Great Graphic Novels for 2nd and 3rd Graders

YOU ARE READING: Great Graphic Novels for 2nd and 3rd Graders | LibraryMom AT PhebinhvanhocEN

With their eye-catching illustrations, engaging dialogue, and action-packed stories, graphic novels are wonderful tools for engaging reluctant readers or anyone looking for a fun story.

here are some reasons why graphic novels are a good choice for many children.

You are reading: Comic books for 2nd graders

the panel format helps children develop sequencing skills.
the images help children decode the text and better understand the plot.
lots of dialogue helps kids practice reading with expression.
they give reluctant readers a confidence boost.
they’re fun! there are dynamic characters presented with exciting conflicts that create a fast-paced story.

Listed below are some of our favorite graphic novels and transitional chapter books that weave together graphic novel elements that have proven popular with my own children and former students.

*this post contains affiliate links. To read my full disclosure, click here.

Baloney and Friends (series) by Greg Pizzoli, 2020

nonsense is a pig who can’t wait to star in his own book. Unfortunately, his friends have decided to collapse the story creating humorous results. Greg Pizzoli is well known for his popular picture books and fans of his will be delighted with this quirky new series that is so much fun to read. Kids will also be excited to find instructions on how to draw the adorable characters.

lexile: 430l

Narwhal: Unicorn of the Sea by Ben Clanton, 2016

The cheerful narwhal and the no-nonsense jellyfish are two unlikely friends who couldn’t be more adorable. upon meeting, each believes the other is imaginary, and the comic antics continue from there. Both of my children enjoyed listening to this series as a read aloud and my son was eager to start reading these delightful books on his own.

These charming books use a graphic novel format with large panels and dialogue to engage the reader. There are three stories in each book that are full of humor that both adults and children will appreciate. As a bonus, there are fun facts about the sea creatures between each chapter.

lexile: 490 buy it here

Happy Paws (Layla and the Bots series) by Vicky Fang; illustrated by Christine Nishiyama, 2020

Meet Layla, an inventor and rock star whose kindness and problem-solving skills are admirable. With her colorful illustrations and her positive role model, kids and adults alike will love this new stem-themed transitional chapter book!

lexile: 500l buy it here

Fox & Rabbit (series) by Beth Ferry; illustrated by Gergely Dudás, 2020

This sweet story of friendship couldn’t be more charming! Told in five panels, this charming story follows a cheerful fox and an eager rabbit who help each other overcome their fears, go on adventures, and learn what friendship is all about.

buy it here

Simon and Chester Super Detectives (series) by Cale Atkinson, 2021

My son couldn’t love this book more! Sir Simon, a ghost with a big personality, teams up with his friend Chester, a boy with a big imagination, to solve the mysteries of his house. cale atkinson’s expressive illustrations are absolutely hysterical and my son loved the funny text so much that he started quoting funny lines from the book. this one is so much fun with lots of appeal to kids!

lexile: 530 buy it here

Pea, Bee, & Jay, Stuck Together (series) by Brian Smith, 2020

When a plucky pea rolls over the edge of his farm, he meets a bee and a blue jay who quickly become friends. This charming story of friendship is filled with silly puns, cartoonish illustrations, and an engaging plot that will have readers excited for the next book in the series.

buy it here

Cat Kid Comic Club by Dav Pilkey, 2020

This hysterical new series stars a cat and his buddy who form a club to teach a class of young frogs how to make a comic. While it’s completely wacky, it’s also packed with kid appeal and helpful advice on the creative process.

The parent mentoring the club is initially shocked and disappointed by some of the ridiculous stories the students come up with, but comes to understand that kids need a little freedom to create and explore topics that interest them. With a variety of comic book formats and inspirational ideas, I have no doubt this fun graphic novel will motivate budding writers to grab their own pencils and start writing!

my son couldn’t put this book down and it made our whole family laugh out loud

buy it here

The Coldfire Curse (Dragon Kingdom of Wrenly series) by Quinn Jordan; illustrated by Ornella Greco, 2021

This exciting spin-off of the popular Kingdom of Wrenly series is full of action, humor and adventure. Ruskin, Prince Lucas’s pet dragon, is forced to help the dragons of Crestwood fight an evil curse that threatens all kinglets. this is a great option for fantasy lovers who aren’t quite ready for more difficult chapter books.

buy it here

Pup Detectives, the First Case (series) by Felix Gumpaw; illustrated by Walmir Archanjo, 2021

A lunchtime bandit is stealing snacks at Pawston Elementary School, but luckily, a team of plucky pups bands together to find the villain. With fun wordplay and captivating characters, kids will love this new mystery series!

buy it here

Super Turbo Saves the Day (series) by Edgar J. Powers; illustrated by Salvatore Costanza, 2021

turbo isn’t just a classroom mascot, he’s also a superhero who will do anything to keep his classroom safe. During a snowy day, he unexpectedly meets other classroom pets who team up to defeat some evil mice who want to take over the school and the world. Bold and colorful illustrations add to the fun of this fun graphic novel that’s perfect for new readers transitioning to longer chapter books.

buy it here

The Bad Guys (series) by Aaron Blabey, 2017

fans of funny stories won’t be able to resist this one! when four traditional villains try to lead a better life and help people, hilarious antics ensue. The black and white illustrations are full of expression and the comical text is very appealing to children!

lexile: 530 buy it here

Game Over, Super Rabbit Boy (series) by Thomas Flintham, 2017

Video game lovers will be immediately drawn to this action-packed breakout chapter book. When a singing dog is kidnapped by the evil Viking king in a video game, it’s up to the super bunny to save the day. the bright colors and fast-paced story make this a great choice for reluctant readers.

lexile: 530 buy it here

Adventures in Cartooning (series) by James Sturm, 2009

from the publisher

In this action-packed cartoon adventure, kids will have just as much fun making comics as reading them!

Once upon a time. . . a princess tried to make a comic. And with the help of a magical cartoon elf, she learned how, well enough to get out of an encounter with a dangerous dragon, nearly drown, and go on her own adventure! Just like the princess, young readers will find that they already have the drawing and writing skills needed to make a comic; they just need a little knowledge. and adventures in cartoon supplies are just that.

lexile: 170 buy it here

The Misadventures of Salem Hyde: Spelling Trouble (series) by Frank Cammuso, 2013

from the publisher

salem hyde is not like other children. On the one hand, she is stubborn, independent, and impulsive. to another, she is a witch. salem acts first and thinks later, which means that most of her thinking consists of making excuses. Good thing she’s been assigned an animal companion, Lord Percival J. Whamford III. This overly anxious cat doesn’t like being called “whammy” by Salem, and Salem doesn’t like hearing his long-winded explanations of why he shouldn’t do something. . . like entering the class spelling bee. Salem knows that she can beat all of her classmates in spells, no problem. Too late, she realizes the competition is about spelling words, not magic. And there’s nothing like a poorly written spell to wreak all sorts of havoc!

lexile: 520 buy it here

Dog Man (series) by Dav Pilkey; illustrated by George Beard, 2016

from the editor

There’s a new kind of justice in town, and he’s ready to sniff out criminals, as soon as he stops chasing his own tail! From the creator of Captain Underpants, he’s the Dog Man, the crime-biting canine that’s part dog, part man, and all hero! George and Harold have created a new hero who delves deeper into deception, attacks thieves, and tramples thieves. When police dog Greg and his police partner are injured on the job, a life-saving surgery changes the course of history and the dog man is born. With the head of a dog and the body of a human, this heroic hound has a real nose for justice. but can he resist the call of nature to answer the call of duty?

lexile: 390 buy it here

Babymouse: Queen of the World (series) by Jennifer Holm and Matthew Holm, 2005

from the publisher

meet babymouse: her dreams are big! your imagination is wild! his mustaches are always a mess! in her mind, she is the queen of the world! in real life… she’s not even the queen of the lunch table. Jennifer Holm, New York Times bestselling author and three-time Newbery Award winner, teams up with Matthew Holm to bring you a series of fully illustrated graphic novels packed with humor and appeal to kids: Baby Mouse! it’s the same every day for babymouse. where’s the glamour? the emotion? Fame?!? Nothing ever changes, until… Babymouse finds out about Felicia Furrypaws exclusive sleepover. will babymouse be invited? Will her best friend Wilson forgive her if she misses his monster movie marathon? find out on babymouse.

lexile: 470 buy it here

Kung Pow Chicken: Let’s Get Cracking (series) by Cyndi Marko, 2014

from the publisher

In this exciting full-color series, Gordon Blue transforms into Kung Pow Chicken, an avian superhero who fights crime in the city of Fowladelphia. The first book in the series begins when Gordon’s bird senses lead him to a festival. suddenly, poof! feathers fill the air and naked, quivering chickens are everywhere. why have all these chickens lost their feathers? forced to wear woolen sweaters, the town yearns for a hero. The kung pow chicken jumps into his pickaxe to save the day!

lexile: 550 buy it here

Gumazing Gum Girl: Chews Your Destiny by Rhode Montijo, 2013

gabby gomez loves to chew gum and finally turns into him! she uses her new gooey form to transform into a superhero helping those in need. This action-packed story is full of humor and lots of fun!

lexile: 580 buy it here

Written and Drawn by Henrietta by Liniers, 2015

from the editor

reading books is fun. . . but what about making them? Armed with fresh colored pencils, Henrietta is ready to go. She looks over her shoulder as she draws the story of a brave girl, a three-headed monster, and an unbelievably wide world of adventure. Whether she’s being read aloud to a toddler or discovered by a young reader, the liniers’ celebration of the creative process is sure to make everyone want to get out their pencils.

ricardo siri liniers, known as liniers, is the author of macanudo, a very popular daily comic strip in argentina, now available in english. His US debut, The Big Wet Balloon, an animated book, was nominated for an Eisner Award and chosen as one of the 10 best children’s books by parents. He lives in Buenos Aires with his wife and his three daughters, Matilda, Clementina and Emma, whom he credits as inspiration for this book.

lexile: 490
fonts & pinnell: n buy it here

Binky the Space Cat (series) by Ashley Spires, 2009

from the publisher

binky is a space cat, at least in his own mind. he is really a domestic cat who has never left the family home (space station). Unlike other house cats, Binky is on a mission: fly to outer space (outside), explore unknown places (the backyard), and fight aliens (bugs). Binky must undergo rigorous training in order to repel the alien attacks that threaten his humans. while he builds his spaceship, he must be very careful with his blueprints: the enemy is always watching. soon binky is ready to travel to outer space. His humans come out every day and he’s sure they need a certified space cat to protect them. But just as he’s about to take off with his co-pilot, Ted, Binky realizes he’s left something very important behind…and it’s not zero-gravity kitty litter. In the first book in the Binky adventure series, graphic novel readers will delight in seeing where this lovable and quirky cat’s imagination takes him.

lexile: 740
guided reading level: n buy it here

Hilo: The Boy Who Crashed to Earth (series) by Judd Winick, 2015

d.j. Ella and her friend Gina find their lives boring until they meet Hilo, a boy-like robot from another planet. Together, the three friends try to uncover the secrets of Hilo’s past while battling giant robotic bugs. This fast-paced story is fun, adventurous, and full of heart, making for a winning combination.

lexile: 460
fonts & pinnell: buy it here

Bird and Squirrel on the Run (series) by James Burks, 2012

from the publisher

The bird and the squirrel outwit the cat and become best friends in this wacky adventure. the squirrel is afraid of his own shadow. He teams up with Bird, who is fearless but battered by an injured wing, to head south for winter. bird doesn’t have a care in the world. and the cat wants to eat bird and squirrel. of course he will have to catch them first, and that won’t be easy. Join this trio as they head south for the winter on a fun road trip. but beware! the cat is waiting around every bend, and it’s one annoying feline.

lexile: 520
fonts & pinnell: buy it here

Zita the Spacegirl (series) by Ben Hatke, 2010

When a mysterious red button appears in front of Zita and her friend Joseph, they can’t resist pressing it and are transported to an alien planet. With its imaginative story and quirky humor, it’s hard to resist this captivating book!

lexile: 310 buy it here

Magic Pickle (series) by Scott Morse, 2008

meet the magic pickle, a secret weapon of flying kosher dill, created in a secret government lab under little jojo wigman’s bedroom floor. The magic pickle is here to save the world from the evil brotherhood that threatens to take over the world or at least kill us with fruit and vegetable puns!

lexile: 410
guided reading level: r buy it here

Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute (series) by Jarrett Krosoczka, 2009

from the publisher

Hector, Terrence, and Dee have always wondered about their school lunch lady. What does she do when she’s not serving the daily special? Where does she live? Does she have many cats at home? little do they know that the lunch lady doesn’t just serve careless joes, she serves justice! whatever danger lies ahead, she is no match for the lunch lady!

lexile: 520
fonts & pinnell: buy it here

Sidekicks by Dan Santat, 2011

from the editor

Amazing captain, superhero and savior of the metropolitan city, he is getting old. he’s out every hour fighting arch-villains, catching thieves, and helping old ladies cross the street. he doesn’t even have time for his house full of pets. He needs a sidekick! Captain Amazing’s pets agree. but each of them thinks he should get the sidekick spot and the chance to have some face-to-face time with the captain. Get ready for real sibling rivalry as superpowered pets go head to head for the one thing they all want: a superfamily. a bold and brilliant graphic novel by child prodigy dan santat.

lexile: 340
fonts & pinnell: i bought it here

Missile Mouse: The Star Crusher by Jake Parker, 2010

from the publisher

Missile Mouse, a secret agent for the Galactic Security Agency, is a risk taker and rule breaker, which is why he’s in trouble at GSA headquarters. Then Rip, the rogue imperium of the planets, kidnaps a scientist who knows about the Star Crusher, a doomsday machine capable of destroying the entire universe.

It’s time to let go of the mouse! Missile Mouse battles giant space slugs, rogue agents, killer bugs, and a couple of shark-headed thugs to save the day (and the scientist!).

lexile: 480
fonts & pinnell: you buy it here

Mal and Chad: the Biggest, Bestest Time Ever (series) by Stephen McCranie, 2011

from the publisher

mal is a super boy genius and chad is a talking dog, but nobody knows. What is it like for him to be so extraordinary and yet so invisible? Not even Megan, Mal’s secret crush, has any idea that Mal is more than just an idiot. Fortunately, Mal and Chad are best friends with a penchant for adventure. . . even if time travel punishes them with the mother of evil. Introducing the first in a series of illustrated chapter books by talented newcomer Stephen McCranie that are funny, smart, and full of heart. Give this to any child who is reluctant to read or is just putting down picture books and get ready to answer the question, “when can I read the next one?”

lexile: 400 buy it here

*this post contains affiliate links. To read my full disclosure, click here.

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Great Graphic Novels for 2nd and 3rd Graders | LibraryMom

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