What’s Old Is New! 15 Graphic Novel Adaptations of Popular Kids’ Books

Truly, what’s old is new in this book list of incredible chapter book and middle grade graphic novel adaptations of popular kids’ books for ages 7 to 12!

Graphic novels are popular with all readers, not just struggling readers, because the visual elements support comprehension.

Each of these graphic novel adaptations brings out slightly different meanings or highlights new elements of the story. Compare the prose book to the graphic novel just like you would compare any book to its movie version, discussing the differences.

Parents, teachers, and librarians, if your readers love graphic novels, why not introduce these books to your readers in a format they’re excited about?

15 Graphic Novel Adaptations of Popular Kids’ Books

Magic Tree House The Graphic Novel Dinosaurs Before Dark by Mary Pope Osborne, adapted by Jenny Laird, illustrated by Kelly & Nichole Matthews

HISTORICAL FICTION
Ages 6 – 9

This is one of the best graphic novel adaptations on this list! Just like the prose books, brother and sister Jack and Annie find a magical treehouse that takes them through time to places in the treehouse’s books. In the first book, they travel to the time of dinosaurs. Annie befriends a flying dinosaur, and they help save some baby dinosaurs.

BUY ON AMAZON
BUY ON BOOKSHELF

The Haunted Mask Goosebumps The Graphic Novel written by R.L. Stine, adapted by Maddi Gonzalez

SCARY GRAPHIC NOVEL
Ages 7 – 10

If your kids like scary books, this is a great adaptation of the original book series. A girl who is teased at school for being a scaredy cat buys a scary mask to get back at her bullies — and becomes mean to get revenge! Then, the mast won’t come off!

BUY ON AMAZON
BUY ON BOOKSHOP

Amber Brown Is NOT a Crayon written by Paula Danziger, adapted and illustrated by Victoria Ying

REALISTIC
Ages 6 – 9

This sweet graphic novel adaptation is a delight for growing readers who can relate to the big feelings and friendship struggles of Amber Brown. Third grade is going well for Amber Brown until her best friend moves away. Amber gets mad at Justin and soon, they’re not speaking. Can she figure out how to talk to Justin again before it’s too late and he’s gone?

BUY ON AMAZON
BUY ON BOOKSHELF

Whatever After The Graphic Novel written by Sarah Mylnowski, art by Anu Chouuhan

FANTASY / GRAPHIC NOVEL
Ages 7 – 10

Fans of the original prose books will enjoy this graphic novel adaptation that captures the excitement and adventure. A girl named Abby and her brother Jonah find a magic mirror in their basement that sucks them into Snow White’s story in the fairy tale world. Once there, they stop the witch from poisoning Snow. Which messes up Snow’s story– and they need to fix it!

BUY ON AMAZON
BUY ON BOOKSHELF

The Bailey School Kids Vampires Don’t Wear Polka Dots by Pearl Low, based on the novel by Marcia Thronton Jones and Debbie Dadey

PARANORMAL
ages 7 – 10

The class’s misbehaving kids ran off the last teacher, but the new teacher seems much worse. The students think she might be a vampire. Eddie is scared, but that doesn’t stop his bad behavior. Mrs. Jeepers pulls him out of class and stops his bad behavior once and for all.

BUY ON AMAZON
BUY ON BOOKSHELF

The Invasion: Animorphs Graphic Novel #1 written by K.A. Applegate and Michael Grant, adapted by Chris Grine

FANTASY ADVENTURE GRAPHIC NOVEL
Ages 8 – 12

Animorphs was very popular in my classroom when I taught 4th and 5th grade. Now it’s been adapted as a graphic novel. In this visually appealing adaptation, the heart-pounding adventure begins with a spaceship crash, revealing that invading aliens are taking over bodies. The dying alien from the crash gives the friends powers to morph into animals they touch. Now it’s up to these five friends to save the world from the evil invaders!

BUY ON AMAZON
BUY ON BOOKSHOP

Kristy’s Great Idea: The Baby-Sitter’s Club by Ann M. Martin, illustrated by Raina Telemeter 

FRIENDSHIP
Ages 7 – 10

This classic chapter book series is now adapted in exciting and improved graphic novels! These four best friends work together to handle all sorts of issues — from babysitting to emergencies and competition from other babysitters. Readers love these popular graphic novel adaptations.

BUY ON AMAZON
BUY ON BOOKSHELF

I Survived The Sinking of the Titanic, 1912 (Graphic Novel) by Lauren Tarshis, Georgina Ball, illustrated by Haus Studio

HISTORICAL FICTION
Ages 7 – 10

Adapted for a graphic novel format, a boy on the Titanic is traveling with his mom and sister to reunite with his father in the United States. If you have a reader who prefers graphic novels, give this historical fiction book a try.

BUY ON AMAZON
BUY ON BOOKSHELF

Artemis Fowl: The Graphic Novel by Eoin Colfer, Andrew Donkin

FANTASY 
Ages 8 – 12

I love the unique plot about an anti-hero evil genius kid named Artemis, who steals the fairies’ gold, leading him to kidnap a fairy cop and hold her for ransom. Very entertaining.

BUY ON AMAZON
BUY ON BOOKSHELF

Bunnicula written by James Howe and Andrew Donkin, illustrated by Stephen Gilpin

PARANORMAL
Ages 7 – 10

Harold the Dog narrates this graphic novel adaptation about when his family brings home a bunny they find at a Dracula movie. The cat Chester believes Bunnicula is a vampire bunny. And why else would he suck out the juices from vegetables and turn them white? Chester still believes the bunny is a vampire and shares his suspicions and evidence with readers. What will you think?

BUY ON AMAZON
BUY ON BOOKSHELF

Silverwing Graphic Novel by Kenneth Oppel, illustrated by Christopher Steininger

ANIMAL ADVENTURE
Ages 8 – 12

A young bat named Shade breaks the rules to glimpse the sun. Furious, the ruling owls burn the bats’ home, and the colony flees. When Shade gets separated from them, he meets a solitary Brightwing bat named Marina. Together, they travel south on a journey fraught with danger and adventure, encountering gigantic meat-eating jungle bats, sinister rats, blood-thirsty pigeons, and a wise albino bat. A fast-paced, exciting adventure with visually stunning illustrations.

BUY ON AMAZON
BUY ON BOOKSHELF

The Crossover by Kwame Alexander, illustrated by Dawud Anyabwile

REALISTIC
Ages 9 – 12

What a big punch, visually and emotionally! Basketball player and twin Josh narrates his life in quarters, just like the game he plays. He writes about missing his twin when his twin, Jordan, gets a girlfriend. He shares about getting into trouble when he hits Jordan in the face with a basketball. And he reveals the pain of watching his father as his heart fails. A not-to-be-missed choice.,

BUY ON AMAZON
BUY ON BOOKSHELF

Keeper of the Lost Cities Graphic Novel written by Shannon Messenger, adapted by Celina Frenn, and illustrated by Gabriella Chianello

FANTASY
Ages 8 – 12

If your readers love the narrative Keeper of the Lost Cities, they’ll want to give this adaptation a try. But know that this story is only the first half of the first book. In this adaptation, Sophie learns she’s an elf from a different world. She leaves the human world and says goodbye to her human family. In her new home, she’s placed with foster parents in the elf world and enrolled in the fancy school.

BUY ON AMAZON
BUY ON BOOKSHELF

Garvey’s Choice: The Graphic Novel written by Nikki Grimes, art by Theodore Taylor III

REALISTIC
Ages 8 – 12

Everyone at school makes fun of Garvey’s size, calling him names like chunky and little piggy. But a new foodie friend helps Garvey enjoy food and not feel guilty about eating, also encouraging Garvey to join the chorus, which Garvey ends up loving. At home, Garvey’s dad wants him to play sports and puts a lot of pressure on him. This is an emotional coming-of-age story.

BUY ON AMAZON
BUY ON BOOKSHELF

Bomb by Steve Sheinkin, illustrated by Nick Bertozzi

HISTORY NONFICTION
AGES 9 – 12

Read about the significant historical events behind the making of the atomic bomb: the Germans breaking the atom, the spy who was caught after giving the Russians the American plans for a nuclear bomb, and the American scientists working in New Mexico at a secret site to develop the atomic bomb. The stories are fascinating but I did get bogged down with some of the science. *Some bad language.

BUY ON AMAZON
BUY ON BOOKSHELF