Top 6 graphic novels that need to be on your reading list

1. HABIBI

Published in September 2011, Habibi is a graphic novel by Craig Thompson that focuses on the relationship between two child slaves, Dodola and Zam. Following their escape, they are torn apart but reunited as adults. The differences in the culture and environment they have grown up in become obstacles in their love for each other.

Habibi is not just a simple love story: it throws light on cultural divides and humanity’s relationship with the world, interspersed throughout with stories from the Quran.

Read it because… although it may seem like a love story, the plot is a lot more complicated, weaving in the multiplicity of cultures and timelines.

2. THE MUSLIMS

This book by author, illustrator and animator Ahmad Philips uses the daily life of two children, Hani and Huda, to depict moral issues and share the moral teachings of Islam. Each chapter tackles a different aspect, from stealing to being grateful. Philips has used his varied experiences from his travels in the Middle East to build the lives of his lead characters and weave life’s lessons into the narrative.

Read it because… presenting the teachings of Islam in a fun and relevant way makes this book a must-have for young parents.

3. PERSEPOLIS

In Persepolis, author Marjane Satrapi shares the story of her life in a poignant and humorous narrative. Satrapi spent her childhood years in Tehran during the Islamic revolution. She cleverly weaves the history of her country into her own life story. The joys of childhood, the challenges of adolescence, the homecoming, and eventual self-imposed exile: her story is entwined with the contradictions of life in Tehran and the political upheavals that have shaped the country. The narrative is edgy and candid, with moments of raw humour and wisdom, making it an absolute must-read.

Read it because… it paints a picture of a time gone by and the struggles of young people who grow up in times of political unrest.

4. MS MARVEL

Published in 2014, Ms Marvel became an instant hit after Marvel Comics brought readers a heroine who broke all the rules: Kamala Khan.

Acclaimed writer G. Willow Wilson and artist Adrian Alphona have woven a story of mystery and intrigue. What do her new powers mean for the young girl? Are they really gifts, or will the secret behind them be her downfall? Wilson, who has written many articles about the Middle East and modern Islam, brings a fresh, relatable superhero for young Muslims.

Read it because… it’s an iconic first step towards inclusion of Muslim Americans in the superhero universe. Enough said.

5. INTRODUCING ISLAM

In the current climate, Islam is one of the most misunderstood religions in the world. Despite a rich and varied history and a following that spans the globe, there are plenty of misconceptions about the religion. Introducing Islam attempts to change that perception by chronicling the history of Islam from the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in the 6th century to the present day.

Authors Ziauddin Sardar and Zafar Abbas Malik chart the achievements of Muslim civilisation, interweaving messages from the Quran and the teachings of Islam into their chronicle. They also detail the achievements of Islamic culture and explore how colonialism has affected Muslim societies.

Read it because… it’s an easy-to-understand guide to one of the biggest religions in the world, helping the reader see Islam in a new light.

6. AMINA’S VOICE

This book is the story of the emotional journey of young Amina, a Pakistani American grappling with the changes that come with teen years. An introvert by nature, Amina is most comfortable with her best friend Soojin. As they start middle school, Soojin is befriended by popular girl Emily and feels she needs to do more to fit in. While Amina is questioning her own identity, an attack on her local mosque devastates her and her community.

Author Hena Khan uses relatable situations to promote the ideas of love and support within a community and to show how one person can make a difference.

Read it because… of its small picture, big picture association; this could be anyone’s story.

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