My 9 year old absolutely loves graphic novels, and can devour a whole stack in just a few days! It’s been challenging to find graphic novels, especially series, that are diverse or inclusive. The genre seems to be gradually changing (but not fast enough, in my opinion.) To keep you from having to search like I have, I’ve compiled a list of the best diverse graphic novels for ages 7- 12, with books starring Black, Latino, Asian, LGBTQ, and disabled characters. Let’s dive in!
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Best diverse fantasy graphic novels for elementary age kids
Where’s Halmoni? by Julie Kim
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This imaginative and hilarious graphic novel plunges two Korean-American children into adventure when they can’t find their Halmoni (Grandma). A secret door take them to a land where they have to convince a clever rabbit, a greedy tiger, a trickster goblin, and a mysterious fox to reveal Halmoni’s whereabouts.
The facial expressions (both the children’s and the animals’) made me laugh out loud multiple times. I love how much Korean language is woven into the book, in a way that all children will be able to understand. (Korean-American author. Recommended for ages 7- 10).
Related Post: 11 children’s books about Korean culture
Lowriders in Space by Cathy Camper and Raúl the Third (series)
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Both the plot and illustrations of Lowriders in Space are truly out of this world! Lupe Impala, El Chavo Flapjack, and Elirio Malaria are the finest mechanic and detailing crew around. But they’re tired of working long hours for the jefe at the car dealership while they dream of fixing up their own lowrider.
When they fix up an old car (so low and slow that it won’t go), their job is so extraordinary that it launches them into space. Once they pass the stratosphere, the talented bunch uses the features of different planets to deck the car out even more. (Arab-American author. Mexican-American illustrator. Recommended for ages 8 – 12.)
Related Post: 20 engaging picture books starring Latine characters
The Tea Dragon Society by Katie O’Neill (series)
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This charming graphic novel stars Greta, a child who’s half goblin, half human. Greta wonders why her Mama is still a blacksmith since she practices a dying art. It isn’t long before Greta decides to learn another art that is disappearing: care of tea dragons. These dragons get their names for the leaves on their horns, which can be gently harvested to make tea.
I love the diversity of the characters, which includes people of many skin tones, several LBGTQ characters and other folks who defy gender stereotypes, and a strapping character who uses a wheelchair. (Non-binary author. Recommended for ages 7 – 11.) If your child has a passion for protecting the environment, also check out O’Neill’s Aquicorn Cove.
Related Post: 13 Diverse & Inclusive Children’s Books about Dragons
Sea Sirens: A Trot and Cap’n Bill Adventure by Amy Chu and Janet K. Lee (series)
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When feisty Trot and her one-eyed cat Cap’n Bill defy her mother’s wishes to go surfing, things quickly turn strange. After a huge wave overtakes them, they’re plunged into a world of sea sirens and serpents. After Trot is given magical powers, she can breathe underwater and understand what cantankerous Cap’n Bill is saying to her. Because they saved the Sirens from the Serpents, the majestic sea creatures adopt Trot and Bill as their own.
As Trot and Cap’n Bill become drawn into a war between the Sirens and Serpents, Trot becomes anxious about returning home before her mother gets off work. (Bill is happy to stay in the sea, where the Sirens lavish him with fishy feasts.) Will they ever be able to escape to land? (Chinese-American author. Recommended for ages 8 – 12.)
Princeless: Save Yourself by Jeremy Whitley and M. Goodwin (series)
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From the first time fairy tales are told to her, Princess Adrienne knows that they’re “hogwash.” When she becomes a teenager, her own father locks her into a tower, telling all the brave princes and knights to try to rescue her from a fierce dragon who guards the gates. Adrienne has no patience for the princes and the sexist, racist ideas they have about what a princess should be like. When she finds a sword under her bed, she realizes that she and Sparks (her dragon) can be the ones to rescue princesses just like her who’ve been locked away.
Whitley wrote this book with his Black-White biracial daughter in mind, since representation of girls of color in graphic novels is rare. From the sarcasm to the feminism to the adventure, there’s so much to love in this story! (White author. Recommended for ages 9 – 12)
Pashmina by Nidhi Chanani
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Priyanka has so many questions for her mother, none of which she’s willing to answer. Who is her father? Why did she leave India before Priyanka was born? Uncle Jatin is the one she can really confide it, but their weekly visits will soon be coming to end when his new baby is born.
When she discovers a pashmina hidden in her mother’s suitcase, Priyanka discovers that it transports her to India for as long as she wears it. When her mother finally agrees to let her visit her aunt in India, she wonders how truthful her visions of her mother’s homeland have been. (Indian-American author. Recommended for ages 9 – 13).
Best diverse realistic graphic novels for ages 7 – 12
Stargazing by Jen Wang
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Christine and Moon are opposites in so many ways. Christine cares deeply about others’ opinions, especially her perfectionist father. Moon is free-spirited, and she and her mother don’t follow many of the traditions of their Chinese-American community.
Christine admires Moon’s confidence and independence, and Moon even confides in her that the stars speak to her. When Moon’s behavior dramatically shifts, her friendship with Christine is tested. Will it survive a catastrophe? (Taiwanese-American author. Recommended for ages 8 – 12).
The New Kid by Jerry Craft (series)
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This is the book that started my younger son’s obsession with graphic novels (he even slept with it under his pillow for months!) It’s also the first graphic novel to win the Newberry Medal.
12 year old Jordan Banks loves nothing more than drawing cartoons. He hopes he can start art school in the 7th grade, but his parents enroll him at an elite private school instead. Jordan’s dad is concerned about how little racial diversity there seems to be, but his mom is focused on the opportunities this school can bring him.
Over time, Jordan makes friends and finds some classes that he likes. But he also notices patterns, like teachers repeatedly confusing his friend Drew, who’s Black, for another Black student he looks nothing like. As Jordan learns to find his voice and his place in school, kids will be encouraged to think about these same questions for themselves. (Black author. Recommended for ages 8 – 12).
Guts by Raina Telgemeier
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If your child struggles with anxiety or other mental health problems (or wants to understand a friend who does), put Guts on your to-read pile! This heartfelt graphic novel tells the story of Raina’s middle school experience of out-of-control worry.
When Raina has to miss school because she throws up, she and her mother assume it’s a virus. But as her tummy troubles grow stronger, they notice connections with her growing worries over friendships, food, and school requirements. This relatable book also helps take the fear out of therapy for children. (Author with anxiety disorder. Recommended for ages 8 – 12.)
Twins by Varian Johnson and Shannon Wright
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Twins Maureen and Francine Carter have always been best friends, not just sisters. Quiet Maureen wants to keep it that way now that middle school has started, but she soon senses that Francine wants to strike out on her own path. She’s even telling everyone to call her Fran!
When Maureen finds out her parents asked the school to place the girls in different classes, the growing distance between the twins turns into outright hostility. Soon both girls are running for class president, and Maureen wonders if she’s taken things too far. How can she make things right? (Black author. Recommended for ages 8 -12).
Real Friends by Shannon Hale
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This autobiographical graphic novel follows young Shannon’s longing to have just one good friend. She tries to fit into a group at school that sometimes includes her, even while group leader Jenny bullies her. At home, her older sister Wendy mistreats her as well (the author’s note shares that Wendy had a undiagnosed mental illness.)
Shannon’s worries deeper, but the doctor tells her to relax (failing to diagnose Shannon’s obsessive compulsive disorder.) While some adults may feel this book is too honest about the hard parts of life, my son loved it. (Author with mental illness. Recommended for ages 8 – 12).
The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang
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Frances is a talented young seamstress who dreams of making it big. Sebastian is a prince with a secret: he loves to wear elaborate women’s ball gowns. When Frances is quietly summoned to the castle by the one servant who knows Sebastian’s secret, a friendship and partnership in fashion grows.
But as Sebastian realizes he could soon be king, he becomes panicked about others finding out the truth. His obsession with secrecy is not only hurting him, it’s keeping Frances from achieving her dreams. Will he realize how he’s holding both Frances and himself back before it’s too late? (Recommended for ages 10+).
Related Post: 17 LGBTQ affirming picture books