Holm, Jennifer L., and Holm, Matthew. Babymouse: Our Hero. Random House, 2005. ISBN 978-0375832307. Ages 9-11.

Babymouse has quite the imagination, and dreams of being everyone’s hero. But when she must face Felicia Furrypaws in a game of dodgeball, it is up to Babymouse to save the day and win one for the team. Holm has created an incredibly normal and imaginative character in Babymouse. Set in the form of a graphic novel, younger tweens will delight in reading about Babymouse’s great adventures and delve willingly into her wild schemes and daydreams. Readers will cheer her on as she fights to stay alive in a game of dodgeball, and ends up surprising herself with what she can accomplish—finally becoming the hero she dreamed of.

Reynolds, Peter H., & Emerson, Sharon. Zebrafish. Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2010. ISBN 978-1416995258. Ages 10-14.

After getting her very own guitar, Vita Escolar is determined to start a band. Too bad none of the people who try out—Walt, Tanya, Plinko and Jay—can play any kind of instrument. But what they lack in musical talent they make up for in virtual artistry. Together they decide to create the best virtual music video ever, and when Vita learns about Tanya’s secret, she knows just the cause to help benefit a friend in need.

Clugston, Chynna. Queen Bee. Scholastic Graphix, 2005. ISBN 0439715725. Ages 10-14.

Haley Madison wishes she could just be a normal teenager, but her psychokinetic powers always seem to ruin her chances. So when her mom gets a new job and they have to move, Haley can’t wait to start classes at her new middle school where she intends to completely reinvent herself. She soon catches the attention of numerous people at school, including “The Hive,” only the most popular group of girls in school. But it is not long before a new queen bee dethrones her, and Haley must decide if popularity is worth all the trouble.

Kim, Young. Twilight: The Graphic Novel, Vol. 1. Yen Press, 2010. ISBN 978-0759529434. Ages 12-14.

Bella meets and falls in love with Edward all over again in the first volume of this beautiful graphic novel adaptation of Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight. Her novel comes alive as Bella moves to Forks, Washington to live with her father and meets a coven of vampires who only hunt animals. Though she is forewarned, Bella cannot help falling for Edward, the brooding gentleman who can barely control his thirst for her blood. Together they begin to build a relationship that tests the very balance of both of their worlds.

Lee, Tony & Hart, Sam. Outlaw: The Legend of Robin Hood. Candlewick Press, 2009. ISBN 978-0763643997. Ages 12-14.

In this graphic novel retelling of the legend of Robin Hood, Robin of Loxley begins as a child in awe of famed outlaw William Stutely. His father, Patrick of Loxley, Earl of Huntington, devotes his life to teaching Robin to be the very best archer. Twelve years later, Robin returns from fighting by King Richard’s side in the Crusades to avenge his father’s murder. Seeing the injustice that Prince John has subjected his beloved country to, he dons the name of “outlaw” and sets up camp in Sherwood Forest. Together with the help of his men, he steals from the rich to give back to the poor and wins the heart of the fair Maid Marian in the process.

Phelan, Matt. The Storm in the Barn. Candlewick Press, 2009. ISBN 978-0763636180. Ages 10-14.

Being an eleven-year-old is tough, between dealing with bullies and failing to live up to other’s expectations. But Jack Clark is also facing even greater challenges as he and his family struggle to survive in 1937 Kansas during the Dust Bowl. With one sister sick from the dust and another he can barely keep out of trouble, Jack struggles to be strong for his family and yet hold onto the last fragments of his childhood. With the town fighting to survive and praying for rain, Jack comes face to face with the cause of their severe drought. But is there such a thing as the Storm King? Or has the dust gotten to him as well?

This striking graphic novel of little color and few words beautifully illustrates the role that tweens must play of being in between—in between the world of what is real and what is not, growing up and being a kid, and doing what you are told and following your heart. The story also perfectly melds images of tall tales with a historical thriller, making Jack’s character even more dynamic and unique. For Jack may be living in desperate times, but it is his choice to face adversity and be a hero that makes this story timeless.

Telgemeier, Raina. The Baby-Sitters Club: Kristy's Great Idea. Scholastic, 2006. ISBN 0439802415. Ages 9-12.

Kristy, Claudia, Mary Anne and Stacey are back in this graphic novel based on the 1988 book by Ann M. Martin. The series’ first book tells the story of how it all began—with Kristy’s great idea to start the Baby-Sitters Club. As each girl tackles life in the seventh grade, they also handle the responsibilities of running the club and the challenges of working together. But through it all, it is their friendship that makes them special. This new graphix series brings a modern touch to a much-loved story. Telgemeier’s illustrations capture each character perfectly, bringing the BSC to life like never before!

Hale, Shannon and Dean. Rapunzel's Revenge. Bloomsbury, 2008. ISBN 978-1599900704. Ages 9-14.

In this Wild West retelling of the fairy tale Rapunzel, curiosity gets the best of the title character as she yearns to peek over the great wall surrounding her luxurious villa. What she finds is a barren wasteland of desert and slaves, populated by all those who live in fear of Gothel, the woman she thought was her mother. After escaping from the tall tree Gothel imprisons her in, Rapunzel meets up with a mysterious outlaw named Jack and they make their way back to the villa to put a stop to Gothel’s reign of terror and free Rapunzel’s real mother from slavery.

Smith, Jeff. Bone: Out From Boneville. Scholastic, 2005. ISBN 0439706238. Ages 10-14.

Fone Bone, along with his cousins Phoney and Smiley are chased out of Boneville after Phoney gets caught doing one too many shady deals. After getting separated, they each make their way to a forested valley where they meet Thorn and her cow-racing Gran’ma Ben. As they search for one another, they encounter many different creatures, including terrifying rat creatures and a dragon that has the uncanny ability to keep Fone Bone out of trouble. But the most terrifying one of all, known as the “Hooded One,” has other more permanent things in store for the Bone cousins. Read the rest of the Bone graphic novel series to find out what happens.