Graphic novels (Middle Grade)

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.

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

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

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 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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’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. 

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

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.

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. 

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

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 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 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, 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.

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. 

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

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. 

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.