Kid Tested, Librarian Recommended: Graphic novels kids devour

The Stonekeeper by Kazu Kibuishi

After a family tragedy Emily and her brother Navin move into a mysterious old house where all the adventures starts. They discover a hidden world full of weird creatures, magic and some pretty scary villains.

Emily finds a magical amulet that gives her powers, but it also comes with a huge responsibility. You’ll be on the edge of your seat as she and Navin navigate this strange new world, face danger, and figure out what it really means to be brave. And the best part is this is just the first book in the Amulet series. If you love it, there’s plenty more adventure waiting!

The artwork is amazing! Every page could be a movie scene and the story is packed with twists and surprises. Once you start, it’s hard to put down. If you are a fan of adventure, magic and stories that pull you right in, you’ve got to check this one out.

Awkward by Svetlana Chmakova

Rule #1 for surviving school: Don't get noticed by the mean kids. Rule #2 for surviving school: Seek out groups with similar interests and join them.

Penelope “Peppi” Torres follows these rules as she tries to fit in, make friends, and survive the ups and downs of school. You’ll laugh, cringe and root for her as she navigates tricky situations, learns to stand up for herself, and discovers her real friends.

This is the first book in the Awkward series. The artwork is bright and expressive, the story is full of humor and heart, and it’s one of those books you want to finish in one sitting.

If you’ve ever felt out of place, worried about what your classmates think, or just love funny, heartfelt stories, this graphic novel is totally for you!

New Kid by Jerry Craft

This is a heartfelt graphic novel that dives straight into the ups and downs of starting a new school. Jordan Banks is an art-loving kid who moves to a prestigious private school where he doesn’t exactly fit in. Navigating friendship, identity and middle school life gets complicated fast.

Craft’s storytelling is smart, relatable, and full of laugh-out-loud moments. The book doesn’t shy away from the tougher stuff. Kids will see themselves in Jordan’s struggles, triumphs and the tiny victories that make growing up a little easier.

This is the first book in the New Kid series, so there’s more to enjoy after you finish Jordan’s first year. With expressive art, witty dialogue and characters who feel real, it’s a must-read for any kid who’s ever wondered how to belong and still be themselves.

Sidekicks by Dan Santat

Jump into this laugh‑out‑loud, action‑packed graphic novel that flips the superhero story on its head. When Metro City’s Captain Amazing realizes he needs a sidekick, he has no idea the perfect candidates are right under his nose, his own pets. A superpowered dog, a hamster with heart and a sneaky chameleon all want the job. Their hilarious auditions quickly turn into a full‑on battle of personalities and powers.

Things get even more intense when the villainous Dr. Havoc returns. The pets must decide if they can put aside their squabbles to work together and save the day. With bold, cinematic art and nonstop humor, Sidekicks brings superhero antics and animal shenanigans together in a way that keeps kids turning pages.

This is the first book in the Sidekicks series, so once you’re hooked on these crime‑fighting critters, there’s more fun waiting for you. Perfect for fans of superheroes and animal adventures alike, Sidekicks is a graphic novel that’s impossible to resist.