10 Clean Graphic Novels for Elementary through Middle Grades
- shelfsafebooks
- Jan 16
- 3 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Looking for clean graphic novels your kids and teens can actually read without surprises? This handpicked list features 10 fully vetted graphic novels — no romance, no identity content, no strong language, and no visual exposure. Whether you're a parent, homeschooler, or just hunting for safe comics, every book here has been deep-checked for tone, art, and series consistency.
From fantasy quests to historical memoirs, these stories are exciting, age-appropriate, and agenda-free.
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Rating Summary
🟢 Green – Fully clean, kid-friendly, no graphic content; light and safe for all readers
🔵 Blue – Mild emotional intensity or deeper themes; best for older children or confident middle-grade readers
🟣 Purple – Moderate emotional depth or realistic situations; still fully clean and non-explicit, suitable for teens and older readers
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🟣 1. March: Book One – John Lewis, Andrew Aydin & Nate Powell
Series: March Trilogy – Complete
A powerful graphic memoir tracing John Lewis’s early involvement in the Civil Rights Movement, from sit-ins to protest marches. The black-and-white visuals emphasize the emotional weight of history. Originally written for teen and adult readers.
Heads Up: Repeated use of the N-word and other racial slurs (used by antagonists in historical context). Includes visual depictions of protest violence, police aggression, and civil unrest.
🟢 2. Skyheart: The Search for the Star Seed– Jake Parker
Series: Standalone (Part of a planned series Published on Kickstarter not widely available)
A skybound fantasy adventure about a brave boy, ancient powers, and an airship battle to save the kingdom. Fast-paced, imaginative. Written for Elementary / Middle Grade readers.
Buy on Amazon: Paperback | Not available on Kindle
🟢 3. Cleopatra in Space: Target Practice – Mike Maihack
Series: Cleopatra in Space – Complete
A time-displaced teen Cleopatra is sent to a futuristic academy to train for an intergalactic destiny. Action-packed with humor and sci-fi battles. Written for Upper Elementary / Middle Grade readers.
🔵 4. The Nameless City – Faith Erin Hicks
Series: The Nameless City – Complete
In a city that’s always being conquered, two children from opposing cultures form an unlikely friendship. War themes, assassination attempts and cultural tension create emotional depth, but nothing graphic. Written for Middle Grade / Teen readers.
🟢 5. Bone: Out from Boneville – Jeff Smith
Series: Bone – Book 1 of 9 – Complete
Three cousins stumble into a magical valley filled with dragons and ancient legends. Begins with humor, gradually becomes an epic fantasy. Clean visuals and strong moral direction. Written for Upper Elementary / Middle Grade readers.
🟢 6. Investigators – John Patrick Green
Series: Investigators – Book 1 of 10 Ongoing
Two gator detectives solve outrageous crimes using puns, gadgets, and teamwork. Light, silly, and packed with wordplay. Written for Elementary readers.
Heads Up: Bathroom humor in some volumes (toilets, fart jokes).
🟢 7. Usagi Yojimbo: The Ronin – Stan Sakai
Series: Usagi Yojimbo – Ongoing
A rabbit samurai journeys through feudal Japan upholding honor and tradition. Stylized combat, no blood or gore. Smart storytelling with a respectful tone. Written for Middle Grade / Teen readers.
🟢 8. Dragonbreath – Ursula Vernon
Series: Dragonbreath – Complete
Danny is a dragon who can’t breathe fire — yet. This part prose, part graphic novel delivers goofy adventures, school misadventures, and quirky monsters. Written for Elementary readers.
🟢 9. Giants Beware! – Jorge Aguirre & Rafael Rosado
Series: Chronicles of Claudette – Complete
Claudette dreams of slaying giants, and she just might succeed. Light fantasy with strong themes of bravery, persistence, and humor. Written for Upper Elementary readers.
Buy on Amazon: Paperback | not available on Kindle
🔵 10. The Arrival – Shaun Tan
Series: Standalone
A wordless graphic novel about immigration and hope, told through surreal, emotional visuals. No violence or words, but emotionally weighty. Written for Upper Elementary / Middle Grade readers.
Heads Up: Surreal and emotional imagery may be intense for younger readers.
Thanks for visiting Shelf Safe Books! May your day be magical, your reads inspiring, and your smiles plentiful.
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