Books Like...

'Mighty Jack' by Ben Hatke is a middle-grade graphic novel that follows the story of Jack, his family, and a special friend as they embark on a magical adventure after planting mysterious seeds. The plot is a reimagining of the Jack and the Beanstalk fairy tale, with elements of fantasy, adventure, and family dynamics intertwined. The illustrations in the book are highly descriptive, allowing the storyline to progress smoothly without relying heavily on dialogue. Readers are introduced to a world filled with unexpected turns, fantastical creatures, and complex characters facing hardships and making difficult decisions.

Pilu of the Woods is a heartwarming graphic novel that follows the journey of Willow as she navigates grief and emotions after losing her mother. Venturing into the woods, she befriends Pilu, a spirit of a magnolia tree, and together they help each other through their struggles. The story beautifully explores themes of loss, friendship, and self-discovery, with gorgeous illustrations that complement the heartfelt narrative. The writing style is described as poignant, moving, and relatable, making it a perfect read for both children and adults looking for a touching story about managing emotions and finding inner strength.

Real Friends by Shannon Hale is an autobiographical graphic novel that delves into the struggles of friendship during elementary school. The story follows Shannon's journey of trying to fit in, dealing with mean girls, and discovering what qualities make a real friend. Through Shannon's experiences, readers witness the challenges of navigating social dynamics, family relationships, and personal identity. The book combines heartfelt storytelling with vibrant illustrations to create a relatable and engaging narrative that explores themes of loneliness, friendship, love, and family dynamics.

'The Boy Who Crashed to Earth' in the series 'Hilo' by author Judd Winick follows the story of DJ Kim, an ordinary boy living in a small, boring town until Hilo, a mysterious and powerful boy, crashes into his life from the sky. As strange and ominous events start happening in the town, Hilo's past begins to resurface, revealing his ultimate purpose. is described as a fantastic comic storybook with an energetic and engaging story, well-managed positive messaging, and emotional depth. The art style is whimsical, reminiscent of a mix between Calvin and Hobbes and Codename Kids Next Door.

Judd Winick's writing style is praised for capturing the expressiveness and dynamism of classic cartoon series like Bloom County and Calvin and Hobbes. The diverse characters, including DJ, an Asian American lead, and Gina, an African American girl, are highlighted for introducing themes of diversity, friendship, loyalty, and character in a thoughtful yet unobtrusive manner. is noted for its humor, charm, and heart, providing a light and breezy read that evokes nostalgia for Saturday morning cartoons.

In 'The Stonekeeper' by Kazu Kibuishi, the story follows siblings Emily and Navin as they navigate a world of magic and mystery after being given a powerful amulet. When their mother is kidnapped by a sinister creature, the children embark on a quest to rescue her, encountering adventure, suspense, and fantastical creatures along the way. The book is a fast-paced graphic novel that appeals to both younger and older readers, with engaging illustrations that bring the story to life.

The plot of 'The Stonekeeper' revolves around themes of family, loss, bravery, and the discovery of hidden powers. As Emily embraces her role as the stonekeeper and sets out to save her mother, readers are drawn into a world filled with danger and excitement. The writing style is accessible and captivating, making it a compelling read for those looking for a blend of fantasy, adventure, and heartfelt storytelling.

The Tea Dragon Society follows Greta, a young girl who discovers tea dragons and learns about caring for them from Hesekiel and Erik. Throughout the story, Greta makes new friends, including a mysterious girl named Minette. The book explores themes of pursuing passions, respecting others, and learning from the past to shape the future. The artwork is described as adorable, with an amazing color palette that enhances the whimsical and heartwarming nature of the story. The narrative is sweet, inclusive, and suitable for readers of various ages, featuring lgbt elements that are seamlessly integrated into the storyline.

The plot revolves around Greta's journey of discovering the world of tea dragons, small creatures that resemble felines and produce leaves on their bodies for making tea. The story emphasizes the joy found in patient and rewarding work, especially work that may not be fully understood or appreciated by everyone. The illustrations are praised for their charming and detailed nature, capturing the essence of the magical world filled with tea dragons and the bond between humans and these unique creatures.

Tidesong is a whimsical graphic novel by Wendy Xu that follows twelve-year-old Sophie, a young witch under pressure from her family to excel at magic. Sent to live with her intimidating Great Aunt Lan and cousin Sage, Sophie struggles to learn and inadvertently entangles her magic with a charming water dragon named Lir. The story beautifully merges themes of self-discovery, friendship, and family expectations as Sophie confronts her insecurities and navigates the challenges of growing up.

The artwork in Tidesong is stunning, featuring vibrant colors and enchanting illustrations that draw readers into its magical seaside setting. The narrative unfolds with a unique magic system influenced by East Asian culture, showcasing a world filled with dragons and ocean lore. It balances light-hearted moments with deeper themes of anxiety and self-worth, making it relatable for young readers. With a heartfelt tone reminiscent of Studio Ghibli films, Tidesong is a delightful read that resonates with anyone who has faced pressures to succeed.

'Beware the Kitten Holy' in the 'Lumberjanes' series by Noelle Stevenson follows the adventures of five Lumberjanes pals - Jo, April, Mal, Molly, and Ripley - as they attend a camp for hardcore lady types. Each chapter showcases their quest to earn various Lumberjane badges, such as the Robyn Hood Badge and the Everything Under the Sum Badge. The story is filled with humor, friendship, and quirky wilderness adventures where the girls face challenges like statues and wolves while always having each other's backs. The writing style is described as funny, vibrant, and appealing to both young readers and adults alike.

'Dragons and Marshmallows' in the series 'Zoey and Sassafras' by Asia Citro is a delightful tale that intertwines imagination, curiosity, and scientific exploration. Through the adventures of Zoey, a clever and independent young girl, readers are taken on a journey that combines fantasy with real scientific principles. Zoey, along with her brilliant mother and adorable cat, engages in experiments that are easily replicable at home, making learning fun and interactive for young readers. is written in a first-person perspective, allowing readers to experience the story through Zoey's eyes and learn about the scientific method in an engaging way.

This book tells the story of Cece, a young girl who becomes hard of hearing at a young age due to meningitis. It follows her journey through school, friendships, and self-acceptance while dealing with her hearing loss. The graphic novel format, combined with the author's personal experiences, provides insight into the challenges faced by those who are hard of hearing, offering a relatable and educational narrative for readers.

Cece's character development as she navigates her disability, finds true friendships, and embraces her unique abilities is a central theme in the book. Through Cece's story, readers are introduced to the complexities of living with a hearing impairment, the importance of inclusivity, and the power of self-acceptance. The book effectively blends personal narrative with informative content, making it a valuable resource for both children and adults to understand the experiences of those who are deaf.