Hi all!

In 2019, I started getting into graphic novels and realised – I love them! Today I want to share my top 5 favourites and why they made my list. 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 holy moly, 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 boys is so pure and wholesome. They begin as friends, slowly developing into something more. I cannot wait to read more of their adventures together. Order a copy here. 

2.) THROUGH THE WOODS by EMILY CARROLL 

You all know by now 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 them. The addition of illustrations, adds to the terror. I highly recommend this one to get your skin crawling. 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, yet unappreciated dressmaker, named Frances. One day, she 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, performing under the name, Lady Crystallia. The pair form a sweet friendship, yet must protect one another from the outside world, learning the truth. I can see this being made into a movie. I hope it is. 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 it. Not only that, the friendship between our two main characters will leave hearts in your eyes. 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. Order a copy here.

I hope you enjoyed this post. What are some of your favourite graphic novels?

Peace & Love xoxo