Graphic Novels that bring history to life

Admit it: Some teens don’t like reading and think history is boring. Fortunately, there’s a rising number of powerful graphic novels that draw teens into history. Why?

They make history feel real.

Every page of graphic novels is filled with images and simple text which capture reluctant readers and visual learners. Readers experience history through the emotions and decisions of characters. Check out these best-sellers:

But, Where Are You Really From? by Linda Sato Adams This novel unpacks the imprisonment of 125,000 individuals of Japanese descent in the United States during World War II. Although two-thirds were American citizens, entire families were deported to remote incarceration camps where they lived in crowded barracks with little privacy, surrounded by barb wire and guard towers with armed soldiers. The story unfolds through the eyes of a contemporary student who finds out about her family’s history and persuades her classmates to learn from history and make a positive difference in their neighborhood.

My thoughts: I appreciate this author’s commitment to historical details and showing the full story. The reader learns how families were sent to camps and how their lives evolved during and after incarceration. This book is filled with gems. Besides beautiful detailed images, there are timelines, maps, news clippings, historical documents, and short feature articles about prominent individuals. The story is simple but compelling and will raise students’ interest in their own family history. It is suggested for fifth and sixth graders. Purchase link here

White Bird, by RJ Palacio This World War II historical fiction novel revolves around a Jewish girl who is saved from a Nazi roundup by a classmate. The boy who helps her is called “Crab” because polio left him dependent upon crutches and handicapped, and she hides in his family’s barn for four years, until the war ends. A beautiful friendship evolves between the young teens, however the book ends on a tragic note. Although there is an glossary at the end with historical information, White Bird is more of a story which unpacks themes of prejudice, loyalty, sacrifice and friendship. Available on Amazon.

My thoughts: This is powerful story prompts reflection and healthy discussion of prejudice and antisemitism. It encourages readers to take a stand against cruelty in many forms, including the torment of disabled or unpopular children at school. It’s similar to Lois Lowry’s book Number the Stars. Even though it’s fictional, it is historically based.

I Survived… This series is popular with middle grade students and stirs interest in historical events. Titles include: I Survived the American Revolution, I Survived the Sinking of the Titantic, I Survived the Nazi Invasion. There are twelve I Survived… books that may be purchased as a series or individually on Amazon.

Wrapping it up: Graphic novels are extremely popular among middle grade and teen readers, and the content and quality of these books continue to deepen. I’m excited about both graphic novels which unpack historical events and historical fiction graphic novels. Both enhance understanding of the past and encourage reflection. As Anne Frank wrote: “What is done cannot be undone, but one can prevent it from happening again.”

Please comment below and share historical fiction books you recommend! (They don’t have to be graphic novels) I’m always on the hunt for good books and want to discover new titles and authors. Happy Reading!

Gretchen Carlson