Autobiographical Graphic Novels That Will Move You

Ducks

Two Years in the Oil Sands

by Beaton, Kate

Graphic Novel - 2022

Winner of Canada Reads 2023, "Ducks" is Beaton's harrowing personal story of working in the Alberta oil sands. Following the long tradition of E...Show more Winner of Canada Reads 2023, "Ducks" is Beaton's harrowing personal story of working in the Alberta oil sands. Following the long tradition of Easter Coasters who leave their hometown to seek gainful employment elsewhere, Beaton heads out west after graduating from university to take advantage of Alberta’s oil rush. During her stint, she encounters the harsh reality of life in the isolated oil sands. This graphic novel hits close to home and is perfect for those who want to learn more about the detrimental human impacts of the oil sands industry. Show less

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Talking to Strangers

A Memoir of My Escape From A Cult

by Boucher, Marianne

Graphic Novel - 2020

In 1980s, when Boucher was still a teenager, she was lured into a cult in California called the Moonies. "Talking to Strangers" is a true story ...Show more In 1980s, when Boucher was still a teenager, she was lured into a cult in California called the Moonies. "Talking to Strangers" is a true story of her shocking experiences - she vividly shares how she became devoted to a spiritual abuser, and how she eventually managed to pull herself out of the cult's influence. If you liked "Wild Wild Country" and "Uncover: Escaping NXIVM", this graphic novel will appeal to you. Show less

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Fun Home

A Family Tragicomic

by Bechdel, Alison

Graphic Novel - 2007

Distant and exacting, Bruce Bechdel was an English teacher and director of the town funeral home, which Alison and her family referred to as the Fun Home....Show more Distant and exacting, Bruce Bechdel was an English teacher and director of the town funeral home, which Alison and her family referred to as the Fun Home. During college, Alison, who had come out as a lesbian, discovered that her father was also gay. A few weeks after this revelation, he passed away, leaving a mysterious legacy for his daughter to solve. Darkly funny while also incredibly poignant, this graphic novel will appeal to readers who enjoy LGBTQ+ stories and/or stories of dysfunctional families. Show less

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Calling Dr. Laura

A Graphic Memoir

by Georges, Nicole J.

Graphic Novel - 2013

When Georges finds out at twenty-three that her whole family had conspired to keep her father a secret by telling her that her father was dead, Georges tu...Show more When Georges finds out at twenty-three that her whole family had conspired to keep her father a secret by telling her that her father was dead, Georges turns to radio talk-show host Dr. Laura Schlessinger for advice. If you enjoy stories about the complexity of family relationships, you will enjoy this bittersweet and reflective personal story, told in compelling black-and-white illustrations. Show less

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Stitches

A Memoir

by Small, David

Graphic Novel - 2009

In this memoir, Small shares his coming-of-age journey from sickly child to cancer patient, to the troubled teen who made a risky decision to run away fro...Show more In this memoir, Small shares his coming-of-age journey from sickly child to cancer patient, to the troubled teen who made a risky decision to run away from home with nothing more than the dream of becoming an artist. He uses dazzling, kaleidoscopic images to render his world and though bleak at times, this book is also a testament to the redemptive power of art. Show less

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In-between Days

A Graphic Memoir About Living With Cancer

by Harrison, Teva

Graphic Novel - 2016

In this brilliant and touching graphic memoir, Harrison documents through comic illustrations her breast cancer diagnosis at age 37 and her struggles to r...Show more In this brilliant and touching graphic memoir, Harrison documents through comic illustrations her breast cancer diagnosis at age 37 and her struggles to reconcile her long-term goals with an uncertain future as well as everyday acts of hope and wonder. Show less

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Good Eggs

A Memoir

by Potts, Phoebe

Graphic Novel - 2010

In this graphic novel, Potts chronicles her journey navigating the emotionally and physically challenging world of infertility with her husband. While tak...Show more In this graphic novel, Potts chronicles her journey navigating the emotionally and physically challenging world of infertility with her husband. While taking stock of what is important in her life, Potts discusses her faith and her journey towards becoming an artist with warmth and humour. A perfect book for anyone looking for a hilarious and moving read. Show less

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Good Talk

A Memoir in Conversations

by Jacob, Mira

Graphic Novel - 2018

When her 6-year-old, half-Jewish, half-Indian son, Z, started asking complicated questions about Michael Jackson's skin color, Jacob faced the challenge o...Show more When her 6-year-old, half-Jewish, half-Indian son, Z, started asking complicated questions about Michael Jackson's skin color, Jacob faced the challenge of being honest about racism in America while also delving into her personal experiences navigating issues related to her race and culture. This is an illuminating read that is funny and, at times, heartbreaking. Show less

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The Complete Persepolis

by Satrapi, Marjane

Graphic Novel - 2004

In powerful black-and-white panels, Satrapi depicts her childhood up to her early adult years in Iran and Austria during and after the Islamic Revolution....Show more In powerful black-and-white panels, Satrapi depicts her childhood up to her early adult years in Iran and Austria during and after the Islamic Revolution. Witty and reflective, "Persepolis" is both a story of growing up and a reminder of the human cost of war and political repression. This will be appeal to those interested in politics and coming-of-age stories. Show less

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The Arab of the Future : A Childhood in the Middle East (1978-1984)

A Graphic Memoir 1

by Sattouf, Riad

Graphic Novel - 2015

In the first volume of his autobiography, Jewish-French Sattouf recounts the way his father commandeered their family through stints in France, Libya in s...Show more In the first volume of his autobiography, Jewish-French Sattouf recounts the way his father commandeered their family through stints in France, Libya in search of an utopian world. His account of his childhood is wistful and melancholic, even as he grapples with fitting into Arab society and his Arabic heritage. Show less

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The Best We Could Do

An Illustrated Memoir

by Bui, Thi

Graphic Novel - 2017

In her debut graphic novel, Bui documents the story of her family's daring escape after the fall of South Vietnam in the 1970s and the difficulties they f...Show more In her debut graphic novel, Bui documents the story of her family's daring escape after the fall of South Vietnam in the 1970s and the difficulties they faced building new lives for themselves. While adjusting to life as a first-time mother, she ultimately discovers what it means to be a parent. With haunting, poetic writing and breathtaking art, Bui examines the strength of family, the importance of identity, and the meaning of home. Show less

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They Called Us Enemy

by Takei, George

Graphic Novel - 2019

"They Called Us Enemy" is Takei's firsthand account of his years imprisoned within American concentration camps during World War II. He shares t...Show more "They Called Us Enemy" is Takei's firsthand account of his years imprisoned within American concentration camps during World War II. He shares the joys and terrors of growing up under legalized racism, his mother's hard choices, his father's faith in democracy, and the way those experiences planted the seeds for his astonishing future. Show less

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Cheeky

A Head-to-toe Memoir

by Elovic, Ariella

Graphic Novel - 2020

In "Cheeky", Elovic takes an inspiring and exuberant head-to-toe look at her own body, and body part by body part, finds her way back to herself...Show more In "Cheeky", Elovic takes an inspiring and exuberant head-to-toe look at her own body, and body part by body part, finds her way back to herself. Charming and hilarious, full of empathy and candor, and gorgeously illustrated, "Cheeky" aims to inspire all of us to embrace our bodies and its flaws, as well as our bodies' needs, desires, and inherent power. Show less

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Solutions and Other Problems

by Brosh, Allie

Book - 2020

"Solutions and Other Problems" is a collection of humorous stories by Brosh, including stories from her childhood, the adventures of her very si...Show more "Solutions and Other Problems" is a collection of humorous stories by Brosh, including stories from her childhood, the adventures of her very silly animals, incisive essays on grief, loneliness, and powerlessness, as well as reflections on the absurdity of modern life. Brosh talks about difficult personal topics with wit and candor, making this a refreshing and unpretentious read. Show less

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