Kid-approved Reading Ages 8-13
Ranking the most-read books by the boys (unscientific, but true!) over a summer holiday- like seriously, they read these in small bursts, but got through all of them. I borrowed from the public library, but these would be worth buying and gifting or keeping at home. Below discover 10 of the summer graphic novel hits (that 6 boys read in one week).
Ages 9-14, zero reading charts required — just good books left where they could grab one. Honestly these kids read maybe 10-15 minutes a morning before tech, before the beach, golf, soccer and all the things… It doesn’t need to be all or nothing.
Having books around makes it easier for kids to pick up a book and “browse” it when they’re bored, paused in their day or winding down. Keep piles anywhere your kids go… so, yes, basically everywhere. 🤣 😂
Heading to the bookstore or library? Grab the free printable list below!
Graphic Novels Worth Buying
The Aquanaut by Dan Santat
Ages 8–13
This graphic novel is for the environment- and animal-loving kids. Shutting down aquariums is just one part of this awesome story.
A Kid Like Me by Norm Feuti
Ages 8–14
A great topic to talk about- when everyone has everything, and you don’t. Ethan is feeling bummed he doesn’t have a cell phone, and suddenly moving into middle school makes him feel more aware of his second-hand clothing.
A First Time for Everything by Dan Santat
Ages 11+
Go on an 8th grade trip to Europe with 13-year old Dan as he discovers… everything!
Surprisingly Sarah (series) by Terri Libenson
Ages 9–13
This multi-point of view series is written in short chapters mixed with graphic novel pages. It’s the perfect middle ground for kids moving from graphic novels to chapter books. Each book follows a different focused character, who also shows up in other books. All middle school life.
City of Dragons (series) by Jamal Yogis & Vivian Truong
Ages 8–13
Super popular graphic novel series for 3-5th graders at my school. These books have it all: dragons as friends, villains, friends who work together, magic and positive messages.
The New Girl (series) by Cassandra Calin 🇨🇦
Ages 8–13
These two books are the most-read graphic novels by all the boys and by my students. Both books follow Lia, a a Romanian who moves to Montreal. Literally on her way to Montreal she gets her first period. Both stories are totally about middle school life (crushes, puberty, period, friendships etc), and have some French too.
We Are Big Time by Hena Khan & Safiya Zerrougui
Ages 8–13
Based on the real-life 2018–2019 varsity girls’ basketball season of the Salam School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. After moving from Florida to Wisconsin, Pakistani American teenager Aliya struggles to fit in at her new Islamic school, Peace Academy. Looking for a place to belong, she decides to join the school’s all-hijabi girls’ basketball team.
Pizza Face by Rex Ogle and Dave Valeza
Ages 9–14
Book 2 (Four Eyes), is a feel-good memoir of middle school (7th grade). Rex wakes up with a giant pimple on the first day of school, which leads to his classmates calling him names. His family struggles financially, which makes buying hygiene products difficult.
Paws (series) by Michele Assarasakorn🇨🇦 & Nathan Fairbairn🇨🇦
Ages 8+
Any of the books in this series are great- always full of friendship, community, animals and each story has it’s own struggle. Kinda like the Babysitters’ Club, but more diverse and inclusive.
Gamerville by Johnnie Christmas 🇨🇦
Ages 9–13
Max is getting ready for a video game championship when his parents sign him up for tech-free camp. They are worried he has become too obsessed, and this camp forces kids to socialize, eat healthy, and spend time outside. How will Max ever survive?!
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