These eight graphic novels for middle-grade and middle-school readers tell stories that range from the realistic to the fantastical. See also our Five Questions interview with Remy Lai about Ghost Book; Five Questions for Jerry Craft about School Trip; Hosting a Middle-Grade Graphic Novel Club by Amanda Lawrence; and our Graphic Novels tag.

Duel
by Jessixa Bagley; illus. by Aaron Bagley
Middle School    Simon    320 pp.
11/23    9781534496552    $24.99
Paper ed.  9781534496545    $14.99
e-book ed.  9781534496569    $10.99

Fantasy-loving Lucy and her perfectionist older sister, Gigi, have been fighting ever since their dad's passing. When Gigi, a popular eighth grader, trips Lucy in the lunchroom on her first day of middle school, Lucy can't take it anymore: she publicly challenges Gigi, "the best fencer in school," to a duel. (Gigi: "A…duel?!…Fencers don't have duels-we have bouts.") The two are called to the principal's office for a meeting alongside their grief-stricken, overworked mom. Though a bout is forbidden, the sisters plan one anyway to be held during upcoming fencing team tryouts. As the two prepare to compete, they begin to process and address (with friends, their mother, and each other) some of the ways that their father's death has affected them. A satisfying, hopeful conclusion includes a heartfelt note from the creators explaining the graphic novel's real-life inspirations. Aaron Bagley's coarse line and hand lettering-based font give the illustrations a natural, raw feel. The beginning of each chapter resembles a page from a fencing guide, connecting to the well-paced plot and scaffolding readers' understanding. Color-coded inset boxes showcasing the siblings' personal thoughts and vulnerabilities add further depth to their characters; tender blue-hued flashback scenes allow the girls' father and his memory to be ever-present. A down-to-earth and emotional family story. ELISA GALL

Out There
by Seaerra Miller; illus. by the author
Middle School    Little, Brown    232 pp.
6/23    9780316591867    $24.99
Paper ed.  9780316591874    $12.99
e-book ed.  9780316591850    $9.99

In a graphic novel set during the seventy-fifth anniversary of the alleged alien crash landing in Roswell, New Mexico, Julia searches for extraterrestrial life on a road trip with her dad while unexpectedly examining her Earth-bound relationships. Her father hasn't been the same since his supposed alien abduction, resulting in her parents' separation. Julia wants to support her dad but wrestles with her own doubt and disappointment. Her frustration is heightened once arriving in Roswell, thanks to the corny nature of the festivities and the cynicism of peers. Josh is also a child of self-proclaimed alien abductees, yet to Julia's surprise he vehemently opposes his parents' beliefs. ("Trust me, all these people are full of it.") After a series of mishaps-including a miscalculated prank, a car breakdown, and their failure to contact aliens-Julia reaches a hard-earned understanding of her father, shaped by acceptance and empathy. Miller's skillful cartooning enhances the storytelling throughout. Shifts in color effectively signal transitions between the present and the past. The sharp dialogue is believable, while wordless scenes are equally revealing. A consistent three-tiered page layout establishes a steady reading pace; however, Miller frequently shifts panel size, shape, and quantity for narrative impact-from rows of numerous panels during fast-paced discussions to bold double-page spreads at emotional crescendos. A satisfying and nuanced encounter. PATRICK GALL

Curlfriends: New in Town
by Sharee Miller; illus. by the author; color by Luke Healy
Intermediate, Middle School    LB Ink/Little, Brown    288 pp.
10/23    9780316591478    $24.99
Paper ed.  9780316591454    $12.99
e-book ed.  9780316591447    $9.99

In this endearing and relatable graphic novel, Charlie has moved all around the world with her family. Now that her dad is retired from the Air Force, they are finally settling down in her parents' hometown. While starting from scratch-again-Charlie is determined to reinvent herself to ensure she makes friends. From new clothes to contact lenses to a new hairdo, she is ready to make an impression. Though her first day of middle school takes an unfortunate turn, ruining her perfect hair and outfit, a classmate comes to her rescue, and Charlie is able to salvage the day, even making some new "Curlfriends." As she navigates her new home and school life, she also struggles to reconnect with her father, who has often been away due to military duties. Miller's vibrant art is warm and inviting, with engaging details that pop on every page. Charlie's tween angst will feel familiar as she attempts to bury her individuality in order to fit in with her peers, ultimately learning that real friends will accept her for her uniqueness. Charlie's journey to belonging also includes learning how to deal with conflict when her new friends discover things she's been hiding. A welcome graphic novel with Black girl representation for middle-graders and middle-schoolers. MONIQUE HARRIS

Ink Girls
by Marieke Nijkamp; illus. by Sylvia Bi
Intermediate, Middle School    Greenwillow    288 pp.
11/23    9780063027114    $24.99
Paper ed.  9780063027107    $15.99
e-book ed.  9780063027121    $10.99

This energetic and optimistic graphic novel overflows with collectivism and an activist spirit. In the fictional world of Siannerra (inspired by Italian city-states of the late Middle Ages and Renaissance), Mestra Aronne prints and distributes avvisi-news-filled pamphlets-for her community. She also serves as mentor and caregiver for apprentice Cinzia, who walks using a cane. When one of the pamphlets informs the community that their magistrate is lying and stealing, guards show up to arrest both printer and apprentice. Cinzia escapes, aided by Contessina Elena, the daughter of the principessa and niece of the corrupt magistrate. Rumors about Elena abound (people say she is "odd" and unfit to rule), but Cinzia and Elena become fast friends. When the magistrate announces that Mestra Aronne will be hanged for treason, the girls-alongside­ like-minded allies-race to locate the evidence against the magistrate and distribute the truth to the people. Friendship, family, home, and political risk-taking are thoughtfully presented through well-paced dialogue and inset boxes showcasing characters' inner thoughts. Line work is clear and consistent, especially in jam-packed spreads and in sun-drenched red-orange hues of chaotic city scenes. Atmosphere is further delineated through swirling song lyrics and chants, spread in cursive across expertly placed panels. This lively, inclusive, and engaging story is also a timely reminder of the value of a free press. ELISA GALL

Four Eyes
by Rex Ogle; illus. by Dave Valeza; color by Ash Szymanik
Intermediate, Middle School    Graphix/Scholastic    224 pp.
5/23    9781338574975    $24.99
Paper ed.  9781338574968    $12.99
e-book ed.  9781338574982    $12.99

Rex is looking forward to starting middle school, but his sixth-grade year starts off poorly when he realizes he needs glasses. He's seen other kids being bullied for wearing glasses, and when he goes to school wearing them, Rex is, indeed, made fun of. Victor and his friends are unrelenting, calling him geek, nerd, weirdo, and, of course, four eyes. Victor is the cool guy, and his band of bullies gains popularity by association with him. Even Rex's best friend, Drew, abandons him in favor of Victor, who goes even further and makes fun of Rex's mother for being a waitress. However, after a long depiction of the ways and means of middle-school meanness, Ogle (Free Lunch) and Valeza give the story a positive turn. Rex's abuela tells him the story of the truly hard times of her childhood in Mexico, a few kids from his class who share his "nerdy" interests in comic books and Star Wars become friends, and even Drew returns to the fold. The graphic-novel format is used effectively in this story loosely based on Ogle's life. Sharply defined images become blurry to show readers how Rex sees things; when Abuela relates her childhood story, the colorful palette shifts to gray backgrounds to suggest the family's struggles; and several panels portray the verbal abuse Victor is subjected to by his father, implying why Victor himself has taken to bullying. Rex's glasses help him see more clearly, but listening to his parents, Abuela, and his friends helps him understand what's truly important. DEAN SCHNEIDER

Picture Day
by Sarah Sax; illus. by the author
Middle School    Knopf    288 pp.
6/23    9780593306888    $20.99
Paper ed.  9780593306871    $13.99
Library ed.  9780593306895    $23.99
e-book ed.  9780593306901    $8.99

Tween relationships and identity development are the focus of this engaging contemporary graphic novel. It is middle-school picture day, and Viv is determined to make her mark. Motivated by the potential for online attention, and inspired by an affirming social media influencer, Viv impulsively chops off her signature braid. The act-along with the newly styled haircut that follows-turns heads and boosts Viv's confidence; she finds herself exploring different social connections and trying new activities. However, these new experiences and the attention they offer distract Viv from her loyal best friends and their long-term project to create a roller-skating routine celebrating a favorite fandom. After Viv pressures her friends to share their not-yet-ready routine publicly, and it does not go well, Viv is forced to reckon with the impact of her insensitive behavior. The bubbly, thickly lined illustrations showcase the characters' styles and electronic interactions (texts, social media posts, etc.) with panache. The tensions and resolutions are portrayed through heartfelt dialogue and with pacing that feels authentic for the seventh-grade characters and the setting. Recommended for fans of Raina Telgemeier and Victoria Jamieson. ELISA GALL

The Do-Over
by Rodrigo Vargas; illus. by Coni Yovaniniz
Intermediate, Middle School    Clarion/HarperCollins    224 pp.
5/23    9780358394044    $24.99
Paper ed.  9780358394051    $15.99
e-book ed.  9780358394334    $10.99

In this upbeat graphic novel, Maru is trying to adjust to her family's recent move from California to Ohio. Her papá, a barbershop owner, and the rest of her Peruvian American family are caring and supportive, but she struggles to communicate openly with others (thought bubbles often reveal her true thoughts and feelings), and she's mourning her mother's death. After meeting outgoing middle school classmates Everly and Zoe, Maru seizes the opportunity to make new friends. Spurred by Zoe's invention of a natural hair dye and bolstered by Everly's creative hairstyling skills, the entrepreneurial trio transforms an old RV (with the help of Maru's abuela and tío) into a salon. Just as each of their strengths contributes to their success, their respective faults lead to conflict, threatening their friendship and business, but an empathic resolution deepens the characterization of these relatable tweens. Bilingual Maru communicates in Spanish and English with friends and family throughout. Bold, rounded outlines are enlivened by recurring tints of pink, purple, and teal, to represent the individuality of each girl. Sure to win over fans of the PAWS (Gabby Gets It Together, rev. 3/22) and Peapod Farm (Stepping Stones, rev. 5/20) graphic-novel series. JESSICA AGUDELO

A Sky of Paper Stars
by Susie Yi; illus. by the author
Intermediate    Roaring Brook    240 pp.
9/23    9781250843883    $22.99
Paper ed.  9781250843890    $14.99
e-book ed.  9781250354440    $9.99

Korean American Yuna feels stifled by the traditional ways of her immigrant parents. She brings homemade lunches to school while her classmates get pizza. She stays home while her friends have sleepovers. A Korean legend passed down to Yuna from her halmoni (grandmother) says that if one gathers a thousand paper stars into a jar, a wish is granted. Yuna takes on this challenge,­ and upon folding the thousandth star, makes a fateful wish to return to Korea and so lead a "normal"­ life. The next morning, she awakes to learn that Halmoni­ has died unexpectedly and finds that her own hand has started transforming­ into paper. In Korea for her grandmother's funeral, she strives to fold another thousand­ stars in order to reverse her wish and bring Halmoni back to life-and avoid turning into paper ("I am a paper girl…blowing in the wind. Alone and fragile. I am invisible"). Yi's poignant graphic novel weaves together themes of isolation,­ ­belonging, guilt, death, and family along with the complex dynamics of forging a Korean American identity. The plot oscillates between the past and present, unraveling events through intermittent flashbacks. Yuna's memories unfold through pastel shades of blue; her mother's memories of her childhood and Halmoni, in sepia tones. Montage panels reflect Halmoni's endearing acts of love. Memory, magic, and mystery converge to tell an intergenerational story that captivates the imagination and heart. JERRY DEAR

From the October 2023 issue of Notes from the Horn Book.