Graphic Memoirs of the Middle East for Young Adult Readers

Abstract

The religious, political, and social complexities of the Middle East and its individual countries may be difficult for younger readers to navigate via traditional text. Graphic novels provide an accessible way for readers to learn about life in the region. Specifically, graphic memoirs, many of which feature coming-of-age accounts, may help readers learn about religion in the Middle East while also relating to the authors and the stories they tell. This article presents a brief history of graphic novels and a discussion of the prevalence of religious narratives and themes in some of the most well-known graphic memoirs. This is followed by a select bibliography of autobiographical graphic memoirs in which the authors address living in or visiting countries in the Middle East. The graphic memoirs discussed in this bibliography are appropriate for readers ranging in age from tweens to young adults.