Graphic Novels can definitely get a lot of flack, and for good reason. Most are lacking substance and quality, often littered with potty humor or inappropriate for kids elements. But I have one child especially who is drawn to the graphic novel style. So I’ve spent the last few years trying to find options that he would love, but were not something I wasn’t comfortable with him reading. We had a Dog Man era years ago, but more and more they were putting a bad taste in my mouth, and I knew there had to be something better!

Below you’ll find a list of books my boys have loved and would recommend. And they have my “mom stamp of approval” as well. Some are just for fun, and some are beautifully written and illustrated stories that will move you. I’ve included my personal age recommendations as well. Let me know if there are any you’d add to the list.

Lightfall series by Tim Probert, ages 9+

Fox and Rabbit series by Beth Ferry, ages 6+

Watership Down by Richard Adams, adapted by James Sturm and Joe Sutphin, ages 10+

Dragon Lord Saga by Jonny Jimison, ages 8 or 9+

When Stars are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed, ages 10+ (this one is based on a true story, so you may want to consider 12+ if you have a very sensitive child. My 10 year old loved it and was deeply moved by it)

One Dead Spy by Nathan Hale, ages 10+

The Drawing Lesson: A Graphic Novel that Teaches You How to Draw by Mark Crilley, ages 10+

Patrick Wigglesworth’s Bizarre Bible Adventure by Liz and Jack Hagler, ages 7+

Bird & Squirrel series by James Burke, ages 8 or 9+ (if you’re trying to get your kid to put down a potty humored graphic novel series, this is a great one to start with! It’s funny and entertaining without being totally mindless or inappropriate)