Introducing students to graphic novels can be a great way for them to dive into literature and art. You and your students will love these YA graphic novels.
One of the great pulls of a graphic novel is that they help pull in readers because of their rich design and graphics. Graphic novels are a unique blend of words and illustrations that can tell powerful and engaging stories. This list of 10 YA graphic novels will help you build your middle school or high school classroom library.
Here are ten young adult graphic novels that are perfect for high school students.
1. Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
This autobiographical graphic novel tells the story of a young girl growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution.
2. Maus by Art Spiegelman
This Pulitzer Prize-winning graphic novel tells the story of a Jewish survivor of the Holocaust and his relationship with his son.
3. Fun Home by Alison Bechdel 
This coming-of-age graphic novel explores the author’s relationship with her father and her own journey of self-discovery. *Suggested only for mature high school students. Please follow state and district guidelines for book suggestions.
4. American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang
This graphic novel explores issues of identity, racism, and cultural assimilation through the stories of three different characters.
5. Watchmen by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons
This classic graphic novel is a deconstruction of the superhero genre, and explores themes of power, justice, and morality. *Suggested only for mature high school students. Please follow state and district guidelines for book suggestions.
6. March: Book One by John Lewis and Andrew Aydin
This graphic novel is a memoir of Congressman John Lewis’ experiences as a Civil Rights activist, and is the first in a trilogy of books.
7. Ms. Marvel: No Normal by G. Willow Wilson
This graphic novel follows a Muslim teenager who gains superpowers and becomes a superhero.
8. Speak: The Graphic Novel by Laurie Halse Anderson
This graphic novel tells the story of Melinda, a high school freshman who had a traumatic summer before entering high school. This YA graphic novel is perfect to pair with the original novel Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson because students will be able to see how the story is told across different mediums.
9. Smile by Raina Telgemeier
This autobiographical graphic novel follows a middle school girl navigating the challenges of growing up and dealing with a dental injury.
10. Long Way Down: The Graphic Novel by Jason Reynolds
This gripping story is a modern-day Christmas Carol, and it is always a student favorite in my classroom! Again, like the Speak YA graphic novel, the Long Way Down graphic novel is a great pairing alongside the verse novel of the same name because students will be able to see how the story is told across different mediums.
For more book recommendations, teacher recommendations, and recommendations for YA graphic novels, be sure to check out my Amazon Storefront. It is filled with book recommendations and my favorite classroom supplies.
These YA graphic novels are sure to captivate and engage high school students and provide them with thought-provoking and enriching reading experiences. They will greatly add to any high school classroom library or curriculum! Plus, they will help your student generate an authentic love of reading.
I hope that you and your students love these recommendations for YA graphic novels.
Advisory: Always know your state laws in regards to outside novels in your classroom.
