Graphic Novels Featuring Strong Girls

by Shauna J. Grant
Ages 6–8
Recommended by Stephanie B., Tompkins Square Library

What would it be like for the whole world to call you "cute" all the time? Straight from NYPL’s Best Books for Kids, Mimi and the Cutie Catastrophe by Shauna J. Grant follows Mimi, a young girl who is cute to the core. She sleeps in a cute pink room, wears cute clothes, and even has a cute plush dog named Penelope. But one day, Mimi realizes there is more to her than meets the eye. Yes, she is cute, but she is also so much more than that! Mimi wants to be so many other things as well. This simple comic filled with vibrant colors takes readers on an adventure of self discovery and endless possibilities. Will Mimi be able to escape this catastrophe?

Also recommended by Jada C., Tremont Library

Mimi is a free-spirited, tutu-wearing young African American girl obsessed with the colors pink and purple and jelly toast. But her problems start when her mom warns her not to get her clothes dirty. And when her friends doubt her strength, she sets out to prove them wrong. Mimi learns the true powers of her assertive self-identity. Mimi and her family are Black, her neighbors are Latinx, and everyone featured in the story is Black or Brown. Mimi and the Cutie Catastrophe celebrates diversity and allows children of color to see themselves in the pages of the book.

by Christina Soontornvat; illustrated by Joanna Cacao
Ages 8–12
Recommended by Emmah S., Stapleton Library

Christina is an Asian American girl who is tired of feeling like she doesn’t belong: she doesn’t see herself as popular at school, she doesn’t make the cheerleading team, and she gets bullied by her classmates. Things start to change for Christina when she realizes that she has people around her to support her. She has her best friend, her friends from art class, and her family. Christina becomes more confident and spreads a message of strength and unity. Based on the author’s childhood experiences, The Tryout is for anyone who has ever felt marginalized in their community.

adapted by Elle Stephens
Ages 4–8
Recommended by Selina L., Chatham Square Library

Mylene is scared of the movie's monster. While filming a scary movie for class, Mylene runs away crying in the bathroom. Hawk Moth can tell that she is upset and turns her into a villain called Horrificator! Marinette notices that Mylene is missing and discovers suspicious pink slime on a mirror. She hears screaming, sees students missing, and notices pink slime everywhere. Will Marinette be able to find Mylene and save her? Why is there pink slime everywhere? Miraculous: Monster Madness! by Elle Stephens has an amazing suspenseful plot. Come join Marinette as she tries to defeat the monster and save Mylene.

by Rachele Aragno; translation by Carla Roncalli Di Montorio
Ages 8–12
Recommended by Aaliyah T., Mariners Harbor Library

Every child wonders what it would be like to be an adult… I know I did! What is it like to make your own decisions and have adults finally listen to you for once? Mel is the chosen one. She experiences what it’s like to be a grown-up. Join Mel on a journey in a magical world where she learns what it means to be a mature adult. 

by Bree Paulsen
Ages 8–12
Recommended by Nana Adwoa A., Grand Concourse Library

Garlic and the Vampire is a captivating graphic novel for young and middle readers by Bree Paulsen about a spunky but anxious garlic bulb and her adventure to confront a vampire and save her friends. Garlic is always late for market day and scared that she does everything wrong. But with her best friend Carrot there to support her, Garlic is happy to live a simple life away from harm or danger on the nearby farm. Until one day, the vegetables spot smoke coming from the chimney of a nearby castle in the woods. Who has moved into the abandoned castle? Garlic’s new nemesis: a mysterious vampire. Enter the world of Garlic with its colorful and bold illustrations. Fantasy and friendship are common themes in this quick but exciting read. Kids looking for a spooky story with a plot twist that will leave them smiling are sure to love this graphic novel and its wonderful characters.

written by Deirdre Langeland; illustrated by Sarah Mai
Ages 8–12
Recommended by Emmah S., Stapleton Library

The Cool Code is about a girl named Zoey and her first day at a new school. Zoey is computer science savvy! She codes a social app to help her adapt to her new school, but keeps it a secret from her classmates. Zoey uses the app to impress the kids at school and to fit in, but she meets great people that became her first friends. With the help of her new friends, Zoey researches and re-codes her app! Read The Cool Code to find out how Zoey develops her new code and makes friends along the way.

by Faith Erin Hicks
Ages 10–14
Recommendation by Mollie K., Jerome Park Library

In the graphic novel Ride On by Faith Erin Hicks, Victoria goes to Edgewood Stables looking for a fresh start. There, she learns the importance of friendship, courage, and trying new things. This graphic novel will appeal to all kids alike: those with horse-riding experience and those who have only seen horses in pictures. This story has it all, from friendship troubles to cleaning horse stalls!