My kids love comics and graphic novels. My son, who has always loved being read to, has blossomed as an independent reader because we’ve made certain he has access to them. While some teachers and parents continue to (wrongly; very wrongly) dismiss anything with illustrations as “not a real book,” those of us who consume graphic novels ourselves know that, beyond allowing reluctant readers and children who have difficulty with more traditionally formatted books access to stories, comics and graphic novels are as valid as any other story telling medium and are often more expressive and powerful because they use both words and pictures simultaneously.

Also, they’re fun and neat, and don’t police what my children and I read, thank you very much.

DC Kids (formerly DC Zoom) has some fantastic stuff coming for young and middle grade readers this fall – all about school, friends, and learning to be  yourself. Your kids will definitely enjoy these books on their own, but I’d recommend enjoying them together or at least borrowing them when the younger ones are done:

Dear Justice League by Michael Northrop and Gustavo Duarte (8/6)

“The greatest heroes in the DC universe answer email from their biggest fans – kids!”

Kids ask the darnedest questions and, of course, these paragons of virtue are completely honest in their answers, even if those answers are a little… awkward. Does Superman every make mistakes? Yup. What was Wonder Woman’s 11th birthday like? Probably a lot like yours. Does Aquaman smell like fish? Listen y’all, there’s a reason folks start using deodorant.

There were lots of giggles from both of my kiddos as Dear Justice League was being explored and even now, weeks later, I can’t find the review copy because after my daughter gave it back to me, she stole it and hid it in her room. New school years bring new challenges and sometimes, we don’t know what to do right away. But it’s okay: neither does Batman.

Superman of Smallville by Art Baltazar & Franco (9/3)

This was an auto-win in our house as this is the team who brought Izzy and Zora such beloved books as Tiny Titans and Super Pets.

Smallville has a protector who rescues residents from runaway tractors and puts out fires. Of course, his real identity is a secret and 13-year-old Clark Kent’s parents are very insistent he keep it. Clark agrees, even if it is a bummer to have abilities like his and not be able to tell his best friends.

When things around town start levitating and disappearing, Clark’s parents blame him and threaten to ground him even though it isn’t his fault. So he sets out to find the real culprit – before he’s stuck cleaning the barn forever.

My daughter (6 almost 7) is especially fond of this one because Krypto makes an appearance. But we all know what it’s like to have to obey our parents – even when we think they’re being unfair – and to be blamed for things we didn’t do (especially if we have siblings). Superman of Smallville digs into the relationship between Clark and his parents and models both good communication within a family and how important it is for the adults to admit when they’re wrong. Contrary to popular belief, rather than lessening a child’s respect, it actually builds a parity that leads to a stronger, more open, and more honest relationship down the road.

The Secret Spiral of Swamp Kid by Kirk Scroggs (10/1)

How do you introduce Swamp Thing to kids?

You create a teenaged version. And you definitely include a hitchhiking frog.

Found abandoned in the bayou as a baby and adopted by a biracial family, Russell knows exactly who he is but nothing about where he came from. When he starts having weird visions of a swamp and manifesting new, nature-based powers, he and his best friend Charlotte decide to investigate.

Their questions and explorations lead them to Swamp Thing – who has explanations. And, of course, dire warnings. Russell and Charlotte head back to down, determined to defeat it. Along the way, Russell makes some new friends, learns to put aside misconceptions, and discovers that while your past shapes you, who you decide to become is a million times more important.

Black Canary: Ignite by Meg Cabot and Cara McGee (10/29)

Dinah Lance knows who she is and what she wants. Unfortunately, no one will listen to her unless she raises her voice and when she does, glass breaks and pipes explode.

And of course the principal always seems to be around when school property gets damaged.

How is Dinah supposed to get anywhere, even to the battle of the bands, if she’s always sweeping up broken glass, in the principal’s office, or sitting at the dinner table listening to her dad tell her “no”?

When a mysterious stranger starts coming after her friends and family, Dinah learns a secret about her mother’s past – one that changes everything.

Finding your place in the world is hard, especially when you have to wait for it. But sometimes, the wait is worth it.

Enjoy watching your kids enjoy reading. Enjoy sharing these books with them. Trust me, these are real books. Really good ones.