Comics have come a long way since the early days of cartoon strips and superhero serials. With an unprecedented boom in sales over the last few years, comics and graphic novels are more popular than ever, especially among school-aged kids.

Merging pictures and words, graphic novels offer a uniquely engaging way for students to explore new perspectives, cultures, and even historical events. Below, discover our top 15 graphic novel selections that are as visually stunning as they are intellectually inspiring!

New Kid

Jerry Craft (writer and illustrator), Jim Callahan (colorist)

A Newbery Medal winner, New Kid is a children’s graphic novel about finding one’s identity in a challenging world. Seventh grader Jordan Banks dreams of being a cartoonist. But instead of art school, his parents send him to a prestigious private academy where Jordan learns he is one of the few students of color. As he tries to separate his new school culture from his home life in Washington Heights, Jordan starts to feel like he doesn’t fit in anywhere. It’s only with the help of friends, family, and art that Jordan learns to stay true to himself.

Swim Team

Johnnie Christmas (writer and illustrator), Hilary Jenkins (colorist)

Unable to enroll in her favorite math elective, Bree is forced to take Swim 101. The problem? Bree can’t swim. With the help of her elderly neighbor, Etta, a former swim team captain, Bree learns to love the water and joins the school’s swim team. But will her newfound skills be enough to lead them to the state championship? Readers will love this moving graphic novel about courage and determination.

American Born Chinese

Gene Luen Yang (writer and illustrator), Lark Pien (colorist)

A Printz Award winner and a finalist for the National Book Award, American Born Chinese is a brilliant graphic novel that even the most reluctant reader will enjoy. Students will follow the tales of three different narrators. There’s Jin Wang, a Chinese American kid who just wants to fit in at school; Danny, a popular teen with a Chinese cousin who embodies unfortunate stereotypes; and the Monkey King, a folkloric figure on a quest for recognition. As the narrators’ paths cross, their interlocking stories offer a fresh take on race, identity, and fitting in.

The Legend of Auntie Po

Shing Yin Khor (writer and illustrator), Heather L. Gilbraith (penciller assistant)

History and folklore merge in this colorful graphic novel for middle-grade readers. It’s 1885, a few years after the passage of the Chinese Exclusion Act, and thirteen-year-old Mei and her father work in a Sierra Nevada logging camp. Around the campfire, Mei tells stories of Po Pan Yin (Auntie Po), a giant, elderly Chinese matriarch reminiscent of Paul Bunyan. With Auntie Po and her blue water buffalo Pei Pei as guides, Mei must navigate rising racial tensions among the workers and her budding romantic feelings for Bee, the foreman's daughter.

Heartstopper, Volume One

Alice Oseman

Now a hit Netflix series! Alice Oseman’s Heartstopper graphic novel series takes readers on an uplifting journey about friendship, love, and identity. This first volume introduces Charlie Spring and Nick Nelson, two classmates who hadn’t really met until their teacher sat them together. Recently outed as gay, Charlie finds himself developing a crush on Nick, whom he presumes is straight. But as their friendship deepens, Charlie realizes Nick cares about him more than he thinks. Students who love books by Becky Albertalli, Adam Silvera, and David Levithan will adore Heartstopper.

White Bird

R. J. Palacio (writer and illustrator), Kevin Czap (inker)

A companion book to R. J. Palacio's Wonder, this graphic novel expands upon one of the main characters, Julian, and his family. Julian’s grandmother, Grandmère, recounts her experiences as a young Jewish girl living in Nazi-occupied France during World War II. Throughout the book, Grandmère’s story intertwines with Julian's life as he learns important lessons about the impact of one's choices. Told with beautiful illustrations, White Bird examines the historical events of the Holocaust while highlighting the importance of empathy and standing up against injustice.

Victory. Stand!

Tommie Smith (writer), Derrick Barnes (writer), and Dawud Anyabwile (illustrator)

On October 16, 1968, runners Tommie Smith and John Carlos made history as they raised their fists during the medal ceremony at the Mexico City Olympics. Their actions, done to protest racial injustices faced by African Americans in the United States, immediately led to their expulsion from the Olympics. A National Book Award finalist, this graphic memoir for young readers recounts Smith’s athletic career, from his childhood all the way to the Olympics, and the ostracism he faced in the wake of his protest.

I am Alfonso Jones

Tony Medina (writer), Stacey Robinson (illustrator), and John Jennings (illustrator)

Perfect for teenage readers, this graphic novel examines the cost and consequences of racism and injustice. Alfonso Jones, a gifted Black student, is shot by a police officer who mistakes a clothes hanger for a gun. When Alfonso awakens in the afterlife, he boards a ghost train with other victims of police brutality. Meanwhile, his family and friends struggle with their grief and seek justice through political protests. As they face their new realities, both Alfonso and his loved ones realize the work that lies ahead in the fight for a better world.

They Called Us Enemy

George Takei (writer), Harmony Becker (illustrator), Justin Eisinger (writer), and Steven Scott (writer)

In this graphic memoir, actor and activist George Takei joins artist Harmony Becker and co-writers Justin Eisinger and Steven Scott to shed light on one of the darkest moments in American history. In 1942, five-year-old George and his family are rounded up without warning and imprisoned within a Japanese American internment camp thousands of miles from home. Students will be captivated by the book’s graphic novel format and the story’s poignant and timely lessons on resilience, courage, loyalty, and love.

March, Book One

John Lewis (writer), Andrew Aydin (writer), and Nate Powell (illustrator)

Congressman John Lewis, one of the key figures of the civil rights movement, presents the incredible story of his life through March, a graphic novel series created in collaboration with co-writer Andrew Aydin and artist Nate Powell. This first volume covers Lewis’s early involvement with activism, including his life-changing meeting with Martin Luther King, Jr. and his participation in the Nashville sit-ins. Stunning artwork and the powerful lessons presented in Lewis’s story make March an excellent resource for learning about one of the most turbulent times in United States history.

The Complete Persepolis

Marjane Satrapi

This graphic memoir depicting the childhood of Marjane Satrapi during the turbulent years surrounding the Iranian Revolution is a powerful look at the overthrow of the Iranian government, the introduction of theocracy, and the ongoing war with Iraq. Your students will be enthralled as Satrapi, in these simple, yet poignant and revealing, black and white drawings, explores the changing political realities of Iran and the way they’ve affected her. Although there is less text than in a traditional novel, Persepolis lends itself beautifully to studies of theme, characterization, and many other important literary elements. It will make a great addition to your multicultural library.

Maus I

Art Spiegelman

Recognized as serious literature with a special award from the Pulitzer Prize committee, this graphic novel relates the events of the Holocaust to students in a way that is both meaningful and interesting. With stunning illustrations, Art Spiegelman chronicles his father’s experiences during the Holocaust, depicting the characters as mice and other animals. Irony abounds, and understatement and sarcasm permeate the pages, making Maus I a great tool for teaching various literary techniques.

The Best We Could Do

Thi Bui

In this poignant graphic memoir, artist Thi Bui reflects on the consequences of war and the impact of intergenerational trauma by chronicling her family’s turbulent history. Starting with the story of her family’s daring escape after the fall of South Vietnam in the 1970s, Bui documents the struggles they faced as immigrants adjusting to new lives in America. It’s only through experiencing her own trials as a first-time mother that she truly understands the incredible sacrifices her parents made to give their children a better life. Tackling themes of identity and family, The Best We Could Do makes a great addition to any nonfiction unit.

Pyongyang: A Journey in North Korea

Guy Delisle (writer and illustrator), Helge Dascher (translator)

One of the most isolated nations in the world, North Korea rarely allows foreigners into the country. But in 2001, Canadian cartoonist Guy Delisle received a rare chance to visit the nation on a two-month work visa. In this graphic novel, Delisle documents his unique experiences living in the capital city of Pyongyang, his tours of famous landmarks, and his interactions with citizens and other foreigners—all while under the constant watch of his North Korean guide.

Watchmen

Alan Moore (writer), Dave Gibbons (illustrator), and John Higgins (colorist)

What makes a superhero? Your students will question this and more in this critically-acclaimed comic series that has captivated millions. Watchmen presents an alternative reality in which superheroes have existed since the 1940s and have impacted major historical events, including the Cold War. The story follows several retired vigilantes as they face moral dilemmas and personal struggles in this combative world. This paperback edition compiles the original comic series in one volume.

You can find all these titles and more at Prestwick House! When you order from us, you'll always save at least 25% on any paperback. If the retail value of your order is at least $500, you'll save 30%. And if the retail value of your order is at least $2,500, you'll save 35% on all your paperbacks!

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Classroom Library Pack: Graphic Novels for High School

Expand your classroom library with this selection of celebrated graphic novels appropriate for high school readers. This pack includes a copy of American Born Chinese, March, Maus I, Persepolis, They Called Us Enemy, and Watchmen.

Are you looking for a certain graphic novel but don't see it on our website? Send an email to info@prestwickhouse.com. We have connections to more than 100 publishers and can special order almost any book for you!