Definition

1. Graphic Novel Memoir For Kids
2. Graphic Novel Memoir Definition
3. Graphic Novel Vs Memoir
4. Memoir Graphic Novel Books
5. Best Graphic Memoirs

Graphic memoirs are comics or sequential art that tell an autobiographical or semi-autobiographical story. Because they are a sub-genre of graphic novels and comics in general they may sometimes be referred to more generally as “nonfiction graphic novels.”

The first modern comic book was released in the United States in 1933, and the first graphic novel came out in 1978. Memoirs, in general, have been written for quite some time, but stories penned by ordinary people did not gain popularity until the 1990s.

Characteristics

This is the graphic novel that forced people to look at comic books as an art form. The graphic novel is considered the definitive Joker origin story, one which also starts with an engineer who quits his job at a chemical company to pursue his dream of becoming a stand-up comedian — only to fail miserably. Graphic novels are one of the fastest growing genres in libraries and bookstores and have become especially popular among teenage readers. These novels tell stories through a combination of prose and pictures — generally in the form of comics, or what is known as “sequential art”. Graphic memoirs are comics or sequential art that tell an autobiographical or semi-autobiographical story. Because they are a sub-genre of graphic novels and comics in general they may sometimes be referred to more generally as “nonfiction graphic novels.”.

Most graphic memoirs do not cover the same wide scope a print memoir would. Typically what they lack in breath, the make up for in depth. Since graphic memoirs are instead more focused, they often afford the author the opportunity to focus on one particular event, span of years, or relationship with someone or something and their feelings surrounding it. A key advantage of using the comics medium is the ability to show rather than merely tell. Everything from the font used for a particular character’s speech, to the size and position of each panel helps to tell the story. In memoir, this can help the author to communicate a feeling or situation from their past more immediately and, and perhaps more effectively, than if they were relying on text alone.

Appeal

Graphic memoirs appeal to traditional memoir readers and traditional comics readers. They can serve as a great entry point into comics and graphic novels because they tend to be stand alone works. Readers looking to get into the comics genre may often feel intimidated by “where to start” especially when considering superhero comics or manga. Furthermore, readers of nonfiction or realistic fiction may not think comics are for them, as they perceive comics to be centered on superheroes, science fiction and fantasy. Graphic memoirs are, by nature, realistic and may be more accessible. Similarly, they can serve as a great entry point into memoirs, as they are typically less of a time commitment than print memoirs.

Titles to Know

• Fun Home by Alison Bechdel

Following the death of her father Bechdel looks back on their relationship. Both highly intellectual, but also sentimental, this memoir focuses on Bechdel’s coping with the possibility that her father’s death may have been suicide, and examining his life as a closeted homosexual, just as she begins to accept her own sexuality and comes out to her family. Bechdel’s memoir is the first graphic novel I read and what made me to a comics reader. It is not a young adult title, but could be a meaningful read for older, mature teens.

• Maus by Art Spiegelman 2015 Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults Top Ten

Spiegelman uses the comics medium to tell his father’s story of survival through the Holocaust. By drawing his characters as mice and cats, he can use art as well as text to depict racial profiling. Recently, at my library we have moved Maus to the “school readers” section (where we put books that are often required reading in local high schools) as many teachers have realized that comics may be a more engaging choice for reluctant readers who want a change of pace.

• Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi 2004 Best Books for Young Adults 2005 Best Books for Young Adults 2004 Alex Awards2014 Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults

Satrapi chronicles her coming of age during the Islamic Revolution in Iran. Originally published in four volumes and later compiled into two volumes and translated into English, her memoirs begin with Persepolis, The Story of a Childhood, but I recommend checking out The Complete Persepolis to get the whole story of Satrapi’s childhood in Iran and return to Iran following high school in Vienna. Satrapi’s memoirs were also adapted into the animated film Persepolis. 2009 Fabulous Films for Young Adults

Graphic Novel Memoir For Kids

• El Deafo by Cece Bell2015 Newbery Honor Award, 2015 Great Graphic Novels for Teens

Bell’s memoir focuses on her hearing loss following meningitis at age four. She learns to lip read, and uses a phonic ear at school that gives her the power to hear her teacher wherever she is throughout the school. Though Bell imagines herself as the amazing superhero, “El Deafo”, she still has trouble dealing with various new friends’ reactions to her deafness. Bell uses the comics medium to portray herself and her family and friends as rabbits. This helps her to emphasize her ears and the self-consciousness she felt about her hearing aids. Though Bell’s memoir El Deafo swings toward middle grade rather than young adult in terms of the protagonist’s age, this memoir is a worthwhile read for all who can related to the trials and tribulations of making new friends, and all who want to learn more about “various ways to be deaf” as Bell says in her author’s note. El Deafo recently a Newbery Honor Award for 2015, a huge victory for graphic novels!

• March: Book One and Two by John Robert Lewis, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell2014 Great Graphic Novels for Teens Top Ten2014 Coretta Scott King Author Honor

Congressman John Lewis tells his story of growing up in segregated Alabama, his relationship with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and his work through nonviolent protest in the Civil Rights Movement. Book One is framed as a flashback, as Congressman Lewis recounts his activism to two young boys whose mother takes them to meet him, hoping he can convey to them the continued importance of the Civil Rights Movement. March is a trilogy with Book Two having just been released on January 27th.

Graphic Novel Memoir Definition

These are just a small sample of all the great graphic memoirs out there! Tell me your favorites in the comments!

-Emily Childress-Campbell, Currently reading Laughing at my Nightmare by Shane Burcaw

Description

Often a misunderstood term, “graphic novel” implies a work of fiction, particularly relating to superheroes. However, some of the most powerful graphic novels contain autobiographical, nonfictional prose related through memoir. Popular graphic novel memoirs include Art Spiegelman’s Maus, David Small’s Stitches, Craig Thompson’s Blankets, and Brian Fies’ Mom’s Cancer. Because the stories told in this format are so personal, each is typically written and illustrated by the same person.

The graphic novel memoirs depict illustrative life experiences that would lack the impact of an alternative text-based autobiography. Similar to George Orwell’s depiction of farm animals to relay the societal dangers of the Soviet Union in Animal Farm, Spiegelman’s Maus reflects on his father’s experiences during World War II, living as a prisoner in Jewish Ghettos in Poland, awaiting certain death in the Auschwitz concentration camp, and struggling as a Holocaust survivor. In depicting Jews as mice and Nazis as cats, Spiegelman provides the reader with forceful, personal images of the Holocaust.

Graphic Novel Vs Memoir

Memoir Graphic Novel Books

Though he titled his book Mom’s Cancer, Fies' memoir focuses not on his mother, but on the sadness and torment of three siblings as they come to terms with her imminent death. Though they share the same journey, each confronts the ordeal in their own way. Their lives are greatly affected by their mother’s suffering and their familial relationship is forever changed. The brutally honest portrayal is one that rings true with millions of family members affected by the loss of a parent.

Topics frequently addressed through graphic novel memoirs include struggles with divorce, addiction, abuse, illness, adolescence, and race.

Best Graphic Memoirs

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