Best Graphic Novels for Upper Elementary (2026)

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A reader who wants a real story with panels and pictures often starts by searching for the best graphic novels for upper elementary. We compared the picks by what each listing states: grade level, reading age, page count, series position and the description.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	Hilo Box Set by Winick	9.8/10	Buy
2	Sheets by Thummler	9.7/10	Buy
3	Katie the Catsitter by Venable	9.7/10	Buy
4	Cat Kid Comic Club by Pilkey	9.7/10	Buy
5	A Wrinkle in Time by L'Engle	9.5/10	Buy

1

Hilo Box Set by Winick

Judd Winick·9.8/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A six-book boxed set for a reader who wants a long, humorous series ready to go.

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Pros

• Grade level 3 to 7 covers the upper elementary grades
• Six books in one set, with 1248 pages listed for the box
• Description notes a seventh book starring Gina

Cons

• Reading age of 7 to 9 years is marked as from customers and sits low for this range
• Only the whole box is listed, with no single volume option
• Praise quotes and the Dog Man comparison are the publisher's claims

2

Sheets by Thummler

Brenna Thummler·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A single illustrated volume for a reader who likes a ghost story about a laundromat.

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Pros

• The listing states reading age 9 to 12 years and grade level 4 to 7
• One illustrated 240 page volume with a single story
• Friendship and second chances, with a practical main character

Cons

• Mentions death and 'death therapy', so check before buying for a sensitive reader
• The listing is the 2018 edition, with no newer edition stated
• Relationships and daily life drive the plot more than action

3

Katie the Catsitter by Venable

Colleen AF Venable·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

The first of five books for a reader who likes cats and a neighborhood mystery.

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Pros

• Grade level 3 to 7, and a reading age of 8 to 11 years marked as from customers
• Book 1 of 5 gives a clear starting point
• Description names a box set of books 1 to 4

Cons

• Reading age is marked as from customers, not stated by the publisher
• Description mentions crimes by a villain, which younger readers may find tense
• Five books means a longer commitment if the reader wants the series

4

Cat Kid Comic Club by Pilkey

Dav Pilkey·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A three-book boxed set for a reader who likes mini-comics and a comic club.

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Pros

• Three graphic novels in one set, with 624 pages listed
• Mini-comics and a comic club setting suit readers who like making comics
• Grade level 2 to 6 is a wider range that starts lower

Cons

• Reading age 7 to 9 years, marked as from customers, leans young for upper elementary
• Three books in one set is a bigger purchase if the reader stops early
• Many art styles across the stories may feel scattered to some readers

5

A Wrinkle in Time by L'Engle

Madeleine L'Engle·9.5/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A graphic adaptation of a science fiction classic for a reader who enjoys time travel.

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Pros

• The listing states it won the Newbery Medal
• A 416 page reissue, the first book of the Time Quintet
• Description quotes a review praising black-and-white art with blue accents

Cons

• Grade level Kindergarten and up does not match the reading age of 8 to 11 years, marked as from customers
• Parent held captive and a dark force, which younger readers may find intense
• One volume with no box or companion on this listing

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More picks to compare

• Frizzy by OrtegaCustomer-listed reading age 9 to 12; a story about curly hair and friendship.Check on Amazon

Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 17 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit for the reader, contents and edition, value, and the listed reading age or grade level. All five picks list both, and one, A Wrinkle in Time, gives a grade that does not match its reading age. How we pick explains the weights.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best graphic novels for upper elementary

Check the set size

A boxed set gives six books or three at once, so confirm the count on the listing before you buy. If one book is the goal, Sheets is a single 240 page volume.

Match grade level and reading age

Grade level and reading age are separate numbers, and Amazon marks some reading ages as from customers. When both agree, as with Sheets (grade 4 to 7, reading age 9 to 12 years), the range is easier to trust. For more picks by audience, see graphic novels for kids and graphic novels for girls.

Before you buy

• Check how many books the set holds, since Hilo and The Cat Kid Comic Club Collection are boxed sets.
• For Katie the Catsitter, confirm the listing says Book 1 of 5 and start there.
• Compare the grade level and reading age with the reader, and note any from customers mark.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which graphic novel should an upper elementary reader start with?

Start with Book 1 of the series you choose. Katie the Catsitter is Book 1 of 5, and the Hilo box begins with the first of six books.

What grade level do these graphic novels list?

Hilo lists grade 3 to 7 and Sheets lists grade 4 to 7. A Wrinkle in Time lists Kindergarten and up, which does not match its reading age of 8 to 11 years.

Do any of these books deal with mature themes?

Sheets mentions death and a character who died young, and A Wrinkle in Time mentions a parent held captive. Read the description before buying for a sensitive reader.

Still deciding? Our top pickHilo Box Set by Winick

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Related lists

See every middle grade list and all kids and teens lists.

More lists: graphic novels for boys, detective graphic novels and novels for elementary students.

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