Head-to-head
The Stonekeeper vs Hilo Book 3: The Great Big Boom
Both are epic fantasy graphic novel series for ages 8-12, but Amulet has deeper world-building while Hilo is faster-paced sci-fi adventure.
The Stonekeeper
by Kazu Kibuishi
A visually stunning fantasy graphic novel that hooks reluctant readers with genuine emotional depth
Hilo Book 3: The Great Big Boom
by Judd Winick
A robot boy with a dark past fights to prove goodness is a choice, not a design flaw
Score comparison
| Score | The Stonekeeper | Hilo Book 3: The Great Big Boom | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kid Score | 71 | 72 | Tied |
| Parent Score | 60 | 57 | The Stonekeeper (+3) |
| Teacher Score | 54 | 52 | Tied |
✓ The Stonekeeper — perfect for
- •Reluctant readers who resist text-heavy books but love visual storytelling
- •Kids ages 9-12 who enjoy fantasy adventures with emotional stakes
- •Readers looking for a female protagonist who earns her hero status through courage, not destiny
- •Fans of Avatar: The Last Airbender or Narnia-style portal fantasies
✓ Hilo Book 3: The Great Big Boom — perfect for
- •Kids who love action-packed graphic novels with heart. Readers who enjoyed Dog Man's humor will find similar laughs here
- •but with deeper emotional stakes and a protagonist wrestling with questions about identity and choice.
Our take
There's no universal winner here — the right pick depends on who's reading. Hilo Book 3: The Great Big Boom scores higher with kids (72 vs 71) — better if your goal is "my kid actually wants to read it."
Still not sure? Take the 2-minute SPARK quiz — we'll pick the one that fits your specific kid's reading personality.
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