An Open Dialogue: Highlights from ALA-GNCRT’s 2023 Best Graphic Novels for Children List, by Librarian Angela Frederick

There are several divisions of the American Library Association that release lists of notable graphic novels for children and teens. The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) committee Great Graphic Novels for Teens releases an annual list aimed at ages 12-18. The ALSC Notable Children’s Books list includes graphic novels, but not exclusively. 

The ALA Graphic Novels and Comics Roundtable (GNCRT) saw a need for a graphic novels list that catered to a younger age. In that spirit, the Best Graphic Novels for Children list was created in 2021, and highlights books for ages 5-12. Like the other ALA lists, a long list of recommended titles is compiled, but committee members also vote on a Top Ten list each year. 

Today I am sharing the Top Ten titles that the committee voted on this year. All descriptions are from GNCRT. 

Buzzing. Written by Samuel Sattin. Art by Rye Hickman.2023. Little Brown Ink, $24.99 (9780316628433).

Isaac, aged 12, lives with OCD, and therapy doesn’t seem to be helping. In class, a schoolmate notices his drawings and asks him to join their role-playing  group. When his grades drop, Isaac’s overprotective mother threatens this new-found freedom. Middle Readers (Grades 3-4).

Duel. Written by Jessixa Bagley. Art by Aaron Bagley. 2023. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, $24.99 (9781534496552).                                    

Lucy is in sixth grade and new to middle school, while her sister, Gigi, is in eighth grade and Queen Bee. After losing their father, the two have grown apart, and now in the same school, their fights escalate until only a fencing duel can settle things. Middle Readers (Grades 3-4).

A First Time for Everything. Written by Dan Santat. Art by Dan Santat. 2023. First Second, $22.99 (9781626724150).

A memoir of a middle school kid on a school trip to Europe where he finds himself as well as young love. Older Readers (Grades 5-6).

Gnome and Rat. Written by Lauren Stohler. Art by Lauren Stohler. 2023. Knopf Books for Young Readers, $10.99 (9780593487822).

Gnome and Rat are best friends and enjoy doing everything together, whether it’s celebrating Hat Day or perfecting a new hairstyle for Gnome. They might be very different (Rat loves drinking tea and crosswords while Gnome loves caring for his hat and sausages), but they’re always there for each other. Young Readers (PreK-2nd Grade).

Mabuhay! Written by Zachary Sterling. Art by Zachary Sterling. Color by Rice Gallardo, Aaron Polk, and George Williams. Designed by Corina Taylotr. Edited by Megan Peace. 2023. Graphix, $24.99 (9781338738643).

JJ and Althea hate working with their parents on their food truck, but when magical creatures begin to threaten their safety, they learn to embrace their Filipino identity and value the folklore their mom loves to share. Middle Readers (Grades 3-4).

The Magma Cup (Sort of Super #2). Written by Eric Gapstur. Art by Eric Gapstur. Color by Kelly Dearbhla. Design by Laura Lyn DiSiena and Eric Gapstur. 2023. Aladdin, $22.99 (9781534480322).

Super siblings Wyatt and Adeline, along with their friends Beto and Nara, travel to summer camp and explore a volcano in an effort to find their lost mother and solve the mystery of their super powers. Middle Readers (Grades 3-4).

Mexikid. Written by Pedro Martín. Art by Pedro Martín. 2023. Dial Books for Young Readers, $24.99 (9780593462287).                                            

Pedro grew up listening to stories about his legendary abuelito and his oldest siblings’ lives in Mexico.  Adventure awaits Pedro and his 8 siblings as they road trip to Mexico to pick up their abuelito, and Pedro has a chance to get in touch with his roots. Older Readers (Grades 5-6).

Scurry. Written by Mac Smith. Art by Mac Smith. 2023. Skybound Comet, $14.99 (9781534324367).

Mice friends, Wix and Umf, are out scouting for supplies for their colony. Once dependent on humans, they are now surviving in the humans’ absence, but danger is everywhere. Danger comes from those around them and from the outside world they must venture into. Older Readers (Grades 5-6).

Tasty: A History of Yummy Experiments. Written by Victoria Grace Elliott. Art by Victoria Grace Elliott. 2023. Random House Graphic, $13.99 (9780593425329).

With the help of sprites, Yummy explores the history of foods such as cheese, pickles, olives, Spam, and even soda. Each section ends with recipes featuring the different foods. Sprites have fun showing the reader the history of all the yummy food we eat. Middle Readers (Grades 3-4).

Things in the Basement. Written by Ben Hatke. Art by Ben Hatke. Color by Zack Giallongo. 2023. First Second, $14.99 (9781250909541).

Milo’s hunt for his baby sister’s sock takes him on a subterranean quest full of adventure, heartache, and love. Middle Readers (Grades 3-4).

The 2024 committee is already hard at work preparing next year’s list. They do accept field nominations from the public at this link. Note: Publishers, creators, agents, or editors may not nominate their own titles.

Filed under: Comic Books, Comics, Graphic Novels