Best Educational & Nonfiction Graphic Novels of 2026

This Blank Comic Book for Kids is a fantastic tool for young artists who love to create comics. With over 100 pages of blank comic book templates in various styles, kids can spend hours designing, drawing, and writing their own stories. The book features quality white paper suitable for any art medium, and can be used to create one-page comic strips or larger plots with multi-pages and scripts. Additionally, the book's large size (8.5" x 11") provides ample space for kids to immerse themselves in their own creativity. Overall, this book is a perfect gift for any young artist looking to unleash their creativity and create their own comics.

The Maus I & II Paperback Box Set is a Pulitzer Prize-winning graphic novel that tells the chilling story of the author's father's experiences during the Holocaust. The Jews are depicted as wide-eyed mice and the Nazis as menacing cats, making this a haunting tale within a tale. The author's account of his relationship with his aging father is woven into this retelling of one of history's most unspeakable tragedies, creating an unforgettable story of survival and a disarming look at the legacy of trauma. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in memoirs or graphic novels, and its unique approach to telling such a difficult story makes it a masterpiece of its genre.

The Complete Persepolis is a graphic memoir by Marjane Satrapi, which tells the story of her childhood and coming of age during the Islamic Revolution in Iran. The book explores the contradictions between private and public life in a country plagued by political upheaval, and Satrapi's experiences during her high school years in Vienna, as well as her return to Iran and subsequent self-imposed exile. The book is candid, edgy, and searingly observant, with raw humor and hard-earned wisdom. It is a stunning work from one of the most highly regarded graphic artists today, and is a unique and indispensable memoir of growing up in revolutionary Iran.

The Cartoon History of the Universe Volumes 1-7 is an illustrated guide that presents world history in an entertaining and humorous way. Larry Gonick's first book covers the evolution of the universe, the origins of life, and the development of ancient civilizations. The author's casual erudition, silly humor, and cartoony black-and-white drawings make this book a great addition to the growing field of comics trade books. The record of women and black racial characteristics are accurately restored, making Gonick's work unique. Overall, this educational and nonfiction graphic novel by Three Rivers Press is a must-read for anyone interested in history or comics.

The DC Comics Encyclopedia New Edition is the ultimate guide for every comic book fan out there. This A-Z guide features profiles of more than 1,200 characters from the DC Multiverse, including the latest updates from crossover events like Dark Nights: Metal and Dark Nights: Death Metal. The book also includes thrilling comic artwork and a foreword by DC legend Jim Lee. Written by Matthew K. Manning and Alex Irvine, this encyclopedia is a must-have addition to any comic book lover's library. Overall, this book is a comprehensive and exciting look into the world of DC Comics that fans will enjoy for years to come.

This book, titled "Marvel Value Stamps: A Visual History," is a collection of the original stamp books, stamps, and surrounding ephemera and source material for the Marvel Value Stamps promotional campaign. The campaign, devised by Marvel Comics publisher Stan Lee in 1974, allowed readers to collect 100 super hero and super villain stamps and redeem them for special discounts and exclusive merchandise. This book is a must-have for collectors and fans, featuring text from Marvel Comics historian Roy Thomas and an all-new cover by Alex Ross. Overall, this book is a unique and informative addition to any comic book lover's collection.

Let's Make Ramen!: A Comic Book Cookbook is a unique and playful cookbook that combines comics and accessible ramen recipes for home cooks. The book provides more than 40 recipes for everything you need to make the perfect bowl at home, including broths, noodles, and toppings. The authors also share preparation shortcuts and provide insights into Japanese culinary traditions and cultural insights from eminent ramen figures. This book is ideal for beginners, seasoned cooks, and armchair chefs alike. Overall, Let's Make Ramen! is an inviting introduction to one of Japan's most popular and iconic dishes.

The Best We Could Do: An Illustrated Memoir is a poignant graphic novel depicting one family's journey from war-torn Vietnam. Thi Bui's evocative memoir explores the anguish of immigration and the lasting effects of displacement on a child and her family. The book is a powerful look at one woman’s life and a war fought decades ago, but her story and the book’s message resonate remarkably today. The haunting, poetic writing and breathtaking art examine the strength of family, the importance of identity, and the meaning of home. It is a must-read for those who seek a better future while longing for a simpler past.

Hyperbole and a Half by Allie Brosh is a #1 New York Times Bestseller that showcases the author's unique voice and wit. The book features more than fifty percent new content, including ten never-before-seen essays and one wholly revised and expanded piece, as well as classics from the author's blog. Brosh's ability to capture complex emotions with deceptively simple illustrations is on full display in this book. Her stories about things that happened to her and others, including dogs, are both hilarious and insightful. Overall, Hyperbole and a Half is a must-read for anyone who enjoys memoirs and wants a good laugh.

DC Comics: Anatomy of a Metahuman is a visually stunning and educational graphic novel that explores the unique anatomical composition and abilities of DC Comics' greatest characters. Written from Batman's perspective, the book features beautifully illustrated cross sections of twelve different characters, including Superman and Aquaman, and provides in-depth commentary on their physiology. The book also includes chapters on other iconic characters like Doomsday and Darkseid. Overall, this book is a must-have for any DC Comics fan who wants to delve deeper into the world of metahumans.