The Best Tween Graphic Novels to Read When They are Bored!
Quarantine is a great time to have your tween catch up on their reading! Graphic novels offer that amazing balance of a great story and beautiful illustrations to not only challenge your tween’s reading level but also keep them busy during the lockdown. I’ve assembled a long list of graphic novels, some that are realistic views of tween life and others that will transport your tween into magical fantasy worlds. Here are the best tween graphic novels to read if your tween is bored.

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The Best Tween Graphic Novels
Surfside Girls: The Secret of Danger Point
Things are getting weird in Surfside. Lately, Samantha’s best friend Jade explodes into fits of giggles whenever she sees a boy, and it’s throwing a wrench into the kick-back summer of surfing and hanging out that Sam had planned. But after swimming through a secret underwater cave, Sam starts to… see things. Like ghosts. And pirates. And maybe something even scarier! Can she and Jade get to the bottom of this mystery in time to save their town?
A Wrinkle in Time: The Graphic Novel
The world already knows Meg and Charles Wallace Murry, Calvin O'Keefe, and the three Mrs--Who, Whatsit, and Which--the memorable and wonderful characters who fight off a dark force and save our universe in the Newbery award-winning classic A Wrinkle in Time. But in 50 years of publication, the book has never been illustrated. Now, Hope Larson takes the classic story to a new level with her vividly imagined interpretations of tessering and favorite characters like the Happy Medium and Aunt Beast. Perfect for old fans and winning over new ones, this graphic novel adaptation is a must-read.
Pashmina
In this heartwarming graphic novel debut, Nidhi Chanani weaves a tale about the hardship and self-discovery that is born from juggling two cultures and two worlds.
El Deafo
In this funny, poignant graphic novel memoir, author/illustrator Cece Bell chronicles her hearing loss at a young age and her subsequent experiences with the Phonic Ear, a very powerful—and very awkward—hearing aid.
Smile
Raina Telgemeier's #1 New York Times bestselling, Eisner Award-winning graphic memoir based on her childhood!
New Kid
As he makes the daily trip from his Washington Heights apartment to the upscale Riverdale Academy Day School, Jordan soon finds himself torn between two worlds—and not really fitting into either one. Can Jordan learn to navigate his new school culture while keeping his neighborhood friends and staying true to himself?
Stargazing
Jen Wang draws on her childhood to paint a deeply personal yet wholly relatable friendship story that’s at turns joyful, heart-wrenching, and full of hope.
Snapdragon
Cub
A laugh-out-loud funny and empowering graphic memoir about growing up and finding your voice.
Just Jaime (Emmie & Friends)
Another spot-on story of middle school drama and friendship from Terri Libenson, national bestselling author of graphic novel favorites Invisible Emmie and Positively Izzy.
Click (A Click Graphic Novel)
For fans of Smile and Real Friends comes a debut graphic novel about friendship and finding where you "click" in middle school.
It's Me. (Catwad)
From New York Times bestselling author Jim Benton, meet Catwad! He's blue, he's a bit of a grouch, and his best friend is a dim-witted cat named Blurmp who can see the bright side of anything. From pizza and computers, to love and happiness, this crabby tabby has a funny take on just about everything, and he's not afraid to share it. This collection of short comic stories will make even the grumpiest of grouches crack up and is not to be missed
Go with the Flow
High school students embark on a crash course of friendship, female empowerment, and women's health issues in Lily Williams and Karen Schneemann's graphic novel Go With the Flow.
When Stars Are Scattered
Heartbreak and hope exist together in this remarkable graphic novel about growing up in a refugee camp, as told by a Somali refugee to the Newbery Honor-winning creator of Roller Girl.
The Prince and the Dressmaker
Jen Wang weaves an exuberantly romantic tale of identity, young love, art, and family. A fairy tale for any age, The Prince and the Dressmaker will steal your heart.
The Witch Boy
When a mysterious danger threatens the other boys, Aster knows he can help -- as a witch. It will take the encouragement of a new friend, the non-magical and non-conforming Charlie, to convince Aster to try practicing his skills. And it will require even more courage to save his family . . . and be truly himself.
Sanity & Tallulah
Readers will be over the moon for this rollicking space adventure by debut author Molly Brooks.
The City on the Other Side
In The City on the Other Side, a young girl stumbles into a pitched war between two fairy kingdoms, and the fate of San Francisco itself hangs in the balance!
Be Prepared
Vera is sure she's found the one place she can fit in, but camp is far from what she imagined. And nothing could prepare her for all the "cool girl" drama, endless Russian history lessons, and outhouses straight out of nightmares!
This One Summer
This One Summer is a tremendously exciting new teen graphic novel from two creators with true literary clout. Cousins Mariko and Jillian Tamaki, the team behind Skim, have collaborated on this gorgeous, heartbreaking, and ultimately hopeful story about a girl on the cusp of childhood - a story of renewal and revelation.
Pumpkinheads
In Pumpkinheads, beloved #1 New York Times bestselling author Rainbow Rowell and Eisner Award–winning artist Faith Erin Hicks have teamed up to create this tender and hilarious story about two irresistible teens discovering what it means to leave behind a place—and a person—with no regrets.
Teen Titans: Raven
From the #1 New York Times bestselling co-author of Beautiful Creatures Kami Garcia, and artist Gabriel Picolo, comes this first graphic novel in the Teen Titans series for DC Ink, Teen Titans: Raven.
In Real Life
From acclaimed teen author Cory Doctorow and rising star cartoonist Jen Wang, In Real Life is a sensitive, thoughtful look at adolescence, gaming, poverty, and culture-clash.
This Was Our Pact
Ryan Andrews's This Was Our Pact is an astonishing, magical-realist adventure story for middle-grade readers.
Mighty Jack and Zita the Spacegirl
It's the middle-grade team-up of the century as the heroes of New York Times bestselling author Ben Hatke join forces to save the world in the epic graphic novel Mighty Jack and Zita the Spacegirl.
Target Practice (Cleopatra in Space #1)
When a young Cleopatra (yes, THAT Cleopatra) finds a mysterious tablet that zaps her to the far, REALLY far future, she learns of an ancient prophecy that says she is destined to save the galaxy from the tyrannical rule of the evil Xaius Octavian.
Hilo Book 1: The Boy Who Crashed to Earth
Take off on an action packed adventure with HILO Book 1! Dog Manmeets Big Nate in this hilarious New York Times bestselling graphic novel series that kids love!
Unicorn Bowling (Phoebe and Her Unicorn Series Book 9): Another Phoebe and Her Unicorn Adventure
Life with a unicorn BFF is not without its challenges, however, and whether it’s homework, friction with classmates, or talent show jitters, Unicorn Bowling is full of amusing, heartwarming reminders that when the going gets tough, the tough get sparkling.
Anne of Green Gables: A Graphic Novel
The magic of L.M. Montgomery’s treasured classic is reimagined in a whimsically-illustrated graphic novel adaptation perfect for newcomers and kindred spirits alike.
The City of Ember: The Graphic Novel
In the spring 2003, kids, parents, teachers, librarians—whole communities—discovered and fell in love with Jeanne DuPrau's story about a doomed city, and the two children who found a way out. Nearly 10 years later, that story, The City of Ember, is a bona fide classic, with over 1.7 million copies sold. Now experience Jeanne DuPrau's vision anew as artist Niklas Asker faithfully brings to life the glare of the lamps, the dinginess of the streets, and the brilliance of the first sunrise.
Coraline Graphic Novel
Neil Gaiman's enchanting, nationally bestselling children's book Coraline is brought to new life by acclaimed artist P. Craig Russell in this gorgeously illustrated graphic novel adaptation.
The Giver (Graphic Novel)
Now in graphic novel format, Lois Lowry’s Newbery Medal–winning classic story of a young boy discovering the dark secrets behind his seemingly ideal world is accompanied by renowned artist P. Craig Russell’s beautifully haunting illustrations.
Illegal
A powerfully moving graphic novel that explores the current plight of undocumented immigrants from New York Times bestselling author Eoin Colfer and the team behind the Artemis Fowl graphic novels.
Lumberjanes #1 (of 8)
Jo, April, Mal, Molly and Ripley are five best pals determined to have an awesome summer together...and they're not gonna let any insane quest or an array of supernatural critters get in their way! Not only is it the second title launching in our new BOOM! Box imprint but LUMBERJANES is one of those punk rock, love-everything-about-it stories that appeals to fans of basically all excellent things.
The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl: Squirrel Meets World (Squirrel Girl Novel, A Book 1)
All is well until a real-life Super Villain steps out of the shadows and declares Squirrel Girl his archenemy. Can Doreen balance being a teenager and a Super Hero? Or will she go...NUTS?
What makes a good tween graphic novel? One that’s descriptive. One that tells a story. One with clear messages.
Every time you read a graphic novel, your perception of the story evolves. This is what makes graphic novels so special — you’re not just reading, you’re living in another colorful world with every flip of each page.
So there you have it, a comprehensive list of 45 tween graphic novels to read if they are bored. Did any miss any that your tween loved? Sound off in the comments!
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