Worcester Public Library's Children's Librarians are excited to share our favorite books of 2025! Here is a list of great graphic novels that we read this year.

Hilo by Judd Winick

What happens when a boy falls out of the sky and has to learn everything about Earth? This funny series features friendship and adventure. Dav Pilkey, the author of Dog Man, says that Hilo is "fast paced, furiously funny, and will have kids waiting on the edge of their seats."

Tegan and Sara: Junior High by Tegan Quin and Sara Quin

This graphic novel is a fictionalized memoir of twin musicians, Tegan and Sara, as they start middle school for the first time. The story and art beautifully convey the emotions of such an important time in young adolescents' lives.

Buzzing by Samuel Sattin

This graphic novel follows Isaac, a middle schooler who was recently diagnosed with OCD, as he starts playing a Dungeons-and-Dragons-like role playing game while juggling his home and school life with his mental health. This fantasy-filled book is warm-hearted and hopeful. 

Frizzy by Claribel A. Ortega

Marlene, a young Dominican American girl, hates going to the salon, but according to her mother, having “good hair” is essential. This graphic novel follows Marlene as she learns to love her curly hair. The story tackles themes of internalized racism, anti-blackness, bullying, grief, and self-acceptance.

Doña Quixote: Rise of the Knight by Rex Ogle

Lucia has known all her life that she wants to be a knight like her Abuelo, and when she finds her Abuelo’s armor in the attic, she starts seeing paranormal creatures. This fun, adventure-filled graphic novel follows Lucia on her path to becoming a knight as she encounters figures from Mexican lore and struggles with balancing life as a knight with school, family, and friends.

Just Roll with It by Veronica Agarwal and Lee Durfey-Lavoie

Maggie Sankhar is worried about starting sixth grade, but things start well when she joins a club for her favorite role playing game and makes a new friend. However, she also discovers new struggles, like bullies and fears of making mistakes. This book is full of adventure, friendship, and lessons about being true to yourself.

Isla to Island by Alexis Castellanos

This historic graphic novel has very few words. It tells its beautiful, empathy-building story mainly through pictures that use color as a powerful tool. The story follows Marisol, who has to leave her home in Cuba in 1961 for safety, as she builds a life in New York.

We hope this helps you find a new favorite book!

-Worcester Public Library Children's Librarians