Hi all!
In 2019, I started getting into graphic novels and realised…I love them! Today I want to share with you my top 5 favourites and why they made my list. If you’re not aware, a graphic novel is essentially a book in comic-strip format. It can include fiction, non-fiction and anthologised work. Without further ado, let’s get into it!
1.) HEARTSTOPPER by ALICE OSEMAN
My heart, my heart, my heart! I’ve only read Volume 1 so far but holey moley, I was living for it! This story follows Nick & Charlie, two teenagers that meet at high school and fall in love. Heartstopper was originally a web-comic series that became so popular, Alice Oseman published physical copies. The relationship between these two boys is so pure and wholesome. They begin as friends and slowly develop into something more. I cannot wait to read more of their adventures together. You can order a copy here.
2.) THROUGH THE WOODS by EMILY CARROLL
Y’all know by now that I’m a horror junkie. Through the Woods tells five different, super spooky stories with colourful graphics. I was genuinely creeped out reading some of these. The addition of illustrations adds to the terror. I highly recommend this one if you wish to make your skin crawl. You can order a copy here.
3.) THE PRINCE AND THE DRESSMAKER BY JEN WANG
This story had me in literal tears by the end. It was so beautiful and touching. It follows a talented but unappreciated dressmaker named Frances, who is hired in secret by the prince to make gorgeous gowns for him. Tired of the expectations placed upon him, Prince Sebastian enjoys dressing as a woman and peforming under the name Lady Crystallia. The pair form a sweet friendship but must protect one another from the outside world learning the truth. I can see this being made into a movie. I hope it is. You can order a copy here.
4.) PUMPKIN HEADS BY RAINBOW ROWELL
If you’re going to read this graphic novel, do it during autumn. It will give you all the fall vibes. Every year, Deja and Josiah work at the pumpkin patch. They say goodbye every Halloween and return every September. This year however, is their last shift before they leave for college and they are determined to go out with a bang. The artwork is everything in this story. There are so many delicious treats and seasonal goodies, you can’t help but feel happy reading this. Not only that, the friendship between our two main characters will leave hearts in your eyes. You can order a copy here.
5.) EL DEAFO BY CECE BELL
I recommend everyone read this graphic novel. It is actually an autobiography, written and illustrated by the author herself. It tells the story of Cece Bell’s life as a child, when she permanently lost her hearing at a young age. We get to witness how this affected her growing up and the way other children treated her because of the impairment. Despite her isolating experience, she turns a tough situation into a personal superpower; dubbing herself El Deafo, Listener for All. It’s touching, funny, sad and a true story. You can order a copy here.
I hope you enjoyed this post. What are some graphic novels you recommend below? I would love to read more!
Peace & Love xoxo
Disclaimer: This post contains links to my Book Depository Affiliate which helps fund my blog, I am not being paid or sponsored for this post/products – all my thoughts/opinions are my own
I also started getting into graphic novels last year, with “When the Wind Blows” and “Ethel and Ernest”, by Raymond Briggs. I think it’s so exciting how the genre has grown in recent years, and it’s been nice to see many graphic novels becoming available in my local library. This month I read “Illegal” by Eoin Colfer and Andrew Donkin, about the migration crisis and the plight of unaccompanied child migrants. Powerful but not preachy. Thanks for sharing this list, I hadn’t come across any of your suggestions before.
Oh wow I haven’t heard of these ones either thank you for the recommendations too!
“When the Wind Blows” is from the 1980s, and was the first graphic novel to become a mainstream literary success in Britain.
That’s amazing!! I want to read it!
Great recommendations! Thanks for sharing your favorite graphic novels and promoting the comics medium 🙂
You’re welcome! It’s a great genre! Thanks for reading 🙂