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10 Engaging Graphic Novels

Updated: Mar 20

Doodles of a lamp, Wi-Fi, binders, alarm clock, mug, smartphone, light bulb, cactus, pen, laptop, open book, speech bubbles, and hearts.
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Graphic novels that combine stunning artwork with compelling stories, making reading immersive and fun. This list features ten engaging graphic novels spanning adventure, friendship, mystery, and humor, perfect for readers of all ages.


Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate and Bookshop.org affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This post contains affiliate links, and purchases made through these links help support Shelf Safe Books at no extra cost to you.


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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, Good for readers who can handle more heavy themes


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Girl in blue helmet and rainbow socks roller-skating on yellow background. Text reads "Roller Girl" by Victoria Jamieson, Newbery Honor.

🟢 1. Roller Girl – Victoria Jamieson

Series: Roller Girls 1 of 2 (Series Complete)

A middle schooler discovers friendship, resilience, and courage while learning roller derby. Fun, heartfelt, and visually vibrant. Written for Upper Elementary / Middle Grade readers.

Heads Up: name calling Ass-Turd,



Yellow smiley face with braces on a teal background. Text: "Smile" and "Raina Telgemeier." Eisner Award seal in the top right.

🔵 2. Smile – Raina Telgemeier

Series: Smile book 1 of 2+ (more planned)

A humorous and relatable memoir about growing up, braces, family, and friendship, illustrated with expressive art. Written for Middle Grade / Teen readers.

Heads Up:  Features non-graphic dental injuries and brief blood after an accident, which may be unsettling for some readers.



Five diverse characters stand cheerfully with a book under a "Lumberjanes" sign. Wooden cabin background, award sticker at the bottom.

🔵 3. Lumberjanes – Noelle Stevenson

Series: Lumberjanes Book 1 of 12+ (more planned)

A group of girls at summer camp faces supernatural adventures, forging friendships, bravery, and teamwork. Written for Middle Grade / Teen readers.

Heads Up: Includes LGBTQ+ Representation.



Two yellow emoticons on a blue background: one smiling with braces, the other frowning. Text: "Sisters" by Raina Telgemeier.

🟢 4. Sisters – Raina Telgemeier

Series: Smile book 2 of 2+ (more planned)

A sweet, funny, and realistic story about sibling relationships and family dynamics. Written for Middle Grade readers.

Heads Up: Includes mild sibling conflict, name-calling,




A girl joyfully rides a unicorn on a pink, starry background. The text "Phoebe and Her Unicorn" is in bold, whimsical font.

🟢 5. Phoebe and Her Unicorn – Dana Simpson

Series: Phoebe and Her Unicorn, Book 1 of 22+ (more planned)

A lighthearted and magical friendship between a girl and a unicorn, full of humor, charm, and quirky life lessons. Written for Upper Elementary readers.

Heads Up: Occasional mild insults such as stupidbutt, stupidcorn, poonicorn, Gossip at slumber parties, LGBTQ+ Representation.



Cartoon girl with teal hair and a red outfit stands in a snowy forest with fox and mountain background. Text: "Hilda and the Troll."

🟢 6. Hilda and the Troll – Luke Pearson

Series: Hilda, Book 1 of 6+ (more planned)

A fantasy adventure inspired by Scandinavian folklore, following a curious girl navigating magical creatures and wild landscapes. Written for Upper Elementary / Middle Grade readers.

Heads Up: Language 1 damn it, LGBTQ+ Representation begins starting in Book 6: Hilda and the Mountain King.



Comic cover: Two mice in medieval attire with weapons and scroll, forest background, elk in distance. Text: "Mouse Guard: Legends of the Guard."

🔵 7. Mouse Guard – David Petersen

Series: Mouse Guard (multiple volumes)

Epic fantasy adventure following brave mice defending their territories. Written for Middle Grade / Teen readers.

Heads Up: Stylized fantasy battles and animal deaths occur just not in a realistic or graphic way.



Characters in suits on an orange background with "The Bad Guys" text. The cover has a humorous, quirky vibe with bold fonts.

🟢 8. The Bad Guys – Aaron Blabey

Series: The Bad Guys, Book 1 of 20 (Series Complete)

A fast-paced and funny series about animal “villains” who try to turn their reputations around. Slapstick humor and exaggerated antics throughout. Written for Elementary readers.

Heads Up: Language stupid, shark dresses a girl but doesn't seem happy about it Cartoon slapstick danger and potty humor appear.



Two characters with horns and tails sit on a picnic blanket in a lush garden, drinking tea with a small creature. Text: The Tea Dragon Society.

🔵 9. The Tea Dragon Society – Katie O’Neill

Series: Tea Dragon Society Book 1-3  (Series Complete)

A beautifully illustrated fantasy about friendship, craftsmanship, and caring for magical tea dragons. Written for Middle Grade / Teen readers.

Heads Up: LGBTQ+ Representation.



Comic cover of "The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn." Features Tintin, a man with a sword, a ship, and a white dog.

🔵 10. The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn – Hergé

Series: The Adventures of Tintin, Book 11 (continues in Red Rackham’s Treasure) `

A classic globe-trotting mystery involving hidden treasure, family secrets, and daring escapes. Written for Middle Grade / Teen readers.

Heads Up: Cartoon action includes fistfights, gunfire, and alcohol use by a recurring character.


Happy reading! May your adventures be safe, your stories wholesome, and your imagination take flight!


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