A Kid Like Me by Norm Feuti - ESSENTIL

A Kid Like Me by Norm Feuti, 272 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL HarperCollins, 2026. $25.

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ESSENTIAL 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

Ethan is just starting middle school, and his biggest worry was getting lost in the new big school, until his friend Ricky starts talking about all the social stuff. Ethan and Ricky live in a trailer park, but lots of kids at their middle school live in the rich part of town, and now Ethan is worried he will be going to school with a bunch of snobs. Ethan recently started playing a retro card game called Bio Battle, and finds some friends who are in the after-school club, but Ricky has found different friends who prefer wrestling. Can Ethan and Ricky's friendship survive the 1st month of middle school? 

Fitting in, making friends, wearing the right clothes, and being cool - doesn't everyone worry about that in middle school? I loved how easily frustrated Ethan and Ricky got with each other, and how their new friends mirrored what they were looking for in middle school. Feuti's illustrations are realistic, and his story rings true. I hope this is a hit in my library; I'll certainly be recommending it. The characters are white. 

Lisa Librarian  

Mixed Feelings by Sara Amini and Shadia Amin - ADVISABLE

Mixed Feelings by Sara Amini and Shadia Amin, 240 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Scholastic, 2026. $15. Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

11yo Sarita has recently moved - not out of the school boundaries, but several streets away from her best friend, Monica. They are excited for school to start again, but find, to their dismay, they don't have any classes, or even lunch together. To make matters worse, Monica and Sara decide to twin on the first day, and Sara notices she can't wear shorts - suddenly her legs are so hairy, and her mom won't let her shave! She puts on sweats instead. Her day goes from bad to worse - Monica has a new friend. Sarita doesn't know what to be - she comes from a mixed-race family, speaks 3 languages, and tries to please everyone. At least in drama club she can be herself. 

Gosh - I loved this story; Sara is beside herself most of the time (typical for a rising middle schooler) but the mean kids and her own self-esteem issues don't help. I think kids will relate; a definite purchase. Sara's family is mixed - Persian/Columbian 

Lisa Librarian  

The Spectacular Space Loop by Javi De Castro, - ADVISABLE

The Spectacular Space Loop by Javi De Castro, 64 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Flying Eye Books Ltd. 2025. $13. 

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (peril, monsters, lost in space) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

A young astronaut named Cosmo is testing a new rocket backpack and is launched into space. Unfortunately, his team didn't tell him how to get back. So he goes on an adventure, meeting aliens, monsters and making a friend or two. 

The fun of this graphic novel is that it reads both ways, the book flips over at the ending and reads back to finish the story. The first read follows white speech bubbles, the flipped read is yellow speech bubbles. I loved how the illustrations work both ways. A cute story and an engaging gimmick. Cosmo is drawn white. 

Lisa Librarian 

Schoolbot 9000 by Sam Hepburn - ADVISABLE

Schoolbot 9000 by Sam Hepburn, 277 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Dial Books (Penguin), 2025. $15

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

11yo James is so tired of all of the robots in his life, his robot babysitter, dogbots at the park and even drones that look like bugs.  It is the last straw when robots are introduced as teachers at his school.  Can James and an unlikely ally save the school from being taken over by robot teachers?

Schoolbot 9000 is a graphic novel with a very interesting premise.  What would happen if robots started showing up in your everyday life?  I think that students who are fans of graphic novels will like this silly but interesting book!  Hepburn takes an idea that could possibly happen in our future and makes a good story of it.

James is presumably white.

Tracie, Elementary School Librarian

Mexikid Dreams by Pedro Martin - ESSENTIAL

Mexikid Dreams (Mexikid #2) by Pedro Martin, 320 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Penguin, SEPTEMBER 2026. $25

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (sibling fights and pranks, also guard violence at a prison)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

10yo Pedro (who is about 13 by the end of the book) is back from Mexico with his family (8 brothers and sisters) Their restaurant has been damaged by an earthquake and so the family has moved to California where they are sharecroppers, picking strawberries. Everyone helps, all hands are needed to make ends meet. But when the oldest brother gets a job at a lumberyard, Pedro starts making a plan to get out of working too - he wants to draw (and watch cartoons). But when a friend at school encourages Pedro to join the band, he rethinks his plan. Now he wants to plan the trombone!

Pedro Martin is so funny, and this series is delightful. I love how he shows the sibling interactions, funny names for the outhouse and the way they work in the fields. I also loved how he really showed the plight of the share croppers, the difficulty making a profit and a danger experienced by undocumented people (in 1977) who were desperate for work so they could send money home. A great companion which can stand alone to Mexikid. The family is Mexican with some of the children first generation American

Lisa Librarian 

Midsummer Sisters by Niki Smith - SEVERAL

Midsummer Sisters by Niki Smith, 270 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Scholastic, 2026. $15

Language: PG (14 swears, 0 f); Mature Content: PG (divorce, same sex crush, contention); Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Stepsisters, Kenzie and Quinn have never known life without each other, but that may change as their home life begins to crumble. They spend the summer with their grandmother on the marshy coastal islands where they discover a herd of wild ponies and a new foal, and try and navigate the uncertainties the futures might bring.

The girls are between 9yo and 12yo, though age is never specified. The girls' problems are legitimate and difficult, and there are no easy answers when parents fall out of love. There is a lot of arguing and angst in the book, which made me slightly anxious, but it rings true. This might be a good way to build empathy or an opportunity to explore troubled feelings and relationships. I like that the sisters are so different, yet love each other. The girls are drawn white, though no culture is specified. 

Michelle in the Middle  

My Tokyo Summer by Abby Denson and Utomaru - OPTIONAL

My Tokyo Summer by Abby Denson and Utomaru, 208 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL, memoir. Graphix (Scholastic), 2026. $17

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Art connects two college age art students from different countries. Abby loves making zines, comics, and punk music. When Yuuko, visiting from Japan, sees her zine in a New York store, Yuuko writes Abby a letter and they become pen pals. Abby takes a summer university art course in Japan and they get to meet each other and collaborate on a comic to sell at Comiket, one of the largest comics conventions in the world. My Tokyo Summer is a memoir of their friendship and how it changed them.

Though not big on plot, this memoir has a lot of information on zines and Japanese culture. The art is great, though the illustrations make the girls seem more like 12yo instead of university students. This book would appeal to anyone who likes manga and likes to draw. The themes of friendship, creativity and exploring cultures is fun and universal. May be a good impetus for readers who want to make their own zines.

Abby is white American and Yuuko is Japanese.

Michelle in the Middle 

Landing in Place by Sherine Hamdy and Myra El Mir - ADVISABLE

Landing in Place by Sherine Hamdy and Myra El Mir, 320 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Kokila (Penguin), 2026. $18

Language: G; Mature Content: PG (death, revolution, politics) Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Anisa Mustafa is applying for college and her mother wants her to go into med school. Though Anisa is Egyptian and Muslim, her mother doesn't want her to stand out and has her check "White" on her application forms. After flunking one of her courses, Anisa takes a break by visiting family in Egypt where she tries to figure out what being Muslim really is.

I wasn't prepared to like this book as much as I did. Anisa's journey to figure out how she fits in with her faith and her family is compelling. I learned more about the Muslim faith, and the quotes from the Holy Qur'an were beautiful. Anisa's decision to wear hijab and her reasoning are interesting and enlightening. I learned empathy and history of a group I don't know much about. This would be a great read for anyone practicing the Muslim faith, those who want to understand that faith, or anyone going through the angst of finding their own way and figuring out where they belong.

Michelle in the Middle 

Harper Sharp: Kid Detective #1 by Jarrett Williams - ADVISABLE

Harper Sharp: Kid Detective #1 by Jarrett Williams, 296 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Random House, 2026. $22

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

Fifth grader, Harper Sharp is a gamer, an artist, and a detective. When mysterious signs show up threatening the Young Inventor's Fair, Harper is on the case. His principal is counting on him to solve the case before the fair so none of the inventions will be in danger.

Vibrant colors and fun art make this an inviting read. Harper is a great character, and his problem solving will draw in would be sleuths to figure out who-done-it along with him. The plot should appeal to young kids, and Harper's friendships and adventures at school are relatable.

Harper is Black and his friends are a variety of backgrounds.

Michelle in the Middle 

False Starts by Carl Brundtland and Claudia Davila - ADVISABLE

False Starts (A Nansi Graphic Novel #2) by Carl Brundtland and Claudia Davila, 164 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Kids Can Press, 2026. $17

Language: G (2 swears, 0 f); Mature Content: G; Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

The summer before 8th grade, Ayesha lands a big part in the festival play. Nansi is running track and trying to beat her nemesis. Though Ayesha is a good actress, she is terrified of having people look at her, so when Nansi accidentally posts a video of Ayesha to the track team group, their friendship might be on the line.

The art is colorful and the layout makes the story easy to follow. I love that Nansi is loosely based of the West African folktale trickster, Anansi. Relatable themes of insecurities, false assumptions, and friendship help out the story. This is a fast read that can be finished in a few hours. This is a multicultural group of characters. Nansi has ties to Jamaica, and the culture is fun to follow.

Michelle in the Middle 

Oh Brother by Georgina Chadderton - ESSENTIAL

Oh Brother by Georgina Chadderton, 286 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Random House, 2026. $22

Language: G (0 swears) Mature Content: G Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

This is a graphic memoir about the author's experience growing up with a severely autistic brother in Australia. The timeline focuses largely on her 8th grade year. Gina has to contend with her brother, Rob, stealing her treats and getting into all her stuff, as well as pinching when he gets upset, because he is nonverbal. With everything going on at home, Gina is worried her brother might scare off her new friend.

This was a fascinating look at how a family deals with an autistic child. I loved how the parents roll with it, and Gina loves her brother, even when he is difficult. This is great insight into what it takes to have to deal with chaos daily, but in such a positive and supportive way. Other community members, like the dentist and hair stylist, also help with Rob. A great way to discuss family relationships and friendship and defining normal, this will help build empathy in readers in an engaging format. Gina and Rob are white Australians.

Michelle in the Middle 

Someday Perfect by Kat Schneider - OPTIONAL

Someday Perfect by Kat Schneider, 288 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Penguin Random House, 2026. $25

Language: PG (3 swears, 0 ‘f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (kissing, silhouettes of nude statues (no genitalia visible), gender roles); Violence: PG (name calling)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

High schooler Meg is excited to return to a Christian summer camp with her old friends, but she is also worried. She is struggling to figure out who she is and where she fits in, especially after she attended a non-Christian school for the first time last year. At camp when Meg and her friends start developing crushes on the boy campers, Meg’s anxiety and self-doubt spikes as she questions the lessons that she has been taught in church. How can she follow the rules and expectations while feeling this way?

The author was very respectful in tackling this tough subject. The graphic novels include gender expectations, such as women having to wear long skirts or dresses, men being the heads of households, and tampons being impure, while letting the main character explore her thoughts, questions, and doubts. Nonetheless, I felt that Meg's self-reflection could have gone further and been more developed. The art style is interesting with flashbacks in all blue tones. It could be an impactful novel for some students, but other graphic novels may reach a broader audience. Some secondary characters are diverse.

Ms. Megan, HS Librarian 

The Endless Game by J.D. Amato and Sophie Morse - OPTIONAL

The Endless Game by J.D. Amato, art by Sophie Morse, 244 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Simon and Schuster, 2026. $25

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Fred Townsend has had to move a lot, so it's been hard for him to make friends. When he moves to Lakeside, Illinois, Fred finds that he has been inducted into a never-ending game of capture the flag that pits kids from the two opposing sides of town against each other. Though the stakes are high, Fred discovers that there might be something amazing about having teammates and friends.

The characters are in the 8-12 age range. The art is well done and makes the book easy to follow. The premise of a never ending steal the flag game is a little like an adult sanctioned "Lord of the Flies." Some of the kids make good kings, and others do not, and they are totally self-governed. Themes of friendship and fitting in, help. I was just hoping the town would come to its senses and become friends all-around. It's a fast read, and the ending leaves it open for a sequel. No culture or race is specified, but characters are depicted from various backgrounds.

Michelle in the Middle 

The Cartoonist's Club by Raina Telgemeier and Scott McCloud - ADVISABLE

The Cartoonist's Club by Raina Telgemeier and Scott McCloud, 288 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Scholastic, 2025. $15

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

Middle schoolers Makayla and Howard find a common interest. She likes making up stories, and he loves drawing pictures. Maybe they should start an afternoon Cartoonists Club! Lynda sits on the outside for a bit, she loves to draw but feels it's personal and worries it's not good enough, and Art joins too - he's clever and inventive - and his dad is an animator, so he has lots of good advice. The Librarian, Ms. Fatima, has some cartoon experience as well. This club has a lot to teach each other, about being brave, creative, and putting yourself and your art out there for others to enjoy as well.

Not your typical Reina Telgemeier graphic novel. It's definitely a how-to for someone wanting to try their hand at drawing or writing comics. I loved how supportive the kids were, and how the librarian didn't overreach, letting the kids learn from their own experience. I'm not sure the best place to shelve it - while it's a fictional story about a group of kids in an after-school activity, it's more a guide to drawing comics. The children and librarian are a mix of races and cultures.

Lisa Librarian 

Good Boy by Andy Hirsch - ADVISABLE

Good Boy by Andy Hirsch, 206 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL First Second (Macmillan), 2025. $15

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Middle schooler Charlie is anxious. He was so worried about going to camp he threw up before he even got on the bus. So when his parent surprise him with a rescue dog, Charlie is determined to be more responsible and less worried about everything. Ralph is going to be his forever friend. When he follows Charlie to school, the main office secretary suggests he get involved with agility training. But Charlie listens to the voices in his head, he thinks he'll never be good enough.

A fun graphic novel for dog fans and the kids who need a confidence boost. The illustrations were marvelous!

Charlie is white.

Lisa Librarian 

Cocoon by Machiko Kyo - OPTIONAL

Cocoon by Machiko Kyo, 226 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. VIZ Media, 2026. $15.

Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG13 (partial nudity and mentions of rape); Violence: PG13 (assault, gun and bomb use, war, corpses, suicide, and murder)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SOME

When her father and brother go to join the fighting, San continues to go to class until she and her classmates are asked to become a nursing unit. San and the other girls are excited to do their part for the war, even though conditions in the cave where they are helping wounded soldiers are difficult. But the longer it goes on, the worse everything becomes.

Discussing war brings to mind distant battles and enemies, and it is easy to forget that war also impacts those who stay home and those who are teammates—or are supposed to be. San’s story highlights the heartbreaking effects of war on the young, with illustrations that manage to be ambiguous in form and still communicate the horrors the girls witness. While the information is interesting and the story is emotional, the ending felt abrupt, especially San’s change in the last chapter after all that she had experienced. The characters, including San, are Japanese.

Reviewer: Carolina Johnson

What Happened to the Naked Mole Rat? (Class Pet Ghost Detective Case #1) by Akeem S. Roberts - ADVISABLE

What Happened to the Naked Mole Rat? (Class Pet Ghost Detective  Case #1) by Akeem S. Roberts, 123 pages. Kokila (Penguin), 2025 $10.

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

Everyone in Carter's third grade class takes turns taking their class pet, Mr. Pebbles, home for the weekend. This weekend it was Carter's turn. After the weekend, he brought Mr. Pebbles back to the school, but sadly Mr. Pebbles passed away shortly upon returning to school. Everyone blamed Carter, but he knew that Mr. Pebbles was alive when he dropped him off in the classroom. Oddly enough, Carter is able to talk to Mr. Pebbles' ghost, so they go around the school trying to clear Carter's name.

My 7 year old daughter really enjoyed this book. She liked the humor and the illustrations. This was an easy graphic novel for her to read and enjoy. She is looking forward to reading more in the series. Carter is African American.

Reviewer: A. Criswell, English Language Arts teacher

Milkshake The Disappearing Milk Snake (Class Pet Ghost Detective ) by Akeem S. Roberts - ADVISABLE

Milkshake The Disappearing Milk Snake (Class Pet Ghost Detective #2) by Akeem S. Roberts. 90 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL CHAPTER BOOK. Kokila (Penguin), 2026. $10. 9780593856727

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

Carter, and his ghost detective Mr. Pebbles, have to solve another mystery at Creek Elementary. Milkshake, a milk snake has escaped! JJ, Carter's older brother, doesn't believe that Carter can speak to animal ghosts, but they must listen to the ghost for help. They look in classrooms, the cafeteria, and even the teacher's lounge. They must use clues to help them figure out where Milkshake has slithered off to. This is the second book in this graphic novel series.

My daughter, who is 7, really enjoyed this book. She thought that the characters were funny and loved the idea of a ghost animal as a character. She chose to read this on her own, and was able to read it in one sitting. I liked the illustrations and the mystery behind the disappearing snake. All characters in the graphic novel are African American.

Reviewer: A. Criswell, English Language Arts teacher

First Place (Sweet Valley Twins #8) by Francine Pascal, adapted by Nicole Andelfinger, illustrated by Knack Whittle - ADVISABLE

First Place (Sweet Valley Twins #8) by Francine Pascal, adapted by Nicole Andelfinger, illustrated by Knack Whittle, 220 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Random House, 2026. $22 

Language: PG (11 swears, 0 f); Mature Content: PG (same sex attraction); Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

Elizabeth Wakefield will do anything to ride a horse, even befriend her sister's friend, and one of the snobbiest girls in school. Elizabeth soon finds out that she isn't being true to herself or those around her, and she may have to choose between a horse she has grown to love, or people she loves. 

Elizabeth and her twin sister, Jessica, play off each other well, showing off family dynamics and how to work through conflict. Horses and school intrigue - what's not to like? The story is good and has enough twists to keep it moving, and the art is bright and colorful. Fans of the series will not be disappointed. The twins are white. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Mrs. Orwell by Andrea Chalupa, illustrated by Brahm Revel - OPTIONAL

Mrs. Orwell by Andrea Chalupa, illustrated by Brahm Revel, 220 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL, NON-FICTION 23rd Street Roaring Brook Press (Macmillan), 2026. $30 

Language: PG (3 swears, 0 f); Mature Content: PG-13 (implied sex, smoking, drinking) Violence: R (beatings, executions, killings, war related violence) 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS, ADULT - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Eileen Blair is a poet who meets and marries George Orwell. This story follows their relationship through the turbulent times they are involved in, such as the Spanish Civil War, escapes from Stalin's agents, and the London Blitz. Life is not easy for them, and while George is struggling to get published, Eileen is also struggling to hold on to herself in her life and marriage. 

The rating for kid appeal may be misleading, because 23rd Street publishes graphic novels for adults, not kids, however,  high schoolers reading George Orwell's books, may enjoy reading about Eileen and getting a sense of their backgrounds. I really liked learning about Eileen Blair. She sounds like a fascinating person, and after reading this book, I want to know more. There is a lot going on in this book, and it would help to have a historical background of the era. Orwell would have been hard to be married to, which makes her life even more interesting. The Orwells are European. 

Michelle in the Middle