Over the past decade, graphic novels have seen a drastic increase in popularity amongst readers young and old. So much so that graphic novels have become the unsung superheroes of Australia’s children’s book market. At the height of their popularity, we have collected some of our favourite graphic novel recommendations!
Increasingly considered the gateway to literacy, graphic novels have taken up an important step on young readers’ reading ladders. More and more, kids abandon books as they grow out of middle grade fiction, and don’t find their way back to literature until adulthood. This ever-widening gap means that young readers miss out on years of literary benefits. That’s where graphic novels have come in!
But why are graphic moments so popular now?
The rise of graphic novels has undoubtedly coincided with a broader cultural shift that values visual media. Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube place an emphasis on short, digestible, and visually appealing content. In this context, graphic novels offer a perfect blend of these preferences. Young readers accustomed to consuming media that is both visually rich and quickly accessible are more inclined to pick up a graphic novel than a traditional book.
Not only that, but graphic novels can even act like an antidote to mindless scrolling.
“Graphic novels increase visual literacy, something that couldn’t be more important when so much of our children’s time is spent consuming images,” Kate Temple, co-author of the Frog Squad series, said.
The combination of fast-paced, engaging plots with colorful illustrations makes these books more appealing, especially to those who might feel overwhelmed or disconnected from longer, text-heavy works.
The messages of graphic novels
Graphic novels also provide a refreshing departure from the typical topics found in mainstream children's literature. Many graphic novels tackle contemporary themes such as identity, mental health, family dynamics, and social justice, resonating deeply with the lived experiences of tweens and teens. These newer titles often speak directly to their audiences, addressing topics of self-discovery and personal growth while offering representation in a variety of forms—racial, gender, and socio-economic. This focus on inclusivity and authenticity makes graphic novels an especially attractive option for young readers who may not see themselves represented in more traditional forms of literature.
The perfect medium for reluctant readers
As mentioned earlier, more and more young readers abandon books around the same time that their social circles expand, they discover other hobbies, and they get access to social media. A love of reading is hard to find again, but not impossible!
For reluctant readers, graphic novels can act as a stepping stone to more traditional literature. Many students who struggle with reading may feel intimidated by the idea of sitting down with a thick novel, but graphic novels provide a less daunting entry point. As they become more comfortable with the reading process, young readers are often motivated to explore more complex books, gradually expanding their literary horizons. Teachers and librarians have noticed that students who initially gravitated toward graphic novels often begin exploring novels, fantasy series, and even nonfiction books with more enthusiasm once they've found the joy of reading through this accessible format.
So, with all of this in mind, here are our favourite graphic novels, all written by Australian authors!
Our top 5 graphic novels for tweens
Urban Legend Hunters by Joel McKerrow
Launched at the 2024 Storyfest Writers’ Festival, this part-spooky, part-funny graphic novel is the perfect engaging escape for young readers. It follows three friends – Jeremy Jubaya, who loves telling tales that make your blood curdle, fearless Samantha Small, who takes no nonsense and Bad Boris, who is anything but bad – chase down a terrifying urban legend, with many twists and funny challenges along the way. Urban Legend Hunters is the perfect read for those wanting to be taken on a fun, wild ride, with three of the most memorable characters for company.
The Baby-Sitters Club series by Raina Telgemeier
A graphic spin-off of the original series, this is a new version of the classic Babysitter’s Club books, complete with new friends as well as additional books based on the stories of Karen (the Babysitters Club Little Sister books). It’s a fun, age-appropriate series to start young girls on a graphic novel reading journey.
The Boy, the Wolf and the Stars by Shivaun Plozza
The Boy, the Wolf and the Stars is a sweeping, timeless adventure for boys and girls alike. The story follows the protagonist as they uncover hidden truths about their past while navigating challenges filled with mythical creatures and eerie forests. With its richly detailed illustrations and a narrative that blends whimsy with emotional depth, this tale offers themes of friendship, resilience, and finding one's place in the world.
When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed
This is a poignant and beautifully illustrated graphic memoir that captures the resilience of the human spirit. The story follows Omar and his younger brother Hassan, Somali refugees living in a Kenyan refugee camp, as they navigate daily challenges, including limited resources and the uncertainty of their future. Suitable for middle-grade readers and beyond, it offers an unforgettable perspective on perseverance and humanity.
Click by Kayla Miller
Kayla Miller is a bestselling author whose graphic novels, including Click, have captured a generation of young readers struggling to figure out where they fit in. It’s funny, sensitive and true to life – completely relatable for tweens going through life changes and wondering about the changes middle and high school bring.
Our top 5 graphic novels for teens
Heartstopper series by Alice Oseman
The first Heartstopper book took the world by storm – it now boasts 5 books in the series, as well as a TV series adaptation of the same name. The series follows the evolving relationship between two British teens, Nick and Charlie. With a delicate balance of humor, tenderness, and emotional depth, the story captures the highs and lows of friendship, love, and self-discovery. Heartstopper is a joyous and inclusive read that feels like a warm hug in book form, and it’s the perfect series to get lost in both on the page and the screen.
Wings of Fire series by Tui T. Sutherland
Wings of Fire is a series of epic dragon fantasy novels that rose to popularity among teen readers in the early 2010s. Each book follows a different dragon protagonist, weaving together an overarching plot of prophecies, wars, and quests for peace. It has a dedicated fan base, and with 8 graphic novels in the series, will entertain even the most reluctant readers for a long while.
Anya's Ghost by Vera Brosgol
Heart-warming, scary, and hilarious – all in one graphic novel. This story follows Anya, a Russian-American teen navigating high school insecurities, who stumbles upon a ghost while exploring a mysterious well. Initially helpful, the ghost's true nature soon reveals itself, forcing Anya to confront both external dangers and her internal doubts. Perfect for readers who love a good story with a tinge of horror.
Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan
The Percy Jackson series needs no introduction: it’s captured the hearts if millions in novel, graphic novel, and then movie formats. Follow the demigod son of Poseidon, Percy Jackson, and his friends on a quest that will have them meeting gods, battling monsters and taking on the Titans from Greek mythology.
Paper Girls by Brian K. Vaughan
Paper Girls is an action-packed sci-fi graphic novel that blends nostalgic charm with futuristic thrills. Set in 1988, it follows four 12-year-old newspaper delivery girls who encounter a mysterious, time-travelling conflict that upends their quiet suburban lives. With its sharp dialogue, complex characters, and imaginative twists, this award-winning series is perfect for fans of Stranger Things or The Goonies.
It’s hard to go wrong with literary classics rendered in graphic novel form, as well as books that are part of series – so that when your budding reader gets back on the bandwagon, they’ll have more of what they love.
