Reading nonfiction can feel like a chore for some readers; it may even seem as if they’re learning to read all over again. If it’s an unfamiliar topic, they might also experience doubt, confusion, and anxiety.
Reading nonfiction is an important everyday activity that helps us gain, process, and use knowledge. Knowing how information is presented and the tools available for organizing and prioritizing facts, readers use critical thinking skills to create their own frameworks for understanding new concepts. These features and structures are often more accessible in graphic nonfiction, helping readers clarify and evaluate the author’s purpose to gain deeper insight into the material, thus reducing anxiety and their reluctance to experience nonfiction text.
By leveraging the unique visual aspects of the comics medium, they might even come to enjoy reading nonfiction!
Introducing Nonfiction
Nonfiction text structures include Exposition, which simply explains a topic, or Narrative, which shares the main topic in a fiction-like form, but the facts, details, and events are true. The author may use a Descriptive approach, sharing details and explanations of the topic so that readers assemble information as they read. Sequential structures showcase a series of actions or steps, while Chronological positions essential facts in a specific timeframe. Understanding these different structures can help readers develop critical thinking skills while reading nonfiction.
Authors and illustrators also employ text features to support the mapping of nonfiction structures. These features help organize and highlight essential information. The table of contents, glossary, index, and headings help readers find pertinent information quickly. Bold vocabulary, close-ups, cutaways, charts, diagrams, and timelines provide more detail and explanation of relationships between ideas and topics.
There are many ways to introduce nonfiction to readers, and its multidisciplinary nature offers many learning opportunities. One interactive activity for younger readers is a Text Feature Walk, which aims to locate the text features throughout the book. Another engaging approach is to have readers perform the step-by-step instructions in a how-to-draw or how-to-create activity, which is one way to discuss the importance of the author’s concise and clear writing. Whether readers are exploring a historical event by creating a timeline from a chronological writing structure or illustrating a cutaway of a ship or colonial home based on descriptive writing, they can connect with the text features in ways that deepen their understanding of the knowledge they’ve gained from reading a nonfiction book.
Our Graphic Nonfiction list is a great resource to support classroom learning and intellectual curiosity, featuring a curated selection of noteworthy nonfiction titles for all ages. Below, our Engagement team recommends specific titles to help educators nurture an appreciation for nonfiction.
Young Readers
My Guide to Space Exploration: Astronaut by Samantha Bell & Joseph Hatch (Cherry Lake)
An image-packed early reader exploring the exciting responsibilities of an astronaut in space, this Descriptive book introduces foundational space vocabulary in simple factual sentences with key scientific words highlighted in bold. These straightforward sentences allow beginner readers to experience nonfiction text structure and initiate the building of a Science-based vocabulary.
Each photograph helps illustrate the daily life of an astronaut, from training on Earth to traveling and working in space, while a cute cartoon astronaut urges readers to ask more personal and critical questions to clarify their understanding. This interactive approach allows young readers to explore the text and images, uncovering the connection between different forms of information to provide readers with a deeper understanding of the subject.
The inclusion of a table of contents, glossary, and index will introduce students to the text features that assist readers in locating specific information quickly, helping them develop essential skills for navigating nonfiction texts. The glossary will also provide students with a helpful review of new vocabulary while offering an opportunity to discuss the main topic and practice retelling of key details. Readers can expand their understanding of space exploration by reading the rest of the My Early Library: My Guide to Space Exploration series.
- Comics Plus Collection(s): Elementary, Children’s Public Library, All-Access for Schools, Full Collection
Introduction to Climate and Biomes by Izzi Howell & Steve Evans (Cherry Lake)
This decodable graphic novel introduces young readers to climate and biomes. The title explores climate and its effects, as well as various biomes, from rainforests to tundras. The Sun and its sidekick, “Biome,” travel through each biome to learn more about each ecosystem.
As a part of the Frameworks of Geography series, it successfully combines engaging storytelling through Narrative text and pictures with essential geographical concepts. The personification of the Sun and “Biome” through their cute outfits and experiences will have readers chuckling along the way. The graphic novel format makes learning fun and visually appealing, while the clear explanations break down complex ideas into simple terms.
By actively exploring and utilizing text features like charts and diagrams, students can develop more vital comprehension skills and a deeper appreciation for the structure and purpose of informational texts. Introduction to Climate and Biomes is valuable for introducing young readers to geography basics and a great way to teach and introduce various text features.
- Comics Plus Collection(s): Elementary, Children’s Public Library, All-Access for Schools, Full Collection
Snails Are Just My Speed! by Kevin McCloskey (TOON Books)
An early reader that is equal parts fact, humor, and gross, it is also a great example of Descriptive nonfiction, engaging all the reader’s senses to explore the main topic. The pages are filled with comparisons to other animals, fascinating details about various snail species, their sizes, and habitats, and don’t forget the “icky” facts that young readers will love.
McCloskey’s lively illustrations bring the snail’s world to life, while the cute faces of individual snails add humor to each page as they react and comment on the facts presented by the narrator. The illustrations ask students to connect the drawings to the text to enhance their understanding and enjoyment of the title.
Interacting with this playful book’s images and text allows readers to practice identifying fact versus fiction. Do snails really talk? Is the snail really 50 times slower than the earthworm? The ability to distinguish between the information provided by the illustration and the information provided by the words in the text will deepen comprehension and encourage readers to connect all elements of the page. The descriptive text delivers an avenue for readers to connect and build an understanding of the biology of snails. From the cute facial expressions to the clever, informative text, readers will “Giggle and Learn” — as the series is so rightly named.
- Comics Plus Collection(s): Elementary, Children’s Public Library, All-Access for Schools, Full Collection
Middle Grade
Albert II: 1st Monkey in Space by Joeming Dunn & Ben Dunn (ABDO)
An engaging title about a significant yet often overlooked chapter in space history, it presents the story of Albert II, the first monkey to journey into space. The book begins with the historical context of the early days of space exploration, including understanding the danger of spaceflight for humans. It uses a Sequential structure to detail Albert II’s launch aboard a V-2 rocket, and discusses the challenges faced during this mission while highlighting the importance of animals in space exploration.
Dunn’s artwork captures the excitement of space travel while also conveying the challenging conditions Albert II experienced, complementing the text and helping to engage younger audiences, and enhance their understanding of the story. This title serves not only to inform but also to inspire curiosity about space and science.
Text features include a table of contents, labeled diagrams, a fact box, additional website resources, a glossary, and an index. Students will be excited to continue learning about other famous animals and continuing to investigate text features as they discover additional titles in the Famous Firsts: Animals Making History series.
- Comics Plus Collection(s): Elementary, Middle School, Children’s Public Library, Teen Public Library, All-Access for Schools, Full Collection
Magical History Tour #9: The Titanic by Fabrice Err & Sylvain Savoia (Papercutz)
The Titanic is a fact-filled graphic nonfiction title that follows two modern-day siblings as they delve into the building and sinking of the famously “unsinkable” Titanic. Told Chronologically, Annie emphatically shares the history of the Titanic’s construction, the atmosphere aboard the ship, the collision with the massive iceberg, and the safety problems encountered before and during the rescue.
Savoia’s illustrations present the story with a striking palette of the Titanic’s iconic colors: black, white, and blue, with a hint of red from the ship’s water line. Renderings of historical posters and artifacts provide readers with meaningful context, while the artist skillfully embeds text features such as diagrams of the boat and maps of its travels throughout the book. The intricately illustrated details highlight and convey the luxury of first class in contrast to the relative sparseness of the magnificent ship’s third-class.
Additional text features at the back of the book reinforce understanding and offer additional insights into the passengers and the sister ships. A timeline tracks significant dates from the Titanic’s beginning to the placement of a commemorative plaque at the ship’s resting place, helping readers deepen their understanding of this historic tragedy. Readers can continue their Magical History Tour with Annie and Nico as they visit The Great Wall of China and The Great Pyramid, or explore The Discovery of the Dinosaurs.
- Comics Plus Collection(s): Elementary, Middle School, Children’s Public Library, Teen Public Library, All-Access for Schools, Full Collection
Teen & Young Adult
Making Comic Zines by Eddy Atoms (Silver Sprocket)
An unpretentious guide that serves as an excellent introduction to the world of comic zines for creators of all ages. It is not only informative but also fun and creative, with a clear, conversational tone and engaging illustrations utilizing a Sequential structure. Atoms walks readers through every step of the zine-making process, from concept development to distribution, discussing essential aspects like brainstorming ideas, character design, layout techniques, and production methods. He emphasizes a hands-on approach, encouraging readers to gather essential materials like paper and pens to start their creative journey and then distribute the finished product independently.
One of the guide’s strengths is its emphasis on creativity and self-expression. It encourages readers to embrace their unique voices and experiment with different styles and techniques. The simplicity of the black-and-white illustrations gives motivated readers/artists direction and inspiration for their future zine!
Making Comic Zines can be a model and a tool. Students will appreciate the structure and purpose of sequential texts while employing their creativity and artistic skills. Its combination of practical advice and encouragement makes it an exciting resource for anyone interested in zine-making. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced zine creator, this title offers valuable insights that can spark creativity and inspire new projects.
- Comics Plus Collection(s): Middle School, High School, Teen Public Library, All-Access for Schools, Full Collection
The Cargo Rebellion: Those Who Chose Freedom by Alexi Dudden, Ben Barson, Jason Chang and Kim Inthavong (PM Press)
This graphic account about the Robert Browne Rebellion of 1852 uses a Narrative structure, telling the story of 400 indentured Chinese laborers who organized a mutiny against their captors, seizing control of their ship, and demanding their freedom. It is an accessible presentation blending historical accuracy with engaging storytelling.
Inthavong’s artwork is simple but effectively conveys the tension and drama of the rebellion. Her two-page illustrations intensify the interactions and present the global implications of the power of commercialism.
The co-authors set the book’s tone with background information at the beginning, then delve deeper into the topic at the back with three supplementary essays that provide additional contexts and information relevant to the subject. Their purpose is clear: to bring the history of indentured Asian workers to the forefront. Throughout the book, text features like diagrams, maps, and close-ups feed the reader details and information, anchoring them to the story. Combining compelling storytelling with historical research, it is an excellent resource for anyone interested in Asian American history, labor rights, or the ongoing struggle against human trafficking and exploitation.
- Comics Plus Collection(s): High School, Teen Public Library, All-Access for Schools, Full Collection
The Lindbergh Child by Rick Geary (NBM)
A true crime mystery presented like a police blotter, the expository text sets out to explain the evidence and theories surrounding the 1932 kidnapping of Charles Linbergh’s child. Setting the scene with maps and diagrams of the home and the baby’s room, Geary provides these text features for readers to rely on throughout the reading. The book begins with a short biography of Linbergh’s accomplishments and his marriage to Anne Morrow, followed by a detailed account of the weekend of the incident, the investigation, and the suspect’s charges.
Geary’s black-and-white palette provides a grittiness to the details; meticulous illustrations of those involved, suspected, and ultimately charged with the kidnapping and death of the baby encourage the reader to examine them more deeply. Close-ups and pull-outs highlight the incongruencies and merits of the evidence and confessions given. The third-person narrative maintains mystery while the artwork evokes the 1930s.
Readers will be able to analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of the Expository structure to determine whether the details have been made clear, how convincing the evidence is, and how engaging the information’s layout is. They will form their own deductions and follow their hunches throughout the story, but in the end, they will wonder how modern forensic science could have solved this horrendous crime.
- Comics Plus Collection(s): High School, Teen Public Library, All-Access for Schools, Full Collection
Through Clouds of Smoke: Freud’s Final Days by Suzanne Leclair & William Roy (Humanoids)
A chronicle providing the physical and emotional experiences of Dr. Sigmund Freud’s life with cancer, it weaves together three storylines to provide a more comprehensive understanding of Freud’s struggles, Hitler’s intense rise to power in Freud’s homeland of Austria, and the doctor’s continued research, writing, and work in psychoanalysis with his patients.
Roy’s illustrations are layered with a wash of black watercolor and stylized painting, portraying the architecture of the 1930s along with details of his home office in Vienna. Dr. Freud is captured in detailed, photographic-style portraits with his signature cigar, and on transitional pages, the lone image of his cigar and ashtray billowing with smoke shifts the narrative to new topics and moments.
The use of the Chronological text structure offers insight into Freud’s multiple surgeries, his cigar addiction, the reoccurring pain of the liaisons, and the challenges of staying engaged in his profession. Leclair challenges readers to critically analyze the sequence of events and how the storylines and themes are presented; asked to identify the interactions between the text and images; and reflect on Freud’s quotes and thoughts on his life and legacy. To support the readers’ understanding, there is an appendix containing scientific explanations of key terms, additional biographical information about Freud, and a recount of the historical events referenced in the book.
- Comics Plus Collection(s): High School, Teen Public Library, All-Access for Schools, Full Collection
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