Canadian Graphic Novels

Graphic novels combine the best of art and text to create a unique reading experience. The images bring to life the characters and their stories, allowing the reader to fully immerse themselves into the world the book takes place in. This can be a mystical one or one that parallels our own. This makes graphic novels an excellent medium for learning about an event from history or someone's lived experience. Below are a few graphic novels from our collection that spotlight moments from Canadian history.

• This Place
• Two Generals by Scott Chantler
• Dying for the Cause by Chris Oliveros

I also enjoy graphic novels as a way to learn more about "everyday" people and their stories. Not everyone who has a story worth telling is from the past or is already famous! And who says an autobiography can't also have pictures? The images allow the reader to dive deeper into the story and gain a better idea of what the protagonist was seeing and feeling at the time. They use colour to create mood or exaggerated facial expressions to convey emotion. This all adds to how the author has chosen to tell their story and express how they have viewed others and their environment.

• Degrees of Separation by Alison McCreesh
• Factory Summers by Guy Delisle
• I'm So Glad We Had This Time Together by Maurice Vellekoop

McCreesh creates a moody and dark atmosphere that draws us into the frigid days he experienced in the North, Delisle maintains his signature cartoonish style but uses it to tell the story of the physical and mental toll on manual laborers in the factory he worked in, and Vellekoop takes us on a visual journey of him learning to stay true to himself and his identity. All very different experiences told through the same medium and taking place in Canada.

We can also feel seen and less alone when reading a story that reflects our own. Take a look at these graphic novels that shed some light on the diversity of Canada and the varied lived experiences of those who live here.

• Indiginerds by Alina Pete
• The Outside Circle by Patti Laboucane-Benson
• Junior High by Tegan Quin and Sara Quin 

Discover more Canadian stories and more with your APL card today!