Guidance: Graphic Novels for Upper KS2

Many graphic novels widely available in the UK are pitched at a slightly older teen audience, and caution must be exercised in selecting the most appropriate books for younger readers. Here at BooksForTopics HQ, we are convinced of the power of graphic novels as a superb reading for pleasure choice in Key Stage 2, and we have picked out a list of brilliant graphic novels that are most suitable for children aged 9-11.

Despite the comic style, graphic novels are not limited to funny stories alone, although there are many hilarious and wacky tales popular with young readers who love to laugh, like Jamie Smart’s Bunny Vs Monkey series (as featured in The Phoenix Comic) or Dav Pilkey’s enormously popular Dog Man books, which often serve as an entry point to the world of graphic novels for younger children. Other graphic novels feature true-to-life drama, socio-political themes or thought-provoking memoirs, from the themes of racism and belonging in Jerry Craft’s New Kid and the powerful refugee journey portrayed in Illegal to Cece Bell’s heart-stirring recount of hearing loss in El Deafo.

​Fantasy adventure fans can find solace in the imaginative worlds of Gorebrah! or Zita the Space Girl, and children looking for a graphic novel version of well-known stories will be likely to enjoy the illustrated retelling of Anne of Green Gables or the action-packed Percy Jackson graphic novel series.

​Fans of the graphic-novel style can find non-fiction to enjoy in a similar format, too. We recommend Adam Murphy’s extensive Corpse Talk series, which features fact-packed interviews with famous people from history, or the award-winning A Day in the Life of a Caveman, a Queen and Everything in Between.

Looking for more? You can find more recommendations on our Lower KS2 Graphic Novel booklist.