Graphic novels for 7th graders are more than just fun reads—they’re powerful tools for building literacy, empathy, and critical thinking. With engaging visuals and relatable stories, these books capture the attention of middle schoolers while helping them develop a deeper love for reading. Whether your child enjoys realistic fiction, fantasy, or coming-of-age tales, there’s a graphic novel out there to inspire them. In this guide, we’ll share top recommendations, answer key questions, and explore why graphic novels are perfect for 7th grade readers.
10+ Graphic Novels for 7th Graders
From coming-of-age adventures to heartfelt memoirs, these graphic novels offer powerful stories that connect with the middle school experience. Each one combines engaging visuals with meaningful themes to keep 7th graders hooked on reading.
1. American Born Chinese – Gene Luen Yang
Three tales intertwine: a boy’s struggle to fit in, a mythical king’s quest for acceptance, and an embarrassing cousin. This graphic novel explores identity, cultural heritage, and the Asian-American experience with humor and poignant honesty. Readers will connect with themes of belonging and self-acceptance.
Why 7th Graders Should Read It:
- Addresses relatable issues of identity and belonging during adolescence.
- Introduces diverse cultural perspectives in an engaging way.
- Uses a unique narrative structure to explore complex themes.
- Features dynamic artwork that enhances the storytelling.
- Promotes empathy and understanding of different experiences.
Source to Read: Full text of American Born Chinese
2. New Kid – Jerry Craft
Seventh grader Jordan Banks navigates a new, predominantly white private school while staying true to his artistic passions. This humorous and insightful graphic novel addresses race, privilege, and the challenges of finding your place in different social environments. It offers a relatable perspective on identity and belonging.
Why 7th Graders Should Read It:
- Offers a contemporary and relatable perspective on social dynamics in middle school.
- Addresses important issues of diversity and inclusion with sensitivity and humor.
- Features a charming and relatable protagonist.
- Encourages critical thinking about social norms and biases.
- Won the Newbery Medal, recognizing its significant contribution to children’s literature.
3. El Deafo – Cece Bell
Based on the author’s life, Cece loses her hearing and learns to navigate school with a bulky hearing aid. Through her alter ego, El Deafo, she embraces her differences and discovers her own superpowers. This heartwarming memoir explores resilience, self-acceptance, and the triumphs of living with a disability.
Why 7th Graders Should Read It:
- Provides insight into the experiences of individuals with disabilities.
- Promotes empathy and understanding towards those who are different.
- Features a strong and relatable protagonist who learns to embrace her unique qualities.
- Uses creative visual storytelling to convey Cece’s auditory experiences.
- Offers a message of empowerment and self-acceptance.
4. Smile – Raina Telgemeier
Raina’s dental drama, starting with knocked-out teeth and years of orthodontics, unfolds in this autobiographical graphic novel. It explores the challenges of adolescence, self-image, and the importance of resilience. Readers will relate to her experiences with fitting in and finding confidence.
Why 7th Graders Should Read It:
- Deals with common middle school anxieties about appearance and fitting in.
- Features a relatable and engaging protagonist.
- Illustrates the importance of perseverance and self-acceptance.
- Provides a humorous and honest look at the ups and downs of growing up.
- Has resonated widely with young readers due to its authentic portrayal of teenage life.
Source to Read: Full text of Smile
5. Drama – Raina Telgemeier
Callie loves working backstage in her middle school’s drama productions, even though she can’t sing. This graphic novel captures the complexities of friendships, crushes, and the emotional rollercoaster of middle school life amidst auditions and set building. It’s a humorous and heartfelt look at teenage relationships.
Why 7th Graders Should Read It:
- Captures the social dynamics and emotional intensity of middle school.
- Explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and navigating romantic feelings.
- Provides insight into the world of theater and collaboration.
- Features diverse and relatable characters.
- Offers a blend of humor and heartfelt moments.
- Source to Read: “Drama” graphic novel by Raina Telgemeier.
6. The Cardboard Kingdom – Chad Sell
Neighborhood kids transform cardboard boxes into fantastical costumes and realms, exploring themes of friendship and identity. Each chapter focuses on a different child and their imaginative persona, highlighting creativity and the power of community. Readers will be inspired by their imaginative play.
Why 7th Graders Should Read It:
- Celebrates creativity, imagination, and the power of play.
- Features a diverse cast of characters with relatable struggles and triumphs.
- Explores themes of self-discovery and finding your place.
- Highlights the importance of friendship and collaboration.
- Encourages readers to see the extraordinary in the ordinary.
7. Zita the Spacegirl – Ben Hatke
Zita embarks on an intergalactic adventure to rescue her kidnapped best friend. Filled with quirky aliens and thrilling challenges, this graphic novel explores courage, loyalty, and the power of friendship in the face of the unknown. It’s a fast-paced and imaginative science fiction tale.
Why 7th Graders Should Read It:
- Offers a thrilling and engaging science fiction adventure.
- Features a brave and resourceful female protagonist.
- Explores the importance of friendship and selflessness.
- Presents imaginative world-building and memorable characters.
- Keeps readers hooked with its fast-paced plot and exciting visuals.
8. Amulet: The Stonekeeper – Kazu Kibuishi
Siblings Emily and Navin move to a mysterious house and are drawn into an underground world after their mother is kidnapped. Emily discovers a powerful amulet, leading them on a magical adventure battling darkness. This series explores family, courage, and the fight between good and evil.
Why 7th Graders Should Read It:
- Offers an immersive and exciting fantasy world.
- Features strong and relatable sibling protagonists.
- Explores themes of grief, responsibility, and bravery.
- Combines elements of adventure, mystery, and magic.
- Has captivating artwork that brings the fantastical world to life.
Source to Read: Full text of Amulet: The Stonekeeper
9. Ghosts – Raina Telgemeier
Catrina’s family moves to a misty town for her sister Maya’s health, where they learn about local ghosts and the Day of the Dead. This poignant story explores family, dealing with illness, cultural traditions, and learning to embrace the unknown with both heart and a touch of the spooky.
Why 7th Graders Should Read It:
- Addresses the challenges of living with chronic illness with sensitivity.
- Introduces the cultural significance of the Day of the Dead.
- Explores themes of fear, acceptance, and the importance of family.
- Features relatable characters and emotional depth.
- Offers a blend of heartwarming moments and gentle supernatural elements.
Source to Read: Full text of Ghosts
10. Roller Girl – Victoria Jamieson
Astrid Vasquez feels lost when her best friend Nicole starts getting interested in boys and quits their beloved roller derby camp. Feeling abandoned, Astrid impulsively signs up for a junior derby league and discovers a challenging but empowering new world on eight wheels. This graphic novel explores themes of friendship, finding your passion, dealing with change, and the importance of perseverance.
Why 7th Graders Should Read It:
- Deals with the complexities of changing friendships during adolescence.
- Introduces the exciting world of roller derby and the importance of teamwork.
- Features a relatable protagonist who learns to find her own identity.
- Explores themes of resilience, self-discovery, and finding your place.
- Offers a positive message about embracing new challenges.
Source to Read: Full text of Roller Girl
FAQs
1. Why should parents consider introducing graphic novels to their 7th graders?
Graphic novels offer more than just entertainment—they can play a meaningful role in a child’s academic and emotional development. Here’s why they’re a smart choice for 7th graders:
- Great for visual learners and reluctant readers
- Builds reading confidence and fluency
- Encourages empathy through relatable characters and real-life themes
- Makes reading feel fun, engaging, and less intimidating
2. What makes a graphic novel suitable for a 7th grader?
Not every graphic novel is created with middle schoolers in mind. To make the best choice, parents and educators should look for titles with the following qualities:
- Uses age-appropriate language and content
- Explores meaningful themes like identity, friendship, and personal growth
- Combines strong storytelling with dynamic illustrations
- Supports both independent reading and classroom discussions
Final thoughts
Graphic novels for 7th graders are more than just visually appealing books—they’re powerful tools that support literacy, spark imagination, and nurture emotional growth. With relatable characters, meaningful themes, and dynamic storytelling, these books meet young readers where they are and help them grow into more thoughtful, confident learners. Whether your child loves humor, fantasy, or stories rooted in real-life challenges, there’s a graphic novel out there that can inspire them to read more—and love every minute of it.
Keep that passion for reading growing with our Grade 7 reading worksheets — designed to strengthen comprehension, vocabulary, and critical thinking skills.
