Does your kid hate reading? Try these graphic novels for every age group

Have you ever struggled to get your kid to read?

While reading might come naturally to some children, it’s fair to say that most kids need a bit of encouragement.

Whether your kid struggles with reading and writing or simply isn’t interested, graphic novels just might be your answer. With a vast range of genres to explore and something suitable for every age group, graphic novels can teach kids the power of reading – without the struggle.

Scroll on to see some of our recommendations for all age groups!

Graphic novels for different age groups

7-9 YEARS

Chippy Chasers: Chippy Jackpot, Sam Cotton

Does your kid like hot, salty chippies? What about cute animals or a hilarious plotline? The point is Chippy Chasers: Chippy Jackpot is a universal favourite. Following three seagulls who are about to attempt the biggest chippie heist ever, this hilarious book will have kids tearing through the pages to see if these bold birds can pull it off.

Ratbags 1: Naughty for Good, Shiloh Gordon and Tim Harris

Part graphic novel part chapter book, Ratbags: Naughty for Good tells the tale of a group of rascally ratbags – and one who doesn’t quite fit in. Jigsaw LOVES rules – much to his friends' dismay. But when he discovers a love for pizza, will he be tempted to break the rules to get his hands on some doughy, cheesy goodness? Heavy on illustrations and light on text, this series from Tim Harris and Shiloh Gordon is the perfect gateway into chapter books.

9-11 YEARS

Super Sidekicks 1: No Adults Allowed, Gavin Aung Than

Move over heroes, it’s time to give the sidekicks a turn! Junior Justice, Dinomite and Flygirl are ready to make a team of their own . . . but first they’ll have to prove to the adult superheroes that they can do more than wash alien blood out of costumes and walk Super Mutt. Action-packed and side-splittingly funny, this graphic novel will make kids want to keep reading. Good thing this is only book one of a three-part series!

Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief – The Graphic Novel, Rick Riordan

If your kid loves mythology and monsters, then they will be obsessed with Percy Jackson. Following a half-blood demigod son of a Greek God and a mortal, Percy will have to swap skateboards for swords in an adventure to save the world. Best of all, once your kid has been sucked into the world of Percy Jackson, odds are they’ll want to keep reading, and luckily, there are so many more Percy Jackson books and graphic novels to choose from.

12+ YEARS

Northern Lights, Clément Oubrerie

This gorgeous graphic novel follows the story of Lyra Belacqua. When her fearsome uncle, Lord Asriel, draws her into a terrible struggle, she will be forced into danger like she’s never known. In the cold far North, there is only one detail she hasn’t thought of: she alone is destined to win or lose. Combining three illustrated volumes of the story, this hardback edition will be treasured by young readers for years to come.

Neverlanders, Tom Taylor and Jon Sommariva

A dark spin on the world of Peter Pan, Neverlanders is a gritty YA graphic novel series from #1 New York Times bestselling Australian author Tom Taylor and powerhouse Australian comic artist Jon Sommariva. Neverland has become a war zone and it's up to a new group of lost teens to set things right.

14+ YEARS

Sapiens A Graphic History, Volume 1, Yuval Noah Harari and David Casanave

A graphic adaptation of Yuval Noah Harari’s global phenomenon, Sapiens, this book is perfect for anyone who wants to understand humankind a little better. 256 pages of full-colour illustrations and easily digestible text, this book is both beautiful and informative.

The Complete MAUS, Art Spiegelman

This million-selling, Pulitzer-winning graphic novel tells the harrowing true story of the author’s parents, Vladek Spiegelman and his wife, living in Hitler’s Europe. Drawn out in a story of cats and mice, the tale details the unspeakable against a backdrop of history too large to pacify. A contemporary classic, this book is a heavy read, but one that’s well worth it.

16+ YEARS

The Handmaid’s Tale: The Graphic Novel, Margaret Atwood

This stunning graphic edition brings Margaret Atwood’s terrifying modern classic to vivid life like never before. Making the most of the bold iconography of this dark tale, this graphic novel tells Offred’s story as a Handmaid in the Republic of Gilead. Women are prohibited from working, reading, and making friends, but Offred remembers a time when things were different . . . now her memories and willingness to survive are acts of rebellion.

ALL AGES

Dirt by Sea, Michael Wagner and Tom Jellett

Technically, this one isn't a  novel, but rather a picture book. But believe us when we say that readers of all ages will adore it. Telling the story of Dasiy and her dad as they venture out on the ultimate Aussie road trip, this book is beautiful in both its illustrations and story. Beautiful illustrations of Australia’s most iconic beaches provide a stunning backdrop for the story of a deepening relationship between a daughter and her father on a once-in-a-lifetime trip.