Graphic Novels That Teach History

You don't need a textbook to learn about people and events in other eras. These days kids can discover exciting history -- or examine harsh realities of the past -- in graphic novels. This popular blend of art and story makes history come alive in easy-to-follow illustrated panels in a wide range of titles that are as accessible as comic books. For more visual storytelling, check out our Graphic Novels and Wonderful Wordless Books.

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The Great Chicago Fire: Rising from the Ashes: History Comics, Book 2 Poster Image
BOOK

The Great Chicago Fire: Rising from the Ashes: History Comics, Book 2

age 9+

Kids face deadly fire in vivid, informative graphic novel.

By: Kate Hannigan (2020)
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Best Shot in the West: The Adventures of Nat Love Poster Image
BOOK

Best Shot in the West: The Adventures of Nat Love

age 10+

Gripping nonfiction graphic novel brings Old West to life.

By: Patricia C. McKissack , Frederick L. McKissack (2012)
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The Faithful Spy: Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the Plot to Kill Hitler Poster Image
BOOK

The Faithful Spy: Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the Plot to Kill Hitler

age 10+

Gripping true story of devout man who tried to stop Hitler.

By: John Hendrix (2018)
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The Legend of Auntie Po Poster Image
BOOK

The Legend of Auntie Po

age 10+

Sweet, funny, wise tale of queer immigrant teen in 1885 U.S.

By: Shing Yin Khor (2021)
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Queen of the Sea Poster Image
BOOK

Queen of the Sea

age 10+

Brave girl finds royal intrigue in detailed 1500s tale.

By: Dylan Meconis (2019)
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Superman Smashes the Klan Poster Image
BOOK

Superman Smashes the Klan

age 10+

Asian American teens and Superman vs. racism in retro tale.

By: Gene Luen Yang (2020)
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White Bird: A Wonder Story Poster Image
BOOK

White Bird: A Wonder Story

age 10+

Moving WWII graphic novel has loss, offers hope for future.

By: R.J. Palacio (2019)
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Boxers & Saints Poster Image
BOOK

Boxers & Saints

age 12+

Exciting graphic-novel set is powerful historical fiction.

By: Gene Luen Yang (2013)
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Displacement Poster Image
BOOK

Displacement

age 12+

Moving tale of teen time traveler's trip to internment camp.

By: Kiku Hughes (2020)
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The Great American Dust Bowl Poster Image
BOOK

The Great American Dust Bowl

age 12+

Evocative illustrated nonfiction, great for history buffs.

By: Don Brown (2013)
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March: Book One Poster Image
BOOK

March: Book One

age 12+

Powerful graphic novel captures spirit of desegregation.

By: John Lewis , Andrew Aydin , Nate Powell (2013)
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They Called Us Enemy Poster Image
BOOK

They Called Us Enemy

age 12+

Powerful graphic memoir of actor's internment as a child.

By: George Takei , Justin Eisinger , Steven Scott (2019)
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Marzi Poster Image
BOOK

Marzi

age 13+

Sensitive graphic-novel memoir of '80s Polish childhood.

By: Marzena Sowa (2011)
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Drowned City: Hurricane Katrina & New Orleans Poster Image
BOOK

Drowned City: Hurricane Katrina & New Orleans

age 13+

Intense nonfiction graphic novel chronicles 2005 disaster.

By: Don Brown (2015)
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The Complete Maus Poster Image
BOOK

The Complete Maus

age 13+

Unforgettable graphic memoir of the Holocaust.

By: Art Spiegelman (2003)
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The Unwanted: Stories of the Syrian Refugees Poster Image
BOOK

The Unwanted: Stories of the Syrian Refugees

age 13+

Compassionate graphic novel account of refugees' struggle.

By: Don Brown (2018)
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Cover of Victory. Stand!: Raising My Fist For Justice.
BOOK

Victory. Stand!: Raising My Fist for Justice

age 13+

Stirring graphic novel about a pioneering activist athlete.

By: Tommie Smith , Derrick Barnes (2022)
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A young woman clutching a book stands in front of a cultural celebration.
BOOK

Banned Book Club

age 14+

Great graphic novel about teen girl's political awakening.

By: Kim Hyun Sook , Ryan Estrada (2020)
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The Great Gatsby: A Graphic Novel Adaptation Poster Image
BOOK

The Great Gatsby: A Graphic Novel Adaptation

age 14+

Abstract adaptation captures energy, debauchery of Jazz Age.

By: F. Scott Fitzgerald , K. Woodman-Maynard (2021)
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Dare to Disappoint: Growing Up in Turkey Poster Image
BOOK

Dare to Disappoint: Growing Up in Turkey

age 14+

Clever, heartfelt graphic memoir great for girls and boys.

By: Ozge Samanci (2015)
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