Picture This
Essential Works of Graphic Nonfiction
Dynamic illustrations bring true tales to life in this collection of graphic nonfiction books and memoirs. In these illustrated texts, every word counts — so be sure to pair your reading with one of our accompanying vocabulary lists.
March: Book OneWritten with Andrew Aydin and illustrated by Nate Powell, Congressman John Lewis's award-winning graphic novel chronicles his experiences in the U.S. Civil Rights Movement.
When Stars Are ScatteredIn this memoir, told in graphic form, Omar Mohamed recounts his life as a Somalian refugee in Kenya.
El DeafoIn this graphic memoir, Cece Bell chronicles the struggles and triumphs of growing up deaf. Learn these words from the award-winning book.
Banned Book ClubIn this memoir, co-written by Ryan Estrada and illustrated by Ko Hyung-Jo, Kim Hyun Sook recounts her years as a student activist in South Korea.
Hey, KiddoAuthor and artist Jarrett J. Krosoczka, the creator of the Lunch Lady graphic novels, was raised by his grandparents due to his mother's struggles with addiction. In this memoir, he recounts growing up in a complicated and sometimes troubled family.
PersepolisThe Story of a ChildhoodIn this memoir, presented in graphic form, Marjane Satrapi describes growing up during the Iranian revolution.
AstronautsWomen on the Final FrontierUsing a graphic novel format, the authors tell the stories of the first women in space, focusing on astronaut Mary Cleave.
Dragon HoopsIn this nonfiction narrative, told in graphic form, Gene Luen Yang follows the Bishop O'Dowd High School basketball team during one eventful season and reflects on his own work as a storyteller.
Drowned City: Hurricane Katrina & New OrleansThis acclaimed nonfiction book tells the story of Hurricane Katrina in graphic form.
They Called Us EnemyIn this graphic memoir, actor and activist George Takei recounts the internment of his Japanese-American family during World War II. The book was cowritten by Justin Eisinger and Steven Scott, with art by Harmony Becker.
PeléThe King of SoccerThis biography, told in graphic form, explores the life of the famed Brazilian soccer player.
PrimatesThe Fearless Science of Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, and Biruté GaldikasUsing a graphic novel format, this book explores the lives and work of primatologists Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, and Biruté Galdikas.
World Without FishIn this book, Mark Kurlansky explores threats to the world's oceans and fish populations and describes ways that young people can support sustainable fishing.
GutsIn this companion to Smile and Sisters, graphic novelist Raina Telgemeier recounts her experiences with childhood anxiety and phobias.
March: Book TwoWritten with Andrew Aydin and illustrated by Nate Powell, Congressman John Lewis's award-winning graphic novel chronicles his experiences in the U.S. Civil Rights Movement.
March: Book ThreeWritten with Andrew Aydin and illustrated by Nate Powell, Congressman John Lewis's award-winning graphic novel chronicles his experiences in the U.S. Civil Rights Movement.
SistersIn this graphic memoir, Raina Telgemeier recounts a childhood road trip to Colorado and explores her relationship with her sister Amara.
SmileWhen she was in sixth grade, cartoonist Raina Telgemeier severely damaged her teeth during an accidental fall. In this graphic memoir, Telgemeier chronicles her literal and figurative quest to reclaim her smile.
The UnwantedStories of the Syrian RefugeesThis powerful, award-winning graphic novel brings the Syrian refugee crisis to life.
Be PreparedIn this graphic novel based on the author's own experiences, a young immigrant from Russia wants to go to summer camp like her American-born friends — but when her parents finally agree, she finds that camp is nothing like she expected.
Maus I: My Father Bleeds HistoryA celebrated classic of the graphic novel form, Maus explores a man's relationship with his Holocaust-survivor father and with history itself.
Maus II: And Here My Troubles BeganIn the second part of his Pulitzer Prize-winning graphic novel, Art Spiegelman explores his strained relationship with his father and recounts Vladek's experiences in a Nazi concentration camp during World War II.
The Faithful SpyDietrich Bonhoeffer and the Plot to Kill HitlerUsing both text and graphics, John Hendrix details the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a spy who attempted to bring down the Nazi regime.
Almost American GirlIn this memoir, told in graphic form, Robin Ha recounts her experiences as a young immigrant from South Korea.
Run: Book OneIn this follow-up to the March trilogy, created with Andrew Aydin and Nate Powell, John Lewis recounts the efforts of civil rights activists to register Black voters and support Black candidates for political office.
A First Time for EverythingIn this graphic memoir, the author recounts the struggles of middle school and how a three-week European group trip transformed his life in positive ways at the age of thirteen.
MexikidIn this graphic memoir Pedro/Peter Martín recounts the summer when his big family took a road trip to Mexico to tighten loose ends and bring his legendary, bandit-fighting Abuelito to live with them in California.
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