Best Graphic Novels for Tween Girls (2026)

Tween girls read graphic novels fast, and the best graphic novels for tween girls search turns up five favorites by the biggest names in middle grade: two from Raina Telgemeier, one from Shannon Hale, one from Jennifer L. Holm and a Gaiman adaptation. We compared five by fit, contents and value, using only what each listing publishes. Every pick names its stated pages and reading age.

ShelfAnswers earns a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Affiliate disclosure.

The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	Sisters	9.8/10	Buy
2	Guts	9.8/10	Buy
3	Real Friends	9.7/10	Buy
4	Sunny Side Up	9.7/10	Buy
5	Coraline	9.7/10	Buy

1

Sisters

Raina Telgemeier·9.8/10 Shelf Score

i

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 Raina Telgemeier graphic novel, 224 pages, Graphix, from 2022: the companion to Smile.

Check price on Amazon

Pros

• Author of beloved tween graphic novels
• 224 pages
• Reading age 8 to 11

Cons

• Reading age marked as from customers, not the publisher
• Companion to Smile, read that first
• 2022 edition, not the newest

2

Guts

Raina Telgemeier·9.8/10 Shelf Score

i

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 Raina Telgemeier graphic novel, 224 pages, Graphix, from 2019: a true story.

Check price on Amazon

Pros

• True story from a favorite author
• 224 pages
• Reading age 9 and up

Cons

• Reading age marked as from customers, not the publisher
• 2019 publication date
• Anxiety themes may not suit every reader

3

Real Friends

Shannon Hale·9.7/10 Shelf Score

i

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 Shannon Hale graphic memoir with LeUyen Pham, 224 pages, First Second, from 2017: finding real friends.

Check price on Amazon

Pros

• Shannon Hale graphic memoir
• 224 pages
• Friendship themes for tweens

Cons

• Reading age marked as from customers, not the publisher
• 2017 publication date
• Memoir, not fiction

4

Sunny Side Up

Jennifer L. Holm·9.7/10 Shelf Score

i

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 Jennifer L. Holm graphic novel, first Sunny book, 224 pages, Graphix, from 2015.

Check price on Amazon

Pros

• Series start, more books follow
• 224 pages
• Reading age 8 to 11

Cons

• Reading age marked as from customers, not the publisher
• 2015 publication date
• Summer story, seasonal feel

5

Coraline

Neil Gaiman·9.7/10 Shelf Score

i

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 Neil Gaiman Coraline graphic novel adaptation, 192 pages, HarperAlley, from 2009.

Check price on Amazon

Pros

• Gaiman classic adapted
• 192 pages
• Reading age 10 and up

Cons

• Reading age marked as from customers, not the publisher
• 2009 publication date
• Spooky, not for every tween

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

More picks to compare

• PrimerA superhero graphic novel by Jennifer Muro.Check on Amazon
• Meg, Jo, Beth, and AmyA modern graphic retelling of Little Women.Check on Amazon
• The TryoutA graphic novel by Christina Soontornvat.Check on Amazon
• NoiseA graphic novel based on a true story.Check on Amazon
• SquishedA graphic novel by Megan Wagner Lloyd.Check on Amazon

Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 18 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit, contents, value and the listed reading age. Tween fit and stated reading ages drove the scores: four of five suit ages 8 to 11. 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 tween girls

Start with the author

Raina Telgemeier’s Sisters and Guts are the safest first buys for tween girls. Browse our middle grade shelf for more.

Check the reading age

Most list ages 8 to 11, Coraline 10 and up. All reading ages here are marked as from customers, not the publisher.

Pick the theme

Sisters is sibling life, Guts is a true story, Real Friends is friendship, Sunny Side Up is summer, Coraline is spooky.

Before you buy

• Confirm the reading age suits your reader.
• Check the page count: 224 for most, 192 for Coraline.
• Note reading ages are marked as from customers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which graphic novel is best for tween girls?

Sisters: a Raina Telgemeier graphic novel, 224 pages, reading age 8 to 11.

Which is the spookiest?

Coraline: a Gaiman adaptation, 192 pages, reading age 10 and up.

Which starts a series?

Sunny Side Up: first Sunny book, with more books to follow.

Still deciding? Our top pickSisters

Check price on Amazon

Related lists

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