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What is a children’s classic? A classic is a book that has staying power, has been read for decades, and people still want to read it. If a book sticks around in your mind for thirty years, unsurprisingly you may encourage your children or children you know to read it too. Why a graphic novel? Why not read it in its original form? It’s no secret to parents (and librarians) that graphic novels appeal to children. One of the most frequent questions I am asked by children is where are the graphic novels?
Graphic novels are an excellent tool for developing readers and ESL students. They contextualize subject matter and introduce new vocabulary in a way that engages the mind. Graphic novel versions often feature updated settings and diverse characters, such as Anne of West Philly - a modern retelling of Anne of Green Gables, making them more eye catching to young readers.
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The Secret Garden on 81st Street: A Modern Graphic Retelling of the Secret Garden adapted by Ivy Noelle Weir, illustrated by Amber Padilla [originally by Frances Hodgson Burnett]
The second in the Classic Graphic Remix series (others in the series are Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy and Anne of West Philly), Mary Lennox is uprooted from her home in Silicon Valley after the death of her parents and arrives at her Uncle Archie’s home in New York City. The drastic changes take time to get used to, but exploring the city – notably the neighborhood and bodega cat Robin – help Mary feel more at home. Mary’s curiosity gets the best of her, she investigates the locked door on the top floor and finds a secret key that unlocks the hidden garden. The garden is in disrepair, the plants are dead and leaves are everywhere. But that’s not the only secret Mary discovers! Mary learns she has a cousin named Colin who she’s never met because Colin can’t leave his room without triggering a panic attack. With the help of her friend Dickon, Mary decides she’ll both bring the garden back to life and help Colin with his anxiety and their shared grief.
Modern details to this story include an updated setting, LGBTQIA+ characters, addressing mental illness, and characters who are mostly brown.
Also available as an ebook!
The Hobbit adapted by Chuck Dixon, illustrated by David Wenzel [originally by J.R.R. Tolkien]
Bilbo Baggins is a hobbit of the Shire, and if hobbit value one thing it’s comfort. Bilbo might not be ready to leave the Bag End, or have ever thought about it, but fate always has a way to bring people together. Gandalf the Grey, a great and mischievous wizard, comes to Hobbiton with a surprising proposal for Bilbo – join a party of dwarves on an adventure! Although Bilbo never wished for more than warm food in his belly, a heroic quest finds him.
Thorin Oakenshield and his twelve companions set out on a dangerous mission to recover their stolen riches from the greedy and ferocious dragon Smaug. With thirteen in their party, they have everything covered... well almost. They need someone small and stealthy to sneak into Smaug’s lair; they need a burglar. Bilbo and Thorin’s company go through various trials and tribulations throughout Middle Earth, encountering trolls, goblins, hostile elves, and a dragon. The party will have to make it through Rivendell, Mirkwood, and Long Lake before they make it to the Misty Mountains and Smaug’s lair.
Anne of West Philly: a modern graphic retelling of Anne of Green Gables adapted by Ivy Noelle Weir, illustrated by Myisha Haynes [originally by Lucy Maud Montgomery]
A modernized twist on Montgomery’s classic novel, meet Anne Shirley a young black girl relocating to a new foster home in West Philadelphia. Anne joins the household of Marilla and Matthew Culbert as the sibling's new foster daughter. Living with the Culberts starts off a bit rocky as Anne and her foster parents adjust to life together, help Anne find where she fits in, and navigate being a new face in high school. One of the ways that Anne finds community in West Philly is by joining the robotics club at school. In robotics club she meets friends Diane and Gilbert and finds a passion that aligns with her extraordinary intelligence. Instead of focusing on Anne’s trauma, this graphic novel includes lots of black girl joy and Anne unexpectedly finding a place she belongs, a family.
Also available as an ebook!
A Wrinkle in Time: the graphic novel adapted and illustrated by Hope Larson [originally by Madeleine L'Engle]
Rather than altering the characters and setting, Larson’s modern retelling of L’Engle’s classic sci-fi novel utilizes simple illustrations to convey the mood and changes the characters undergo throughout the novel.
Meg Murry, Charles Murry, and their neighbor Calvin O’Keefe set off into the fifth dimension of time and space to try and find Meg and Charles missing father, Mr. Murry. The children don’t know where or how to begin their search, but they aren’t alone and travel through space with three guides, Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which – who are omnipotent celestial beings. Meg and company are able to travel through the fifth dimension because of the presence of a “tesseract,” or a wrinkle in time, that allows them to move through the fifth dimension. The Three W’s assist the party reach Camazotz so they can find Mr. Murry and save him from the giant disembodied brain IT. Problems are abundant for the group, and they must also find a way to save the universe from the star eating cloud of evil, the Dark Thing.
The lack of background illustrations attunes the reader to the emotions and character development of protagonist Meg Murry. Larson’s illustrations that solely use black, white, and Wedgewood blue (hearkening back to the original book cover) show the reader Meg’s transformation from an awkward, angsty girl to a confident and loving young woman. Follow Meg, Charles, and Calvin as they journey through space and time with their guides the three Mrs. W’s to face IT and save Mr. Murry.
Also available as an ebook!
Jack London's Call of the Wild: the graphic novel adapted by Neil Kleid, illustrated by Alex Niño [originally by Jack London]
This tale of endurance and reconnecting with nature centers around a St. Bernard-Scottish Shepherd mix named Buck. Buck enjoys the beautiful weather in California as a beloved pet, but his life turns upside down when he is dognapped from his home and sent to Yukon, Alaska to be a sled dog. When Buck arrives, he watches another dog get mauled and killed by a group of huskies and immediately realizes that Yukon isn’t like California. Buck doesn’t want the same fate to befall him, so he leans into his animal instincts and makes it his mission to not only survive but thrive the harsh climate. After traveling with an inexperienced team, Buck makes a choice that ultimately saves his life and finds an owner that he can truly devote himself to: John Thorton. Emphasized by the stark black-and-white illustrations, Buck must adapt to his surroundings, learn how to be a sled dog, and become leader of the wolf pack.
Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy: a graphic novel adapted by Rey Terciero, illustrated by Bre Indigo [originally by Louise May Alcott]
Over 150 years after it’s original publication, this updated version of Louise May Alcott’s Little Women has modern updates that make the story of sisterhood more relatable to contemporary readers. Meet the Marsh’s: a blended family being raised by a white mother as their black father is enlisted in the military and fighting overseas. Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy communicate with their dad by writing letters or sending emails – which help give the reader a glimpse into their minds. The girls each encounter their own difficulties such as racism at school, bullying, homophobia, and illness. Find out how the girls support and care for one another in this beautifully paced graphic novel.
Also available as an ebook!
Muppet Peter Pan adapted by Grace Randolph, illustrated by Amy Mebberson [originally by James Matthew Barrie]
One of several classic satirical retellings by the Muppets, shy Kermie Pan and brazen Piggytink must help the Darling Children and Lost Boys who have run off to Neverswamp. In Neverswamp, Kermie Pan must help the Darling Children and Lost Boys resist Captain Gonzo as he entices them to join his fierce pirate crew. But what’s not fun about being a pirate? The children want to see an epic showdown - can they convince Kermie Pan to duel Captain Gonzo? If you love the Muppets, also check out Muppet King Arthur and Muppet Snow White.
About the Author
Kay (they/them) is a Children’s Librarian at Tenley-Friendship Library. They enjoy reading during their Metro commute or at home with their two cats Éowyn and Mercutio. Kay’s favorite genre’s include graphic novels, manga, fantasy, science fiction, and poetry.