Dreamer by Akim Aliu

This honest, engrossing graphic memoir tells the story of professional athlete and activist Akim Aliu’s incredible life as a hockey prodigy in Canada. Akim Aliu ― also known as “Dreamer” ― is a Ukrainian-Nigerian-Canadian professional hockey player whose career took him all around the world and who experienced systemic racism at every turn.

Dreamer tells Akim’s incredible story, from being the only Black child in his Ukrainian community, to his family struggling to make ends meet while living in Toronto, to confronting the racist violence he often experienced both on and off the ice. This is a gut-wrenching and riveting graphic novel memoir that reminds us to never stop dreaming, and is sure to inspire young readers everywhere.

7. I Survived the American Revolution, 1776 by Georgia Ball

Nathaniel Fox never imagined he’d find himself in the middle of a blood-soaked battlefield, fighting for his life. He’s only eleven years old! He’s barely paid attention to the troubles between America and England. Instead, he’s been worked to the bone by his cruel uncle. But when his uncle’s rage forces him to flee home suddenly, Nate finds himself in New York City, in the middle of the American Revolution. He encounters an old friend and joins his army regiment as a camp helper. Soon the British invade — and nothing goes as planned. Can Nate survive the war’s biggest battle yet?

book 8 in the I Survived Graphic Novels series

How Do Meerkats Order Pizza? by Brooke Barker

Did you know that crows never forget a face? Or that jaguars have a favorite cologne? Have you ever wondered how to pet a yeti crab? Or whether dogs can tell if you’re smiling? And just what is a burrowing bettong? Brooke Barker of Sad Animal Facts introduces readers to incredible animals and the bizarre things human scientists do to understand them.

Meet these weird, wonderful animals and the equally weird and wonderful scientists who study them. From crafting fake poop to slurping up bugs with a straw, there’s nothing these amazing humans won’t do to help us learn more about the animals around us. Packed with fascinating facts, this hilarious book reveals secrets like why roosters crow and how meerkats make decisions as a group—and how humans can better understand the wild creatures we share the planet with.

Serafina and the Black Cloak by Robert Beatty

Never go into the deep parts of the forest, for there are many dangers there, and they will ensnare your soul.

Serafina has never had a reason to disobey her pa and venture beyond the grounds of Biltmore Estate. There’s plenty to explore in her grand home, although she must take care to never be seen. None of the rich folk upstairs know that Serafina exists; she and her pa, the estate’s maintenance man, have secretly lived in the basement for as long as Serafina can remember.

But when children at the estate start disappearing, only Serafina knows who the culprit is: a terrifying man in a black cloak who stalks Biltmore’s corridors at night. Following her own harrowing escape, Serafina risks everything by joining forces with Braeden Vanderbilt, the young nephew of Biltmore’s owners. Braeden and Serafina must uncover the Man in the Black Cloak’s true identity…before all of the children vanish one by one.

The Last Comics on Earth by Max Brallier

Jack, Quint, June, and Dirk are about to face a challenge unlike any they’ve faced before . . . At their local comic book store, the kids make a startling discovery: they’ve read every last issue of their favorite comic, Z-Man , and no new issues are coming…ever! (Thanks a lot, apocalypse.). Nooo!

Our heroes have but one recourse, continue Z-Man’s legacy by writing and illustrating THEIR OWN COMIC BOOK! Step one? Knock off their beloved Z-Man and cast themselves as super rad, super goofy, superhero protectors of the mysterious city of Apocalyptia. What could possibly go wrong? Just about everything!

Squire & Knight by Scott Chantler

A young squire tackles mysteries, monsters and magic, but the inept knight he serves takes the credit. Every time.

Squire is brainy, bookish, and terribly under-appreciated by the brawny, inept knight Sir Kelton, who somehow always gets all the glory. So when the two mismatched heroes find themselves in a cursed village plagued by a demonic dragon, Kelton rides off to slay it and Squire stays behind to catch up on some reading. But Squire starts to notice that something isn’t quite right about this town . . . Can he uncover its strange secrets?

book 1 in the Squire & Knight series

5. Mary Anne’s Bad Luck Mystery by Cynthia Yuan Cheng

Mary Anne should never have thrown away that chain letter she got in the mail. Ever since she did, bad things have been happening to everyone in The Baby-sitters Club. With Halloween coming up, Mary Anne’s even more worried — what kind of spooky thing will happen next?

Then Mary Anne finds a new note in her mailbox: Wear this bad-luck charm, it says. OR ELSE. Mary Anne has to follow the note’s instructions. But who sent the charm? And why did they send it to Mary Anne?

The BSC might never see an end to their bad luck if they don’t solve this mystery soon!

book 13 in The Baby-Sitters Club Graphic Novels series

3. A Super Scary Narwhalloween by Ben Clanton

Narwhal loves Halloween — it’s a great excuse to dress up in a spooky and silly costume, like a ghost, a mermaid, a banana or maybe even Marlow the Mustachioed Moose. It’s a skeleTON of fun! Jelly isn’t dressing up, though — he’s a little scared of this time of year, and would prefer to hunker down in a hidey-hole until Halloween is over. But when a scary sea monster makes an appearance and swallows Narwhal (gulp!), can Jelly, with the help of some super friends, pluck up the courage to save his best bud?

book 8 in the Narwhal and Jelly series

Cat Ninja: Cat’s Claw by Matthew Cody

When a notorious band of ninjas discovers a certain Metro City hero wearing their colors and practicing their Kat Fu, their leader sets out to settle an old score. Plus, a nocturnal ninja flaps into town, Octopunch puts up his dukes (all eight of ’em!), Adonis plays hero, Master Hamster’s creative kitchen repairs end with a scorching surprise, and our favorite frenemies-against-the-odds compete in the villainous Vroomin’ Race!

book 5 in the Cat Ninja series

School Trip by Jerry Craft

Jordan, Drew, Liam, Maury, and their friends from Riverdale Academy Day School are heading out on a school trip to Paris. As an aspiring artist himself, Jordan can’t wait to see all the amazing art in the famous City of Lights.

But when their trusted faculty guides are replaced at the last minute, the school trip takes an unexpected–and hilarious–turn. Especially when trying to find their way around a foreign city ends up being almost as tricky as navigating the same friendships, fears, and differences that they struggle with at home.

Will Jordan and his friends embrace being exposed to a new language, unfamiliar food, and a different culture? Or will they all end up feeling like the “new kid”?

book 3 in the New Kid series

Misfit Mansion by Kay Davault

Despite her monstrous appearance, Iris has never felt like she belongs in a mansion filled with kelpies and gorgons and unicorns. She longs to find a family. Unfortunately, she and her housemates are trapped in a “foster home for horrors” run by former paranormal investigator Mr. Halloway. So, when a human boy named Mathias breaks the house’s sealing spell, Iris and her companions are set free upon the town of Dead End Springs.

What Iris doesn’t know is that Mathias is also a paranormal hunter (the kind who seeks to capture and destroy the horrors), or that there are other dangers ahead. As Iris searches for a home, she makes human friends, explores a brand-new world…and stumbles upon a dark secret that Halloway has kept locked in the basement of the house. Will this long-slumbering mystery destroy the family Iris so desperately seeks?

1. Moon Rising by Barry Deutsch and Rachel Swirsky

Peace has come to Pyrrhia… for now. The war between the tribes is finally over, and now the dragonets of the prophecy have a plan for lasting peace: Jade Mountain Academy, a school that will gather dragonets from all the tribes and teach them to live together, perhaps even as friends.

Moonwatcher isn’t sure how she feels about school, however. Hidden in the rainforest for most of her life, the young NightWing has an awful secret. She can read minds, and even see the future. Living in a cave with dozens of other dragons is noisy, exhausting―and dangerous.

In just a few days, Moon finds herself overwhelmed by her secret powers and bombarded by strange thoughts, including those of a mysterious dragon who might be a terrible enemy. And when someone starts attacking dragons within the academy, Moon has a choice to make: Stay hidden and safe? Or risk everything to save her new friends?

book 6 of the Wings of Fire Graphic Novel series

2. Karen’s Birthday by Katy Farina

It’s Karen’s birthday! She can’t wait for all those presents. Karen is even going to have two parties — one at Daddy’s house and one at Mommy’s. But what Karen really wants for her birthday is one big party and to celebrate the special day with her whole family together. Will Karen’s birthday wish come true?

book 6 in the Baby-Sitters Little Sister Graphic Novels series

8. Karen’s Haircut by Katy Farina

Karen feels like an ugly duckling. She already has to wear glasses, and now her baby teeth are starting to come out, too. Fortunately, she knows exactly what will make her look glamorous — a new haircut.

But the beauty parlor lady cuts Karen’s hair all wrong! Karen is devastated and worried about what the kids at school will say. Can Karen get back to feeling like her usual confident self?

book 7 in the Baby-Sitters Little Sister Graphic Novels series

Agents of S.U.I.T. by John Patrick Green

Cilantro the Chameleon finally gets what she’s been waiting for: a field assignment. Only…it’s literally out in the middle of a field, and her orders are so vague, she can hardly tell what she’s supposed to be investigating. But as she begins to uncover a sheep-led worker’s rights revolt and an alien invasion conspiracy—not to mention a spooky haunting at the abandoned S.U.I.T. field outpost—Cilantro steps into her own V.E.S.T. as a valued member of the team. 

book 1 in the Agents of S.U.I.T. series

Go Pig or Go Home by Rob Harrell

Gary Yorkshire and his friends, Carl and Brooklyn, are up against what might be their scariest missions yet: Magical, presidential sharks and summer camp! First there’s the sudden appearance of Sharkraham Lincoln (Half shark! Half 16th President!), who sets off a major test cheating scandal. And then at Camp Moldy Snout (not a great start!), Gary’s hoping for a laid back, chill summer with his friends, but shifting friendship dynamics make that harder than expected . . . and so does the grumpy lake monster. Will Batpig ever catch a break to just relax and enjoy a tasty sandwich?

book 3 in the Batpig series

Night of the Ninjas by Mary Pope Osborne

Get whisked away to ancient Japan and the time of ninjas with Jack and Annie!

There’s a whisper in the shadows, a silent warrior. It’s a ninja! The magic tree house has whisked Jack and Annie to ancient Japan. They need to learn the secrets of the ninja in order to help their friend Morgan! But how do you find a warrior that hides in the shadows? You don’t find a ninja . . . the ninja finds YOU!

book 5 in the Magic Tree House Graphic Novel series

Big Nate: Nailed It! by Lincoln Peirce

You can’t win ‘em all—especially when you’re slumping sixth-grader Nate Wright. Stuck in a cycle of misfortune, our hero finds an unlikely good luck charm . . . and suddenly, he can do no wrong! He finds a $20 bill, scores a C+ on his social studies test (nailed it!), and even lands a movie date with the captain of the cheer squad. But the high times can’t last forever. Before long, Nate’s epic hot streak has gone ice cold, thanks to an all-time hair crisis, a great escape by the class gerbil, and a no-holds-barred chess match versus . . . a CAT!? Welcome to the riotous world of Big Nate, where chaos is the default setting and Nate’s learning the secret of sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good!

book 28 in the Big Nate: Comics series

6. Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea by Dav Pilkey

Piggy has returned, and his newest plot is his most diabolical yet. WHAT other new villains are on the horizon? WHERE are they all coming from? And WHO will step forward to save the city when scoundrels sabotage our Supa Buddies? With themes of friendship and doing good, Dog Man: Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea is packed with action and hilarity. Featuring “Chomp-O-Rama,” a brand-new song, a monstrous Mighty Mite — and so much more than ever before! IT’S HEROIC, IT’S EPIC!

book 11 in the Dog Man series

Legion of Lava by Jordan Quinn

Ruskin and his dragon friends find themselves heading in different directions. Cinder has left to find the truth about Villinelle, while the others are on the hunt for Valos, the evil wizard who is out to destroy all of dragonkind with beasts born from the fiery depths of Crestwood. Will Ruskin and his friends prevail? Or will the Legion of Lava scorch the Kingdom of Wrenly to the ground?

book 9 in the Dragon Kingdom of Wrenly series

A First Time for Everything by Dan Santat

Dan’s always been a good kid. The kind of kid who listens to his teachers, helps his mom with grocery shopping, and stays out of trouble. But being a good kid doesn’t stop him from being bullied and feeling like he’s invisible, which is why Dan has low expectations when his parents send him on a class trip to Europe.

At first, he’s right. He’s stuck with the same girls from his middle school who love to make fun of him, and he doesn’t know why his teacher insisted he come on this trip. But as he travels through France, Germany, Switzerland, and England, a series of first experiences begin to change him―first Fanta, first fondue, first time stealing a bike from German punk rockers… and first love.

Song of the Sea by Samuel Sattin

Many years after the disappearance of their mother, siblings Ben and Saoirse are still drowning in grief, as is their lighthouse-keeper father. Ben blames his little sister for the loss of their mother, and despite being six years old, Saoirse has yet to speak. When the kids discover that Saoirse is a selkie and the magical world that their mother told stories about is real, they dive into an adventure to keep the spirit world from disappearing forever.

Based on the award-winning film Song of the Sea, this graphic novel is a wonder of magical storytelling and visual splendor that is destined to become a classic.

4. Rock Out! by Stephen Shaskan

Besties Pizza and Taco are ready to rock out! They have a cool band name! And some instruments—sort of. Songs? Well, even without mad musical skills, how hard can it be?

Pizza and Taco love music! They make lists, and they have tryouts to get more band members. They think they have all the ingredients to rock the scene. But maybe this garage band should stay in the garage!!

book 5 in the Pizza and Taco series

10. Dare to Be Scared! by Stephen Shaskan

Flashlights? Check! Scary movies? Check! Ghost Peppers?! Pizza and Taco are ready to prove they’re brave as can be! Nothing scares these besties…or so they say.

Pizza and Taco aren’t afraid! To prove it, they dare each other to be scared. Dark closets and scary movies are a piece of cake—kind of. They’re ready for the ultimate test—Ghost Pepper hunting! Pizza and Taco are sure they won’t get scared…they made a list, after all!

book 6 in the Pizza and Taco series

Clean Sweep by Geronimo Stilton

Geronimo has to clean his family’s reputation in this newest case!

What in gouda is happening to New Mouse City? Thea Stilton is missing and someone has been burglarizing the most popular shops! Are the two connected? Geronimo, the famouse editor-in-chief of The Rodent’s Gazette, is on the case. But Sally Ratmousen, the owner of the Daily Rat newspaper, thinks Thea is the thief! Can Geronimo and his family find Thea and clear her name?

book 15 in the Geronimo Stilton Reporter series

Faulty Fables by Paul Tobin

Dr. Zomboss realizes his next invasion must take place while everyone in Neighborville is asleep, so he sets out to lull the town to bed early with strange-yet-tedious fables of his own creation.

Neighborville’s citizens and plant army protectors will hit the hay . . . leaving Zomboss and his minions free to hit the brain buffet! Crazy Dave isn’t sleeping, though, as he tries over and over again to invent the correct counterattack!

book 20 in the Plants vs. Zombies series

Bea Wolf by Zach Weinersmith

Listen! Hear a tale of mallow-munchers and warriors who answer candy’s clarion call!

Somewhere in a generic suburb stands Treeheart, a kid-forged sanctuary where generations of tireless tykes have spent their youths making merry, spilling soda, and staving off the shadow of adulthood. One day, these brave warriors find their fun cut short by their nefarious neighbor Grindle, who can no longer tolerate the sounds of mirth seeping into his joyless adult life.

As the guardian of gloom lays siege to Treeheart, scores of kids suddenly find themselves transformed into pimply teenagers and sullen adults! The survivors of the onslaught cry out for a savior—a warrior whose will is unbreakable and whose appetite for mischief is unbounded.

They call for Bea Wolf.

Gina and the Last City on Earth by Judd Winick

Is Gina the hero the world needs?

Sometimes the world needs to be saved and there’s only one person brave enough to do it. This time . . . that person is Gina. With the help of D.J., Hilo, one warrior cat, one warrior cat’s annoying little brother, one flying Bearacat, lots of magic, lots of action, lots of laughs, and a whole world that believes in her, Gina is ready to save the world once and for all!

Prepare for a Hilo with more twists, more turns, more monsters, and more shocking surprises than ever before–because sometimes we all need to be reminded who we’ve always been.

book 9 in the Hilo series

39 Clues: The Maze of Bones by Ethan Young

Minutes before she died Grace Cahill changed her will, leaving her descendants an impossible decision: “You have a choice – one million dollars or a clue.” Grace is the last matriarch of the Cahills, the world’s most powerful family. Everyone from Marie Curie to Harry Houdini is related to the Cahills, yet the source of the family power is lost. 39 Clues hidden around the world will reveal the family’s secret, but no one has been able to assemble them. Now the clues race is on, and young Amy and Dan must decide what’s hunting clues or uncovering what REALLY happened to their parents.

book 1 in the 39 Clues Graphic Novel series

9. Bunny & Tree by Balint Zsako

Bunny and Tree first meet when the tree observes a ferocious wolf threatening the bunny and comes to its protection. From that moment on, there is a bond of trust between the two, which flowers not only into friendship, but amazingly, into a road trip adventure, when Bunny, who’s looking for his rabbit friends, convinces Tree that it’s time to uproot and see the world.

Compelled by sympathy and a shared purpose, Bunny and Tree hit the road, becoming another tremendous and memorable picture book odd couple. Depicted in bright colors in a world of lavish skies and so much to see, Bunny and Tree share in wonder, adventure, misadventure, solidarity, and a sense of homecoming.