Fast Five Fiction: My Top 5 Graphic Novels of 2022

There were a lot of really great books published in 2022. Over the next few weeks we'll be counting down some of my favorite reads from last year. I had a great reading year and read 356 books across all different age groups and genres. I'm continually impressed, year after year, with the amount of quality literature that is being published. If you want to follow along with my 2023 reading adventures, you can follow me on Goodreads for even more reading recommendations. 

Click the title to be directed to the book in our catalog. Book descriptions are from Goodreads.

My 5 favorite Middle Grade Graphic Novels of 2022 (in no particular order):

Button Pusher by Tyler Page

A memoir-driven realistic graphic novel about Tyler, a child who is diagnosed with ADHD and has to discover for himself how to best manage it.

Tyler’s brain is different. Unlike his friends, he has a hard time paying attention in class. He acts out in goofy, over-the-top ways. Sometimes, he even does dangerous things—like cut up a bus seat with a pocketknife or hang out of an attic window.

To the adults in his life, Tyler seems like a troublemaker. But he knows that he’s not. Tyler is curious and creative. He’s the best artist in his grade, and when he can focus, he gets great grades. He doesn’t want to cause trouble, but sometimes he just feels like he can’t control himself.

Sweet Valley Twins: Best Friends by Francine Pascal

Jessica and Elizabeth have always been inseparable twins, but starting middle school means a chance for new beginnings! Elizabeth is excited to organize a school newspaper, but Jessica is more interested in joining the exclusive Unicorn Club. What will happen when the twins realize they might not be as alike as they thought?

Middle school is hard enough, but with these twins each dealing with becoming their own person--will they be able to stay friends at the same time?

Are We Lost Yet? by Will Henry

Book 4 in the wonderfully imaginative Wallace The Brave series introduces an expanded and more diverse cast, including the dynamic, fan-favorite Rose, who gives Wallace a run for his money in kickball competitions, aquatic explorations, and other adventures. Together with Rose, Spud, Amelia, and the rest of their friends, Wallace enjoys a lifestyle of mischief, exploration, (and yes, school) that will thrill middle-grade readers while reminding their parents of the carefree, nostalgic appeal of Calvin & Hobbes and other classic comics.

 

Enola Holmes: The Graphic Novels by Serena Blasco

A graphic novel adaptation of the hit books that inspired the Netflix film! Sherlock Holmes’ brilliant, strong-willed younger sister takes center stage in this delightfully drawn graphic novel based on Nancy Springer’s bestselling mystery series.

14-year-old Enola Holmes wakes on her birthday to discover that her mother has disappeared from the family's country manor, leaving only a collection of flowers and a coded message book. With Sherlock and Mycroft determined to ship her off to a boarding school, Enola escapes, displaying a cleverness that even impresses the elder Holmes. But nothing prepares her for what lies ahead…

Apple Crush by Lucy Knisley

Jen is just getting used to her life on Peapod Farm with her brand-new step-sisters, Andy and Reese. But when the school year starts, there are even more changes in store for her. Jen has to navigate new friends and new challenges--but at least she'll have Andy with her, right? As school begins, she finds that her step-sister seems way more interested in crushes and boys than hanging out with her, while Jen wants to know when the world decided boys and girls couldn't be just friends anymore.

Happy Friday and happy reading!