Comics can be an essential medium for young girls. For one, comics and graphic novels can encourage people to read, as the visual nature makes these books more accessible and engaging. Comics also foster imagination (many of them feature fantastic settings, stories, and characters), and can help girls develop critical thinking skills by challenging readers to think about the world around them. Lastly, comic books and graphic stories increase empathy because they deal with complex social and emotional issues in a way that is relatable and accessible to young readers.
Why Representation in Comics Matters
Comics can be a powerful tool for representation, showcasing diverse characters and experiences that are often underrepresented in other forms of media. This can help young people see themselves and their experiences reflected in the stories they read, promoting a sense of belonging and acceptance.
If you’re looking for a short list of the best comics for young girls, here are the titles you will find below (in more detail there, of course!):
“Smile” by Raina Telgemeier
“Lumberjanes” by Noelle Stevenson, Shannon Watters, and Grace Ellis
“Guts” by Raina Telgemeier
“Roller Girl” by Victoria Jamieson
“Sunny Side Up” by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm
“El Deafo” by Cece Bell
“Nimona” by Noelle Stevenson
“Ms. Marvel” by G. Willow Wilson
“Zita the Spacegirl” by Ben Hatke
“The Baby-Sitters Club” graphic novel series by Raina Telgemeier
Best Comics for Young Girls - And Why I Like Them
There are many great comic books for young girls that offer engaging stories, relatable characters, and important messages. In this section, I will show you what I consider to be the best ten comics or graphic novels that are perfect for young girls and why I think you should consider getting them. So, without further ado, here are my top picks (including links to get the comic books new or second hand).
Smile
By Raina Telgemeier
“Smile” is a graphic novel written by Raina Telgemeier, aimed at middle-grade readers. The book follows the author’s own experiences of growing up with dental issues and navigating the challenges of middle school.
The story begins when Raina falls and injures her two front teeth. Over the course of several years, she undergoes various dental procedures and faces social challenges related to her appearance, including teasing and bullying. Through it all, she perseveres and learns to embrace her differences.
“Smile” is a relatable and engaging coming-of-age story that deals with themes of self-acceptance, friendship, and identity. The vibrant illustrations bring the characters and setting to life, making the story even more accessible and appealing to young readers. The book has been widely praised for its honesty, humor, and empowering message, making it a beloved classic of the middle-grade graphic novel genre.
Lumberjanes
By Noelle Stevenson, Shannon Watters, and Grace Ellis
“Lumberjanes” is a comic book series created by Noelle Stevenson, Shannon Watters, and Grace Ellis, aimed at young adult readers. The series follows a group of five friends attending Miss Qiunzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet’s Camp for Hardcore Lady-Types, where they encounter supernatural creatures and mysterious happenings in the woods around the camp.
The series celebrates friendship, girl power, and inclusivity, featuring diverse characters with varying backgrounds and identities. The stories are full of adventure and humor, but also touch on important themes such as self-discovery, growing up, and facing challenges with courage and resilience.
“Lumberjanes” has been praised for its engaging storytelling, charming artwork, and positive representation of LGBTQ+ characters and relationships. It has won multiple awards, including Eisner Awards for Best New Series and Best Publication for Teens, and has been adapted into other media such as a graphic novel series, a prose novel, and an upcoming animated TV show.
Guts
By Raina Telgemeier
“Guts” is a graphic novel written by Raina Telgemeier, aimed at middle-grade readers. It is a heartfelt and relatable story that deals with the challenges of anxiety and panic attacks.
The book follows the author’s own experiences of struggling with anxiety as a child. The main character, Raina, is excited to start sixth grade, but when she suddenly starts experiencing stomach pains, she becomes increasingly anxious and afraid. As her symptoms worsen, Raina finds it difficult to talk to her friends and family about what she’s going through. But with the help of therapy and the support of her loved ones, she learns how to cope with her anxiety and regain her confidence.
“Guts” is a powerful and uplifting story that tackles an important and often stigmatized topic. The honest and engaging storytelling, combined with Telgemeier’s signature artwork, makes it a must-read for young readers who may be dealing with similar issues. The book has been widely praised for its sensitivity and authenticity, and has been recognized with awards such as the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Graphic Novel.
Roller Girl
By Victoria Jamieson
“Roller Girl” is a graphic novel written and illustrated by Victoria Jamieson, aimed at middle-grade readers. It tells the story of 12-year-old Astrid, who discovers her love for roller derby and learns the importance of friendship and perseverance.
Astrid is inspired to try roller derby after attending a bout with her mother, but quickly realizes that it’s much harder than she expected. As she struggles to improve her skills and adapt to the competitive environment, she also faces challenges in her relationships with her best friend and her mother. But with the help of her roller derby mentor and her fellow teammates, Astrid learns to believe in herself and follow her passion.
“Roller Girl” is a fun and inspiring story that celebrates individuality, perseverance, and girl power. The colorful and dynamic illustrations bring the exciting world of roller derby to life, while the relatable characters and themes make it a relatable and engaging read for young readers. The book has been highly praised and recognized with awards such as the Newbery Honor, the Schneider Family Book Award, and the Will Eisner Comic Industry Award.
Sunny Side Up
By Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm
“Sunny Side Up” is a graphic novel written by Jennifer L. Holm and illustrated by Matthew Holm, aimed at middle-grade readers. It is a poignant and relatable story that deals with the challenges of growing up and coping with family issues.
The book follows the story of 10-year-old Sunny, who is sent to stay with her grandfather in Florida for the summer. But instead of the fun-filled vacation she was expecting, Sunny finds herself grappling with her family’s secrets and her older brother’s drug addiction. As she navigates through her feelings of confusion and betrayal, Sunny learns to cope with the challenges of family and find the strength to support her brother.
“Sunny Side Up” is a powerful and sensitive portrayal of the effects of drug addiction on families. The Holm siblings’ storytelling and artwork create a realistic and emotional world that readers will connect with on a deep level. The book has been praised for its thoughtful and nuanced approach to difficult subject matter, and has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Eisner Award for Best Publication for Kids.
El Deafo
By Cece Bell
“El Deafo” is a heartwarming and autobiographical graphic novel written and illustrated by Cece Bell, aimed at young readers. The book tells the story of Cece, a young girl who becomes deaf after an illness and learns to navigate the challenges of growing up with hearing loss.
In “El Deafo,” Cece creates her own superhero persona, “El Deafo,” who helps her to cope with the social isolation and communication difficulties she faces as a result of her deafness. Along the way, she makes friends, falls in love, and discovers her own inner strength.
The book is a unique and relatable portrayal of the experiences of deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. Cece’s vibrant and expressive illustrations, coupled with her humorous and honest storytelling, make “El Deafo” a compelling and accessible read for all ages. The book has received numerous awards, including the Newbery Honor, the Eisner Award for Best Publication for Kids, and the Children’s Choice Book Award.
Nimona
By Noelle Stevenson
“Nimona” is a critically acclaimed graphic novel by Noelle Stevenson, aimed at young adult readers. The book tells the story of Nimona, a shapeshifter who becomes the sidekick of the villainous Lord Ballister Blackheart.
As Nimona and Blackheart scheme to take down the Institution of Law Enforcement and Heroics, Nimona’s past and her mysterious powers come to light. The book explores themes of friendship, identity, and the consequences of wielding power.
Stevenson’s dynamic and expressive artwork, coupled with her witty and nuanced storytelling, makes “Nimona” a thrilling and thought-provoking read. The book has received numerous awards, including the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature and the Eisner Award for Best Graphic Album – Reprint. “Nimona” is a must-read for anyone who loves action-packed adventures, complex characters, and stories that challenge the status quo.
Ms. Marvel
By G. Willow Wilson
“Ms. Marvel” is a groundbreaking comic book series written by G. Willow Wilson and illustrated by various artists, aimed at young adult readers. The series introduces Kamala Khan, a Muslim teenager living in Jersey City who discovers she has superhuman powers.
As Kamala grapples with her newfound abilities, she also navigates the complexities of her cultural identity, her family’s expectations, and her desire to be a hero. “Ms. Marvel” tackles important themes such as diversity, representation, and the challenges of being a teenager in today’s world.
Wilson’s writing is both heartfelt and humorous, while the artwork is vibrant and dynamic. “Ms. Marvel” has been praised for its relatable characters, its fresh take on the superhero genre, and its positive representation of marginalized communities. The series has won numerous awards, including the Hugo Award for Best Graphic Story and the Eisner Award for Best New Series. “Ms. Marvel” is a must-read for anyone looking for a thrilling and empowering story that celebrates diversity and inclusivity.
Zita the Spacegirl
By Ben Hatke
“Zita the Spacegirl” is a beloved graphic novel series written and illustrated by Ben Hatke. The series follows the adventures of a young girl named Zita, who becomes stranded on an alien planet after discovering a strange device. With the help of new friends and her own determination, Zita sets out on a quest to save the planet and find her way back home.
Hatke’s charming artwork and imaginative storytelling make “Zita the Spacegirl” a delightful read for children and adults alike. The series has been praised for its engaging characters, its sense of humor, and its themes of friendship, bravery, and perseverance. Zita is a relatable and empowering protagonist who inspires readers to follow their dreams and never give up, no matter the challenges they may face.
“Zita the Spacegirl” has won numerous awards, including the Eisner Award for Best Publication for Kids and the Cybils Award for Elementary/Middle-Grade Graphic Novels. With its mix of sci-fi, adventure, and heartwarming moments, this series is perfect for anyone who loves a good space adventure and a strong female lead.
The Baby-Sitters Club
By Raina Telgemeier
“The Baby-Sitters Club” is a graphic novel series adapted by Raina Telgemeier based on the original book series by Ann M. Martin. The series follows a group of friends, Kristy, Mary Anne, Claudia, Stacey, and Dawn, who start a babysitting business in the fictional town of Stoneybrook, Connecticut.
In the graphic novel adaptation, Telgemeier brings the characters to life with vivid illustrations and a modern update to their stories. Each book in the series focuses on a different member of the Baby-Sitters Club and their experiences growing up, navigating friendships, family, and school. The themes of the series are relatable and tackle issues such as bullying, first crushes, divorce, and family dynamics.
Throughout the series, the girls’ friendship remains at the heart of the story as they support each other through their individual struggles. The Baby-Sitters Club graphic novels appeal to a wide range of ages, from children to adults, and have become beloved classics in the world of young adult literature.
