Graphic Novels & Books

With engrossing, innovative artwork that drives home the sophisticated themes within, graphic novels have emerged as a formidable and exciting genre. This assortment of study guides includes both fiction and nonfiction selections, including Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi, a memoir about the author’s experiences growing up in Iran before and after the revolution in 1979, and Maus by Art Spiegelman, the first graphic novel to win the Pulitzer Prize.

Publication year 2011Genre Graphic Novel/Book, NonfictionThemes Values/Ideas: Equality, Society: ColonialismTags History: African , Race / Racism, Education, Education, History: World

Publication year 2023Genre Graphic Memoir , NonfictionThemes Relationships: Friendship, Emotions/Behavior: Love, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Emotions/Behavior: Fear, Emotions/Behavior: Gratitude, Emotions/Behavior: Hope, Emotions/Behavior: Joy, Emotions/Behavior: Memory, Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Life/Time: The Future, Life/Time: The Past, Self Discovery, Society: Community, Values/Ideas: Art, Values/Ideas: Beauty, Values/Ideas: Safety & Danger, Values/Ideas: Trust & Doubt, Emotions/Behavior: CourageTags Children's Literature, Romance, Biography, Coming of Age / Bildungsroman, Travel Literature

Publication year 2022Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Identity: Mental Health, Identity: Race, Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Life/Time: Mortality & Death, Natural World: Climate, Relationships: Family, Society: Nation, Values/Ideas: Safety & DangerTags Realistic Fiction, Social Justice, Race / Racism, Modern Classic Fiction, Arts / Culture

Publication year 2021Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Relationships: Family, Emotions/Behavior: Fear, Emotions/Behavior: Loneliness, Emotions/Behavior: Gratitude, Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Life/Time: Coming of AgeTags Realistic Fiction, Coming of Age / Bildungsroman, Animals, Health / Medicine, Education, Children's Literature, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 2020Genre Graphic Memoir , NonfictionThemes Relationships: Family, Identity: Race, Relationships: Mothers, Self Discovery, Emotions/Behavior: Loneliness, Society: CommunityTags Immigration / Refugee, Race / Racism, Modern Classic Fiction, Biography

Publication year 2006Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Identity: Race, Life/Time: Coming of Age, Society: ImmigrationTags Allegory / Fable / Parable, Coming of Age / Bildungsroman, Bullying, Race / Racism, History: Asian, Immigration / Refugee, Chinese Literature, Children's Literature, Education, Education, Fantasy

American Born Chinese is a graphic novel published in 2006 by the American author and illustrator Gene Luen Yang, who also wrote the graphic novel Boxers (2013) and the graphic memoir Dragon Hopes (2020). Through three interweaving stories that span from the 16th century to the present, American Born Chinese explores issues of Chinese American identity, anti-Asian racism, and assimilation. American Born Chinese is the first graphic novel to be nominated for a National Book... Read American Born Chinese Summary


Publication year 2012Genre Graphic Novel/Book, NonfictionTags Psychology, Psychology, LGBTQ, Biography

Are You My Mother?: A Comic Drama is a graphic memoir by Alison Bechdel and the winner of the 2013 Judy Grahn Award for Lesbian Nonfiction. It is the follow-up to Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic, which focuses on Bechdel’s sexual awakening and her relationship with her closeted bisexual father. Are You My Mother? interweaves memoir, dream interpretation, psychoanalysis, and literature to examine Bechdel’s complicated relationship with her mother.Plot SummaryThe non-linear narrative of Are You... Read Are You My Mother? Summary


Publication year 2015Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Relationships: Friendship, Values/Ideas: Art, Values/Ideas: Win & Lose, Values/Ideas: Science & Technology, Relationships: Teams, Society: Education, Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Emotions/Behavior: RegretTags Realistic Fiction, Science / Nature, Education, Children's Literature, Bullying, Trauma / Abuse / Violence, Education, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 2018Genre Graphic Memoir , NonfictionThemes Relationships: Friendship, Emotions/Behavior: Loneliness, Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Self Discovery, Society: Class, Society: Immigration, Values/Ideas: Religion & Spirituality, Life/Time: Coming of AgeTags Humor, Action / Adventure, Coming of Age / Bildungsroman, Children's Literature, Realistic Fiction

Publication year 2010Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Relationships: Friendship, Values/Ideas: Fate, Emotions/Behavior: Shame & Pride, Values/Ideas: FameTags Humor, Realistic Fiction, Children's Literature, Education, Education

Publication year 2018Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Conflict, Emotions/Behavior: Courage, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Emotions/Behavior: Grief, Emotions/Behavior: Hope, Emotions/Behavior: Memory, Emotions/Behavior: Revenge, Identity: Masculinity, Identity: Race, Natural World: Animals, Natural World: Climate, Natural World: Environment, Relationships: Daughters & Sons, Relationships: Fathers, Society: Colonialism, Society: WarTags Fantasy, Action / Adventure, Afrofuturism, Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction, Children's Literature

Publication year 2003Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Religion & Spirituality, Life/Time: Coming of Age, Identity: SexualityTags Auto/Biographical Fiction, Coming of Age / Bildungsroman, Relationships, Modern Classic Fiction, Romance

Blankets is a 2003 autobiographical graphic novel by Craig Thompson, who created both the text and the illustrations. It tells the story of Craig’s coming-of-age and first love in the context of his strict religious upbringing, and later, a departure from his childhood faith. Time magazine ranked Blankets first on its Best Comics list for 2003 and eighth on its list of Best Comics of the Decade. In 2004 it won Harvey awards for Best... Read Blankets Summary


Publication year 1991Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Religion & Spirituality, Values/Ideas: Good & Evil, Relationships: FamilyTags Fantasy, Children's Literature, Action / Adventure, Humor

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Publication year 1993Genre Short Story, FictionThemes Identity: Race, Society: Colonialism, Society: Nation, Relationships: FamilyTags Satire, Colonialism / Postcolonialism, Children's Literature, Realistic Fiction

Publication year 2014Genre Graphic Memoir , NonfictionThemes Relationships: Family, Life/Time: Aging, Emotions/Behavior: Apathy, Emotions/Behavior: Conflict, Emotions/Behavior: Forgiveness, Emotions/Behavior: Gratitude, Emotions/Behavior: Grief, Emotions/Behavior: Guilt, Emotions/Behavior: Love, Emotions/Behavior: Memory, Emotions/Behavior: Regret, Identity: Mental Health, Life/Time: Mortality & DeathTags Humor, Grief / Death, Biography

Publication year 1997Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Relationships: FriendshipTags Humor, Fantasy, Action / Adventure, Children's Literature

Dav Pilkey’s graphic novel for children, The Adventures of Captain Underpants (1997), spawned a long list of sequels and adaptations in other media. The Captain Underpants series has won numerous awards, including the Garden State Children's Book Awards (Children's Fiction) 2000, the Buckeye Children's Book Award (Grades 3-5) 2001, and the Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Award (Grades K-3) 2000.Plot SummaryThe story begins by introducing two best friends, George and Harold. They love to pull pranks... Read Captain Underpants Summary


Publication year 1946Genre Graphic Novel/Book, NonfictionThemes Relationships: FamilyTags Asian Literature, Japanese Literature, Military / War, Education, Education, History: World, Biography

Miné Okubo’s Citizen 13660 is a graphic memoir about the Japanese American author’s experience in Japanese internment camps during World War II. First published in 1946, Citizen 13660 is told from Okubo’s first-person narrator experience, although the author draws herself in third-person in nearly every scene.Plot OverviewAfter Okubo’s mother’s passing, she lived with her brother in Berkeley, California until the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor in 1941. In response, US President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued Executive... Read Citizen 13660 Summary


Publication year 2020Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Society: Education, Identity: Race, Self Discovery, Society: Class, Values/Ideas: Equality, Relationships: FriendshipTags Realistic Fiction, Arts / Culture, Class, Diversity, Education, Race / Racism, African American Literature, Children's Literature, Education, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 2019Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Loneliness, Life/Time: Coming of Age, Relationships: Friendship, Values/Ideas: Art, Self DiscoveryTags Children's Literature, Education, Education, Realistic Fiction, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 2010Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Fear, Life/Time: Aging, Life/Time: Mortality & DeathTags Fantasy, Magical Realism, Grief / Death, Relationships, Depression / Suicide, Latin American Literature, Surrealism, Arts / Culture

Daytripper is a graphic novel written and illustrated by comic book artists Fábio Moon and Gabriel Bá. Originally published in 2010 as a comic book series by Vertigo, the collected series was published as a completed book in 2011. Daytripper won the 2011 Eisner Award for Best Limited Series. Bá has also worked on popular comic series such as Umbrella Academy and Casanova. Both Moon and Bá are twins, and they sometimes refer to themselves... Read Daytripper Summary


Publication year 2018Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Safety & Danger, Values/Ideas: Good & Evil, Relationships: Siblings, Life/Time: Coming of Age, Emotions/Behavior: Love, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / PerseveranceTags Fantasy, Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction, Action / Adventure, Historical Fiction

Publication year 2007Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Relationships: Friendship, Relationships: Family, Values/Ideas: Loyalty & Betrayal, Relationships: Siblings, Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Emotions/Behavior: Guilt, Emotions/Behavior: Shame & Pride, Values/Ideas: Truth & LiesTags Realistic Fiction, Humor, Relationships, Bullying, Children's Literature

Diary of a Wimpy Kid is the first graphic novel in the titular series by Jeff Kinney. Since its initial publication in 2007, Diary of a Wimpy Kid has become a New York Times bestseller and 16 sequels have followed in the series. Diary of a Wimpy Kid is written in a diary format and documents the misadventures of middle school student Greg Heffley, who longs for popularity and hatches dozens of schemes to achieve... Read Diary of a Wimpy Kid Summary


Publication year 2020Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Identity: Race, Society: Community, Life/Time: Coming of Age, Emotions/Behavior: MemoryTags Historical Fiction, LGBTQ, Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction, Fantasy, WWII / World War II, Children's Literature, History: World

Publication year 2016Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Good & Evil, Relationships: Friendship, Life/Time: Childhood & YouthTags Humor, Fantasy, Animals, Children's Literature

Publication year 2020Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Relationships: Family, Relationships: FathersTags Fantasy, Humor, Action / Adventure, Animals, Children's Literature

Publication year 2018Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Love, Identity: Disability, Natural World: Appearance & Reality, Natural World: Nurture v. Nature, Relationships: FamilyTags Humor, Animals, Fantasy, Action / Adventure, Children's Literature

Publication year 2021Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Joy, Emotions/Behavior: Love, Relationships: Friendship, Relationships: Fathers, Relationships: FamilyTags Humor, Fantasy, Action / Adventure, Children's Literature, Animals

Publication year 2016Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies, Values/Ideas: Fame, Relationships: Siblings, Relationships: Friendship, Relationships: FamilyTags Humor, Children's Literature, Realistic Fiction

Publication year 2020Genre Graphic Memoir , NonfictionThemes Relationships: Teams, Identity: RaceTags Sports, Children's Literature, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 2012Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionTags Humor, Children's Literature, Realistic Fiction, Modern Classic Fiction, Drama / Tragedy, Romance, LGBTQ

Drama is a young adult graphic novel by Raina Telgemeier published in 2012. It is Telgemeier’s third book and her first fiction graphic novel—her first two were autobiographical. Drama is critically acclaimed and spent 240 weeks on The New York Times bestseller list. This guide refers to the 2012 edition by Scholastic/Graphix.Plot SummaryCallie Marin is a seventh-grader at Eucalyptus Middle School. She has long, purple-dyed hair and likes to wear the color green. She also... Read Drama Summary


Publication year 2022Genre Graphic Memoir , NonfictionThemes Life/Time: Coming of Age, Society: Class, Identity: Gender, Emotions/Behavior: Loneliness, Society: Economics, Natural World: Environment, Identity: Femininity, Identity: Masculinity, Relationships: Friendship, Society: Community, Values/Ideas: Safety & DangerTags Biography

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Publication year 2014Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Identity: Gender, Relationships: Friendship, Identity: DisabilityTags Humor, Disability, Children's Literature, Realistic Fiction, Biography

El Deafo is a 2014 semi-autobiographical, graphic novel by American author and illustrator Cece Bell. Bell, who was born deaf, recounts her childhood in the format of a guide starring an anthropomorphic rabbit, “Cece.” The book endeavors to undermine negative representations of deafness by representing Cece’s difference as valid, even empowering, with the assistance of modern technology. Throughout the book, Cece occasionally assumes a superhero persona, “El Deafo.” El Deafo challenges common misconceptions about disabilities... Read El Deafo Summary


Publication year 1995Genre Autobiography / Memoir, NonfictionTags Trauma / Abuse / Violence, Education, Education, Sociology, Social Justice, Politics / Government, Biography

Fist, Stick, Knife, Gun: A Personal History of Violence is the 1995 memoir by Geoffrey Canada that details his coming-of-age in the South Bronx. It follows Canada from the age of four to young manhood and describes the different and increasingly lethal forms that violence takes in his life.The memoir begins with Canada living with his three older brothers and his newly-single mother. His father has recently left the family, and his mother is trying... Read Fist Stick Knife Gun Summary


Publication year 2020Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Life/Time: Coming of Age, Identity: SexualityTags LGBTQ, Realistic Fiction, Coming of Age / Bildungsroman, Relationships

Publication year 2006Genre Graphic Memoir , NonfictionThemes Identity: Sexuality, Identity: Gender, Relationships: Family, Relationships: Fathers, Relationships: Daughters & Sons, Values/Ideas: Literature, Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies, Identity: Femininity, Identity: MasculinityTags LGBTQ, Auto/Biographical Fiction, Relationships, Love / Sexuality, Parenting, Depression / Suicide, Mental Illness, Grief / Death, Gender / Feminism, Biography

Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic (2006) is a graphic novel memoir written and illustrated by underground cartoonist Alison Bechdel. The book centers on Bechdel’s relationship with her late father Bruce Allen Bechdel, who died in what she believes was a death by suicide. Fun Home is a non-linear narrative that rehashes events from Alison Bechdel’s youth and adolescence. Her memories are presented in the comic panels, overlayed with her prosaic, retrospective musings in text boxes... Read Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic Summary


Publication year 2019Genre Graphic Memoir , NonfictionThemes Identity: Gender, Self Discovery, Identity: Sexuality, Relationships: FamilyTags LGBTQ, Gender / Feminism, Biography

Publication year 2016Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Relationships: Family, Values/Ideas: Religion & Spirituality, Relationships: Siblings, Life/Time: Childhood & YouthTags Fantasy, Grief / Death, Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction, Children's Literature, Religion / Spirituality

Publication year 2019Genre Graphic Memoir , NonfictionThemes Relationships: Family, Identity: Race, Relationships: Daughters & Sons, Relationships: Friendship, Relationships: Mothers, Relationships: Siblings, Relationships: Marriage, Relationships: Fathers, Society: Community, Emotions/Behavior: Memory, Life/Time: The Future, Emotions/Behavior: Fear, Emotions/Behavior: Conflict, Emotions/Behavior: LonelinessTags Race / Racism, Politics / Government, September 11 Attacks, Relationships, LGBTQ, Grief / Death, Parenting, Social Justice, Immigration / Refugee, Biography

Publication year 2019Genre Graphic Memoir , NonfictionThemes Identity: Mental Health, Emotions/Behavior: Fear, Relationships: Friendship, Relationships: Family, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Values/Ideas: ArtTags Coming of Age / Bildungsroman, Children's Literature, Realistic Fiction, Modern Classic Fiction, Mental Illness

Guts is the third mid-grade graphic memoir in a trilogy by author/illustrator Raina Telgemeier through which she relates the true story of her childhood. Guts specifically records Raina’s fourth- and fifth-grade years, when she transitioned from nine to 10 years old. During this period, she first experiences gastrointestinal issues, eventually diagnosed as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Panic attacks accompany the IBS, and the two conditions exacerbate each other, intensifying her distress. Her narrative chronicles how... Read Guts Summary


Publication year 2018Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Identity: Mental Health, Emotions/Behavior: Love, Relationships: Friendship, Identity: Sexuality, Identity: Masculinity, Identity: Gender, Life/Time: Childhood & YouthTags Romance, LGBTQ, Bullying, Love / Sexuality, Relationships, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 2014Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Art, Natural World: Place, Emotions/Behavior: Memory, Natural World: Environment, Emotions/Behavior: Grief, Emotions/Behavior: Joy, Emotions/Behavior: Loneliness, Emotions/Behavior: Love, Identity: Indigenous, Life/Time: Aging, Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Life/Time: Mortality & Death, Life/Time: The Future, Life/Time: The Past, Natural World: Climate, Natural World: Objects, Natural World: Space & The Universe, Relationships: Family, Relationships: Mothers, Values/Ideas: BeautyTags Historical Fiction, Drama / Tragedy, History: World, Arts / Culture

Here by Richard McGuire is a graphic novel published on December 4, 2014, by Pantheon Books. The graphic novel focuses on the same corner of a room over billions of years. It depicts the area long before the house is built and long after it falls. By using different visual styles, overlapping panels, and non-chronological narration, McGuire creates a narrative that comments on the nature of time and life. Here is considered a transformative work... Read Here Summary


Publication year 2010Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Family, Relationships: Friendship, Values/Ideas: Trust & Doubt, Emotions/Behavior: LonelinessTags Fantasy, Action / Adventure, Mystery / Crime Fiction, Coming of Age / Bildungsroman, Children's Literature, Sports

Published in 2010, Hero is an adventure novel for middle-grade readers about a teenage boy who develops superpowers and uses them to avenge the murder of his superhero father. In the process, he must learn to control his emotions, find a mentor he can trust, protect those he loves, and defeat powerful assailants. Author Mike Lupica is a sports columnist, TV commentator, and bestselling writer whose more than three dozen books range from sports biographies... Read Hero Summary


Publication year 2018Genre Autobiography / Memoir, NonfictionThemes Relationships: FamilyTags Trauma / Abuse / Violence, Addiction / Substance Abuse, Children's Literature, Mental Illness, Arts / Culture

Hey, Kiddo: How I Lost My Mother, Found My Father, and Dealt with Family Addiction is a 2018 graphic memoir by Jarrett J. Krosoczka. A finalist for the National Book Award, it earned praise for its compassionate and honest portrayal of a child growing up in a family marked by addiction and abuse. This guide refers to the 2018 Graphix edition.Plot SummaryThe story traces Jarrett J. Krosoczka’s childhood and his family. Beginning and ending with... Read Hey, Kiddo Summary


Publication year 2007Genre Short Story, FictionThemes Natural World: Appearance & Reality, Identity: Gender, Identity: LanguageTags Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction, Fantasy

Publication year 2013Genre Graphic Novel/Book, NonfictionThemes Identity: Mental Health, Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Relationships: Mothers, Emotions/Behavior: Shame & Pride, Emotions/Behavior: FearTags Humor, Auto/Biographical Fiction, Mental Illness, Depression / Suicide, Animals, Biography

Publication year 2022Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Relationships: Friendship, Identity: Language, Society: Immigration, Identity: RaceTags Realistic Fiction, Race / Racism, Children's Literature, Education, Education, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 2017Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Relationships: Friendship, Emotions/Behavior: Courage, Emotions/Behavior: Loneliness, Identity: Mental HealthTags Realistic Fiction, Humor, Children's Literature, Education, Education, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 2019Genre Graphic Memoir , NonfictionThemes Relationships: Family, Society: Immigration, Society: CommunityTags Coming of Age / Bildungsroman, Immigration / Refugee, Biography

Publication year 2021Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Relationships: Friendship, Life/Time: Coming of AgeTags Fantasy, Action / Adventure, Humor, Animals, Coming of Age / Bildungsroman, Relationships, Children's Literature

Publication year 1986Genre Novel, FictionThemes Relationships: Friendship, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Relationships: Family, Relationships: Teams, Self DiscoveryTags Realistic Fiction, Children's Literature, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 2019Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Conflict, Relationships: Friendship, Self DiscoveryTags Modern Classic Fiction, LGBTQ, Romance

Publication year 2013Genre Graphic Novel/Book, NonfictionThemes Society: Education, Society: Politics & Government, Values/Ideas: Religion & Spirituality, Identity: Race, Values/Ideas: Justice & Injustice, Values/Ideas: Equality, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / PerseveranceTags History: U.S., Politics / Government, Race / Racism, Social Justice, Auto/Biographical Fiction, Inspirational, Civil Rights / Jim Crow, Black Lives Matter, History: World, Biography

Publication year 2016Genre Graphic Memoir , NonfictionThemes Identity: Race, Society: Politics & Government, Values/Ideas: Justice & Injustice, Values/Ideas: EqualityTags Civil Rights / Jim Crow, History: U.S., Race / Racism, Social Justice, History: World, Politics / Government, Biography

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Publication year 1986Genre Graphic Novel/Book, NonfictionThemes Relationships: Friendship, Relationships: Family, Values/Ideas: FateTags History: World, WWII / World War II, Holocaust, History: European, Post Modernism, Military / War, Biography

Maus by Art Spiegelman was the first graphic novel to win the Pulitzer Prize. It originally ran in Spiegelman’s Raw magazine between 1980 and 1991 before receiving mainstream attention as two collected volumes, Maus I in 1986 and Maus II in 1991. This guide is based on the 1996 complete edition. This historic memoir interlaces two narratives, one of Spiegelman’s Jewish father as he survives World War II Poland and the Auschwitz concentration camp, and... Read Maus Summary


Publication year 2023Genre Graphic Memoir , NonfictionThemes Relationships: Family, Identity: Language, Identity: Race, Life/Time: Coming of Age, Life/Time: Mortality & Death, Life/Time: The Past, Society: ImmigrationTags Children's Literature, Humor, Biography

Publication year 2017Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Identity: Race, Values/Ideas: Justice & Injustice, Self Discovery, Society: Community, Relationships: Friendship, Relationships: Family, Emotions/Behavior: Guilt, Emotions/Behavior: Fear, Emotions/Behavior: HopeTags Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction, Action / Adventure, Race / Racism, Social Justice, Children's Literature, Fantasy

Publication year 2017Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Religion & Spirituality, Life/Time: Mortality & Death, Life/Time: Coming of Age, Society: Class, Identity: Sexuality, Society: Community, Relationships: Friendship, Values/Ideas: Safety & Danger, Relationships: Siblings, Relationships: Family, Values/Ideas: Art, Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Relationships: Daughters & Sons, Relationships: Mothers, Identity: Race, Emotions/Behavior: Fear, Emotions/Behavior: Conflict, Values/Ideas: Beauty, Emotions/Behavior: Shame & Pride, Natural World: Appearance & Reality, Emotions/Behavior: Loneliness, Emotions/Behavior: Grief, Relationships: FathersTags Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction, Mystery / Crime Fiction, Historical Fiction, Coming of Age / Bildungsroman, Realistic Fiction, LGBTQ, Arts / Culture

Publication year 2012Genre Graphic Novel/Book, NonfictionThemes Identity: Mental Health, Society: Economics, Natural World: Nurture v. NatureTags Crime / Legal, Trauma / Abuse / Violence, Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction, Mystery / Crime Fiction, Biography

My Friend Dahmer is a graphic novel/memoir by American cartoonist and writer Derf Backderf, known for utilizing darkness and shading in his comic strips and graphic novels. Evolving from a 24-page cartoon created in 2002, My Friend Dahmer (2012) depicts the author’s memories of his high school friend, notorious serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, in novelistic form—exploring the ways Dahmer himself could have been helped and his 17 murders prevented. The graphic novel was adapted into... Read My Friend Dahmer Summary


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Publication year 2019Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Identity: Race, Society: ClassTags Humor, Coming of Age / Bildungsroman, Diversity, Race / Racism, Bullying, Class, African American Literature, Children's Literature, Education, Education, Realistic Fiction, Modern Classic Fiction

New Kid by Jerry Craft is a 2019 graphic novel and winner of the Newbery Medal and the Coretta Scott King Award. Jim Callahan is responsible for the coloring. Craft is the creator of the 1990 comic strip Mama’s Boyz, as well as Class Act, the 2020 companion story to this book. New Kid focuses on an artistic middle school student who makes friends and builds confidence in himself as he navigates race and class... Read New Kid Summary


Publication year 2015Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Relationships: Family, Identity: Sexuality, Values/Ideas: Good & EvilTags Fantasy, LGBTQ, Humor, Action / Adventure, Fairy Tale / Folklore

Nimona is a young adult graphic novel created by N. D. Stevenson and published in 2015 by HarperCollins. It is based on Stevenson’s webcomic, also titled Nimona, which was published in 2012 and earned Slate magazine’s 2012 Cartoonist Studio Prize for Best Web Comic of the Year. The graphic novel adaptation also received critical acclaim, earning the 2016 Eisner Award for Best Graphic Album: Reprint and becoming a 2015 National Book Award Finalist.Nimona is a... Read Nimona Summary


Publication year 2002Genre Graphic Memoir , NonfictionThemes Values/Ideas: Art, Emotions/Behavior: Memory, Emotions/Behavior: Guilt, Emotions/Behavior: Hate & Anger, Emotions/Behavior: Hope, Emotions/Behavior: Shame & Pride, Identity: Femininity, Identity: Language, Identity: Race, Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Life/Time: Midlife, Natural World: Animals, Natural World: Food, Relationships: Mothers, Self Discovery, Society: Class, Society: Education, Society: Immigration, Values/Ideas: Beauty, Values/Ideas: LiteratureTags Humor, Arts / Culture, Biography

One! Hundred! Demons! is a semi-autobiographical genre-defying graphic novel by American cartoonist and pedagogue, Lynda Barry. Over the course of her career as a prominent cartoonist with nationally syndicated comic strips, published collections, and illustrated novels, Barry has received many national and state-wide awards for her work, including two Eisner awards and MacArthur Genius Grant.Originally published serially in Salon magazine, the collected cartoon chapters were collected and published by Sasquatch Books in 2002, and later... Read One! Hundred! Demons! Summary


Publication year 2017Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Identity: Race, Life/Time: Coming of Age, Relationships: Family, Relationships: Mothers, Self Discovery, Society: Immigration, Values/Ideas: Religion & SpiritualityTags Children's Literature, Magical Realism, Indian Literature, Fantasy

Publication year 2003Genre Graphic Novel/Book, NonfictionThemes Relationships: FamilyTags History: World, Middle Eastern Literature, Auto/Biographical Fiction

Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood by Marjane Satrapi is a graphic memoir and coming-of-age tale about Satrapi’s experiences growing up in Tehran, Iran, before and after the revolution in 1979. Originally published in France to critical acclaim in four volumes between 2000-2003, it was translated into English in two volumes in 2003 and 2004 and explores themes of Coming of Age During Revolution, Civil Unrest, and War, Family Resistance and Heroism, Joy in Wartimen... Read Persepolis Summary


Publication year 2004Genre Graphic Memoir , NonfictionThemes Life/Time: Coming of Age, Values/Ideas: Religion & Spirituality, Society: Politics & GovernmentTags History: Middle Eastern, Gender / Feminism, Immigration / Refugee

Persepolis 2: The Story of a Return is the sequel to Marjane Satrapi’s bestselling graphic memoir, Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood, which was published in four volumes between 2000 and 2003. The early memoir documents Marjane’s childhood in Iran during the transition to fundamentalist Islamic control and concludes in her departure at age 14 in 1984. Persepolis 2: The Story of a Return was released in 2004 and documents the author’s teenage years in... Read Persepolis 2: The Story of a Return Summary


Publication year 2011Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Courage, Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Self Discovery, Values/Ideas: Power & GreedTags Action / Adventure, Fantasy, Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction, Children's Literature, Mystery / Crime Fiction

Publication year 2008Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Relationships: Friendship, Emotions/Behavior: Conflict, Emotions/Behavior: Apathy, Emotions/Behavior: Fear, Emotions/Behavior: Hate & Anger, Emotions/Behavior: Shame & Pride, Emotions/Behavior: Regret, Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Values/Ideas: Power & Greed, Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies, Values/Ideas: Trust & Doubt, Identity: Masculinity, Natural World: Appearance & Reality, Society: Education, Relationships: Family, Relationships: Siblings, Relationships: Mothers, Relationships: Fathers, Relationships: Daughters & SonsTags Humor, Realistic Fiction, Children's Literature, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 2015Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Relationships: Friendship, Life/Time: Coming of Age, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Emotions/Behavior: Fear, Emotions/Behavior: Conflict, Emotions/Behavior: Hate & Anger, Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Relationships: Teams, Values/Ideas: Loyalty & Betrayal, Self Discovery, Values/Ideas: Truth & LiesTags Realistic Fiction, Sports, Coming of Age / Bildungsroman, Children's Literature, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 2023Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Identity: Race, Life/Time: Coming of Age, Self Discovery, Society: ClassTags Realistic Fiction, Children's Literature, Modern Classic Fiction, Travel Literature

Publication year 2014Genre Graphic Memoir , NonfictionThemes Relationships: Family, Emotions/Behavior: Conflict, Emotions/Behavior: Fear, Emotions/Behavior: Hate & Anger, Emotions/Behavior: Loneliness, Emotions/Behavior: Memory, Emotions/Behavior: Nostalgia, Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Life/Time: Coming of Age, Relationships: Fathers, Relationships: Mothers, Relationships: Siblings, Relationships: Daughters & Sons, Natural World: Animals, Values/Ideas: Art, Values/Ideas: Order & ChaosTags Realistic Fiction, Humor, Coming of Age / Bildungsroman, Children's Literature, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 2010Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Shame & Pride, Life/Time: Childhood & YouthTags Children's Literature, Realistic Fiction, Modern Classic Fiction, Humor

Smile by Raina Telgemeier is an autobiographical graphic novel and the winner of the 2011 Eisner Award for Best Publication for Teens. It originated as a weekly webcomic in 2004 before Telgemeier expanded it into a book in 2010. Telgemeier is the writer and illustrator, while Stephanie Yue is the colorist. Smile is a coming-of-age tale, set in a San Francisco suburb from 1989 to 1992, in which Telgemeier struggles with preteen life after losing... Read Smile Summary


Publication year 2020Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Conflict, Emotions/Behavior: Courage, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Emotions/Behavior: Fear, Emotions/Behavior: Hope, Emotions/Behavior: Joy, Emotions/Behavior: Loneliness, Emotions/Behavior: Love, Emotions/Behavior: Memory, Emotions/Behavior: Shame & Pride, Emotions/Behavior: Regret, Emotions/Behavior: Forgiveness, Identity: Femininity, Identity: Gender, Identity: Masculinity, Identity: Race, Identity: Sexuality, Values/Ideas: Fate, Values/Ideas: Religion & Spirituality, Values/Ideas: Safety & Danger, Values/Ideas: Trust & Doubt, Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies, Natural World: Animals, Natural World: Appearance & RealityTags Fantasy, Magical Realism, LGBTQ, Children's Literature

Publication year 2002Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Relationships: Mothers, Relationships: Fathers, Values/Ideas: Religion & Spirituality, Emotions/Behavior: LoveTags Fantasy, Japanese Literature, Arts / Culture

Publication year 2019Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Relationships: Friendship, Self Discovery, Emotions/Behavior: Hope, Relationships: Family, Society: Community, Emotions/Behavior: FearTags Realistic Fiction, Children's Literature, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 2013Genre Novel, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Power & Greed, Emotions/Behavior: Revenge, Relationships: Fathers, Emotions/Behavior: Shame & Pride, Values/Ideas: Order & Chaos, Emotions/Behavior: FearTags Fantasy, Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction, Action / Adventure

Steelheart, a 2013 young adult sci-fi/fantasy novel by Brandon Sanderson, is the first installment of The Reckoners trilogy. The story takes place in dystopian Chicago, dubbed “Newcago,” which is overrun by evil superhumans called Epics and ruled by a functionally invulnerable tyrant named Steelheart. David Charleston, an 18-year-old boy whose father Steelheart killed 10 years before, joins a rebel group called the Reckoners hoping that they will help him take revenge on Steelheart. Borrowing elements... Read Steelheart Summary


Publication year 2021Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Relationships: Family, Relationships: Marriage, Emotions/Behavior: Conflict, Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Relationships: FriendshipTags Children's Literature, Realistic Fiction, Humor

Publication year 2022Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Relationships: Family, Relationships: Friendship, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / PerseveranceTags Sports, Realistic Fiction, African American Literature, Children's Literature, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 1892Genre Short Story, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: Power & Greed, Values/Ideas: Loyalty & BetrayalTags Mystery / Crime Fiction, Classic Fiction, Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction

“The Adventure of the Speckled Band” is one of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s most famous short stories. Doyle dabbled in several genres and forms, including historical fiction, plays, and poetry, but his Sherlock Holmes mysteries are the chief reason his writing has been beloved around the world for over a century. Doyle’s work has had a profound influence on the genre of detective fiction, and the author considered “The Adventure of the Speckled Band” the... Read The Adventure of the Speckled Band Summary


Publication year 2000Genre Novel, FictionTags Humor, Jewish Literature, Modern Classic Fiction, History: World, Historical Fiction

American writer Michael Chabon won the Pulitzer Prize, as well as the PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction, for his 2000 historical fiction novel The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay. The story unfolds in the period leading up to World War II and continues through the war years and beyond. The main characters are two Jewish cousins living in New York City and seeking success in the emerging comic book industry. One is the artist Josef... Read The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay Summary


Publication year 2007Genre Novel, FictionThemes Society: Immigration, Identity: Race, Life/Time: The PastTags Realistic Fiction, Immigration / Refugee, History: African , African American Literature, Modern Classic Fiction

Dinaw Mengestu’s 2007 debut novel, The Beautiful Things That Heaven Bears, is a NYT Notable Book, a recipient of the Guardian First Book Award, and the LA Times Art Seidenbaum Award for First Fiction. Originally published in the UK under the title Children of the Revolution, the story takes place across three days in the life of Sepha Stephanos, an Ethiopian refugee living in Washington, DC. In his New York Times review of the book... Read The Beautiful Things That Heaven Bears Summary


Publication year 2017Genre Graphic Novel/Book, NonfictionThemes Relationships: Family, Life/Time: Birth, Society: War, Life/Time: Coming of AgeTags Coming of Age / Bildungsroman, History: Asian

The artist and writer Thi Bui published her autobiographical graphic memoir, The Best We Could Do, in 2017. Alternating her narrative between her present-day experiences as a new mother in New York City with her parents’ past growing up in and then escaping from Vietnam, Bui builds a complex web of intergenerational trauma and love. This is Bui’s first venture into comic book illustration. The artwork that accompanies her narrative is based on the black... Read The Best We Could Do Summary


Publication year 2018Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Identity: Gender, Relationships: Friendship, Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Relationships: Family, Relationships: Siblings, Relationships: Teams, Self DiscoveryTags Fantasy, Action / Adventure, LGBTQ, Children's Literature, Realistic Fiction

Publication year 1848Genre Reference/Text Book, NonfictionThemes Values/Ideas: FateTags Politics / Government, Industrial Revolution, Sociology, History: World, Philosophy, Philosophy, Classic Fiction

The Communist Manifesto is a political pamphlet written by German philosophers Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. First written in German, the Manifesto was initially published in London in 1848. Marx was the primary author, while Engels edited the text and assisted Marx financially. They wanted to present a working set of guidelines and principles for their European socialist allies and to offer a text that communists all over the world could use to support their... Read The Communist Manifesto Summary


Publication year 2014Genre Novel/Book in Verse, FictionThemes Relationships: FamilyTags Narrative / Epic Poem, Sports, Children's Literature, Realistic Fiction, Modern Classic Fiction

The Crossover (2014) is a coming-of-age novel in verse by award-winning children’s author and poet Kwame Alexander. The narrative follows a 12-year-old Black boy named Josh Bell whose poems express his love for basketball and his family. With his twin brother, Jordan, Josh’s sense of self evolves as he uses basketball to deal with his father’s death. The book explores themes of Confidence and Vulnerability; Basketball as Life Lessons; and Music, Rhythm, and Identity.Rebound, a... Read The Crossover Summary


Publication year 2020Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Values/Ideas: Safety & DangerTags Humor, Realistic Fiction, Action / Adventure, Children's Literature, Relationships, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 1975Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Fear, Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Natural World: EnvironmentTags Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction, Action / Adventure, Food, Grief / Death, Sociology, Relationships, American Literature, Children's Literature, Education, Education

Publication year 2011Genre Graphic Novel/Book, NonfictionTags Journalism, Education, Education, Science / Nature, History: World, Politics / Government

The Influencing Machine: Brooke Gladstone on the Media is a nonfiction graphic novel written by journalist Brooke Gladstone and illustrated by Josh Neufeld. Throughout, Gladstone’s objective is to resist the idea that the media are a machine that manipulates consumers' minds without consent. Instead, she argues that the media are a “degrading, tedious, and transcendent funhouse mirror of America” (xxi). The media “do not control” (xiv) consumers, the media “pander” (xiv) to them. Consumers fear... Read The Influencing Machine Summary


Publication year 2015Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Relationships: Friendship, Relationships: FamilyTags Humor, Children's Literature, Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction, Fantasy, Action / Adventure

The Last Kids on Earth—a New York Times bestseller and winner of the Texas Bluebonnet Award, which is determined by the popular vote of grade school students throughout Texas—is a post-apocalypse graphic novel for young readers, filled with illustrations, humor, friendship, and zombie survival. The story is written by Max Brallier and drawn by Douglas Holgate, and was originally published in 2015, but has since gone on to become a seven-book series; this is the... Read The Last Kids on Earth Summary


Publication year 2016Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Relationships: Friendship, Emotions/Behavior: Courage, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Emotions/Behavior: FearTags Action / Adventure, Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction, Fantasy, Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction, Children's Literature, Humor

Publication year 2009Genre Novel, FictionThemes Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Relationships: Siblings, Identity: MasculinityTags Humor, Children's Literature, Realistic Fiction

Publication year 1820Genre Short Story, FictionThemes Society: Colonialism, Society: CommunityTags Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction, Classic Fiction, Gothic Literature, Mystery / Crime Fiction, Historical Fiction, Fantasy

American author Washington Irving published “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” in 1820 as part of his short story collection The Sketchbook of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent while living abroad in England. “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” is a ghost story, an example of American gothic fiction that evokes horror, folklore, and the supernatural. “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” has become a classic Halloween tale for its spectral villain, the Headless Horseman, and its hapless hero, Ichabod... Read The Legend of Sleepy Hollow Summary


Publication year 2020Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Guilt, Emotions/Behavior: Love, Emotions/Behavior: Shame & Pride, Emotions/Behavior: Fear, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Emotions/Behavior: Conflict, Emotions/Behavior: Hope, Identity: SexualityTags LGBTQ, Fantasy, Fairy Tale / Folklore, Asian Literature, Auto/Biographical Fiction, Children's Literature, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 2015Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Identity: Indigenous, Society: Colonialism, Values/Ideas: Religion & Spirituality, Relationships: FamilyTags Trauma / Abuse / Violence, Addiction / Substance Abuse, Incarceration, Education, Education, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 2018Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Relationships: Family, Self Discovery, Identity: Gender, Life/Time: Coming of Age, Emotions/Behavior: LoveTags LGBTQ, Romance, Historical Fiction, Fairy Tale / Folklore, Children's Literature, History: World

Publication year 2014Genre Biography, NonfictionThemes Values/Ideas: Equality, Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies, Emotions/Behavior: LoveTags History: World, Arts / Culture, Gender / Feminism, Women's Studies (Nonfiction), History: U.S., Social Justice, Psychology, Biography

The Secret History of Wonder Woman is a nonfiction book by Jill Lepore, published in 2014. It falls into the categories of history, comics, women’s studies, and biography, and won the American History Book Prize from the New York Historical Society. Lepore is a professor of American history at Harvard University and a staff writer for the New Yorker magazine. This guide was written from the hardcover first edition.SummaryThe first section, called “Veritas,” includes nine... Read The Secret History of Wonder Woman Summary


Publication year 2014Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Memory, Emotions/Behavior: Revenge, Identity: Femininity, Identity: Gender, Life/Time: Aging, Society: Class, Values/Ideas: Beauty, Values/Ideas: Good & Evil, Values/Ideas: Literature, Values/Ideas: Power & GreedTags Fantasy, Fairy Tale / Folklore

The Sleeper and the Spindle is a standalone short story written by English American author Neil Gaiman and illustrated by Chris Riddell. It first appeared unillustrated in the 2013 anthology Rag & Bones: New Twists on Timeless Tales. The story is a loose retelling of Sleeping Beauty, featuring two unnamed female characters who act as reimagined versions of the sleeping princess and of Snow White. It uses classic fairy tale tropes and motifs to upend... Read The Sleeper and the Spindle Summary


Publication year 2008Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Life/Time: Coming of Age, Relationships: Family, Values/Ideas: Power & GreedTags Children's Literature, Fantasy, Action / Adventure

Publication year 2022Genre Graphic Memoir , NonfictionThemes Relationships: Friendship, Emotions/Behavior: Courage, Relationships: Teams, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Emotions/Behavior: Memory, Emotions/Behavior: Nostalgia, Identity: Race, Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Life/Time: Coming of Age, Self Discovery, Values/Ideas: Religion & Spirituality, Values/Ideas: Win & Lose, Relationships: FamilyTags Children's Literature, Sports, Race / Racism, Bullying, Realistic Fiction, Biography

Publication year 2019Genre Graphic Novel/Book, NonfictionThemes Identity: RaceTags History: U.S., Japanese Literature, Asian Literature, Social Justice, WWII / World War II, Military / War, History: World, Biography

They Called Us Enemy is a 2019 graphic memoir written by author, actor, and activist George Takei and illustrated by Harmony Becker. The story chronicles Takei’s childhood experience in the Japanese concentration camps created by the United States during World War II. Takei frames the narrative with a modern-day talk delivered at the home of Franklin D. Roosevelt, who presided over the country during the war and issued Executive Order 9066, which empowered the US... Read They Called Us Enemy Summary


Publication year 2014Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Relationships: Friendship, Emotions/Behavior: Memory, Emotions/Behavior: Nostalgia, Identity: Femininity, Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Identity: Mental Health, Life/Time: Coming of Age, Relationships: Family, Relationships: MothersTags Coming of Age / Bildungsroman, Realistic Fiction, Modern Classic Fiction

This One Summer is a Canadian young adult graphic novel written by Mariko Tamaki and illustrated by her cousin, Jillian Tamaki. Mariko Tamaki has written several graphic novels, and has worked for both Marvel and DC Comics. This One Summer was originally published in 2014 by Groundwood Books, and follows the summer experiences of two young girls approaching adolescence and watching their parents cope with the various pressures of adulthood. The novel has been the... Read This One Summer Summary


Publication year 2019Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Relationships: Friendship, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Emotions/Behavior: Joy, Life/Time: Coming of Age, Self DiscoveryTags Graphic Novel/Book, Fantasy, Action / Adventure, Magical Realism, Children's Literature

Publication year 2015Genre Novel, FictionThemes Values/Ideas: MusicTags Realistic Fiction, Women's Studies (Nonfiction), Modern Classic Fiction

Trampoline is an illustrated novel written by Robert Gipe. Ohio University Press published the novel in 2015. The story takes place in the fictional Canard County, located in the Appalachian Mountains of Kentucky. The narrator, Dawn Jewell, tells the story of the holiday season when she was 15 years old. Dawn is intelligent, creative, and thoughtful. She lives with her grandmother, whom she calls Mamaw, because her own mother, Momma, is too addicted to drugs... Read Trampoline Summary


Publication year 2020Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Relationships: Siblings, Emotions/Behavior: Conflict, Emotions/Behavior: Forgiveness, Identity: Race, Life/Time: Coming of Age, Self Discovery, Relationships: FamilyTags Realistic Fiction, Children's Literature, Modern Classic Fiction

Publication year 1993Genre Graphic Novel/Book, NonfictionThemes Values/Ideas: Art, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Society: Education, Identity: LanguageTags History: World, Arts / Culture

A lifetime student of graphic arts and highly regarded artist himself, Scott McCloud first published Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art in 1993. The book is a graphic nonfiction work—literally a comic book about comics as an art form. Soon after its publication, the book began to garner extensive praise, and it continues to be well received three decades later. Understanding Comics received several awards including the Eisner Award for Best Comics-Related Book as well as... Read Understanding Comics Summary


Publication year 2015Genre Graphic Novel/Book, NonfictionThemes Society: Education, Values/Ideas: Order & Chaos, Society: CommunityTags Philosophy, Science / Nature, Psychology, Psychology, Philosophy, Arts / Culture

Unflattening began as the first comic-form dissertation at Columbia University, where Nick Sousanis completed a doctorate in education in 2014. It was published by Harvard University Press in 2015 and functions as an argument for visual thinking in teaching and learning. In 2016 the book received the further accolade of the American Publishers Award for Professional and Scholarly Excellence. In a Paris Review interview with Timothy Hodler, Sousanis cited Scott McCloud’s 1993 Understanding Comics as... Read Unflattening Summary


Publication year 2000Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Life/Time: Mortality & Death, Emotions/Behavior: Fear, Values/Ideas: Order & Chaos, Values/Ideas: Fate, Society: Community, Values/Ideas: Safety & DangerTags Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction, Fantasy, Japanese Literature, Psychology, Science / Nature, Natural Disaster

Publication year 2022Genre Graphic Memoir , NonfictionThemes Identity: Race, Life/Time: Coming of Age, Relationships: FamilyTags Sports, History: U.S., Race / Racism, Social Justice, African American Literature, History: World, Biography

Publication year 2011Genre Graphic Memoir , NonfictionThemes Relationships: Family, Relationships: Fathers, Values/Ideas: Loyalty & Betrayal, Values/Ideas: Order & Chaos, Society: ImmigrationTags Vietnam War, Military / War, Immigration / Refugee, History: World, Biography

Publication year 2008Genre Novel, FictionThemes Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Emotions/Behavior: Fear, Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Life/Time: Coming of Age, Relationships: Friendship, Society: War, Values/Ideas: Loyalty & BetrayalTags Military / War, Historical Fiction, Survival Fiction, Trauma / Abuse / Violence, Realistic Fiction, History: World

Publication year 2022Genre Book, NonfictionThemes Natural World: Animals, Natural World: Appearance & Reality, Natural World: Climate, Natural World: Environment, Natural World: Flora/plants, Natural World: Food, Natural World: Objects, Natural World: Place, Natural World: Space & The Universe, Society: Education, Values/Ideas: Order & Chaos, Values/Ideas: Science & TechnologyTags Science / Nature, Humor, History: World

Publication year 2020Genre Graphic Novel/Book, NonfictionThemes Relationships: Family, Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance, Emotions/Behavior: HopeTags Immigration / Refugee, Auto/Biographical Fiction, Coming of Age / Bildungsroman, Children's Literature, Realistic Fiction, Biography

Publication year 2019Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionThemes Identity: Disability, Life/Time: Mortality & Death, Values/Ideas: Safety & Danger, Life/Time: Childhood & Youth, Life/Time: Coming of Age, Relationships: Friendship, Emotions/Behavior: Memory, Life/Time: The Past, Emotions/Behavior: Fear, Relationships: Family, Society: War, Emotions/Behavior: Grief, Emotions/Behavior: Conflict, Relationships: Fathers, Values/Ideas: Justice & Injustice, Values/Ideas: Good & Evil, Values/Ideas: Power & Greed, Society: Politics & Government, Values/Ideas: Trust & Doubt, Emotions/Behavior: Hope, Emotions/Behavior: Gratitude, Emotions/Behavior: Loneliness, Values/Ideas: Loyalty & Betrayal, Natural World: Appearance & Reality, Society: NationTags Historical Fiction, Children's Literature, Drama / Tragedy, WWII / World War II, Holocaust, Military / War, History: World

Publication year 2011Genre Graphic Novel/Book, FictionTags Historical Fiction, Children's Literature, Mystery / Crime Fiction, Realistic Fiction, History: World, Action / Adventure

Wonderstruck (2011) by Brian Selznick is a graphic novel for children and young adults. The book follows the story of Ben, a deaf boy traveling to New York in 1977, and Rose, a deaf/mute girl traveling to New York in 1927. The stories overlap and weave together, as both Ben and Rose seek family and belonging. The book was adapted into a feature-length film, for which Brian Selznick wrote the screenplay. Plot SummaryThe novel has two... Read Wonderstruck Summary


Publication year 2011Genre Graphic Novel/Book, NonfictionThemes Natural World: Climate, Natural World: Environment, Natural World: FoodTags Children's Literature, Animals, Science / Nature, Food