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

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. 

• 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