A great way to expand your selection of children’s books—and lure older kids to your store at the same time—is to add graphic novels, be they visual adaptations of classic literature, biographical tales or original stories starring outrageous characters. The genre is hugely popular with kids and, increasingly, parents, who see it as way to engage even the most reluctant of readers. Here are a few of our recent favorites.

No Girls Allowed: Tales of Daring Women Dressed as Men for Love, Freedom and Adventure, written by Susan Hughes and illustrated by Willow Dawson, dramatizes seven historical biographical tales (from legends, poems, letters and first-hand accounts) of women who disguised themselves as men from ancient Egypt to the Middle Ages and beyond. ($8.95), Kids Can Press, Tonawanda, N.Y.

Babymouse #10: The Musical, created by Jennifer L. Holm and Matt Holm, is the latest release in their beloved, hilarious and award-winning graphic novel series. In this tale, the gang take center stage as the wise-cracking Babymouse and Felicia Furrypaws compete for the lead in the school show. ($5.99), Random House, New York

Star Wars The Clone Wars: Crash Course is the second novel-length release in the series, launched as a complement to Lucasfilm’s CGI-animated The Clone Wars. In this adventure, Anakin Skywalker and his Padawan go undercover in the world of podracing. ($7.95), Dark Horse Comics, Milwaukie, Ore.

Jeff Smiths’ Bone: Crown of Horns is the ninth and final title in the award-winning, Tolkienesque series that was originally serialized as a black-and-white comic before launching as a full-color graphic novel collection. The sweeping, epic story concludes with this tale of Fone Bone and Thorn seeking the Crown of Thorns, a mystical object that holds the power to stop the war for control of the Valley. ($9.99) Scholastic (Graphix), New York

All Action Classics: Dracula, adapted by Michael Mucci from Bram Stoker’s original, brings the best and baddest vampire of them all to a tween audience through striking, action-packed images. Ben Caldwell’s illustrations also get right the meticulous details of costuming and architecture, perfectly setting the mood. All-Action Classics: The Odyssey debuts this fall. ($6.95), Sterling, New York

Manga Shakespeare: Othello, adapted by Richard Appignanesi from the original play and illustrated by Japanese-born manga artist Ryuta Osada, debuts this spring along with As You Like It. Both titles aim to refresh and update William Shakespeare’s original plays into a cutting-edge manga experience for younger readers. ($10.95) Abrams Books (Amulet), New York