Graphic novels are my secret weapon to get any kid reading. My recent discovery is that there are also multicultural, diverse, and inclusive Graphic novels that bring kids into different perspectives like what it’s like to have hearing loss or go through a civil war. Graphic novels also let us experience new worlds, both present, past, and future. And it’s the illustrations that tell part of the story with a low word count. It’s this inferencing … getting the story from both the words and the pictures that makes graphic novels a valuable reading comprehension tool for learning.

So there you have it. Kids love to read graphic novels. It’s fun for them. They don’t realize how much they are learning by reading the story from both the images and words, especially reluctant readers. And they can get a wealth of experiences by reading multicultural/diverse/inclusive stories.

I’m not telling kids about the educational benefits. You shouldn’t either. Shh!!! Let’s just keep them in front of our kids!

76 Great Diverse Graphic Novels for Kids and Teens

The Adventures of Team Pom: Squid Happens by Isabel Roxas

This is a farcical adventure that somehow manages to connect all the dots in a delightful and satisfying way. Agnes, Roberta, and Ruby are a synchronized swimming team made up of the kids who are picked on by their peers, especially the Brighton Beach Mermaids who always win the Junior Synchronized Swimming Interborough Conference. But there is something fishy about the Brighton Beach Mermaids … or should we say “squidy”? Agnes, Robert, and Ruby discover a mistreated giant squid whose ink is the basis for a youthful skin cream that works a little too well. Can they save their giant squid, evade the rats on the squid’s tail, win the competition, and reveal the Brighton Beach Mermaids’ dastardly secrets?  [graphic novel, ages 6 and up]

Azzi In Between by Sarah Garland

Azzi In Between can be paired with the wordless picture book Here I Am by Patty Kim. Both tell the story of a family’s immigration to a new country. Azzi In Between is a particularly gentle version of a family escaping as war refugees. Azzi’s new home takes some getting used to. She needs to learn a new language; her father must wait for work papers, and her beloved grandmother stays behind which worries Azzi greatly. In the end, bean seeds — not of a magic kind but they do have a magic of their own — help Azzi and her family make the tradition to this new life where a wonderful surprise also awaits her at home. I especially like how the kids in her new class are kind to her and she, in turn, is welcoming to a new boy from a new country who joins their class. This is a must-read for anyone who has kids in their class who are learning English as a second language. [graphic novel, ages 6 and up]

Dragons Beware by Rafael Rosado and Jorge Aguirre

The protagonist is not a person of color it took me a while to figure out that Claudette is a girl because she is quite a tomboy. My 10-year-old son and I love this series of spunky Claudette who wants to be a warrior (as a hobby). Rosado and Aguirre combine humor with adventure in this graphic novel series with the unstoppable and indomitable Claudette and her friends. (Once you figure out that little kid with orange hair is Claudette and she’s a girl, it all makes sense). [graphic novel, ages 6 and up]

Luz Makes a Splash by Claudia Davila

The Luz graphic novel series has an environmental message and a diverse cast of characters with a can-do attitude. Together, they tackle the water crisis stemming from drought and from a nearby factory that threatens Luz’s two favorite places: the local swimming pool and Friendship Park. [graphic novel, ages 6 and up]

My Beijing: Four Wonders of Everyday Wonder by Nie Jun

Yu’er and her grandfather live together in a traditional hutong neighborhood in Beijing. Together they have everyday adventures that seem like a day in the life of an ordinary family in modern China. But, if you look closer, you will see magic in the love of a grandfather for this granddaughter. The stories include teaching Yu’er, who has a physical disability and uses one crutch, to swim by hoisting her up in a tree when she dreams of competing in the Special Olympics. Yu’er also discovers an insect symphony with her grandfather who is a young boy in this story. Her grandfather worked as a post office delivery man, and she learns about how he met her grandmother through their love of stamp collecting. In the final story, Yu’er pursues art with a cranky artist who has a history with her grandfather. These stories depict a neighborhood in China with neighbors that might feel familiar the world over. It’s a book to show how much we are all the same. [graphic novel, ages 7 and up]

Putuguq & Kublu and the Attack of the Amautalik! by Roselynn Akulukjuk and Danny Christopher, illustrated by Astrid Arijanto

Putuguq and Kublu visit their grandparent’s house where caribou stew is waiting for them, their favorite! Their grandparents tell them a story about how a little orphan girl outwitted the amautalik, an ogress who steals children. Kublu and Putuguq act out their version of the amautalik for their grandparents. In this play, Putuguq has his secret weapon … stinky socks! Their grandparents are delighted with this new version of an old folktale. [graphic novel, ages 7 and up]

Kwesi and the Ogre: A Friendship Journey by Kenneth Braswell, illustrated by Ruben Gonzalez

Kwesi lives in a remote village in Kenya. One day, he decides to visit the mountain which the village elders have always warned his people to stay away. He meets a young and unusual boy there who is surviving on his own. Kwesi makes a new friend and a shocking discovery. [graphic novel, ages 7 and up]

Flash Facts: Ten Terrific Tales About Science and Technology edited by Mayim Bialilk

Flash as a forensic scientist? Why not? He explains how he uses DNA in his day job as a crime scientist investigator. This book uses superheroes to cover STEM subjects in a way that kids can relate to. Each story is written and illustrated by different groups, giving this book the feeling of a graphic novel short story anthology. [graphic novel with short STEM stories, ages 7 and up]

Duel by Jessixa Bagley, illustrated by Aaron Bagley

Review by A Kid’s Book A Day:

“Sixth-grader Lucy is dreading being in middle school with her older sister GiGi. When GiGi trips Lucy in the cafeteria on the first day of school, Lucy challenges GiGi to a duel.  The two girls were trained in fencing by their late father, and GiGi is the star of the middle school fencing team.  As they prepare for the bout, each girl is plagued with insecurities, both of them dealing with the grief of having recently lost their father.  Their mother, barely holding it together as she processes her grief while trying to keep the family functioning, is not much help.  The whole school gets involved in the match, and the pressure becomes too much for both girls.  On the big day, they finally open up and confess their feelings to each other and their mother, allowing themselves to move toward healing.  The duel still takes place, but it’s a friendly match now, resulting in a surprising and satisfying outcome.” [middle grade graphic novel, ages 8 and up]

Bright Family by Matthew Cody and Derick Brooks

The Bright parents are super genius scientists with two adopted children. Nia Bright, the older sister, is a robotics expert but doesn’t think she is as smart as the rest of her family. Her younger brother, Jayden, is also a STEM genius. When Nia accidentally teleports their parents to another world, She, Jayden, and their new robotic nanny must work together to bring them home. Nia discovers that she is equally as talented as the rest of the family. [graphic novel, ages 8 and up]

Pawcasso Remy Lai

Review by Ms. Yingling Reads:

“Jo’s world is an idyllic one few of us get to experience– shops within walking distance that include a grocery, ice cream store, and book store; children allowed to roam freely and run their father’s dog grooming business in an emergency; public transportation; and lots of children hanging about having adventures. Seeing the community tussle over leashes vs. no leashes was compelling, and it was easy to believe that people thought Pawcasso belonged to Jo. The family problems add another layer of interest. Brightly colored illustrations in an appealing style will appeal to fans of Telgemeier, Jamieson, and Scrivan.” [middle grade, ages 8 and up]

Measuring Up by Lily LaMotte, illustrated by Ann Xu

It’s a tough adjustment for Cici to move from Taiwan to Seattle with her family. She misses her grandmother, A-ma, terribly. A-ma has a big birthday coming up and Cici wants her to come. to Seattle but there’s no money for the plane ticket. When Cici sees the prize money for a kids’ cooking competition, she decides to enter. She makes a new friend, Miranda, when they are paired up in the competition but the food decisions always veer towards European influences. Can Cici prove to the judges that her Taiwanese dish is worthy of the big prize?

Cooking competitors and graphic novels are a perfect combination in my book! Lily LaMotte’s characters resonate with me. I like how Miranda seems to have it all but doesn’t want to follow in her father’s footsteps so it’s easy to understand the tension in their relationship over trying to win the competition. Cici also grabs your heart. She’s both appealing and complex … like a spice mix. This is a satisfying read that needs to be followed with Taiwanese food! [graphic novel, ages 8 and up]

Frizzy by Claribel Ortega

Review from Ms. Yingling Reads:

“In this graphic novel, we meet Marlene, whose least favorite thing is to go to the salon once a week with her mother to “tame” her curly hair. This involves setting it on rollers and sitting under a dryer until it is straight. Of course, if Marlene goes out in the weather or sweats, her hair reverts to its naturally curly and “frizzy” nature. Her mother, who has “good” hair doesn’t like to spend the extra money going back to the salon, so she is often angry with Marlene for ruining her hair. This is especially evident when the two attend a cousin’s Quinceanera. Marlene dances and enjoys herself, but gets sweaty in the process, and her mother is not happy with how she looks in the family pictures. After some trouble at school, Marlene complains to her mother that straight hair or braids are not making her happy, and some information about her mother’s relationship with her hair, as well as the family history, comes out. Marlene spends a weekend with her Tía Ruby learning how to care.” [graphic novel, ages 9 and up]

That Can Be Arranged: A Muslim Love Story by Huda Fahmy

I’m obsessed with the Netflix show, Indian Matchmaking, so this was a natural fit for me and Huday Fahmy does not disappoint! I didn’t realize that women are expected to get married by the age of 21 in Islamic culture or they are considered past their prime. In Japan, girls past the age of 25 are considered “Christmas Cake” (and I thought that was too young to be considered past their prime for marriage). This is a charming graphic novel of Huda’s love-at-first-sight story. Arranged marriages, like in Asian cultures, are not forced marriages. They are more like personal dating apps. I hope Huda continues her graphic novel about being a newlywed because now I am fully invested in her relationship.

I think this is a perfect read to learn more about the Muslim religion. It has the perfect balance of humor and tension. The large font and limited text on the page also make this appealing to reluctant readers. [graphic novel, ages 8 and up]

Princeless, Volume 1: Save Yourself by Jeremy Whitley

The Princeless series is my kind of princess … the kind that doesn’t need rescuing, in fact, she does the rescuing herself! A royal family with a plethora of princesses is locked up in a nod to fractured fairy tales in need of rescue by a prince. This is all a setup for the father, the king, to find a suitable heir. But he misjudged his daughters severely and will learn that they are not the helpless types.

This series weaves several stories into cliffhangers as well as gives you several “comic book” style stories in one book. This is a series for all mighty girls, not just those of color! [graphic novel, ages 8 and up]

Shirley and Jamila Save Their Summer by Gillian Goerz

Review by Ms. Yingling Reads:

“In this full-color graphic novel, Jamila Waheed has moved to a new neighborhood with her family, including two older, and very busy brothers. Her mother is working from home and is not content to have Jamila lounge around the house all summer, but she also doesn’t want her to walk alone to the basketball court five blocks away, so she wants to sign her up for a science camp. When Jamila is at a garage sale, she meets the quirky Shirley Bones, who has an uncanny, Sherlock Holmes-style knack for knowing things about those around her. Shirley is trying to avoid going to ballet camp and manages to get the mothers together to agree that the girls can stay home, and go to each other’s houses and the basketball court if they follow the rules and check-in. This freedom encourages the girls to get along even though they don’t have a lot in common. When Shirley is approached by Oliver and Vee, who have relied on Shirley’s detecting skills before. They want her to help find a backpack that they took to the pool with their gecko in it that has been stolen. Even though the pool is out of the boundary the girls are allowed, they try to solve the mystery. At first, they think a girl named Kumi might have taken it, but she leads them to someone else. There is a shadowy figure in the neighborhood who is stealing things, but how can Shirley use her knowledge to help this person, retrieve the stolen goods, and perhaps make some more friends?” [middle grade graphic novel, ages 8 and up]

Freddy vs. School by Neill Cameron

Review by Ms. Yingling Reads:

“This had a very British feel, rather reminiscent of Berger’s Lyttle Lies, Pichon’s Tom Gates or Mian and Mafaridik’s Planet Omar: Accidental Trouble Magnet. It lacks quirky grandparents, and Freddy’s a robot, but otherwise includes a lot of standard school concerns such as bullies, strict teachers, field trips, and school lunches.” [graphic novel, ages 8 and up]

The Awakening Storm by Jamal Yogis, illustrated by Vivan Truoung

Review by Ms. Yingling Reads:

“This was a fun fantasy romp with dragons, which my students adore. I enjoyed the fact that Grace, while she missed her father, was okay with her stepfather and with the move to Hong Kong, and she managed to make friends right away. There was a lot of adventure (flying on the back of a dragon!), and some decently evil villains for the kids to fight. There was a bit of science with the father’s position, and the integration of the folklore into Grace’s life made sense. The pictures were in full color and were very appealing.” [graphic novel, ages 8 and up]

Nori by Rumi Hara

Nori is a spirited preschooler who lives in suburban Osaka in a multigenerational family. Her grandmother takes care of her when her parents are at work. Her grandmother also shares folklore that figures into their adventures. This graphic novel is a series of short stories. [middle grade graphic novel, ages 8 and up]

Little White Duck: A Childhood in China by Na Liu and Andrés Vera Martínez

Set right after the end of the Cultural Revolution, Little White Duck is author Na Liu’s personal story of what life was like during the years China pushed forward with initiatives to modernize. Other significant events in China include the death of Mao Zedong but this graphic novel is really about small moments seen through the eyes of a young girl. And life in China during this period was neither really horrific for her (though many countrymen suffered from the famine the Four Moderations caused), it was filled with love, and family celebrations while living on the cusp of great change. This is a great way for kids to learn about what it was like to live in Wuhan, China in 1976. [graphic novel, ages 8 and up]

Who Was the Voice of the People: Cesar Chavez by Terry Blas

Review by Ms. Yingling Reads:

“The boycott of grapes in 1966, and the social activism at the time, is very interesting to see covered, and the Who Was books are something that my students ask for a lot because they’ve read them in elementary school. This graphic novel not only tells about Chavez’s life but also about this period. It concentrates especially on the march from Delano, California to the capitol. Chavez was injured the first day, and the group struggled along the route, sleeping outside at farms on their way. There are some explanations in straight text, which was helpful, and a good conclusion as well as a timeline at the end. A short bibliography is included.

I liked the illustration style, and the feel of the 1960s was captured well. The palette was tans and browns, with some dusky greens, which gave an agricultural feel to the book.” [graphic novel, ages 8 and up]

Who Is the Man in the Air?: Michael Jordan by Gabe Soria, illustrated by Brittany Williams

Review from Ms. Yingling Reads:

“This graphic novel captures a small snapshot in time; the 1997 NBA Finals basketball game between the Utah Jazz and the Chicago Bulls, often known as “The Flu Game”. Jordan was a very important member of the team, and when he became ill in the middle of the night, the team management and other players panicked. How could they win with their key player not up to snuff? Despite feeling nauseated, Jordan went on to play a very competitive game, leading to his team’s narrow win.” [graphic novel middle grade biography, ages 8 and up]

Miss Quinces by Kat Fajardo

Review by Ms. Yingling Reads:

“The illustrations reminded me strongly of Katy Farina’s entries in the Babysitters’ Club graphic novel series, so this would be immediately popular. The color palette, despite Sue’s love of black, is bright and cheery. I liked the Latine (the author’s term) representation and the discussion of the quinces celebration. Books, where teens go to another country to visit family, are always interesting to me, and since I have a friend from Honduras, I found this doubly interesting. The family interactions are realistic, and the grandmother’s death is treated in a life-affirming way.” [middle grade, ages 8 and up]

Picture Perfect by Sarah Sax

Picture day at middle school seems like the perfect opportunity to break out of a rut and get noticed, so Viv decides to cut her own hair. It works and soon everyone seems to be asking Viv for makeover advice. Soon, she seems to be focused on getting Sammi’s social media channel, at the expense of spending time with her two best friends, Milo and Al. Things come to a head when Viv insists that they perform their roller skating routine at school. Will Viv find a way to be herself and win back her best friends? [graphic novel, ages 8 and up]

Afro Power: Vol. #1 by Jason Ojenma

On the star-powered continent of Panjima, Afro Power, also known as Star Power, is wielded by children of Panjima’s natives and seven Star Children are being called upon to heal the continent.  A young boy, Eli Fro, must decide if he will accept his destiny to help save his planet, or just be a normal kid.  With his sister, Oona, they must find five other Star Children to avert disaster. I wish the font size was bigger because it was hard to read. I also found the plot a little hard to follow. [graphic novel, ages 8 and up]

Lowriders in Space by Cathy Camper, illustrated by Raul the Third

I grew up in Southern California where lowriders originated. I love how the mechanic, Lupe Impala, is female and can make or repair the parts that she needs. El Chavo Flapjack is an octopus that can make any car shine and Elirio Malaria is a (non-biting) mosquito that is the best detailer artist in town. Together, they turn a run-down car — with help from a cosmic ride into outer space — into a low and slow lowrider that might just have a chance at winning the big competition! With Spanish slang interspersed throughout, this graphic novel celebrates Chicano culture (and outer space). It’s a unique concept but a fun one! [graphic novel, ages 9 and up]