Memoirs can be difficult for middle schoolers to read, but most are more receptive to them in graphic form. They may be learning about a historical event or another person's life story, but typically the goal is to teach empathy. Some may even be able to identify with what they're reading, as many of the authors are immigrants.
1. March by John Lewis (Ages 13+)
In this amazing graphic novel, John Lewis, Andrew Aydin and Nate Powell bring the Congressmans' struggles, during the Civil Rights Movement, to life. Lewis was able to rise from being a sharecropper in Alabama to Congress through nonviolent methods that helped blacks get more rights in the 1960s.
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2. Relish: My Life In The Kitchen by Lucy Knisley (Ages 15+)
The perfect memoir for any foodie or child of a chef. Relish includes recipes as well, which is a feature I love. This is lighthearted that so many love.
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3. Tomboy: A Graphic Memoir by Liz Prince (Ages 13+)
This book speaks to me for so many reasons. Growing up, I was never into fashion and makeup, which led to a lot of bullying. When I was in middle school the movie Clueless came out and 2 girls from school wanted to help me fit in, but as hard as I tried, I never did. Liz Prince captured exactly how I felt at that time with this graphic novel.
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4. Almost American Girl: An Illustrated Memoir by Robin Ha (Ages 13+)
Robin is abruptly uprooted from her home in Korea and moved to the US. Thankfully Robin's mother realizes that her daughter is struggling and gets her into a comic drawing class, which we can tell, changed her life.
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5. Drowned City: Hurricane Katrina and New Orleans by Don Brown (Ages 12+)
6. Annie Sullivan and the Trials of Helen Keller by Joseph Lambert (Ages 10+)
Annie Sullivan and Helen Keller had fascinating lives. They were able to overcome so much adversity, especially considering the limited knowledge of people with disabilities in the late 1880s. Kids can learn about them and the importance of never giving up after reading this book.
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7. Anne Frank's Diary: The Graphic Adaptation by Ari Folman
Anne Frank had a difficult life that ended too soon at the hands of the Germans during WW2. Her diary told of what her life was like trying to hide from the Nazis with her family and this graphic novel brings history to life. I would use this for reluctant readers when reading The Diary of Anne Frank in class.
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8. Little White Duck: A Childhood in China by Na Liu and Andres Vera Martinez (Ages 9+)
China in the 1970s was no place for two young girls. When Chairman Mao finally passes away, they are able to experience the childhood they deserve. This book depicts political events from the time and can teach kids how different it is to grow up in different places.
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9. I Was Their American Dream by Malaka Gharib
So many children come to the United States with their families in search of a better life. Malaka is no different and this wonderful book is a reminder of how difficult life can be for immigrant children.
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10. Maybe An Artist by Liz Montague (Ages 12+)
This story tells of overcoming adversity and shows how Lizzy came into her own through art. It's a valuable lesson for kids to follow their dreams and not allow anything to hold them back.
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11. Spellbound: A Graphic Novel by Bishakh Som (Ages 14+)
Som shows herself as a transgendered person, living her life. Be advised that she is candid about all aspects of her life, so take care with this book recommendation.
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12. Crude: A Memoir by Pablo Fajardo, Sophie Tardy-Joubert & Hannah Chute (Ages 13+)
Fajardo tells his story, growing up in Ecuador and fighting for the environment against Texaco for the damages caused by their oil fields. I didn't know the extent of the damage caused to the Amazon, as it wasn't widely televised. This book can really show how destructive people can be to the environment.
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13. Hey Kiddo: A Graphic Novel by Jared Krosozcka (Ages 11+)
Our author shares his personal story of growing up with an absent father and addicted mother. I too was raised mostly by my grandparents, so I can relate to this one. There are many students in my school that has addicted parents or live with their grandparents for one reason or another. so they'll be able to relate.
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14. Darkroom: A Memoir in Black and White by Lila Quintero Weaver
Lila moves to the US in the 1960s from Buenos Aires and witnesses the horrors of being in the South at this point in US history.
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15. Messy Roots: A Graphic Memoir of a Wuhanese American by Laura Gao
Imagine being an immigrant from Wuhan China in 2020. Laura was living in Texas at the time and had to deal with being from the epicenter of Covid, all while trying to understand her sexual identity and make it through school.
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16. Shame Pudding by Danny Noble
Danny is from a Jewish family who loves her dearly. Adolescence is challenging for most, but her family helps her through and shows how amazing they really are.
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17. James Joyce Portrait of a Dubliner: A Graphic Biography by Alfonso Zapico
Joyce was from Ireland but left because of the politics and his economic status. He was able to overcome challenges that would have consumed some and published some works that highlighted his dislike of Ireland.
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18. El Deafo by Cece Bell
Cece is deaf but gets a phonic ear, and suddenly her life changes. She can hear everything the teacher says and does when she is wearing the microphone, which makes her feel like a superhero. I have personal experience with using these devices and always remind myself to mute them when I'm not speaking to the child wearing them.
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19. Poppies of Iraq by Bridgette Findakly (Ages 14+)
Findalky's life story is beautifully illustrated by her husband, Lewis Trondheim. Her family traditions and religion didn't fit in with Saddam Hussein's beliefs and they eventually leave for Paris, but Bridgette never feels like she belongs.
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20. Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
Satrapi tells what it was like growing up in Iran, using a black and white comic strip book. Her public and personal life were very different, due to her family's standing and she witnessed things that no child should have to. Persepolis will take you through a range of emotions as you learn about life in Iran.
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21. Elvis: The Graphic Novel by Chris Miskiewicz
Elvis' life story is told in graphic form. See the path this rock legend took to make his mark on the world of music.
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22. The Kite Runner: A Graphic Novel by Khalid Hosseini
A graphic adaptation to the well-known novel, tells the tale of two friends living in Afghanistan. We get a close look at what life is like there and the hardships that so many endure.
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23. Lighter Than My Shadow by Katie Green (Ages 14+)
A story of a girl with an eating disorder that, at first, looks like picky eating to her family. Katie overcomes her struggle and comes out better on the other side.
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24. They Called Us Enemy by George Takei (Ages 11+)
Takei tells of his life during WW2 in a US concentration camp. He and his family were removed from their home and placed in these "relocation centers" because they were Japanese and seen as a threat during the war.
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55 Children’s Picture Books Celebrating Individuality