Graphic novels for world book day

With world book day fast approaching, you might want to explore new genres and titles that you’ve never heard of before! Pictures in books aren’t just for children (although still a valid art form), having illustrations and artwork accompany the text can enhance the story and make you feel more connected to the characters. In honour of this day, we’ve made a list of 5 graphic novels to read if you’re just getting into them, or you’re an experienced reader and you are looking for new titles.

Heartstopper by Alice Oseman

I’m sure you’ve seen this one all over your Netflix and TikTok FYP (for-you-page), but we couldn’t NOT mention the heartwarming story that is Heartstopper. The story follows two boys. Nick, who is a gentle and kind rugby player and Charlie, an open-minded and openly gay boy. They meet as they attend the same all-boys grammar school. The story follows them as they grow closer and closer as friends and then perhaps more.

Paper Girls by Brian K. Vaughan

If you’re into sci-fi, happen to love the 80s and are always looking for the next conspiracy theory this is the novel for you! Paper Girls is about four 12-year-old girls in 1988, who make friends by running the paper rounds in their town but stay together through odd circumstances. They one day end up finding a time machine/ spaceship that throws them into a lot of strange scenarios where they meet the mysterious people controlling the machine and travel to amazing places in multiple years.

Maus by Art Spiegelmen

A contrast from the previous two, Maus is a very serious read. The illustrations depict the story of the author’s (Art Spiegelmen) father as he shares his experience as a polish Jewish man facing the horrors of the holocaust. The illustrations show Jewish people as mice, and other German people as cats or pigs. I think it is very easy to forget just how terrible these camps were, it can be hard for us to imagine. But, the novel literally shows you which is important as “those who forget history are doomed to repeat it”.

Aduthood is a myth by Sarah Andersen

A contrast to the previous two, Maus is a very serious read. The illustrations depict the story of the author’s (Art Spiegelmen) father as he shares his experience as a polish Jewish man facing the horrors of the holocaust. The illustrations show Jewish people as mice and other German people as cats or pigs. I think it is very easy to forget just how terrible these camps were, it can be hard for us to imagine. But, the novel literally shows you what is important as “those who forget history are doomed to repeat it”.

Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi

This novel follows the story of the author in pre and post-revolutionary Iran in the 70s and 80s and then later Europe. She is a rebellious and punk teenager in the tense political climate in the background of Iran. She sees liberal-leaning members of her family detained and executed. A bit more of a heavy read but with its unique art style and harrowing plot, this book is endlessly interesting.

Reading fiction is a great escape for anyone looking for a little escapism in their life. But, making the books aesthetically pleasing with illustrations throughout can’t hurt. We’ve tried to include different genres in the list and hope you can find something that you love reading!