Recommended Graphic Novels for Middle & High School:
Maus I: A Survivor's Tale
Maus II: A Survivor's Tale: And Here My Troubles Began
by Art Spiegelman
A story of a Jewish survivor of Hitler's Europe and his son, a cartoonist who tries to come to terms with his father's story and history itself. Part memoir, part historical fiction, and all graphic novel, the author tells his dramatic story by portraying the characters as animals.
(Lexile: NP)
Maus II: A Survivor's Tale: And Here My Troubles Began
by Art Spiegelman
A story of a Jewish survivor of Hitler's Europe and his son, a cartoonist who tries to come to terms with his father's story and history itself. Part memoir, part historical fiction, and all graphic novel, the author tells his dramatic story by portraying the characters as animals.
(Lexile: NP)
Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood
Persepolis 2: The Story of a Return
by Marjane Satrapi
A memoir of growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution in which the black and white graphics show the devastating effects of the war with Iraq. Persepolis is a story of growing up and a stunning reminder of the human cost of war and political repression.
(Lexile: 380-500)
Persepolis 2: The Story of a Return
by Marjane Satrapi
A memoir of growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution in which the black and white graphics show the devastating effects of the war with Iraq. Persepolis is a story of growing up and a stunning reminder of the human cost of war and political repression.
(Lexile: 380-500)
American Born Chinese
by Gene Luen Yang
A modern fable that is hilarious, poignant, and action-packed, this graphic novel follows three characters that are intertwined in an unexpected twist at the end. The story can start great class discussions about identity, racism, friendship, family, and acceptance.
(Lexile: 530)
by Gene Luen Yang
A modern fable that is hilarious, poignant, and action-packed, this graphic novel follows three characters that are intertwined in an unexpected twist at the end. The story can start great class discussions about identity, racism, friendship, family, and acceptance.
(Lexile: 530)
Robot Dreams
by Sara Varon
This moving, charming graphic novel about a dog and a robot shows us in poignant detail how powerful and fragile relationships are. With practically no words, this graphic novel can teach visual literacy skills and bring about sophisticated conversations about friendship.
by Sara Varon
This moving, charming graphic novel about a dog and a robot shows us in poignant detail how powerful and fragile relationships are. With practically no words, this graphic novel can teach visual literacy skills and bring about sophisticated conversations about friendship.
The Sandman series
by Neil Gaiman
The Sandman's main character is Dream, the Lord of Dreams, who is essentially the anthropomorphic personification of dreams. According to Gaiman, "The Lord of Dreams learns that one must change or die, and makes his decision." ** May not be appropriate for middle school due to complicated plot and mild nudity.
by Neil Gaiman
The Sandman's main character is Dream, the Lord of Dreams, who is essentially the anthropomorphic personification of dreams. According to Gaiman, "The Lord of Dreams learns that one must change or die, and makes his decision." ** May not be appropriate for middle school due to complicated plot and mild nudity.
The 9/11 Report: A Graphic Adaptation
by Sid Jacobson & Ernie Colon
Using the format of a graphic novel, these two authors have produced the most accessible form of the 9/11 Report. The text frequently follows word for word the original report, faithfully captures its investigative thoroughness, and covers its entire scope, even including the Commission's final report card. The stunning artwork powerfully conveys the facts, insights, and urgency of the tragedy. A must-have when studying the events of 9/11. Most appropriate for high school students as some vocabulary is difficult.
by Sid Jacobson & Ernie Colon
Using the format of a graphic novel, these two authors have produced the most accessible form of the 9/11 Report. The text frequently follows word for word the original report, faithfully captures its investigative thoroughness, and covers its entire scope, even including the Commission's final report card. The stunning artwork powerfully conveys the facts, insights, and urgency of the tragedy. A must-have when studying the events of 9/11. Most appropriate for high school students as some vocabulary is difficult.
The Arrival
by Shaun Tan
A wordless graphic novel that tells the story of an immigrant. A man heads off to set up a home for his wife and child, to a bizarre yet beautiful world that is so unfamiliar to anything that we know of today . The food, the creatures, the jobs, the way of life, the way of travel...it's all new and bizarre and told beautifully through Tan's haunting, sepia toned artwork.
by Shaun Tan
A wordless graphic novel that tells the story of an immigrant. A man heads off to set up a home for his wife and child, to a bizarre yet beautiful world that is so unfamiliar to anything that we know of today . The food, the creatures, the jobs, the way of life, the way of travel...it's all new and bizarre and told beautifully through Tan's haunting, sepia toned artwork.
Beowulf
by Gareth Hinds
This epic tale of the great warrior Beowulf has been retold in the style of a graphic novel. For fantasy fans both young and old, this makes an ideal introduction to a classic story. This retelling allows students to enjoy this original superhero story without the constraints of the original genre.
by Gareth Hinds
This epic tale of the great warrior Beowulf has been retold in the style of a graphic novel. For fantasy fans both young and old, this makes an ideal introduction to a classic story. This retelling allows students to enjoy this original superhero story without the constraints of the original genre.
The Odyssey
by Gareth Hinds
Hinds turns this famous epic poem into a beautifully crafted story with equally sea-worthy illustrations. A great pairing with Homer's original piece, students can discuss the similarities and differences, and gain a deeper understanding of this classic work.
by Gareth Hinds
Hinds turns this famous epic poem into a beautifully crafted story with equally sea-worthy illustrations. A great pairing with Homer's original piece, students can discuss the similarities and differences, and gain a deeper understanding of this classic work.