TL;DR: Graphic novels aren't just "gateway" books for reluctant readers—they are a high-octane literacy powerhouse. If your kid has already memorized every Dog Man and Cat Kid book, it’s time to level up. In 2026, the market is exploding with high-quality stories ranging from Filipino mythology in Daybreaker to the relatable middle-school drama of Fresh Start.
If you’ve ever felt a twinge of guilt that your kid is "only" reading books with pictures, I’m here to tell you to let that go. We’re living in a golden age of middle grade graphic novels, and frankly, some of these stories are better written than the stuff on the New York Times bestseller list for adults.
By age 10, about 80% of kids are engaging with some form of graphic media. They aren't just "looking at the pictures." They are decoding complex emotional cues, tracking non-linear plots, and building the kind of reading stamina that helps them tackle 400-page prose novels later.
Here is how to navigate the graphic novel landscape in 2026 and find the stories that will actually stick.
We need to stop calling these "comics" like they’re the Sunday funnies. Research shows that graphic novels require more cognitive heavy lifting in some areas than prose. Kids have to perform "multimodal literacy"—simultaneously processing text, facial expressions, and the "gutters" (the white space between panels where the brain has to infer what happened in the transition).
If your kid calls a traditional book "Ohio" (aka weird or cringey) but will devour a 250-page graphic novel in one sitting, that's a win. They are building a positive relationship with reading that isn't tied to a "brain rot" loop of endless scrolling.
If your house is currently a shrine to Dav Pilkey, these are the logical next steps. They keep the humor and the fast pace but introduce slightly more complex themes.
Think of this as the high-energy, pun-heavy successor to Dog Man. It’s absurd, it’s funny, and it’s surprisingly clever. Perfect for Ages 7-10.
A 2025 standout. It’s a mystery featuring a cat and dog duo solving crimes in their apartment building. It’s great for kids who like the "buddy cop" vibe but want a slightly more grounded mystery.
If they liked the The Bad Guys movie, the books are even better. They play with the idea of "villains" trying to be good, which is a great entry point for talking about reputation and character.
For the kids who want to get lost in another world. These are the ones that feel like a high-budget Netflix series in book form.
This is the gold standard. The art is cinematic and the stakes are high. It can get a little dark (the opening involves a car accident), so it’s best for Ages 9+.
The Wings of Fire prose series is massive, but the graphic novel adaptations are arguably more accessible for kids who get overwhelmed by walls of text. It's Game of Thrones for the middle grade set (minus the "adult" stuff).
One of the most anticipated 2025 releases. It follows a boarding school student who dreams of Filipino gods and goddesses. It’s lush, magical, and perfect for the Percy Jackson fan who wants something new.
Check out our guide on the best fantasy series for 10-year-olds
This is where graphic novels really shine—helping kids navigate the "everything is weird now" phase of puberty and middle school.
If your kid hasn't read this yet, go to the library now. It’s a memoir about dental drama, but it’s really about the universal awkwardness of growing up. Raina is basically the queen of this genre.
The first graphic novel to win the Newbery Medal. It’s a sharp, honest look at being one of the few kids of color at a private school. It’s essential reading for building empathy and understanding social dynamics.
Gale Galligan (who did some of the The Baby-Sitters Club Graphic Novels) has a 2025 original about moving from Germany to America. It’s funny, energetic, and deals with that "who am I?" identity crisis that hits in 6th grade.
For the kids who want a little edge or a puzzle to solve.
A 2025 release for the older end of middle grade (Ages 11-13). It’s about a vegetarian vampire trying to survive daytime middle school. It’s a fun twist on the vampire trope that feels very current.
Stuart Gibbs is a middle grade legend, and the graphic adaptation of his lunar murder mystery is fantastic. It’s smart, scientifically grounded, and genuinely tense.
While graphic novels are generally "cleaner" than YA novels, the middle grade category (Ages 8-12) can cover a lot of ground.
- Violence: Fantasy titles like Amulet or Wings of Fire feature battle scenes and occasional character deaths. Because it's visual, it can feel more "real" than prose.
- Emotional Weight: Books like Hey, Kiddo (which is more for the 12+ crowd) deal with addiction and tough family stuff. Always check the Screenwise "Wise Score" if you're worried about heavy themes.
- The "Boring" Factor: Some graphic novels are licensed tie-ins for movies or games (like some Minecraft or Roblox books). These are often "junk food" reading—fine in moderation, but usually lacking the depth of original stories.
The biggest hurdle is often our own internal bias. We grew up in a world where "comic books" were seen as a distraction from "real" learning.
In 2026, that's just not the reality. The National Literacy Trust found that kids who read graphic novels are twice as likely to enjoy reading overall. If they are reading a graphic novel, they aren't just "looking at pictures"—they are building a mental library of story structures, character archetypes, and vocabulary.
Pro-tip: Don't just hand them the book. Read it yourself. Most middle grade graphic novels take about 30 minutes to read. It’s the easiest way to have a "no-pressure" conversation about things like friendship, bullying, or even Filipino mythology.
If your kid is obsessed with graphic novels, lean in. Don't worry about "moving them on" to prose. The prose will happen naturally as their interests expand. For now, the goal is engagement.
A kid who loves to read graphic novels is a kid who considers themselves a "reader." And in a world of TikTok and Skibidi Toilet, a kid who identifies as a reader is a kid with a massive head start.
- Check the library: Most libraries have a dedicated "Middle Grade Graphic Novel" section now.
- Look for the 2025 releases: Keep an eye out for Daybreaker and Fresh Start.
- Talk about the "Gutters": Ask your kid what they think happened between two panels. It’s a great way to see their brain working in real-time.
Check out our full list of 2025 Graphic Novel Recommendations