How to Find Graphic Novels for Kids

Kids enjoy comic books and graphic novels, but it is often difficult for parents, educators and librarians to find age appropriate graphic novels for kids. Providing kids with the right graphic novels now can create a love of comics and reading that lasts throughout their lifetime.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Access to local comic shops
• Computer
• Internet connection

1. Talk to a local comic shop. They should have plenty of kid-friendly comic books and graphic novels on the shelves for you to examine. They can suggest titles and let you know what is popular with kids at their store.
2. Search the websites of library publications for reviews of graphic novel titles. “School Library Journal” is a publication used by school librarians to select titles for their school. Their website features a review section including a specific graphic novel section (see Resources below). “Library Journal” is a publication used by public libraries. Their website also features a review section including a specific graphic novel area as well as a section of “Xpress Reviews,” often featuring graphic novel reviews, that are not featured in the print version (see Resources below). Library reviews almost always call out those books that are good for kids and the ages for which they are appropriate.
3. Read the website of the non-profit organization Kids Love Comics (see Resources below) that is dedicated to bringing attention to the best kids’ comic books available. Their website includes a list of recommended graphic novels.
4. Expand your personal reading list of comic books and graphic novels. Try a new title, especially if it is an all-ages title. You may be surprised to find how many of these titles you enjoy and can then share with kids.

Tips & Warnings

• Concentrate more on graphic novels, which are book collections of comic books or original stories done in a book format. These books will hold up better to repeated readings by kids than the paper magazine format of comic books.
• If you are a parent, read graphic novels with your kids. Younger kids will enjoy having you read to them while older kids may enjoy talking about a book you have both read. This will increase their love of reading even more.
• There are several established series of graphic novels that are widely recognized as kid-friendly. “Bone” by Jeff Smith and “Owly” by Andy Runton are two such series. You also can’t go wrong with anything put out by Walt Disney, especially the “Uncle Scrooge” titles.
• Keep in mind the target audience. A book may be appropriate for a 10-year-old but not a 5-year-old. Likewise, a 10-year-old may not find much appeal in a book loved by a 5-year-old.