Every year, Cracking the Cover compiles a list of books that make great additions to your library. The following graphic novels were published in 2024. Reviews are by Jessica. Scroll down for the complete list or click or tap the following links to directly visit a section AGES 6 AND UP • AGES 7 AND UP • AGES 8 AND UP • AGES 10 AND UP • YOUNG ADULT
AGES 6 AND UP
MISS CAT: THE CASE OF THE CURIOUS CANARY, by Joëlle Jolivet and Jean-Luc Fromental, Thames & Hudson, April 16, 2024, Paperback $12.95 (ages 6-10)
A detective sets out to find a missing bird in Miss Cat: The Case of the Curious Canary, an early chapter/graphic novel hybrid by Joëlle Jolivet and Jean-Luc Fromental.
I’m always on the lookout for early chapter books that are unique, and Miss Cat: The Case of the Curious Canary is definitely different. The book has a Scandi noir atmosphere that quickly grabs attention. The book is a sort of hybrid style, featuring chapters and chunks of text mixed with full-color illustrations and comic-style thought and text bubbles.
A clever story and Edward Gorey-esque illustrations make this a complete package. Miss Cat: The Case of the Curious Canary is an excellent option for kids graduating from picture books to more complex stories.
AGES 7 AND UP
THE MIGHTY BITE #2: WALRUS BRAWL AT THE MALL: A Graphic Novel (Volume 2), by Nathan Hale, Harry N. Abrams, June 11, 2024, Hardcover, $15.99 (ages 7-10)
Trilobite and his friends return in Walrus Brawl at the Mall, the second book in Nathan Hale’s graphic novel series for 7- to -10-year-olds, The Mighty Bite.
Walrus Brawl at the Mall is yet another graphic novel that my 10-year-old took possession of before I could read it. She admits she’s probably too old for it, but that didn’t stop her from devouring it. Here’s what she had to say:
“It’s funny! My favorite part is when one of the medics almost puts a needle in the trilobite’s eye because he has an exoskeleton.”
This book, she says, is “perfect for people who like farting jokes. It has a lot of animals that were extinct a long time ago but people have found fossils about them. I think other kids should read this book.”
So, there you have it. A funny book featuring cool artwork, extinct animals and potty humor. What more could a younger middle-reader ask for?
AGES 8 AND UP
THE SQUAD: A Graphic Novel (The Tryout #2), by Christina Soontornvat and Joanna Cacao, Graphix, Nov. 12, 2024, Paperback, $12.99 (ages 8-12)
Break out your pom poms! The highly anticipated, stand-alone companion to The Tryout promises even more cheer, higher stakes, and relatable middle-school drama. Perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier.
It’s eighth grade and Christina and her besties, Megan and Leanne, are once again going through the brutal trials of cheerleading tryouts. This year, Christina feels more confident: She dresses in her own style and has amazing friends, even her first crush. But what if the girls don’t all make the squad? Worse than that, Christina learns her parents’ marriage is collapsing. Suddenly, her family, her future, and her identity seem in total freefall. Can she keep it together and still make her cheerleading dreams come true? —Synopsis provided by Graphix
This is another graphic novel that my daughter reads and rereads. It’s a great story with fun illustrations.
THE LAST KIDS ON EARTH: THE GRAPHIC NOVEL (The Last Kids on Earth Graphic Novels), by Max Brallier and Brian Churilla, Viking Books for Young Readers; 1st edition, Nov. 5, 2024, Hardcover, $23.99, Paperback $13.99 (ages 8-12)
Ever since the monster apocalypse hit town, average 13-year-old Jack Sullivan has been living in his tree house, which he’s armed to the teeth with catapults and a moat, not to mention video games and an endless supply of Oreos and Mountain Dew scavenged from abandoned stores. But Jack alone is no match for the hordes of Zombies and Winged Wretches and Vine Thingies, and especially not for the eerily intelligent monster known only as Blarg.
So, Jack builds a team: his dorky best friend, Quint; reformed middle school bully, Dirk; Jack’s loyal pet monster, Rover; and the fiercest girl Jack knows, June. With their help, Jack is going to slay Blarg, achieve the ultimate Feat of Apocalyptic Success, and be average no longer! Can he do it? —Synopsis provided by Viking Books for Young Readers
My kid has read this book repeatedly. She told me she would help me review the book, if I let her keep it. “I just really like it,” she told me. “I’ve never read a book where zombies take over.”
Churilla’s illustrations and use of different panels is a big draw for her. “I like the layout — it’s interesting with the different rectangles.” Her favorite part is where the zombies all end up in a ball.
“I love the adventure,” she said, “and if you like Zombie’s you’ll love this book.”
TREATIES, TRENCHES, MUD, AND BLOOD: BIGGER & BADDER EDITION (Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales #4): A World War I Tale (A Graphic Novel), by Nathan Hale, Harry N. Abrams, Oct. 22, 2024, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 8-11)
World War I gets the Hazardous Tales treatment in this story of warfare, treachery, strategy, and more.
World War I set the tone for the 20th century and introduced a new type of warfare: global, mechanical, and brutal. Nathan Hale has gathered some of the most fascinating true-life tales from the war and given them his inimitable twist. Easy to understand, funny, informative, and lively, this series is the best way to be introduced to some of the most well-known battles (and little-known secrets) of the infamous war. Each of the Bigger & Badder editions of Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales features 16 pages of new content, plus an oversize trim and a gorgeous gifty cover. —Harry N. Abrams
SIDEKICKS: A Graphic Novel, by Dan Santat, Graphix, Oct. 15, 2024, Paperback, $12.99 (ages 8-12),
A superhero’s pets come to the rescue when he needs them most in Sidekicks, a graphic novel by Dan Santat.
Dan Santat is a mainstay in children’s literature. The winner of the National Book Award for A First Time for Everything and Caldecott Medal winner for The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend his imagination knows no bounds.
Sidekicks is a superhero story featuring four eager pets—a dog, a cat, a hamster and a chameleon—auditioning to be Captain Amazing’s new sidekick. Originally published in 2011, it is now the first book in a planned series with three more books — Thick as Thieves, The Day of the Condor and Nine lives — in the works.
Santat brings his heroes to life with immaculate full-color illustrations and snappy dialogue. His book is full of action and heart.
Sidekicks is a great option for kids who love graphic novels and superhero storylines.
THE NIGHT LIBRARIAN: A Graphic Novel, by Christopher Lincoln, Dial Books, July 30, 2024, Paperback, $13.99 (ages 8-12)
Twins discover a secret side to the New York City Public Library in The Night Librarian, a graphic novel by Christopher Lincoln.
This fun graphic novel adventure not only takes readers inside the bowels of the library, but into the literal pages of classic books.
Author/illustrator Christopher Lincoln tells his story with humor and heart. Page and Turner are a bit obnoxious, but kids will love their interplay. And the twins eventually learn to work together, giving them nice character arcs.
Lincoln’s illustrations are set against backdrop colors of yellow (day) and blue (night) and feature strong linework and expressive characters.
The Night Librarian is a fast-moving graphic novel that kids — especially those who love books — won’t want to put down.
WE ARE BIG TIME: (A Graphic Novel), by Hena Khan and Safiya Zerrougui, Knopf Books for Young Readers, Aug. 6, 2024, Paperback, $13.99 (ages 8-12)
A Muslim teen as she joins an all-girls, hijab-wearing basketball team in We Are Big Time, a graphic novel by Hena Khan and Safiya Zerrougui.
We Are Big Time is a fictionalized story based on the real-life experiences of the Salem School girls’ varsity high school basketball team in Milwaukee, Wis., during their 2018-19 season. Author Hena Khan interviewed the coach and several players, and used their answers as inspiration for the book.
Because of this, We Are Big Time feels weighted in reality. And while basketball is the central topic running through the book, it goes beyond sport. Themes of family, friendship, culture, finding your place on a team and differentiating yourself all come into play, and they all feel well explored and authentic.
Safiya Zerrougui’s illustrations are a great extension of Khan’s text. Her linework is smooth and her characters are expressive.
THE NEW GIRL: A GRAPHIC NOVEL (The New Girl #1), by Cassandra Calin, Graphix, June 4, 2024, Paperback, $12.99 (ages 8-12)
A girl faces a world of change when her family moves from Romania to Canada in The New Girl, a graphic novel by Cassandra Calin.
I brought The New Girl with me on a family trip, and my 10-year-old took it and wouldn’t give it back. Here’s her review:
“I like graphic novels and when I saw the cover, I knew someone would choose the artist for a graphic novel. Plus, it looked kind of interesting. It’s about adjusting to a new life where you have to learn a new language and make new friends.
“I think the best thing is a lot of girls can relate to Lia about getting stressed about cramps and her period. The New Girl has lots of languages in it. And a lot of diversity in it, too.”
TIMID, by Jonathan Todd, Graphix, April 2, 2024, Paperback, $12.99 (ages 8-12)
A boy struggles to fit in after a move across the country in Timid, a semiautobiographical middle-grade graphic novel by Jonathan Todd.
Timid explores the anxieties that come with a big move or even just a new school — Will I fit in? Will anyone want to talk to me? Where should I sit for lunch?
At the center of the story is Cecil, a talented artist whose dad wants him to be “strong” and do something important that will make money when he grows up. But Cecil just wants to draw. It’s what makes him happy.
Timid is a graphic novel that touches on common middle-grade topics like fitting in, frenemies and finding your voice. What separates Timid out from the crowd is author Jonathan Todd’s bold palate and strong lines paired with strong storytelling and a compelling main character.
There are a number of standout elements in Timid, including how to depict Black characters in black-and-white illustrations without obscuring their features using shading and using drawing as a way to get to know people.
Todd also incorporates church and faith into the narrative, appealing particularly to Christian readers who are looking for representation in graphic novels.
FAIREST OF ALL: A Graphic Novel (Whatever After Graphic Novel #1) (Whatever After Graphix), by Sarah Mlynowski and Anu Chouhan, Graphix, April 2, 2024, Paperback, $12.99 (ages 8-12)
Sarah Mlynowski’s popular Whatever After series gets a new look with the graphic novel adaptation of Fairest of All, a retelling of Snow White.
Author Sarah Mlynowski’s text is paired down in this adaptation to fit with award-winning illustrator Anu Chouhan’s expressive illustrations. In fact, while Mlynowski’s story and pacing provides a strong framework, it’s Chouhan’s artwork does most of the heavy lifting here. And it’s because of that artwork that this series is likely to gain an entirely new group of fans.
Fairest of All is a sort of feminist retelling where Snow White takes matters into her own hands — including taking time to get to know her prince before deciding to marry him.
Young readers will speed through this graphic novel that pairs modern sensibilities with fairy tale magic. It’s not the “deepest” graphic novel I’ve read, but it’s certainly entertaining.
MEET ME ON MERCER STREET, by Booki Vivat, Scholastic Press, April 2, 2024, Paperback, $12.99 (ages 8-12)
A girl tries to make sense of her changing neighborhood through observation and sketching in Meet Me on Mercer Street, a graphic novel by Booki Vivat.
Author Booki Vivat wrote Meet Me on Mercer Street to explore overwhelming questions like: Why do things change? and What do we do when those changes feels so much bigger than us? And she does that through insightful cartoons and graphic novel comic panels.
At the center of the story is Kacie, a girl who uses her doodles to make sense of things. Meet Me on Mercer Street reads like Kacie’s journal, with her first-person narrative and sketches bringing the story to life.
The story here is one that most readers can relate to in some way or another — who hasn’t faced change and the overwhelming feelings that come with it? Vivat’s writing is conversational and her illustrations are full of humor and emotion.
At less than 200 pages, Meet Me on Mercer Street will also appeal to readers who sometimes find “thicker” books daunting.
AGES 10 AND UP
THE MYTHMAKERS: THE REMARKABLE FELLOWSHIP OF C.S. LEWIS & J.R.R. TOLKIEN, by John Hendrix, Harry N. Abrams, Sept. 24, 2024, Hardcover, $24.99 (ages 10 and up)
Through narrative and comic panels, Hendrix chronicles Lewis and Tolkien’s near-idyllic childhoods, then moves on to both men’s horrific tour of the trenches of World War I to their first meeting at Oxford in 1929, and then the foreshadowing, action, and aftermath of World War II.
He reveals the shared story of their friendship, in all its ups and downs, that gave them confidence to venture beyond academic concerns (fantasy wasn’t considered suitable for adult reading, but the domain of children), shaped major story/theme ideas, and shifted their ideas about the potential of mythology and faith.
The Mythmakers also shows the camaraderie and the importance of the social/literary circle of friends called the Inklings, and how the friendship of these two great men fell apart and came together again. Hendrix concludes describing how the writings of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien had re-enchanted the 20th century, after two World Wars. —Synopsis provided by Harry N. Abrams
WEIRDO, by Tony Weaver Jr., Jes Wibowo and Cin Wibowo, First Second, Sept. 17, 2024, Paperback, $14.99 (ages 10 and up)
Tony Weaver Jr. explores the painful experience of bullying and ostracism in Weirdo. This heartfelt and heartbreaking graphic novel celebrates differences and confirms that there’s a place for all of us.
Weirdo honors all the little quirks that make us who we are, and the joy that comes when we find “our people.”
Weaver’s story is deeply personal, and some parts — attempted self-harm — are difficult to read about. That’s not to say Weaver goes into great detail. In fact, this section of his book is incredibly emotional due, in part, to all the elements he leaves out. It is not graphic, but given the suggested reading age, parents should be aware and ready to have conversations.
On its face, Weirdo sounds like an unhappy story. And part of it is. But the bigger part is one of survival and self-acceptance. It will especially appeal to readers who find themselves on the “fringes” of the social hierarchy.
PEARL: A Graphic Novel, by Sherri L. Smith and Christine Norrie, Graphix, Aug. 20, 2024, Paperback $11.99 (ages 10 and up)
Amy is a 13-year-old Japanese-American girl who lives in Hawaii. When her great-grandmother falls ill, Amy travels to visit family in Hiroshima for the first time. But this is 1941.
Torn between two countries at war, Amy must figure out where her loyalties lie and, in the face of unthinkable tragedy, find hope in the rubble of a changed world. —Synopsis provided by Graphix
I received an advanced copy of Pearl, and my daughter took it with her on a weeklong camping trip. She had five books with her, but she read and reread Pearl at least 16 times (that’s what she says!).
Why did she read it so many times?
“Because it had a good story,” my daughter told me. “I like how the character improves over each year in Japan. And… I like that she almost explodes.”
She has two favorite parts. The end where it says “Life is a treasure… thrive.” She also liked how Amy is known as many things — a monitor for the Japanese Imperial Army; an atomic bomb survivor; a daughter; a sister; a cousin; a friend.
Pearl “shows the struggles of real people and war conflict,” she explained. “The illustrations are really good. The artist is really creative. I like how she put many different pictures into one panel.”
YOUNG ADULT
ASH’S CABIN, by Jen Wang, First Second, Aug. 13, 2024, Paperback, $17.99 (young adult, ages 14 and up)
A misunderstood teen searches for a place of their own in Ash’s Cabin, a coming-of-age graphic novel by Jen Wang.
Ash feels misunderstood by everyone — their peers, their siblings, their parents. The only person who really seemed to get them was their grandfather. Ash decides that if they can find grandpa’s cabin, maybe it will be a special place. A place where they can be themselves, away from all the noise.
Ash’s plans are dangerous, yes, but they make sense to them. And that’s what makes sense with Jen Wang’s character study. In Ash, Wang explores gender identity in a way that will feel right to readers.
Wang’s distinct artwork, rendered in muted earth-tone watercolors, sets the tone. Emotion plays out in her illustrations, and her settings are beautiful.
Ash’s Cabin is a fast-moving graphic novel — I read it in one sitting — that stays with you days after completion. It won’t be a good fit for everyone, but it will resonate with the readers who need it most.
YOUNG HAG AND THE WITCHES’ QUEST, by Isabel Greenberg, Harry N. Abrams, May 14, 2024, Paperback, $17.99 (ages 12 and up)
Travel back in time through Arthurian legends in Young Hag and the Witches’ Quest, a graphic novel by Isabel Greenberg.
I passed Young Hag and the Witches’ Quest to my 10-year-old without blinking. She saw a graphic novel in my office, and basically adopted it as her own. “I don’t think it’s for 12 and older because I read it and I enjoyed it and I’m 10,” she told me when I asked her how she like the book.
My daughter was initially drawn to Young Hag and the Witches’ Quest because of the author. She knows Isabel Greenberg from her illustrations in Athena: Goddess of Wisdom and War and Gaia: Goddess of Earth and immediately wanted to see more. “I love the illustrations,” she said.
The book — in my daughter’s words — is “about the granddaughter of Morgan le Fey, and they’re on a quest to fix Excalibur because it’s broken. I think the most interesting part is King Arthur was only born because King Uther married Arthur’s mom through trickery.”
My kid says that it’s a really interesting book and that she would recommend it to other kids. Given that she’s read it at least three times, I think it’s fair to say, the book is a hit in our household.
Copyright © 2024 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.
