Uncovering History through Graphic Novels

Growing up as an American Jew, I learned the concept of genocide early, connected with history lessons about the Holocaust and the Nazi regime. My parents didn’t avoid hard topics, instead encouraging me to ask questions. The two recent graphic novels below confront the Guatemalan genocide of the 1980s and the Armenian genocide during the 1910s. The protagonists are teenagers, but I would argue that the books can be appropriate for a younger audience as well, especially if read along with an adult. The novels treat the subject seriously but don’t overwhelm. I encourage you to read these important stories.

Silenced Voices: Reclaiming Memories from the Guatemalan Genocide by Pablo Leon (2025)

Two generations of an immigrant family come to terms with the war and genocide in Guatemala in the 1980s this graphic novel. Sisters Clara and Elena survive the genocide but are separated; their trauma keeps them apart and silenced. In the 2010s, Clara’s sons search for the truth of their family’s past. Jose’s interest is spurred by an ongoing trial of a figure in the genocide happening at the time. Using the dual timelines heightened the suspense of the story and made the experiences viceral. Leon uses color to express mood and temperament in his evocative illustrations.

Armaveni:A Graphic Novel of the Armenian Genocide by Nadine Takvorian (2026)

Takvorian using her own family’s history as a starting point for this graphic novel about the Armenian genocide. At first it is something that the family refuses to speak off, as those who lived through the atrocities find it too painful to revisit. But the younger generation pushes to know more, especially before and after a trip the teens take through their church to revisit the homeland. The monochrome illustrations are detailed and vibrant.