2025 Staff Picks for Grade 3-5: Graphic Novels and NonfictionLike this list

16 items

• Froggy

  a Pond Full of Pals!

  Walshe, Paige,

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  Super cute art about a frog who leaves his pond to go on a series of adventures. He meets many other animals who teach him new things. Suggested by Xander.

• The Invisible Parade

  Bardugo, Leigh,

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  This story truly took our breath away. It is about loss and love and is a gentle exploration of death, grief, and the beauty of remembering and celebrating someone special. On Dia de los Muertos, Cala is heartbroken over her grandfather passing and…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Dear Jackie

  Bagley, Jessixa,

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  This realistic graphic novel transported me back to the challenging years of middle school, where you are constantly receiving mixed messages of how 'to be' and struggling to fit in. I loved the diversity and inclusion of the characters, the sibling…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Words Matter

  the Story of Hans and Sophie Scholl, and the White Rose Resistance

  Fitch Pazner, Anita, 1966-

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  I loved this short nonfiction title for its timeless (and very timely) focus on being brave and standing up for your beliefs. It's so inspiring to see how the Scholl siblings and the White Rose members stood up for their convictions and for human…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Mixed-up

  Garcia, Kami,

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  I enjoyed this affirming graphic novel that offers a sensitive and empathetic story about Stella, who has dyslexia. It is inspired by the author's own experience. Suggested by Rummanah.

• How to Draw a Secret

  Chang, Cindy,

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  This approachable graphic novel addresses family dynamics and the secrets we keep. Based on the author's own childhood, this story creatively uses artwork to help reveal emotions and character motivations. Suggested by Judy.

• Hillside Valley

  Anta, Julio,

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  This is a beautifully illustrated graphic novel that explores the ups and downs of what it's like to not be fluent in a language that is native to your community. I felt incredibly seen when reading this graphic novel. Suggested by Rummanah.

• Maptastic!

  Reimagine the World, One Map at a Time

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  I love maps, and this is a great modern way to visualize the world. The maps in this book do a great job of incorporating major cultures and religions in ways that older books in the genre do not. Suggested by Xander.

• The Puzzling Fate of Millicent Graves

  Mitchell, Dora M.,

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  As a fan of jigsaw puzzles, I liked watching the pieces of this clever and at times spooky story come together. Suggested by Rummanah.

• Astronautical!

  Stormie, Brooklin,

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  This comedy space adventure made me guffaw, chortle, and giggle at the absurdity. Perfect for those who love quirkiness like Steven Universe but also commercial enough for readers of Zita the Spacegirl or Catstronauts. Try not to fall in love with…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Chickenpox

  Lai, Remy,

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  I really enjoyed this graphic novel. Remy Lai hilariously and accurately captures the complicated relationships among siblings. Suggested by Rummanah.

• Psychic Investigators, Evil Exterminators

  Healey, KT,

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  The style of this graphic novel has the same energy as the shows from Cartoon Network. And I know some kids will love the pacing and the artwork of this story. So much adventure and personality. Suggested by Hayaat.

• Nafu Wants Food

  a Graphic Novel

  Bosa, Subi,

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  I enjoyed this book because of the compelling story, strong characters, art, and settings. I appreciated the plot and message: greed begets greed, but forgiveness and reform are possible. The book also encourages healthy colorful food choices.…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Oasis

  Guojing, 1983-

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  I was incredibly moved when I read this graphic novel. With delicate images and a powerful ambience, it is a tale of sacrifice and what it means to be a family. Suggested by Rummanah.

• The Traveling Taco

  the Amazing & Surprising Journey of Many of Your Favorite Foods

  Wenjen, Mia,

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  Learning about the history of some of the foods we eat was cool! I learned a lot that I hadn't known before, and I really like all the illustrations. It is an awesome mashup of history and food. Suggested by Amanda.

• How to Talk to Your Succulent

  Persico, Zoe, 1993-

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  A gorgeously illustrated story that tugs on the heartstrings. Adara’s ability to talk to plants helps her process her grief after the loss of a loved one, and to connect with her distant father. A pinch of magic makes this tender story all more…Read moreRead more of this annotation