Amazing Graphic Novels That Help Kids Learn Perseverance and Grit

Pirkei Avot, an ancient book of Jewish ethical teachings, asks, “Who is strong?” and immediately answers, “the one who controls his/her desires” (4:1). Strength, according to Judaism, is measured not by the size of one’s muscles, but by the type of life that one leads. There’s a particular type of strength, gevurah, or inner strength, that can also be understood by children as perseverance.

Toddlers display this while learning to walk. For first graders, inner strength, bravery, and perseverance are found learning to ride a two-wheeler. For an older child, it can be performing with a musical instrument. As children grow, they will see that life will bring hurdles, stumbling blocks, and discouragement. Developing perseverance, independence, and fortitude are necessary to achieve goals and make one’s way through life. The following graphic novels are great starting points for children (or grown-ups) who may need an occasional reminder that meeting goals doesn’t always happen overnight.

A Rabbi standing in front of a town

The Adventures of Rabbi Harvey
by Steve Sheinkin

Recommended for ages 8 and up

In the fictitious town of Elk Spring, Colorado, circa 1870, Rabbi Harvey shares Talmudic wisdom, Jewish folktales (and a lot more!) through a number of short, humorous adventures.


A girl standing at a podium about to give a speech

Becoming Brianna
by Terri Libenson

Recommended for ages 10 and up

Brianna hates being the center of attention, so why on earth did she agree to have a bat mitzvah? And why are the popular girls suddenly being so friendly?


A boy and a girl with a lantern at night in the woods

The Book of Secrets
by Mat Tonti

Recommended for ages 9 and up

In this fast-paced and well-drawn graphic novel, Rose and Ben travel through seven Jewish folktales and use their wits, courage, and strength to fight the darkness and save their grandparents.


A giant fish in the air above two children in a pond

The Hereville Series
by Barry Deutsch

Recommended for ages 8 and up

Mirka is a time-traveling, troll-fighting, Orthodox Jewish heroine! This series documents her great adventures.


A child wearing a coat with the Star of David

Hidden
by Loic Dauvillier

Recommended for ages 10 to 12

Dounia is now a grandmother. But when she was a little girl in France, she had to hide from the Nazis. This is her story.


A concerned woman holding a suit case is walking through a train yard in Nazi Germany

Lily Renee, Escape Artist
by Trina Robbins

Recommended for ages 9 and up

Meet Lily Renee: war refugee, fashion model, jewelry designer, and the artist behind the glamorous and deadly superheroine Senorita Rio!


A teenage boy walks through a crowd of people with bomber planes flying above

Maurice and His Dictionary
by Cary Fagan

Recommended for ages 9 to 11

Fourteen-year-old Maurice longs to study law one day, but when the Nazis invade Belgium, his family must flee to the only place willing to take them in. Now he's halfway across the world, living in a Jamaican refugee camp. How will he ever follow his dream?


A man has his fist raised in the air while a crowd of people hold protest signs behind him

Natan Sharansky: Freedom Fighter for Soviet Jews
by Blake Hoena

Recommended for ages 9 and up

This is a short graphic-novel biography of Natan Sharansky. It describes his childhood, teen years, and imprisonment as an activist for Soviet Jewry. Kids will be amazed to read about the courage and persistence of this great Jewish hero and the role American Jews played in his release from Russian prison.