Last month I decided to embark on a reading challenge. The goal: read five graphic novels and/or comics per month. The reason I decided to do this was that though I enjoy making comics about grammar and language arts, I don’t make much space in my reading rotation for books in the comic genre. (This is not to say that I don’t read any graphic novels. A quick glance at my bookshelf shows that I love books like Maus, Fun Home, and Hyperbole and a Half, to name a few.)
It also occurred to me that all challenges are more fun when they’re shared. Thus, I will be posting monthly about my graphic novel picks and top recommendations to spread the love for the genre.
To kick things off, I decided to start with a selection of YA graphic novels. My selection process was completely random: I walked down the YA graphic novel section of my local public library and picked titles that looked interesting. In no time at all, I had five books in hand. I must have been lucky that day, because I could not have picked better if I planned my book choices in advance. I’m happy to share them with you now.
My March YA Graphic Novel Recommendations
I was Their American Dream by Malaka Gharib
I Was Their American Dream is Malaka Gharib’s graphic memoir that details the challenges and perks of growing up Filipino-Egyptian-American. The story features Gharib’s lifelong search for identity as a person born between cultures, and she invites you into her experience with illustrations that are as evocative as they are whimsical. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself at times laughing and at times misty-eyed. At the end you’ll shout, “Alhamdulillah!” that this book exists (and you’ll know what it means!).
Little Fish by Ramsey Beyer
Little Fish by Ramsey Beyer is a graphic memoir about Beyer’s first year of art school in Baltimore. Throughout the story, she details the struggle to find her identity in an unfamiliar environment as she transitions out of rural, small-town America and into the excitement of a major city. The biggest questions she faces are the questions many people struggle with: Who am I, and what do I care about? Readers will enjoy her introspection, her loyalty to braids, and her exhaustive list-making.
Set to Sea by Drew Weing
Set to Sea by Drew Weing is a graphic novel that uses few words to tell the story of a man searching for the right words. The protagonist is a struggling poet who longs to write epic poetry about the sea. Unfortunately, he fails until he finds himself kidnapped and working aboard a ship. Only then does he gain the knowledge to truly capture life (and death) above the “big drink.” The illustrations are beautifully crosshatched, and the characters are drawn in a style that will have you thinking about Popeye.
Word of warning for young readers: For a brief stint, this book puts the graphic in graphic novel, with detailed scenes of violence.
Simon and Louise by Max de Radiguès
Simon and Louise by Max de Radiguès is an adventure-packed relationship story told from alternate perspectives. The first perspective featured is Simon’s, and readers get to tour the French countryside with him as he attempts to hitchhike to Montpellier in pursuit of Louise. The second perspective is Louise’s as she navigates summer vacation in Montpellier with her mischievous cousin, Manon. It’s a touching tale of young love, heartbreak, courage, friendship, and boundaries, as well as the joys and pitfalls of dating in the digital age.
Huda F Are You? by Huda Fahmy
Huda F Are You? by Huda Fahmy tells the story of a girl’s quest to find her identity as a young Muslim girl attending high school in Dearborn, Michigan. The semi-autobiographical story follows Fahmy as her family moves to a community where wearing hijab is no longer an identity marker. This means that in addition to maintaining stellar grades to meet her parents’ high expectations, she also has to figure out Huda F she is. The book’s magic lies in how deftly Fahmy takes her readers on an emotional journey: They will laugh at her unceasing wit, rage over the injustices of ignorant adults, cry over the heartbreak of a devoted mother, and smile when events (sometimes) go exactly as they should.
Graphic Novel Recommendation Wrap-Up
And there you have it: my YA graphic novel recommendations for March. Like I mentioned previously, I did not plan these books in advance, so it was just a happy accident that 60% of them were memoirs about young girls in the U.S. searching for identity. It’s got me thinking about how this genre is an excellent vehicle for young people to tell and share their stories…
As far as the challenge goes, I am still going strong and have already started reading books for next month’s post. (It seems the real challenge is going to be how to pick just five.) I can’t wait to share them with you.
Why graphic novels?
Graphic novels are great for reluctant readers! They support reading comprehension by chunking texts and providing picture support. Want to know more? Check out this article from Brightly that details the many ways the comic genre can help make bookworms of us all.