My favorite realistic fiction graphic novels for middle grade readers with relatable characters with conflicts that can and do happen in real life-- including discrimination, disabilities and medical issues, family and social conflicts, sports and more.
Allergic
Lloyd, Megan Wagner, author.
jGRAPHIC NOVEL Lloyd
"At home, Maggie is the odd one out. Her parents are preoccupied with the new baby they're expecting, and her younger brothers are twins and always in their own world. Maggie thinks a new puppy is the answer, but when she goes to select one on her birthday, she breaks out in hives and rashes. She's severely allergic to anything with fur! Can Maggie outsmart her allergies and find the perfect pet?"--Provided by publisher.
Swim team
Christmas, Johnnie, author, artist.
jGRAPHIC NOVEL Christmas
"Bree can't wait for her first day at her new middle school, Enith Brigitha, home to the Mighty Manatees--until she's stuck with the only elective that fits her schedule, the dreaded Swim 101. The thought of swimming makes Bree more than a little queasy, yet she's forced to dive headfirst into one of her greatest fears. Lucky for her, Etta, an elderly occupant of her apartment building and former swim team captain, is willing to help"--
Big Apple diaries
Bermudez, Alyssa, author, artist.
jGRAPHIC NOVEL Bermudez
"In Big Apple Diaries, a heartfelt diary-style graphic memoir by Alyssa Bermudez, a young New Yorker doodles her way through middle school--until the September 11, 2001, terrorist attack leaves her wondering if she can ever be a kid again. It's the year 2000 in New York City. For 12-year old Alyssa, this means splitting time between her Puerto Rican dad's apartment in Manhattan and her white mom's new place in Queens, navigating the trials and tribulations of middle school, and an epic crush on a new classmate. The only way to make sense of it all is to capture the highs and lows in doodles and hilarious comics in a diary. Then life abruptly changes on September 11, 2001. After the Twin Towers fall and so many lives are lost, worries about gossip and boys feel distant and insignificant. Alyssa must find a new sense of self and purpose amidst all of the chaos, and find the strength to move forward with hope"--
Guts
Telgemeier, Raina, author, illustrator.
jGRAPHIC NOVEL Telgemeier
Raina wakes up one night with a terrible upset stomach. Her mom has one, too, so it's probably just a bug. Raina eventually returns to school, where she's dealing with the usual highs and lows: friends, not-friends, and classmates who think the school year is just one long gross-out session. It soon becomes clear that Raina's tummy trouble isn't going away... and it coincides with her worries about food, school, and changing friendships. What's going on?
New kid
Craft, Jerry, author, illustrator.
jGRAPHIC NOVEL Craft
Seventh grader Jordan Banks loves nothing more than drawing cartoons about his life. But instead of sending him to the art school of his dreams, his parents enroll him in a prestigious private school known for its academics, where Jordan is one of the few kids of color in his entire grade. As he makes the daily trip from his Washington Heights apartment to the upscale Riverdale Academy Day School, Jordan soon finds himself torn between two worlds--and not really fitting into either one. Can Jordan learn to navigate his new school culture while keeping his neighborhood friends and staying true to himself?
The tryout
Soontornvat, Christina, author.
jGRAPHIC NOVEL Soontornvat
As one of the only Asian Americans in her school, Christina confronts both well-meaning ignorance and cruel racism, but in middle school fitting in is important, which is why she and her best friend Megan are both excited and nervous to try out for the popular cheerleading squad.
Measuring up
LaMotte, Lily, author.
jGRAPHIC NOVEL LaMotte
"Having just moved to Seattle from Taiwan, twelve-year-old Cici enters a cooking competition to win the chance to see her grandmother again, but she only knows how to cook Taiwanese food."--Provided by publisher.
Stargazing
Wang, Jen, 1984- author, artist.
jGRAPHIC NOVEL Wang
Growing up in the same Chinese-American suburb, perfectionist Christine and artistic, confident, impulsive Moon become unlikely best friends, whose friendship is tested by jealousy, social expectations, and illness.
The breakaways
Johnson, Cathy G., author, artist.
jGRAPHIC NOVEL Johnson
When a popular student encourages her to join the soccer team, Faith signs up even though she has never played the game and learns about loyalty and friendship.
Stepping stones
Knisley, Lucy, author, artist.
jGRAPHIC NOVEL Knisley
"Jen moves out to the country and has to put up with her mom and her mom's new boyfriend, as well as his kids. Suddenly part of a larger family in a new place, Jen isn't sure there is a place for her in this different world."--
PAWS
Fairbairn, Nathan, author.
jGRAPHIC NOVEL Fairbairn Paws
Best friends Gabby, Priya and Mindy create a dog walking business, and quickly learn that running a business is no walk in the park.
Sweet valley twins
Pascal, Francine, writer, creator.
jGRAPHIC NOVEL Pascal Sweet
Elizabeth and Jessica are starting middle school together, but the twin sisters soon realize they have different interests and it is good to become their own person.
Be prepared
Brosgol, Vera, author, illustrator.
jGRAPHIC NOVEL Brosgol
A misfit girl and her brother attend summer camp, where they struggle with primitive plumbing, snobby tentmates, and boys-versus-girls competitions.