Read Your World

Cool Diverse Graphic Novels for Middle Readers

So what is a “graphic novel?”

According to Wikipedia, a graphic novel is a book made up of comics content. Although the word “novel” normally refers to long fictional works, the term “graphic novel” is applied broadly and includes fiction, non-fiction, and anthologized work.

According to my teen, graphic novels are “comics disguised as a book.” Basically, graphic novels are like comic books and chapter books all rolled into one. These colorful books are a highly visual medium and can put stories with diverse, multicultural elements into a new perspective for young readers.

However you wish to view them, there’s no denying that graphic novels for kids are not only here to stay, but they are also growing in popularity by leaps and bounds. So if you have a reluctant reader under your roof, consider trying graphic novels as a way to fall in love with reading.

Cool Diverse Graphic Novels for Middle Readers

Check out this list of 18 Great Diverse Graphic Novels for Kids and Teens at Pragmaticmom

As a mom to TWO reluctant readers, Franticmommy.com shares her list of Diversity Graphic Novels that will appeal to middle reader girls & include a multicultural element.

If you have teens that enjoy graphic novels, Pages Unbound has a great list of 11 Diverse Graphic Novels for Teens HERE.

Publisher and Multicultural Children’s Book Day Co-Founder, Valarie Budayr, shared that reluctant middle-grade readers who are boys often enjoy graphic novels because of what’s known as the Hero’s Journey Stage.

“Around the age of 10 or 11, boys want to read about who they want to become or can imagine themselves being,” She noted. “They want action, adventure, bravery, and the ability to outwit by leaps and bounds. This stage takes them all the way through high school. Graphic novels are automatic page-turners, and it’s a great way to engage boys who normally don’t care for reading.”

What graphic novels would you recommend?

Rebecca “Becky” Flansburg is an author, freelance writer, and project manager for the non-profit online children’s literacy initiative, Multicultural Children’s Book Day/ #ReadYourWorld. Join the celebration! Our 8th annual celebration will take place on January 29, 2021. For more information, visit Multicultural Children’s Book Day on the web.