Take Five: New Middle Grade Graphic Novels for October
As part of our Mind the Middle project focusing on middle grade books, I’m going to try to do weekly Take Five lists, which is to say, five books on a certain theme.
I LOVE graphic novels. I read as many as I can get my hands on, for all ages. And if I had a dollar for every time I said something to the effect of “graphic novels are real books” or “reading graphic novels is reading” to someone disparaging them… well, I couldn’t quit my job, but I would have a LOT of dollars.
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October has lots of great graphic novels coming out. As always, a list of five is only sharing a tiny bit of what’s out there. Check your local library for other books on this theme!
These Take Five lists can help you with collection development, displays, reading lists, and more. I have a pretty giant list of potential Take Five themes, but if there’s something you’re desperate for a list for, let me know!
All descriptions come from the publishers.
Monster Locker by Jorge Aguirre, Andrés Vera Martínez (Illustrator) (ISBN-13: 9781250749741 Publisher: First Second Publication date: 10/01/2024 Series: Monster Locker #1, Ages 10-14)
In this first volume of a thrilling middle grade graphic novel series, a sixth-grader named Pablo discovers his locker is a portal to the realm of monsters!
For hundreds of years, something in the basement of Glenfield Middle School has waited for its chance to open a portal into the realm of monsters. Now its time has come, and the school is going to need a hero. Pablo Ortiz . . . isn’t that guy. All he wants to do is lie low and get through middle school in one piece. So when Pablo accidentally opens the portal and summons a vengeful Aztec goddess, he’ll need the butt-kicking skills of his new friends and the wisdom passed down by his abuela to take her on.
Katie the Catsitter 4: The Purrfect Plan by Colleen AF Venable, Stephanie Yue (Illustrator) (ISBN-13: 9780593570388 Publisher: Random House Children’s Books Publication date: 10/08/2024 Series: Katie the Catsitter #4, Ages 8-12)
Katie the Catsitter is back with her next adventure, and this time she may need the help of an . . . elephant? This irresistibly fun, bestselling, girl—and cat—power graphic novel series is perfect for fans of Sweet Valley Twins and the Babysitters Club!
“A little evil and a whole lotta fun.” —Kirkus Reviews
WANTED: TOP SECRET PLAN
Katie is rocking 7th grade and being a superhero sidekick, so when a new threat puts the whole city in danger she’s ready to spring into action! She’ll just need one super secret plan, a little help from her friends (okay a lot of help!), an invitation to the city’s fanciest party, 217 slightly unusual cats, and . . . maybe a new superhero outfit. Can Katie pull off the plan of the century?! Get ready for more drama, more disguises, more fun, more friends, more secrets and more surprises than ever before! (Plus cats, definitely more cats!)
Bonus: Don’t miss the Which Cat Are You Quiz inside!
Swing by Audrey Meeker, colors by Sarah Davidson (ISBN-13: 9781250864031 Publisher: Feiwel & Friends Publication date: 10/22/2024, Ages 9-12)
Debut author/illustrator Audrey Meeker playfully explores complicated friendships, gender norms, and navigating other people’s expectations in this charming middle grade graphic novel.
Marcus McCalister wants to fit in. So much so that he’s still playing on a soccer team with his childhood friend Ted, despite not liking soccer—or Ted—all that much.
Izzy Briggs wants to stand out. Being labeled the “weird kid” for her bold fashion choices is the price an aspiring designer must pay for a life of greatness—but being confident isn’t always easy.
So when Izzy and Marcus are paired together to perform a swing dance routine for a gym project, it’s no surprise that everything goes up in flames, including their grade in the class. Until their gym teacher proposes a deal: if the pair performs the swing routine in the upcoming talent show, they’ll receive extra credit and a passing grade. They accept. . . but Izzy has her own proposal for Marcus: this time, she gets to be the lead.
Turning Twelve: (A Graphic Novel) by Kathryn Ormsbee, Molly Brooks (Illustrator) (ISBN-13: 9780593650066 Publisher: Random House Children’s Books Publication date: 10/29/2024 Series: From the Universe of Growing Pangs, Ages 8-12)
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Turning twelve means big changes for Katie—first bra, first time babysitting, and a first crush that she knows not everyone will approve of, From the creators of the acclaimed graphic novel Growing Pangs, comes another pitch-perfect coming-of-age graphic novel, set in the same beloved universe.
What if a friend…is more than a friend?
Katie can’t wait to turn twelve—pool parties! babysitting! friends! But sometimes it feels like there’s so much new stuff she can barely keep up. First Job? (Yes!) Unfair dress codes? (No way!) Make up (Okay?!) Shaving? (Uh…!) Maybe growing up isn’t as much fun as she had expected. But one thing does seem right—her new friend, Grace. Could Katie have a crush on another girl? Katie knows not everyone around her will approve…which is kind of scary. She might not be ready to tell anyone yet, and that’s fine…but can Katie stay true to herself and embrace the person she’s growing up to be?
The Firelight Apprentice by Bree Paulsen (ISBN-13: 9780063266582 Publisher: HarperCollins Publication date: 10/29/2024, Ages 10-12)
The bestselling author-illustrator of Garlic and the Vampire, Bree Paulsen, brings her fantastical storytelling and warm, sparkling artwork to this story that celebrates the bond between sisters.
In a city powered by magic and still recovering from a bloody war, Ada is concerned about her younger sister Safi’s developing powers. She understands that Safi could learn how to control her magic under the apprenticeship of a king’s magician. But with the memories of war still fresh, Ada is conflicted by this prospect—despite her knowing that she can’t keep Safi safely at home with the threat of deadly, power-thieving liches prowling the kingdom.
When a traveling group of magicians comes to the city to perform, they immediately recognize Safi’s talents and offer to take her on as an apprentice. Safi is thrilled about her new adventure—even if that means leaving behind Ada and their sickly father. And Ada is right to worry about her sister, for there may be monsters hiding behind friendly faces…
Filed under: Take 5
About Amanda MacGregor
Amanda MacGregor works in an elementary library, loves dogs, and can be found on Twitter @CiteSomething.
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