boy and the Poison Garden

    by David Orme, illustrated by Peter Richardson 

    2013 5 to 14 years 

    • Adventure
    • Comic books
    • Funny
    • Graphic novels

    Both loyal Boffin Boy fans, and those discovering the series for the first time, will enjoy this outlandish adventure about a famous female scientist who is planting trees that look disturbingly like people and animals.

  • Tamsin and the Deep

    by Neill Cameron and Kate Brown 

    2016 5 to 14 years 

    • Adventure
    • Graphic novels

    A fantastic graphic novel from the team at children’s comic The Phoenix, this is a page-turning adventure with a great main character in brave, athletic and reckless Tamsin.

  • Toby and the Pixies: Worst King Ever

    by James Turner, illustrated by Andreas Schuster 

    2024 9 to 14 years 

    • Adventure
    • Fantasy
    • Funny
    • Graphic novels

    Toby’s quiet life is turned upside down when he discovers an enchanted kingdom in his garden and is crowned King of the Pixies. This laugh-out-loud graphic novel is utterly bonkers and hugely entertaining. 

  • Tosh’s Island

    by Linda Sargent and Joe Brady, illustrated by Leo Marcell 

    2024 9 to 14 years 

    • Coming-of-age
    • Graphic novels
    • Mobility/​wheelchair

    When Tosh meets Louis, they bond over their shared imagining of a magical island. A moving graphic novel about friendship, imagination and chronic illness.  

  • KidGlovz

    by Julie Hunt, illustrated by Dale Newman 

    2018 9 to 14 years 

    • Graphic novels

    This stunning pencil-drawn graphic novel of talent, music and friendship will readers young and old. You’ll be rooting for KidGlovz, the nine-year-old musical prodigy: a poignant story to be remembered for a long time.

  • Cowgirls & Dinosaurs: Big Trouble in Little Spittle

    by Lucie Ebrey 

    2024 9 to 14 years 

    • Adventure
    • Fantasy
    • Funny
    • Graphic novels

    In this action-packed graphic novel set in the wild west, dinosaurs and people live side by side and ancient magic lurks in the strangest places. A rip-roaring crime-fighting adventure. 

  • Stormbreaker: The Graphic Novel

    by Anthony Horowitz 

    2016 9 to 14 years 

    • Adventure
    • Comic books
    • Graphic novels
    • Thriller

    The graphic novel adaptation of this well-written and action-packed story of a teenage spy works really well

  • Cat on the Run: Episode 1: Cat of Death!

    by Aaron Blabey 

    2023 9 to 14 years 

    • Adventure
    • Funny
    • Graphic novels

    This hilarious, action-packed comic bookis both a funny story with the relatable set-up of internet celebrity, and an astute take on cancel culture and social media. Presented in black and white, with highlights of red for a pop of colour, and short chunks of text, it’s a more accessible book for struggling readers, and should have great appeal for reluctant readers too. A brilliant new series from the creator of The Bad Guys’ for kids to get their teeth into.  

  • Stitch Head: the graphic novel

    by Guy Bass, illustrated by Pete Williamson 

    2024 9 to 14 years 

    • Funny
    • Graphic novels

    Stitch Head is surrounded by terrible creatures, both inside and outside Castle Grotteskew. And he must protect the monsters… A terrific graphic novel full of action and atmosphere. 

  • Meesh the Bad Demon

    by Michelle Lam 

    2023 9 to 14 years 

    • Fantasy
    • Graphic novels

    Meesh isn’t a typical demon – preferring flowers to lava, and being bullied for it. But when the other demons are turned to stone, it’s up to Meesh to find a way to save them. This first story in a fantasy graphic novel series is fun, fast-paced and full of peril.

  • Corpse Talk: Season 1

    by Adam Murphy and Lisa Murphy 

    2014 9 to 14 years 

    • Comic books
    • Funny
    • Non-fiction

    Corpse Talk, the show that brings the dead famous to life’ is a highly amusing and clever comic style history book that introduces the reader to historical figures in a fresh and funny way.

  • Supa Nova

    by Chanté Timothy 

    2025 5 to 9 years 

    • Funny
    • Graphic novels
    • Science fiction

    Young scientist Nova invents a plastic-eating organism named Chomp to solve the problem of plastic waste – but Chomp soon causes chaos. This lively science-fiction graphic novel is full of humour and bursting with vibrant, glossy artwork. 

  • Anzu and the Realm of Darkness

    by Mai K. Nguyen 

    9 to 14 years 

    • Adventure
    • Graphic novels

    Can Anzu defeat the cruel underworld queen? A stunningly original graphic novel.

  • Roller Girl

    by Victoria Jamieson 

    2017 9 to 14 years 

    • Graphic novels

    It’s really exciting to be starting at Roller Derby summer camp, but less so when Astrid finds herself doing it alone. A fantastic full-colour graphic novel about friendship and awesome, strong girls, this a genuine joy to read. 

  • Scales and Scoundrels

    by Sebastian Girner, illustrated by Galaad and Jeff Powell 

    2018 9 to 14 years 

    • Adventure
    • Comic books
    • Fantasy
    • Graphic novels

    Luvander and her companions go on an expedition to find The Hall of Dreaming Teasures. Their journey is like a cross between Indiana Jones and The Lord of the Rings. A fun fantasy adventure packed with action and humour and comic-style ilustrations.

  • Sheets

    by Brenna Thummler 

    2018 9 to 14 years 

    • Ghost story
    • Graphic novels

    At just 13, Marjorie has to run the family launderette. When a plan emerges to turn it into a posh yoga retreat, unexpected help comes from some sheet-wearing ghosts. A beautiful, modern, clever and funny graphic novel about bereavement and family.

  • The Marvels

    by Brian Selznick 

    2015 9 to 14 years 

    • Adventure
    • Graphic novels

    More than just a mystery, The Marvels is a heart-warming story about growing up, identity and family, full of cinematic and captivating illustrations.

  • The Pavee and the Buffer Girl

    by Siobhan Dowd, illustrated by Emma Shoard 

    2017 9 to 14 years 

    • Graphic novels

    Jim’s from a traveller family and has never been to secondary school, but one day his dad says he has to go – and it’s horrible. Stunningly illustrated by Emma Shoard, this short story by the late Siobhan Dowd is full of sensitivity and subtle, deft storytelling.

  • The Adventures of John Blake

    by Philip Pullman, illustrated by Fred Fordham 

    2017 9 to 14 years 

    • Adventure
    • Fantasy
    • Ghost story
    • Graphic novels

    Like the Bourne films with time travel and a ghost ship, Pullman’s story rockets along at thrilling speed, full of secrets, mysterious baddies and emotional drama. Adventure on the high seas meets spy thriller: a fantastically executed, exciting must-read.

  • Calamity Jack

    by Dean Hale and Shannon Hale, illustrated by Nathan Hale 

    2010 9 to 14 years 

    • Adventure
    • Classics
    • Fantasy
    • Graphic novels
    • Myths and legends

    This graphic novel is full of fun action set pieces, comedic turns and well-drawn out characters and is a much-needed updating of the classic fairy tale.