Graphic Novels for Middle and High School Students
According to Griffith (2010), these are strong choices when it comes to graphic novels to use in the classroom:
Middle School Appropriate Novels
Author Title Curricular Connection
Abadzis, Nick Laika Social Studies, Cold War
Almond, David The Savage Language Arts, Research, Non-Fiction
Cavallaro, Michael L. Frank Baum’s The Wizard of Oz Language Arts, Characterization, Story Elements and Structure
Cover, Arthur Byron William Shakespeare’s Macbeth Language Arts, Classics
Lee, Tony Outlaw: The Legend of Robin Hood Social Studies, Crusades, British History
Lutes, Jason Houdini: The Handcuff King Language Arts, Biography
Moore, Stuart Redwall: The Graphic Novel Language Arts, Fantasy
Pyle, Kevin C. Blindspot Language Arts, Literary Elements
Sis, Peter The Wall: Growing Up Behind the Curtain Social Studies, Cold War, Communism
Sturm, James Satchel Paige: Striking Out Jim Crow Social Studies, Civil Rights
Tan, Shaun The Arrival Social Studies, Immigration
Language Arts, Inferences
High School Appropriate Graphic Novels
Carey, Mike Re-Gifters Language Arts, Theme, Culture
Castellucci, Cecil The Plain Janes Language Arts, Characterization, Story Elemenets
Gipi Garage Band Language Arts, International Literature, Characterization
Helfer, Andrew Malcolm X: A Graphic Biography Social Studies, Civil Rights, Language Arts, Biography
Hinds, Gareth Beowulf Language Arts, Classics, Poetry/Legends
Shivack, Nadia Inside Out: Portrait of an Eating Disorder Language Arts, Symbolism, Non-Fiction
Health, Bulimia
Middle School Appropriate Novels
Author Title Curricular Connection
Abadzis, Nick Laika Social Studies, Cold War
Almond, David The Savage Language Arts, Research, Non-Fiction
Cavallaro, Michael L. Frank Baum’s The Wizard of Oz Language Arts, Characterization, Story Elements and Structure
Cover, Arthur Byron William Shakespeare’s Macbeth Language Arts, Classics
Lee, Tony Outlaw: The Legend of Robin Hood Social Studies, Crusades, British History
Lutes, Jason Houdini: The Handcuff King Language Arts, Biography
Moore, Stuart Redwall: The Graphic Novel Language Arts, Fantasy
Pyle, Kevin C. Blindspot Language Arts, Literary Elements
Sis, Peter The Wall: Growing Up Behind the Curtain Social Studies, Cold War, Communism
Sturm, James Satchel Paige: Striking Out Jim Crow Social Studies, Civil Rights
Tan, Shaun The Arrival Social Studies, Immigration
Language Arts, Inferences
High School Appropriate Graphic Novels
Carey, Mike Re-Gifters Language Arts, Theme, Culture
Castellucci, Cecil The Plain Janes Language Arts, Characterization, Story Elemenets
Gipi Garage Band Language Arts, International Literature, Characterization
Helfer, Andrew Malcolm X: A Graphic Biography Social Studies, Civil Rights, Language Arts, Biography
Hinds, Gareth Beowulf Language Arts, Classics, Poetry/Legends
Shivack, Nadia Inside Out: Portrait of an Eating Disorder Language Arts, Symbolism, Non-Fiction
Health, Bulimia
Top Ten for 2012
According to the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), these are the best of the best for 2012. Remember to review and evaluate before sharing with your students.
List retrieved from http://www.ala.org/yalsa/booklists/ggnt/2012/topten on November 23, 2012.
- Amir and Khalil. “Zahra’s Paradise.” First Second, 2011
- Bendis, Brian Michael and Alex Maleev. “Scarlet.” Marvel/Icon Comics, 2011.
- Brosgal, Vera. “Anya’s Ghost.” First Second, 2011.
- Gladstone, Brooke, Josh Neufeld, and others. “The Influencing Machine: Brooke Gladstone on the Media.” W. W. Norton and Company, 2011.
- Langridge, Roger, Chris Samnee, and others.
“Thor: The Mighty Avenger V. 1.” Marvel, 2010.
“Thor: The Mighty Avenger V. 2.” Marvel, 2011. - McLeod, Kagan. “Infinite Kung Fu.” Top Shelf, 2011.
- Mori, Kaoru. “A Bride’s Story V. 1.” Yen Press, 2011.
- Nicolle, Malachai and Ethan Nicolle. “Axe Cop V. 1.” Dark Horse, 2011.
- Ralph, Brian. “Daybreak.” Drawn and Quarterly, 2011.
- Shimura, Takako. “Wandering Son V. 1.” Fantagraphics Books, 2011.
List retrieved from http://www.ala.org/yalsa/booklists/ggnt/2012/topten on November 23, 2012.
Need More? Online Lists of Graphic Novels
Great Graphic Novels - Goodreads
Great Graphic Novels for Teens - Booklist Online
Core 10 Graphic Novels for Teens - Graphic Novel Reporter
Expanded List of Graphic Novels for Teens - Graphic Novel Reporter
Great Graphic Novels 2012 - YALSA (Young Adult Library Services Association)
Award Winning Graphic Novels - Wikipedia
Time Magazine's Top 10 Graphic Novels
Young Adult Graphic Novels - Award Winners
Great Graphic Novels for Teens - Booklist Online
Core 10 Graphic Novels for Teens - Graphic Novel Reporter
Expanded List of Graphic Novels for Teens - Graphic Novel Reporter
Great Graphic Novels 2012 - YALSA (Young Adult Library Services Association)
Award Winning Graphic Novels - Wikipedia
Time Magazine's Top 10 Graphic Novels
Young Adult Graphic Novels - Award Winners