In recent decades, graphic narratives—whether novels, short stories, or memoirs—have become a respected part of the literary landscape. One of the first graphic narratives to be appreciated as literature was Art Spiegelman’s Pulitzer-Prize-winning Holocaust story Maus: A Survivor’s Tale, which appeared in serialized form from 1980 to 1991 and was published as two collections in 1986 and 1991. Although superhero comics and lighthearted stories told in visual form had long been a part of popular culture, books like Maus proved that graphic narratives can also be a valid medium for telling nuanced, layered stories that are just as emotionally and intellectually powerful as any other genre.

The visuals contained in graphic narratives are often designed to appeal to younger readers by enhancing their understanding of a story’s atmosphere, tone, characterizations, plot, and themes. Although many graphic narratives intended for young readers are lighthearted and comical, an increasing number deal with sophisticated topics and complex social issues. Sunny Side Up is a prime example, for it tells the story of a soon-to-be middle-schooler whose family is seriously impacted by her older brother’s substance use disorder. The

Don't Miss Out!

Access Study Guide Now