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Whenever I talk to people about achieving their reading goals, I always recommend trying different mediums.
That is, if you’re used to only reading ebooks, you might want to check out whatever else works – graphic novels, audiobooks, or even print books.
The gist of it is to switch things up and see if you read faster or enjoy reading more with a different format.
Over the past few years, I’ve tried nearly every book format you can think of – even pop-up books (yep, just to give you an idea of how far I’ve gone!).
But I have to say, my guilty pleasure is always graphic novels.
Now, these are very different from comics or manga.
Graphic novels usually have lots of illustrations, but also a good amount of text – enough to feel like a book, but not so much that it reads like a full-on ebook.
What I love most is that more and more illustrators and authors are getting into this format, creating books across every genre.
A few years ago, most graphic novels I found were romance, but now there are historical fiction, fantasy, sci-fi, and more and I love it!
In this post, I’ve listed some pretty amazing historical graphic novels that I think everyone should try.
I’ve read all of them, and the best part is that you can finish several in one day because they’re so light and engaging.
So, if you want to build up your historical book count this year, be sure to pick one or two from this list.
Resistance by Carla Jablonski & Leland Purvis
This story really touched me.
Paul and Marie live in a quiet town in France during WWII, but everything changes when their friend Henri is forced into hiding for being Jewish.
With their father held prisoner by the Germans, the siblings decide to help the French Resistance even though they’re just kids.
It’s brave and sad and powerful all at once.
I love how it shows that even young people can make a difference.
The illustrations are beautiful and full of feeling.
This is the first in a trilogy, and honestly, it pulls you right into the heart of the story.
The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang
Prince Sebastian lives a secret life in Paris, dressing up as the fabulous Lady Crystallia at night with help from his talented dressmaker and friend, Frances.
But Frances wants more than being a secret – she dreams of fame.
This book is sweet, joyful, and full of heart.
It made me smile and also made me think about identity and acceptance.
I loved the friendship, the soft romance, and the dreamy dresses.
It’s like a fairy tale and it celebrates being true to yourself.
It’s such a beautiful, uplifting story.
Courage to Dream by Neal Shusterman & Andrés Vera Martínez
This book was heavy but deeply moving.
Set during the Holocaust, it weaves together five different stories that show how people tried to hold onto hope in the darkest of times.
It combines real history with Jewish folklore in a way that’s both heartbreaking and magical.
I found it powerful because it doesn’t shy away from the horrors but still leaves room for bravery and dreams.
The illustrations are haunting and bold, and the message is clear: even in despair, the human spirit can still shine.
It’s not an easy read, but it’s an important one.
Renegade Girls by Nora Neus & Julie Robine
This story felt like such a breath of fresh air.
Nell wants to be a serious journalist in 1880s New York, but society wants her to write about parties and fashion.
When her friend is hurt in a factory, Nell goes undercover to write the truth and along the way, she falls for a daring photographer named Alice.
I loved the combo of romance, justice, and determination. Nell’s courage made me smile and cheer.
It’s based on a real person, which makes it even more amazing.
Brave girls, sweet love, and a story that matters – what more could I want?
Championess by Kelly Zekas, Tarun Shanker & Amanda Perez Puentes
I was honestly blown away by this one.
Elizabeth Wilkinson is based on a real-life woman who boxed in 18th-century London.
She fights for her family, her freedom, and her future. Life is tough, but she’s tougher.
This story is about so much more than boxing.
It’s also about survival, sisterhood, and standing up for yourself.
I loved the grit, the fire, and the bond between Elizabeth and her sister.
It’s inspiring and raw, with fast-paced panels that bring each punch to life.
If you love stories about strong women breaking barriers, this one is unforgettable.
I Shall Never Fall in Love by Hari Conner
This was such a soft and emotional read.
George is hiding who they really are, while Eleanor is figuring out who she wants to be.
Their friendship becomes something more, but society has strict rules and breaking them could mean scandal.
Inspired by Jane Austen and filled with queer love, this story is about being true to yourself even when it’s scary.
I adored the quiet moments, the longing, and the way the story gently unfolds.
It’s sweet and a little sad, but so full of hope.
It felt like a warm hug wrapped in beautiful drawings.
The Bodyguard Unit by Clément Xavier & Lisa Lugrin
It tells the story of real women in early 1900s England who learned jujitsu to protect other women fighting for the right to vote.
Edith Garrud trained them to fight back against violence, and they did – not with anger, but with strength and unity.
I loved learning about this part of history.
The artwork is bold, just like the women in it.
It reminded me how powerful women can be when they work together for justice.
I had no idea this happened, and now I can’t stop thinking about it.
Haiku Siberiano by Jurga Vilé & Lina Itagaki
This book was so touching.
It’s told from the eyes of a little boy, Algiukas, whose family is taken by the Soviets and sent to Siberia.
Even though they face cold, hunger, and sadness, he finds ways to dream and imagine.
It’s based on the writer’s father’s real story, and that made it feel even more real.
The drawings are simple but full of heart.
It’s a quiet, poetic story about surviving something awful with love and hope.
It made me teary, but it also left me with warmth. Truly unforgettable.
The Fox Maidens by Robin Ha
I loved this mix of fantasy, folklore, and fierce girl power.
Kai wants to be a warrior like her father, but society says no.
To make things worse, people whisper she’s the granddaughter of a fox demon.
When Kai discovers a painful secret, she has to choose her own path.
I loved the way this book combines Korean mythology with a powerful message about identity and bravery.
The artwork is rich and magical, and the story feels like a legend.
It’s got heart, action, and even some romance. I couldn’t put it down – it’s just that good.
Hunger’s Bite by Taylor Robin
Neeta and Emery are stuck on a fancy ship where something creepy is happening.
The rich are turning into something not quite human.
It’s spooky, exciting, and totally gripping.
I loved the mysterious vampire agent, Wick, and how Neeta and Emery step up to help stop the horror.
It’s like a ghost ship story with a splash of mystery and friendship.
The colors and artwork are vibrant and full of life – even when the story gets dark.
It’s thrilling and fun, and I didn’t want it to end.
Have you read a graphic novel that you absolutely loved? Let me know in the comments below!
And if this is your first foray into the medium, I promise – you’re going to love it.
