Comic recommendations for 10 yr old girl please
April 17, 2016 5:28 PM Subscribe
I would like to broaden her mind a little and give her a selection of comics to see which she likes best and see if she takes to reading as a life habit.
Most parents of kids will attest to the constant tension between offline and online when it comes to kids and their interests and activities. Most kids will tend towards the hyper stimulating draw of digital charms of minecraft and sims over say a book (either digital or print).
Similar to her father (me) my 10 yr old is prone to distraction, has no shortage of creativity, loves a good story but tends towards activities rather than sitting and reading.
I would like to broaden her mind a little and give her a selection of comics to see which she likes best and see if she takes to reading as a life habit.
I'd really appreciate recommendations across a few genres including super hero, scifi, adventure, realistic fiction.
Thanks
Most parents of kids will attest to the constant tension between offline and online when it comes to kids and their interests and activities. Most kids will tend towards the hyper stimulating draw of digital charms of minecraft and sims over say a book (either digital or print).
Similar to her father (me) my 10 yr old is prone to distraction, has no shortage of creativity, loves a good story but tends towards activities rather than sitting and reading.
I would like to broaden her mind a little and give her a selection of comics to see which she likes best and see if she takes to reading as a life habit.
I'd really appreciate recommendations across a few genres including super hero, scifi, adventure, realistic fiction.
Thanks
Not quite on target for your ask, but my 9 year old has been reading the heck out of a bunch of graphic novels by Raina Telgemeier- Smile, Drama, Sisters, and The Babysitter's Club. She also read the A Wrinkle In Time adaptation that came out a few years ago.
posted by neilbert at 5:42 PM on April 17, 2016 [3 favorites]
posted by neilbert at 5:42 PM on April 17, 2016 [3 favorites]
Hopefully manga is OK:
Yotsuba and Sgt. Frog.
posted by superelastic at 5:44 PM on April 17, 2016 [1 favorite]
Yotsuba and Sgt. Frog.
posted by superelastic at 5:44 PM on April 17, 2016 [1 favorite]
Sarcasticah beat me to Squirrel Girl and Ms. Marvel. My ten year old loves Lumberjanes and has read and reread Bone several times.
posted by SobaFett at 5:45 PM on April 17, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by SobaFett at 5:45 PM on April 17, 2016 [2 favorites]
El Deafo is a really good graphic novel memoir written by CeCe Bell about growing up hearing impaired. Lots of relatable kid stuff, long but moves along.
posted by jessamyn at 5:50 PM on April 17, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by jessamyn at 5:50 PM on April 17, 2016 [2 favorites]
I left a comment about my 11 year old nephew loving Hark! A Vagrant, on this related ask.
posted by bonobothegreat at 5:51 PM on April 17, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by bonobothegreat at 5:51 PM on April 17, 2016 [2 favorites]
Persepolis. Nimona. Anya's Ghost. Rice Boy. Roller Girl.
posted by zeee at 5:54 PM on April 17, 2016 [5 favorites]
posted by zeee at 5:54 PM on April 17, 2016 [5 favorites]
LUMBERJANES.
posted by bibliotropic at 6:00 PM on April 17, 2016 [7 favorites]
posted by bibliotropic at 6:00 PM on April 17, 2016 [7 favorites]
Classic strips: Pogo, Little Orphan Annie, Gasoline Alley, Barnaby.....
posted by brujita at 6:02 PM on April 17, 2016
posted by brujita at 6:02 PM on April 17, 2016
Chi's Sweet Home, Rutabaga: The Adventure Chef, Akiko (often found at secondhand stores).
I could be wrong but I remember Persepolis as being PG-13 at a minimum.
posted by wintersweet at 6:03 PM on April 17, 2016
I could be wrong but I remember Persepolis as being PG-13 at a minimum.
posted by wintersweet at 6:03 PM on April 17, 2016
Nancy comics are really great if she would be into a classic!
Phoebe and Her Unicorn is previewable on amazon and was compared to Calvin and Hobbes on Boing Boing, but with a female protagonist. There are lots of books in the series, too.
posted by shortyJBot at 6:14 PM on April 17, 2016
Phoebe and Her Unicorn is previewable on amazon and was compared to Calvin and Hobbes on Boing Boing, but with a female protagonist. There are lots of books in the series, too.
posted by shortyJBot at 6:14 PM on April 17, 2016
Best answer: Seconding all of these (especially Bone)!
Would highly recommend checking out books published by First Second - they've got a big range of fiction, history, science (just launched a new science series), etc by really great cartoonists like Faith Erin Hicks, Nick Bertozzi, Maris Wicks, Gene Luen Yang: http://www.firstsecondbooks.com/
There are also comics by the amazing publisher Flying Eye Books - especially the beloved Hilda series by Luke Pearson: http://flyingeyebooks.com/product-category/genre/comic-books/? They also have gorgeous picture books.
See also, Toon Books - they also sort their titles by reading level, so the graphics line might be on point: http://www.toon-books.com/toon-graphics-grade-3.html
And some others: Fairy Tale Comics edited by Chris Duffy, Little Vampire by Joann Sfar, Monster Graphic Novels by Lewis Trondheim, Adventures in Cartooning (How to turn your doodles into comics), Tintin (it's great, fun stuff, but be aware --- has some outdated 20th century thinking depending on the book), Annie Sullivan and the Trials of Helen Keller by Joseph Lambert, Jane the Fox and Me by Fanny Britt (gorgeous).
Your local and school librarians might have their own favorites to recommend as well. Especially when you're trying a lot of these out, you can't go wrong with starting off at the library.
Have fun!
posted by Geameade at 6:28 PM on April 17, 2016 [2 favorites]
Would highly recommend checking out books published by First Second - they've got a big range of fiction, history, science (just launched a new science series), etc by really great cartoonists like Faith Erin Hicks, Nick Bertozzi, Maris Wicks, Gene Luen Yang: http://www.firstsecondbooks.com/
There are also comics by the amazing publisher Flying Eye Books - especially the beloved Hilda series by Luke Pearson: http://flyingeyebooks.com/product-category/genre/comic-books/? They also have gorgeous picture books.
See also, Toon Books - they also sort their titles by reading level, so the graphics line might be on point: http://www.toon-books.com/toon-graphics-grade-3.html
And some others: Fairy Tale Comics edited by Chris Duffy, Little Vampire by Joann Sfar, Monster Graphic Novels by Lewis Trondheim, Adventures in Cartooning (How to turn your doodles into comics), Tintin (it's great, fun stuff, but be aware --- has some outdated 20th century thinking depending on the book), Annie Sullivan and the Trials of Helen Keller by Joseph Lambert, Jane the Fox and Me by Fanny Britt (gorgeous).
Your local and school librarians might have their own favorites to recommend as well. Especially when you're trying a lot of these out, you can't go wrong with starting off at the library.
Have fun!
posted by Geameade at 6:28 PM on April 17, 2016 [2 favorites]
Girl Genius is amazing and has both the free webcomic and paper copies available.
posted by Slinga at 6:32 PM on April 17, 2016
posted by Slinga at 6:32 PM on April 17, 2016
Princeless! I love those books so much and would have KILLED to have them as a little girl.
If she likes mythology, Amar Chitra Katha has a pretty decent collection of Indian folk tales that were fairly accessible to me as a very Westernised Indian.
posted by Tamanna at 6:35 PM on April 17, 2016 [1 favorite]
If she likes mythology, Amar Chitra Katha has a pretty decent collection of Indian folk tales that were fairly accessible to me as a very Westernised Indian.
posted by Tamanna at 6:35 PM on April 17, 2016 [1 favorite]
I learned to read at ~9 (long after the school had given up and at a point my parents had almost despaired) from Classic Comics:
The linked Wikipedia article is a little confusing, but I think comics very like those are still available, and I did go on to read all the books I had comics of, and a lot more.
posted by jamjam at 6:55 PM on April 17, 2016 [1 favorite]
Russian-born publisher Albert Lewis Kanter (1897–1973) created Classic Comics for Elliot Publishing Company in 1941 with its debut issues being The Three Musketeers, followed by Ivanhoe and The Count of Monte Cristo. In addition to the literary adaptations, books featured author profiles, educational fillers, and an ad for the coming title. In later editions, a catalog of titles and a subscription order form appeared on back covers. Recognizing the appeal of early comic books, Albert Lewis Kanter [1] believed he could use the new medium to introduce young and reluctant readers to "great literature". . . .I believe I was paging through The Prisoner of Zenda when a mysterious voice first started saying words to me that obviously had something to do with the story, but it took at least some minutes for me to realize what was going on.
The linked Wikipedia article is a little confusing, but I think comics very like those are still available, and I did go on to read all the books I had comics of, and a lot more.
posted by jamjam at 6:55 PM on April 17, 2016 [1 favorite]
What the Kiddo (age 9) is into:
Lumberjanes
Jem
Amulet
Zita the Space Girl
My Little Pony
Adventure Time
Gotham Academy
posted by Artw at 7:23 PM on April 17, 2016 [1 favorite]
Lumberjanes
Jem
Amulet
Zita the Space Girl
My Little Pony
Adventure Time
Gotham Academy
posted by Artw at 7:23 PM on April 17, 2016 [1 favorite]
My previous question has led to the love of reading in my now-tween that you are asking for - she's doing her latest book report on the Graveyard Book, which she has in novel, graphic novel and audiobook form, she loves it so much. Recently Neil Gaiman posted about a kickstarter for a magazine called Kazoo that sounds interesting.
And here was another question that helped us find more.
I'll say that she loves Bone the best, and Spera too - and Spera has some great online stuff to explore.
At our favourite local comic book store the Sidekick, she goes for Lumberjanes and Squirrel Girl - as she's a huge fan of the Marvel Universe.
posted by peagood at 8:19 PM on April 17, 2016 [2 favorites]
And here was another question that helped us find more.
I'll say that she loves Bone the best, and Spera too - and Spera has some great online stuff to explore.
At our favourite local comic book store the Sidekick, she goes for Lumberjanes and Squirrel Girl - as she's a huge fan of the Marvel Universe.
posted by peagood at 8:19 PM on April 17, 2016 [2 favorites]
I think Amulet is supposed to be all the hotness with the 10 year olds - and the librarians.
posted by Toddles at 8:44 PM on April 17, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by Toddles at 8:44 PM on April 17, 2016 [1 favorite]
Stopped in to say Lumberjanes!
posted by The Minotaur at 9:03 PM on April 17, 2016
posted by The Minotaur at 9:03 PM on April 17, 2016
Yes to Lumberjanes and Bone! The only one my 10-year-old daughter likes that I haven't seen here is Beanworld.
posted by stinker at 10:45 PM on April 17, 2016
posted by stinker at 10:45 PM on April 17, 2016
If she likes a little spooky and creepy, Courtney Crumrin is great.
posted by Mizu at 12:22 AM on April 18, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by Mizu at 12:22 AM on April 18, 2016 [1 favorite]
Yoko Tsuno is great. Kind of in the Tintin tradition, but with a female protagonist, more realism and science fiction. My daughter (9) loves it.
Tintin comics, despite being nearly devoid of female characters, are still fantastic for instilling a love of reading.
We also love Adventure Time (and the spin-off comics), and you should check out Craig Thompson's Space Dumplins
Oh, and Luke Pearson's Hilda comics. They're wonderful.
posted by snarfois at 7:21 AM on April 18, 2016
Tintin comics, despite being nearly devoid of female characters, are still fantastic for instilling a love of reading.
We also love Adventure Time (and the spin-off comics), and you should check out Craig Thompson's Space Dumplins
Oh, and Luke Pearson's Hilda comics. They're wonderful.
posted by snarfois at 7:21 AM on April 18, 2016
Ursula Vernon's Digger. It won the Hugo you know, and it deserved it.
posted by happyroach at 7:26 AM on April 18, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by happyroach at 7:26 AM on April 18, 2016 [2 favorites]
My boys love Disney comics so I get them those every month at the comic book store - Donald Duck, Uncle Scrooge, Micky Mouse, and Walt Disney Comics and Stories. Disney knows how to do great stories, especially in the Uncle Scrooge and Donald Duck comics. They get a bunch of other ones too. I just take them to the comic book store, let them choose some and got subscriptions to anything they really liked like the Disney ones and Adventure Time. Take her to the comic book store, and see what she goes for!
posted by fimbulvetr at 7:49 AM on April 18, 2016
posted by fimbulvetr at 7:49 AM on April 18, 2016
Kazoo magazine (Kickstarter) looks to be really awesome, too. A new kind of print magazine for girls—one that inspires them to be smart, strong, fierce, and, above all, true to themselves.
posted by jillithd at 8:08 AM on April 18, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by jillithd at 8:08 AM on April 18, 2016 [1 favorite]
Nimona! by Noelle Stevenson, who also helped write Lumberjanes
Relish by Lucy Knisley (grades 6 and up, so maybe next year?)
Grand Adventure and Rim to River are autobio comics by Lucy Bellwood of rafting down the Grand Canyon. Down to the Seas Again is her comic about working on a real wooden whaling ship. (Keep an eye out for her Baggywrinkles comic in a full book with the first 6 mini comics included. The Kickstarter was successful and it should be available to buy this Fall.)
The Adventures of Superhero Girl, Friends With Boys, Nothing Can Possibly Go Wrong, and her newest The Nameless City by Faith Erin Hicks.
Have you introduced her to the TV show Avatar: The Last Airbender? It has a bunch of gorgeous tie-in comics. (The excellent FanFare pages, too, because this cartoon is wonderful for adults to watch as well!)
posted by jillithd at 8:26 AM on April 18, 2016 [1 favorite]
Relish by Lucy Knisley (grades 6 and up, so maybe next year?)
Grand Adventure and Rim to River are autobio comics by Lucy Bellwood of rafting down the Grand Canyon. Down to the Seas Again is her comic about working on a real wooden whaling ship. (Keep an eye out for her Baggywrinkles comic in a full book with the first 6 mini comics included. The Kickstarter was successful and it should be available to buy this Fall.)
The Adventures of Superhero Girl, Friends With Boys, Nothing Can Possibly Go Wrong, and her newest The Nameless City by Faith Erin Hicks.
Have you introduced her to the TV show Avatar: The Last Airbender? It has a bunch of gorgeous tie-in comics. (The excellent FanFare pages, too, because this cartoon is wonderful for adults to watch as well!)
posted by jillithd at 8:26 AM on April 18, 2016 [1 favorite]
The Secret Science Alliance by Eleanor Davis
Ongoing The Creepy Casefiles of Margo Maloo by Drew Weing that I heard has been picked up to be published, but has over 130 pages online to read (link is to the first page)
The Creeps (1) , (2), and (3) for ages 8 - 12 by Chris Schweizer
Isle of Elsi is a webcomic for kids that's just starting up by Alec Longstreth, whose hefty and gorgeous comic Basewood she might also like.
posted by jillithd at 8:47 AM on April 18, 2016 [2 favorites]
Ongoing The Creepy Casefiles of Margo Maloo by Drew Weing that I heard has been picked up to be published, but has over 130 pages online to read (link is to the first page)
The Creeps (1) , (2), and (3) for ages 8 - 12 by Chris Schweizer
Isle of Elsi is a webcomic for kids that's just starting up by Alec Longstreth, whose hefty and gorgeous comic Basewood she might also like.
posted by jillithd at 8:47 AM on April 18, 2016 [2 favorites]
Zita the Spacegirl is a series for ages 8 - 12.
(Sorry for the multiple answers. I just love comics SO MUCH.)
posted by jillithd at 8:57 AM on April 18, 2016 [2 favorites]
(Sorry for the multiple answers. I just love comics SO MUCH.)
posted by jillithd at 8:57 AM on April 18, 2016 [2 favorites]
Clan Apis by Jay Hosler is the touching and educational story of a honey bee's life in the hive.
posted by richyoung at 3:35 PM on April 18, 2016
posted by richyoung at 3:35 PM on April 18, 2016
jillithd, I am intrigued and wish to subscribe to your podcast.
posted by happyroach at 5:34 PM on April 18, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by happyroach at 5:34 PM on April 18, 2016 [1 favorite]
Lumberjanes, Ms Marvel, Princeless. Another Castle is new but promising. I think Patsy Walker aka Hellcat is meant to be an all-ages book, too, though it might be more for a kid a couple years older? YMMV. It's funny and cute, though.
posted by oblique red at 12:20 PM on April 19, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by oblique red at 12:20 PM on April 19, 2016 [1 favorite]
It's the exact opposite of cool but at that age I loved, loved Archie comics.
posted by mmmbacon at 5:21 PM on April 19, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by mmmbacon at 5:21 PM on April 19, 2016 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Thanks everyone for the really great suggestions.
posted by lapsang at 11:28 AM on April 25, 2016
posted by lapsang at 11:28 AM on April 25, 2016
Response by poster: quick feedback...she powered through the full Amulet series and we have ordered more from the recommendations above.
Thank you for the suggestions.
posted by lapsang at 4:34 AM on November 17, 2016 [1 favorite]
Thank you for the suggestions.
posted by lapsang at 4:34 AM on November 17, 2016 [1 favorite]
This thread is closed to new comments.
The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl is worth taking a look at, too.
posted by sarcasticah at 5:38 PM on April 17, 2016 [5 favorites]