The Power of Pictures: 11 Graphic Novels to Help Students Feel Seen

DonorsChoose teachers know a classroom where students feel seen is crucial to learning. One great way to make that happen? Graphic novels! With a keen ability to break down complex topics in vivid illustrations and straightforward text, graphic novels are a natural resource for kids looking to see themselves reflected in literature. Here’s a list of 11 great graphic novels with stories that champion representation.

Ty’s Travels by Kelly Styling Lyons (Illustrations by Niña Mata)

For beginning readers (grades preK-2+) Ty is a young boy with a big imagination, who turns everyday moments into fantastical adventures. These comics are great for new readers with its rhythmic but easy-to-read text and vibrant illustrations. As an added bonus, every story is full of family love, Black joy, and endearing characters!

Two Tribes by Emily Bowen Cohen

For elementary school readers and older (grades 3–5+). Mia is a part of both Muscogee & Jewish cultures. When she takes a fateful bus trip to her father to get more in touch with her Native heritage in Oklahoma, she also begins a journey of defining both identities on her own terms.

Invisible by Cristina Diaz Gonzalez

For elementary age and older (grades 3-5+). When five middle schoolers are thrown together for community service they have seemingly nothing in common beyond speaking Spanish. But it soon becomes clear working together and sharing hidden truths may be the only way to help someone new. 

El Deafo by Cece Bell

‍For elementary readers and older (grades 3-5+): A young bunny navigates school, friendship, and life with hearing loss in a both heartwarming and humorous story that is loosely based (read: she is not a bunny) on the author’s own childhood.

It Won’t Always Be Like This by Malaka Gharib

For elementary school readers and older (grades 3-5+). A young girl tries her very best to remain grounded amid her father’s remarriage and his new family in Egypt. An autobiographical memoir, this graphic novel explores coming-of-age while coming-to-know a new country and culture all at once.

Drama by Raina Telgemeier 

For middle-school readers and older (grades 6-8+). Raina Telgemeier may just be the queen of the middle school storylines; her books are teacher-requested and beloved by students. Take Drama for example. A graphic novel about friendship, new crushes, and being a theater kid all in one. Kids love this wonderfully fun storyline with coming-of-age perfection and positive LGBTQ themes. 

New Kid by Jerry Craft

‍For middle school readers and older (grades 6-8+). Follow Jordan, a Black student navigating a new school where he's one of the few kids of color. Both honest and warmhearted, this award-winning story by the author of Class Act will fuel important conversations on race, friendship, and belonging for students of all backgrounds.

Magic Fish by Tiến Phong

For middle school readers and older (grades 6-8+). Young Tiến, a second generation Vietnamese American, helps his mother learn English through fairy tales. When Tiến tries to find the right way to come out to his parents, he finds it’s the same stories that help him through.  

Booked (Part of the Crossover Series) by Kwame Alexander

For middle school readers and older (grades 6-8+). Dive into the world of soccer and the power of words with this captivating book. Written in verse, this story offers a fresh way to explore lessons about family, friendship, race, and bullies all in one. Follow it up with Crossover also by Kwame Alexander!

Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi

For high school readers and older (grades 9-12+). Travel to 1970s Iran during the Islamic Revolution in this powerful memoir that explores  identity, family, and coming-of-age amidst political upheaval as told through the eyes of young Marjane.

Genderqueer by Maia Kobabe

For high school readers and older (grades 11-12+). What does it mean to be beyond the gender binary? This memoir explores exactly that as we join the author’s own journey of self-discovery and identity through adolescence as they ultimately find out and what it means for them to identify beyond the gender binary. 

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