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Growing Reader

Tween

12 Book to Graphic Novel Adaptations Kids Will Love

by Melissa Taylor

School librarians will tell you that the graphic novel is the most popular book format for elementary readers. So, why not give readers what they want? Excellent stories told in graphic novel format!

And don’t worry, graphic novels build reading skills in abundance. Readers are predicting, inferring, building background knowledge, learning new words, asking questions, and synthesizing information, among other literacy skills.

Plain and simple, graphic novels count as reading.

They grow readers.

They hook kids on books!

It’s a win-win-win!

Let’s look at twelve graphic novel adaptations to share with readers ages 7 to 12. These adaptations of popular prose children’s books are the same stories with the same characters presented visually. (And kids will love them!)

Growing Reader:

Magic Tree House Series

Magic Tree House Series

by Mary Pope Osborne, graphic novel adapted by Jenny Laird, illustrated by Kelly Matthews and Nichole Matthews

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Siblings Jack and Annie discover a treehouse in the woods that transports them to various historical times where they solve a problem before returning home. In the first book, Jack and Annie travel to prehistoric times and save a group of baby dinosaurs in trouble. This series is just right for growing readers with its elements of adventure, magic, and fascinating historical information.

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Amber Brown Is Not a Crayon

Amber Brown Is Not a Crayon

by Paula Danziger, graphic novel illustrated by Victoria Ying

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When third-grader Amber learns her best friend, Justin, is moving away, she’s sad and mad because Justin seems excited about the move. The best friends get into a big fight and stop talking to each other. Can Amber fix their friendship troubles before Justin leaves? Readers who want relatable friendship stories will delight in this charming graphic novel.

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Tween:

Turtle in Paradise

Turtle in Paradise

by Jennifer L. Holm and Savanna Ganucheau

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Set in the Depression, Turtle’s mom sends Turtle to stay with relatives in Key West, Florida. As Turtle adjusts to her new situation, she and her wild boy cousins discover fun adventures, treasure hunts, and family secrets, all of which help Turtle come out of her shell. This is a heartwarming choice for readers who love atmospheric historical fiction novels.

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Garvey's Choice

Garvey's Choice

by Nikki Grimes, graphic novel illustrated by Theodore Taylor III

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Garvey is miserable at home with his dad pushing him to do sports and miserable at school with kids bullying him for his size. Then, a new friend helps Garvey accept himself and find his passion for singing. Kids who like contemporary stories about growing up, friendship, and family will love this poetic story.

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Rick Riordan Presents: Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky

Rick Riordan Presents: Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky

by Kwame Mbalia, graphic novel adapted by Robert Venditti, illustrated by Olivia Stephens

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After a bus accident kills his friend Eddie, 7th grader Tristan visits his grandparents’ farm, where a doll creature steals Eddie’s journal. When Tristan tries to get it back, he accidentally punches a hole in the sky, landing him in MidPass. To get home, he must work with heroes like John Henry and Brer Rabbit and barter with the trickster god Anansi. Readers who love adventurous heroes' journeys will love this novel filled with African and Black American folklore and themes of grief and growing up.

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Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library

Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library

by Chris Grabenstein, graphic novel illustrated by Douglas Holgate

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When Mr. Lemoncello, the town’s game creator and library designer, invites 12 students for a library sleepover, the kids are thrilled about the opportunity. But the fun fizzles when they’re locked in the library the next morning. To leave, the students must solve tricky puzzles and work together. Fans of mysteries, puzzles, and everything bookish will enjoy this story.

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Rick Riordan Presents: Aru Shah and the End of Time

Rick Riordan Presents: Aru Shah and the End of Time

by Roshani Chokshi, graphic novel adapted by Joe Caramagna, illustrated by Anu Chouhan

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Chronic liar Aru Shah tells a whopper, accidentally frees a demon, and freezes her classmates and mom in time. To fix her mess, Aru journeys through the Kingdom of Death to find the five brothers from a Hindu legend. Her danger-filled journey is one of redemption, representation, and important life lessons. Readers who love unique characters, mythology, and fantasy will be hooked on this graphic novel adaptation.

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His Dark Materials: The Golden Compass

His Dark Materials: The Golden Compass

by Philip Pullman, graphic novel adapted by Stephane Melchior, illustrated by Clement Oubrerie

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A plucky orphan girl named Lyra, her daemon familiar, and an armored polar bear travel to the witch-clan-ruled North to save Lyra’s friend from kidnappers. Their exciting quest is filled with adventure, danger, betrayal, and mythical creatures with themes of science vs. religion, appealing to readers who love unique, magical worlds and plucky heroines.

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Sweet Valley Twins Series

Sweet Valley Twins Series

by Francine Pascal, graphic novel adapted by Nicole Andelfinger, illustrated by Claudia Aguirre

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Stories of these identical twins were popular when I was growing up, and now they’re rebooted in graphic novel format for tweens. In this new graphic novel series, readers will discover relatable stories of middle school drama and sibling rivalry as the twin sisters figure out their separate identities.

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Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief

by Rick Riordan, graphic novel adapted by Robert Venditti, illustrated by Orpheus Collar and Attila Futaki, color by José Villarrubia

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When Percy Jackson learns he’s a demi-god hunted by monsters, he goes to Camp Half-Blood for protection. But when he’s accused of theft and war looms between the gods, Percy and two friends must leave the camp and embark on a dangerous quest to find a stolen lightning bolt. Readers everywhere love this popular fantasy series filled with mythology, adventure, and unexpected twists and turns.

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Redwall

Redwall

by Brian Jacques, graphic novel illustrated by Bret Blevins

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The woodland animal inhabitants of Redwall learn that rats are about to attack their peaceful city. Mattias, a novice monk and mouse, leaves on a quest to find the famed lost sword of Martin the Warrior, the only chance to save his community from the evil horde’s attack. Kids who love epic good vs. evil fantasy stories with quests and battles will love this exciting tale.

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The City of Ember

The City of Ember

by Jeanne DuPrau, graphic novel adapted by Dallas Middaugh, illustrated by Niklas Asker

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Lina and Doon live in the underground city of Ember, where supplies like lightbulbs run dangerously low. When the friends find a parchment that may lead them to the Earth above, Lina and Doon set off on a dangerous and forbidden quest that will either save their city or get them locked up. Readers who love dystopian worlds and heroic kids won’t want to miss this unique story.

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