For a reader who just finished
after Leave Me Alone! by Vera Brosgol · ages 5–8
Graphic novel · grades K–3 · 420L
A hilarious graphic novel about a kid who genuinely wants everyone to leave her alone—and the neighbor who won't—that captures introversion and mild social friction without preaching.
Same style
by Johnnie Christmas
Graphic novel · ages 6–9 · grades 1–4 · 420L
Wholesome, low-pressure graphic novel about a kid finding his people on a swim team — the art is expressive, the friendships feel earned, and there's genuine warmth without being precious.
by Dav Pilkey
Graphic novel · ages 6–9 · grades 1–4 · 420L
Pilkey's most earnest entry in the Dog Man universe — kids genuinely want to make comics after reading it, and the meta-commentary on sequential art doesn't bog down the silly hijinks.
by Dav Pilkey
Graphic novel · ages 6–9 · grades 1–4 · 390L
Unabashed chaos—flip-o-rama animation, toilet jokes, and relentless silliness that kids devour; the graphic format keeps it accessible and the pacing is pure momentum.
Stretch them up
by Lincoln Peirce
Graphic novel · ages 6–10 · grades 1–5 · 480L
Peak Nate chaos and goofball humor — kids who haven't aged out of the series will devour it; minimal educational lift but a reliable reread.
Complementing on friendship
by Andy Weir
Nonfiction · 1050L
A rare adult novel that works for smart middle-graders—witty, scientifically rigorous, and fundamentally about problem-solving and connection; the profanity and mild peril are worth it for kids hungry to see real thinking on the page.
We'd skip — for now
by Joseph Han
A step up — ages 8–12 · grades 3–7
Skip it if your child finds slapstick or family-dynamics humor mean-spirited rather than affectionate.
