Ben Hatke’s books, things like *Zita the Spacegirl* and *Little Robot*, are such a treat. They are full of adventure and have so much heart.
If you enjoy his mix of science fiction, fantasy, and stories of friendship, you might be on the lookout for authors who create something similar. The good news is there are many writers who tell stories with similar themes of courage and kindness in amazing worlds.
Let’s check out some of them.
Readers who enjoy Ben Hatke’s imaginative storytelling and vivid artwork might find Raina Telgemeier equally appealing. Telgemeier writes graphic novels about relatable, everyday situations, mixing humor with heartfelt storytelling.
Her book “Smile” shares her own experiences from childhood after she falls and damages her front teeth. This incident begins years of dental treatments, awkward adolescence, and friendship troubles.
Telgemeier captures these moments with sincerity, warmth, and humor, offering readers a story filled with recognizable emotions and situations. Fans of Hatke’s engaging style might find Telgemeier’s blend of realism and charm particularly enjoyable.
Faith Erin Hicks is a cartoonist known for creating engaging graphic novels filled with adventure, friendship, and humor. If you enjoy Ben Hatke’s lively storytelling, try Hicks’ graphic novel “The Nameless City.”
This is the story of two kids, Kaidu and Rat, from different sides of a city divided by conflict. After Kaidu arrives in the Nameless City to train as a warrior, he meets the quick-witted and streetwise Rat.
Their unlikely friendship grows through rooftop adventures, narrow escapes, and exploring secret places of their city. As tension builds between their communities, the two must find a way to bridge the divide and protect the city they both love.
Hicks combines expressive artwork with heartfelt storytelling and characters readers immediately care about.
Kazu Kibuishi is a talented graphic novelist and illustrator known for creating imaginative and visually stunning worlds in his stories. If you appreciate Ben Hatke’s adventurous and heartfelt storytelling, Kibuishi’s “Amulet: The Stonekeeper” is worth checking out.
The story follows siblings Emily and Navin, who, after the loss of their father, move to an old family home filled with odd secrets.
When their mother is mysteriously taken into another world by strange creatures, Emily and Navin must find courage, use a magical amulet, and venture into a fascinating realm filled with danger, wonder, and surprising friendships.
Kibuishi’s expressive artwork and dynamic storytelling make “Amulet: The Stonekeeper” an engaging read from start to finish.
Books by Victoria Jamieson offer readers heartfelt storytelling, playful humor, and vibrant illustrations similar to what fans enjoy in Ben Hatke’s work.
For instance, “Roller Girl” follows twelve-year-old Astrid, who signs up for roller derby camp despite her best friend choosing dance instead. Astrid faces bumps, bruises, and the ups and downs of friendship struggles.
The book combines relatable characters with dynamic illustrations that vividly capture each emotional turn. It’s an engaging exploration of finding confidence and friendship in unexpected places.
Noelle Stevenson is an author and illustrator known for imaginative and adventurous graphic novels. Fans of Ben Hatke’s playful storytelling will appreciate Stevenson’s “Nimona.”
The story follows a young shape-shifter named Nimona who teams up with the villain Ballister Blackheart. Together, they plot to challenge a powerful kingdom and uncover some surprising secrets along the way.
There’s great humor, exciting twists, and artwork that captures both action and emotion beautifully. If you enjoy stories full of heart and fantasy, Stevenson’s work might be the kind of read you seek next.
Books by Gene Luen Yang often combine heartfelt storytelling with captivating illustrations, similar to how Ben Hatke draws readers into his imaginative worlds.
One great starting point is “American Born Chinese,” a graphic novel that weaves together three engaging stories about identity, culture, and growing up Chinese American.
Yang’s story follows Jin Wang, a young student’s experience navigating friendships and fitting in at school while balancing his Chinese heritage. The novel also includes the legendary Monkey King, an ancient folk figure who faces his own struggles with acceptance.
The unique way these characters’ lives intersect creates a funny, thoughtful and insightful reading experience that feels authentic and accessible for readers of all ages.
Craig Thompson is a graphic novelist known for his heartfelt storytelling and beautifully detailed illustrations. If you’ve enjoyed Ben Hatke’s imaginative tales, you might appreciate Thompson’s “Blankets.”
In this autobiographical graphic novel, he shares the story of his early life in rural Wisconsin and his first love. The book captures the mix of joy and heartache of growing up, exploring themes of family, doubt, and self-discovery.
Thompson’s drawings bring out vivid emotions and memorable moments in a thoughtful, genuine way.
Jarrett J. Krosoczka writes energetic stories paired with bold, expressive illustrations. His graphic novel, “Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute,” introduces readers to a cafeteria hero who secretly fights crime.
When a suspected cyborg substitute begins teaching at school, Lunch Lady steps up to investigate. Armed with clever cafeteria-themed gadgets like spork phones and fish-stick nunchucks, she protects students from unexpected evil.
Krosoczka combines humor, relatable school scenarios, and imaginative action in ways fans of Ben Hatke’s lively adventures will appreciate.
Books by Hope Larson blend adventure, magic, and heartfelt storytelling, which may resonate with fans of Ben Hatke. In “Compass South,” Larson shares the adventures of twins Cleo and Alex, who escape trouble in New York City.
Their paths split when fate sends them towards separate adventures filled with pirates, hidden treasures, and unexpected friendships.
Larson’s exciting narrative pace and knack for creating relatable characters make this book an enjoyable choice for readers seeking new graphic novels filled with warmth, humor, and daring journeys.
Readers who enjoy the playful storytelling and creative artwork of Ben Hatke may also appreciate Dav Pilkey. Pilkey brings humor, adventure, and whimsical drawings together in his delightful children’s books.
In his popular book “Dog Man,” readers meet a funny new hero created from an unusual accident—the head of a police dog sewn onto a policeman’s body. Dog Man faces off against villains like Petey, an evil yet comical cat whose mischievous plans keep Dog Man busy.
The book blends silly jokes, fun comic-style panels, and clever storytelling into a story that entertains kids and adults alike.
Jeff Smith is an American cartoonist best known for his delightful and imaginative graphic novels. Readers who enjoy Ben Hatke’s stories will find plenty to love in Smith’s “Bone,” a graphic novel series filled with adventure, humor, and memorable characters.
The story follows three cousins—Fone Bone, Phoney Bone, and Smiley Bone—after they are run out of their hometown and find themselves in a mysterious valley. There, they meet charming characters and battle sinister forces.
The series smoothly blends fantasy, comedy, and heartwarming friendship, all wrapped up in engaging storytelling and expressive artwork.
Shannon Hale is an author who crafts imaginative stories with charm and lively characters, ideal for fans of Ben Hatke’s adventurous style. Hale’s novel “Princess Academy” follows the story of Miri, a spirited young girl from a remote mountain village.
When the king announces he’ll choose the prince’s bride from Miri’s village, all eligible girls must attend a special academy to learn royal etiquette. Miri faces rivalry, discovers hidden truths about her village, and finds strength in herself she hadn’t expected.
This tale blends adventure, friendship, and a hint of magic, creating a story that readers can’t easily put down.
If you enjoy Ben Hatke’s stories filled with imaginative worlds and expressive visuals, you might appreciate Jillian Tamaki. Tamaki is an illustrator and comic artist known for beautiful artwork and thoughtful storytelling.
Her graphic novel “This One Summer,” created with her cousin Mariko Tamaki, explores the friendship between two young girls, Rose and Windy, during a summer vacation at Awago Beach.
The story captures the awkwardness and excitement of growing up through emotional complexity and subtle moments. Tamaki’s illustrations vividly evoke the bittersweet nostalgia and quiet intensity of adolescence.
Sara Varon is a graphic novelist and illustrator whose imaginative and friendly storytelling appeals to readers who enjoy Ben Hatke’s lively adventures. Her book “Robot Dreams” offers a heartwarming tale about friendship and loss.
It centers around a dog who builds a robot buddy to share his days with. But after a beach outing leads to an unexpected mishap, the dog can no longer reach his robot friend.
Without a single word, Varon skillfully uses expressive illustrations that show the emotional journeys each character takes. If you enjoy Hatke’s engaging and emotional stories, “Robot Dreams” may resonate strongly with you.
Mike Maihack is an author and illustrator known for his adventurous graphic novels featuring imaginative worlds and engaging characters.
If you’ve enjoyed Ben Hatke’s vibrant stories and delightful artwork, you’ll probably appreciate Maihack’s book “Cleopatra in Space: Target Practice.” In this first volume, Cleopatra gets transported from ancient Egypt to the distant future.
She discovers she’s destined to protect the galaxy. There’s plenty of humor, action, and charming friendships along the way. Maihack’s expressive art style and quick-paced storytelling should resonate with anyone who’s loved Hatke’s “Zita the Spacegirl.”