Transitional Readers
reading level grades 2 - 5
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Amelia Rules: The Whole World’s Crazy
Jimmy Gownley
Simon & Schuster, 2002
Fiesty Amelia is similar to Judy Moody in many ways, so those who enjoy the Judy Moody series will enjoy this series, as well. Readers can follow the comic book stories of Amelia, who is making her way through fourth grade in a new town after her parents’ divorce and her move from Manhattan.
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Dragon Ball Z, Vol. 2
Akira Toriyama
VIZ Media LLC, 2003
Kids will enjoy the many books in the Dragon Ball Z series. The series, in the right-to-left manga format, follows the adventures of martial arts expert Goku as he travels to different planets and saves his friends from danger. The Dragon Ball Z series, a favorite of many 9-12 year olds, may be just the springboard kids need to try their hands at writing their own manga.
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Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book Stories
P. Craig Russell
NBM, 1997
Russell has adapted the Jungle Book stories into graphic novel format. Included in this novel are the last three chapters of Kipling’s classic work: "The King’s Ankus," "Red Dog," and "The Spring Running." Kids will enjoy the exceptional graphics and may be inspired to adapt a classic in their own graphic novel style.
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Spider-Man: Return of the Green Goblin
Paul Jenkins
Marval Comics, 2002
This graphic novel is one in a series of Spider-Man stories. Spider-Man fans will enjoy the superhero’s adventures as he consistently finds a way to keep his archenemy, Green Goblin, at bay. Perhaps your Spider-Man readers will make up their own action adventure for "Spidey."
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Tommysaurus Rex
Doug TenNapel
Image Comics, 2004
After Ely’s beloved dog dies, Ely’s parents send him to his grandfather’s farm for the summer to help him cheer up. When Ely discovers a Tyrannosaurus Rex in a cave, he adopts this new pet and tries to convince the town that the dinosaur is not dangerous.
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What’s Michael? Sleepless Nights
Makoto Kobayashi
Dark Horse Manga, 2005
Michael the Japanese cat is a cross between the American Garfield and Krazy Kat. This manga series is produced in a mirror-image of the original Japanese manga, so that it’s read left-to-right like a book in English. This series about Michael and his friends could be a great kickoff for a unit on animals or animal stories.
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Independent Readers
reading level grades 6+
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Autobiographix
Frank Miller
Dark Horse Books, 2003
This interesting mix of stories shows a whole different side of the graphic novel. Many different artists tell their own stories, which are sure to inspire your kids to tell and illustrate their own autobiographies.
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Graphic Classics: Bram Stoker
Bram Stoker
Eureka Productions, 2003
Several different illustrators have lent their styles to Bram Stoker stories including "Funeral Party" and "Lair of the White Worm." There are also three vampire stories for Dracula fans. Kids might enjoy drawing their own graphics to illustrate the stories.
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Marmalade Boy (#1)
Wataru Yoshizumi
TokyoPop, 2003
This manga series is printed right-to-left in Japanese style. Follow the saga of Yuu and Miki as they try to work through family problems and romance.
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Queen Bee
Chynna Clugson-Major
Graphix, 2005
Middle-schooler Haley Madison is determined to be popular, despite her sometimes uncontrollable psychokinetic powers. Kids will be able to identify with Haley in this graphic novel series about school and friends. Perhaps the students could turn their own school adventures into a graphic story.
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Superman: Birthright
Mark Waid
DC Comics, 2005
Mark Waid has put his own slant on the story of Superman’s early years. Readers will recognize the story and characters, such as Lois Lane and Lex Luther, but can decide for themselves how Clark Kent really became Superman.
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Tales of the Dead: Ancient Egypt
Stewart Ross
DK Publishing, 2003
This story, which takes place in 1795 BCE, includes maps and factual information about life and death in Ancient Egypt. This format would be an interesting way to present a research topic.
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