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Nowadays, I read a good number of non-fiction books, and I love how much more accessible they’ve become.
By far, the most accessible medium for non-fiction is definitely graphic novels.
Even as an adult, I still enjoy books with diagrams or illustrations, and graphic novels are always my first choice when I’m in the mood for something like that.
Of course, there are web novels, comics, manga, and all that good stuff, but graphic novels will always be my first love, and they’ll probably remain that way.
Anyway, I’ve compiled a list of the best non-fiction graphic novels I’ve read.
These are the books I think everyone should check out because they’re just so interesting.
How to Win the War on Truth by Samuel C. Spitale
This book feels like a smart friend giving you a crash course in spotting lies everywhere – from the news to social media.
It explains how propaganda works, why it’s so sneaky, and how it’s used to control what we think and buy.
The illustrations make it super engaging and even kind of fun to learn heavy stuff.
I honestly think this is one of those books we all need to read, especially if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by too much info.
It’s clear, easy to follow, and makes you feel a little more powerful and aware in a confusing world.
I Am Stan by Tom Scioli
In this book, we see the story of Stan Lee, the man who helped create superheroes like Spider-Man and Iron Man.
You get to see his ups and downs, the good and messy parts, and how he shaped Marvel Comics into something huge.
The illustrations are bold and playful – just like Stan’s energy.
If you’ve ever loved a superhero or watched a Marvel movie, you’ll enjoy seeing where it all began.
It’s such a fun way to learn about someone who truly changed pop culture forever.
Let’s Make Bread! by Ken Forkish and Sarah Becan
This is one of the cutest, easiest bread books I’ve ever seen.
Whether you’re a total beginner or just love the smell of fresh bread (same), this book shows you how to make amazing loaves step by step.
There are tips for sourdough, troubleshooting help when things go wonky, and fun little drawings that make it all feel doable.
I love how it takes something that can seem tricky and makes it feel cozy, fun, and comforting.
And it’s perfect for slow weekends and kitchen experiments.
The Summer We Crossed Europe in the Rain by Kazuo Ishiguro
This dreamy little book is full of song lyrics written by the Nobel Prize–winning author Kazuo Ishiguro.
He wrote them for jazz singer Stacey Kent, and they’re all about love, memories, and the magic of travel.
It feels like taking a gentle train ride across Europe with your heart wide open.
The illustrations are soft and lovely, so they perfectly match the emotional feel of the songs.
I really liked how it blends music and poetry into something that feels timeless and sweet.
It’s a quiet, thoughtful read that stays with you long after the last page.
I’m So Glad We Had This Time Together by Maurice Vellekoop
Equal parts heartbreaking and heartwarming, this memoir follows Maurice as he grows up gay in a strict religious home where he doesn’t feel accepted.
But it’s also full of sparkly, funny, and beautiful moments – from playing with Barbies to discovering his love for art.
The drawings are so full of personality, and the story is honest and raw but also hopeful.
You really feel for Maurice, and you cheer for him as he finds his people, his passion, and himself.
This one is such a moving story about growing up, healing, and being true to who you are.
Guardian of Fukushima by Fabien Grolleau
This powerful book tells the true story of Naoto Matsumura, a farmer who returns to his land after the Fukushima disaster to care for abandoned animals.
It’s such a touching story of bravery and love.
The art is emotional and vivid, and there’s something really beautiful about how it blends Japanese legends with real events.
It also teaches you what really happened during the earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear crisis.
I found it both heartbreaking and inspiring. Naoto’s quiet strength made me tear up, and the book reminds us how deeply connected people can be to nature and each other.
This Beautiful, Ridiculous City by Kay Sohini
Kay moves to New York after leaving behind a painful past in India, and this book captures that combo of heartbreak, hope, and starting over so perfectly.
The art is bright and full of emotion, and the story is very real – about healing, learning to love yourself, and finding your place in a new world.
I loved how she finds little moments of joy in the city, even when things are hard.
It’s one of those books that made me smile, tear up, and want to hug the main character.
The Second Fake Death of Eddie Campbell & The Fate of the Artist by Eddie Campbell
This book is clever and a little wild in the best way.
It combines real life with imagination, where the author sort of goes missing in his own story (twice!).
There’s a funny detective, quirky stories, and even comics-within-comics.
I liked how playful and smart it is – it made me think about how artists see the world and themselves.
The second half, The Fate of the Artist, dives deeper into being creative and how messy life can get.
It’s a book for anyone who likes stories that don’t follow the rules but still say something honest and real.
Give Me Space but Don’t Go Far by Haley Weaver
This beautiful graphic memoir made me feel seen in the gentlest way.
Haley Weaver shares her life with Anxiety – not as a scary monster, but more like a clingy companion who means well but doesn’t always know when to hush.
Told through charming, colorful drawings and heartfelt words, Haley opens up about learning to live with anxiety instead of fighting it all the time.
It’s honest, relatable, and quietly hopeful.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed or unsure, this book will give you a soft hug and remind you you’re not alone.
My Lesbian Experience With Loneliness by Nagata Kabi
This book is raw, real, and deeply moving.
It’s a memoir told through manga, where Nagata Kabi opens up about her struggles with depression, self-worth, sexuality, and just figuring life out in a world that can feel overwhelming.
The way she illustrates her emotions is so honest – it made me laugh, tear up, and pause to reflect.
What makes this book really special is how brave and open she is.
If you’ve ever felt lost, lonely, or unsure of yourself, this story will make you feel understood in a quiet, comforting way.
It’s not always easy, but it’s so worth the read.
Let me know in the comments below if you’re going to give any of these books a chance.
And please do, I promise you’re going to love them!
