Kids love animals and graphic novels. So, what better way than to get them excited about reading during the second half of the summer than a book about horseback riding and a book about pet-sitting.
The following graphic novels feature expressive illustrations, bright colors and protagonists kids will want to read about.
CREAKY ACRES: A Graphic Novel, by Calista Brill and Nilah Magruder, Kokila, May 6, 2025, Hardcover, $22, Paperback, $12 (ages 8-12)
A graphic novel about being the new kid in middle school, making new friends, and learning to trust yourself through the power of horseback riding.
Nora is a prize-winning horseback rider in a suburban area, with a tight-knit circle of best friends. But when her mom gets a prestigious new job in a poor, rural area, she has to adjust to a lot of change: to being the only Black kid in a new class and to a new barn called Creaky Acres, where her beloved horse, Hay Fever, will make his new home.
It’s there she meets sweet and geeky Laura, goofy and fun-loving Wilson, and fearless Dolores (aka Dizzy). With her ragtag team of equestrians, Nora learns it’s okay to stand out and steps into her power as a leader, realizing that being a rider isn’t just about winning—or maybe that winning just might look different than what she’d thought. —Synopsis provided by Kolika
PAWS: HAZEL HAS HER HANDS FULL: A Graphic Novel, Book 4 of 5: PAWS, by Nathan Fairbairn and Michele Assarasakorn, G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, Jan. 14, 2025, Hardcover, $22.99, Paperback, $12.99 (ages 8-12)
More heartwarming and humorous adventures await in the fourth book of this graphic novel series that is the Baby-Sitters Club for pets.
Summer break is just around the corner, and the PAWS team is gearing up for a busy season full of dog-walking, travel, and fun! Gabby’s got a packed schedule with about a hundred different camps plus playing host to her mysterious cousin visiting from out of town. Meanwhile Mindy is headed to her dad’s house for a month-long stay. With so much going on, the girls are looking forward to scaling back and taking it easy this summer. . . with one exception.
When the opportunity to cat-sit two new fur babies arises, Hazel jumps at the chance. Their new client’s house is even wheelchair accessible! But everyone’s hectic summer plans mean she would have to take on the job alone, Hazel knows her overprotective mother would never approve. On the other hand, managing a side business all on her own could prove that she is much more capable than her mom might think…
Hazel soon learns that juggling multiple cats and dogs along with her own physical therapy—while also keeping a big secret—is no easy task. When disaster strikes, will she have the energy to make everything right by herself, or will she be forced to reach out for help and risk getting into even more trouble? —Synopsis provided by G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers
*This post is part of a larger summer reading list, which consists of recommendations but not individual book reviews.
Copyright © 2025 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.
