Introduction
We’ve probably all seen the Science Comics series and the Manga Guides, but did you know there were so many more options out there for nonfiction comics about science? Included in this list are biographies, comics about chemistry, biology, and even the science of surfing. So pick up one of these hidden gems and learn a little more about a topic you maybe hadn’t considered reading on before.
Cells at Work
Akane Shimizu
Join the adventures of an anthropomorphic red blood cell and her new friend, a white blood cell. Over the course of the series, the cells handle bacterial and viral invasions, cancer, injuries, and more!
Readers looking for a light fun read that incorporates some good science as well!
Some gore
Japanese |
Megan Rupe
Evolution: The Story of Life on Earth
Jay Hosler
Kevin Cannon
Bloort, a scientist from an alien race, regales his king and prince with the history of life on Earth. With clear explanations, excellent illustrations, and a dash of humor, Evolution: the Story of Life on earth is a natural selection for school library and public library science collections.
Read our full review here
Teen and adult readers looking for a fun and accessible explanation of evolution
Megan Rupe
How to Fake a Moon Landing
Darryl Cunningham
Learn about the origins and fallacies behind some of the most well-known conspiracy theories like: climate change, the moon landing, vaccines causing autism, and whether evolution is real. These comics are short, kind of like short stories covering each conspiracy theory, but filled with good facts that make it easy to understand just why these theories are wrong, as well as a bibliography in the back.
Great for anyone wanting to better understand what leads people to believe conspiracy theories, and for those who want to know more on how to combat the misguided thinking behind them.
Though the creator presents these conspiracy theories frankly and with some humor, it can still be upsetting to read about some of the topics discussed.
Shannan Prukop
Rainbow the Koala
Remy Lai
Young animal lovers will eat up this narative about a baby koala named Rainbow that teaches them about the life of a koala in the wild and the impacts that bushfires have had on their habitat. The end of the graphic novel included details about the real life event that inspired the book as well as additional information about koalas and where they live.
Kids who can't get enough of animal books will love Rainbow the Koala.
Indonesian |
Tayla Cardillo
Seen: Rachel Carson
Birdie Willis
Rii Abrego
While not necessarily an ideal choice for a casual reader, this graphic novel is an excellent choice for school libraries because it's geared towards being used as a teaching text. Rachel Carson's story is told clearly and simply, and there are tons of great resources at the back to guide discussion and with further resources to help build lessons.
This is a great pick for school librarians looking for more approachable teaching texts, or for tween readers who want to start learning about Rachel Carson with an approachable text.
Latine |
Queer |
Nonbinary |
Shannan Prukop
The Science of Surfing
Kim Dwinell
Two surf enthastist, Sam and Jade, share their love of the ocean in this nonfiction addition to the Surfside Girl series. In this graphic novel they cover the physics that makes the ocean moves, facts about the creatures that live in the ocean, and lesson on how to surf! Whether you like the ocean for it's sea creatures or it's sick waves, you'll find something to love about this book.
All ocean lovers will learn something new from this book packed with facts the deep blue sea.
Tayla Cardillo
Two Heads
Uta Frith
Daniel Locke
In this lively and engaging graphic novel, scientists Uta and Chris Frith take the reader through the research on the human brain and how human brains affect interactions. The writing in this book is excellent--the explanations are delivered well--with illustrations that convey information and humor--and show strong synthesis of the topic while also driving home the point that science is about finding and answering new questions and verifying results.
Older teen and adult readers interested in psychology and human interaction will want to dive into this well-researched comic
Megan Rupe
Wonderful Life with the Elements
Bunpei Yorifuji
Looking to learn about the periodic table, but struggling through dry texts? Try this comic! Each element has a personality, and the creator ties the study of the elements back to our daily lives as well. There's also a bonus section in the back covering minerals and how they affect the body.
While this is obviously handy for students of chemistry trying to find another way to memorize elements, it's also written in such a way that anyone who wants to learn more about the units that make up our world can come away having learned something and had fun doing it.
Though it's not graphic, the elements are generally portrayed as male-bodied people with genitalia. It serves more as humor than anything else, but it is present.
Shannan Prukop
