Comic books are a popular book choice for many young readers and there are a lot of different genres to choose from. Realistic comics are some of my favorite ones because they are about kids living their best life at school, on vacation, or at home. Here are a few of my favorite realistic comic books for readers who enjoy a slice of real life.
By Rashad Doucet
New York: Little Brown and Company, 2024. Comic. 221 pages.
Growing up Dale has heard that art will get you nowhere in life, but art is what he loves. His favorite things are drawing and playing video games and he dreams of one day creating his own comics. However, his grandfather is always telling him to focus on school and his studies and not spend so much time doodling. So, when Dale gets the chance to start an after-school art club he doesn't hesitate. He gathers up a group of students who work with him to start up a successful art club and prove to the vice principal, his grandfather, and others that art can be taken seriously and is a profitable career choice.
A unique and inspirational story that helps readers see the importance of following your passions and giving your dreams a chance to shine.
Written by Megan Wagner Lloyd
Illustrated by Michelle Mee Nutter
New York: Graphix, 2023. Comic. 243 pages.
Avery Lee loves everything about her life, her neighborhood, school, and even the end-of-summer fair that she goes to with her best friends. But as good as life is, coming from a large family of seven can be noisy and chaotic. All Avery wants is a room of her own with her own space. When her older brother gets his own room instead of her, Avery comes up with a plan. But, plans for her own bedroom are put on hold when she learns that their family could be moving and her life could be changing.
A charming book about life in a large family and learning to accept changes in life that can be scary and sometimes can't be avoided. A perfect book for anyone who likes books like Smile, Friends, and Baby-Sitters Club.
Written by Beth Fantaskey
Illustrated by Oneill Jones
New York: Clarion Books, 2024. Comics. 239 pages.
Middle school is hard and twelve- year-old Mia feels like everything in her life is changing and she is caught in the middle. Here she is trying to navigate new friends and old friends, and feeling like a kid, but still growing up and changing. There is only one thing in her life that is still the same and that is her love of science. But, even Mia's love of science can't keep things in her life from changing and she realizes that experiencing a first crush, friendship squabbles, and the daily ups and downs of life are all part of growing up.
A quirky fun comic that is all about growing up and accepting that life if full of changes and things don't always go as planned. A perfect read for anyone who likes books like Dork Diaries or Smile.
Written by Jessixa Bagley
Illustrated by Aaron Bagley
New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2023. Comics. 307 pages.
Two sisters, Lucy and Gigi, have always been competitive and like a lot of sisters, they fight occasionally with each other. But after their dad dies, the fights have escalated and gotten worse. On Lucy's first day of middle school, Gigi trips her in the lunchroom so Lucy turns and challenges her sister to a duel. Both girls were taught how to fence by their father and even though a duel is against the school rules, the sisters plan to hold it during the upcoming fencing team tryouts. As the two sisters start to prepare for the duel they begin to open up to people they trust and start to process their grief over losing their father.
This is a story about fencing, but also about family, forgiveness, relationships, and sisterly rivals. A down-to-earth story with relatable feelings told with simple art that helps tell a heartfelt story.
By Betty C. Tang
New York: Graphix, 2023. Comics. 281 pages.
Feng Li Lin thought she was going on a vacation to California with her family, but once they arrive she discovers that they will be living there. After finding a house for his family to live in, her father returns to Taiwan to continue working and wait for his work visa. Feng's mother is able to stay longer, but soon her tourist visa is denied and so she too must return to Taiwan. Feng's mother leaves 10-year-old Feng, 14-year-old Ke-Gang and 16-year-old Jia-Xi in Los Angeles and tells them to contact a family friend if they need anything. The Lin Siblings do their best to adapt to a new school, language, and culture as they wait for their parents to return. Life for this family is difficult, but they persevere.
This is a unique and compelling immigration story about a family who is looking to make a new life for themselves. A good book for anyone who is wanting to better understand what it's like to immigrate to a new country.
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