Elections and Escapades!

Ahh, election season – a time when family dinners become arguments, and you scroll through your social media feed seeing nothing but campaign slogans. Have no fear, my politically inquisitive companions; we are here to explore those chaotic and ungoogleable elections while giving you a pinch of humor and a dash of sarcasm!

So while the adults argue over whose policy plan will save us or who can build the best meme, we bring you: A guide to comic books that make elections and politics as fun as your favorite sitcom!

Graphic Novels to Tickle Your Political Funny Bone

“Vordak the Incomprehensible: Rule the School” by Scott Seegert and John Martin (2012)

1. • Vordak, a Teenage werido-would-be-supervillain and school president candidate, discovers that the end can sometimes be found in something of an unlikely beginning. With his outlandish plots and hilarious antics, this is a laugh-it-up romp through the highs but mostly lows of school elections.

“The Dork Diaries” Series by Rachel Renée Russell (2009 – Present)

1. • Follow the life of Nikki Maxwell as she gets into all that preteen election drama. While not necessarily political in nature, the series really caught the experience of what it feels like to campaign for popularity contests and student government with a healthy level of humor.
   • Due to its popularity this series has made the New York Times Bestseller list and won several state awards for children’s literature.

“Amelia Rules! Volume 3: Superheroes” by Jimmy Gownley (2005)

1. • The series focuses on Amelia, and her friends as they go on an adventure to save their school from closing. This volume includes light-hearted activism and rallies against censorship. You will meet quirky characters and experience laugh-out-loud moments.
   • The series, which has been nominated for several Eisner Awards, garnered critical acclaim for its storytelling and character development.

“Big Nate: Mr. Popularity” by Lincoln Peirce (2012)

1. • Class president, Nate Wright, the malcontent-turned-beloved-favorite-son is front and center as he runs for reelection. Filled with funny middle school experiences, as student council snafus ensue in this laugh-out-loud book.
   • The humor and general relatability of the “Big Nate” series, has made it a New York Times Bestseller.

“The Simpsons: Political Party” by Matt Groening (2008)

1. • For a little older audience, this a series of Simpson comics talks about different political topics by Springfield’s unique family in the only way they can – which is humor and wit. And that attitude towards playing politics is a delightful satire on which the fans of the show will relish.

“El Deafo” by Cece Bell (2014)

1. • Despite being more middle-grade than YA, and not about elections per se, This graphic novel uses humor and heart to touch on themes of difference, acceptance, and finding a place for yourself in the world even when you feel different from everyone else; much like an election campaign.
   • This is a Newbery Honor Book, Eisner Award for Best Publication for Kids, and featured in many “best of” lists, including those of GoodReads.

“G-Man: Cape Crisis” by Chris Giarrusso (2009)

1. • This book combines superhero hijinks with high school election drama. Chaos and laughter erupt as G-Man also finds out what it takes to be the boss.

“Dog Man: Lord of the Fleas” by Dav Pilkey (2018)

1. • Silly fun filled with a message or two about leadership and decision-making.
   • The “Dog Man” series is a New York Times Bestseller and earned several awards, including Children’s Choice award for grade school.

“The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl: Squirrel Meets World” by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale (2017)

1. • High school is hard enough without having to save the world as a superstudent, but all in day for Squirrel Girl even when she decides to run for class president. This is a fun read for young political enthusiasts given her upbeat personality and witty humor.
   • Both the character and series have since been nominated for Eisner Awards, where they were recognized as positive message comics delivered with a healthy dose of humor.

“Presidential Misadventures: Poems That Poke Fun at the Man in Charge” by Bob Raczka (2015)

1. • This collection of laughable poems and silly artwork that takes a totally unserious look at former Commanders in Chief, with some genuinely serious history to learn from.

Why Graphic Novels?

Graphic novels are a wonderful way to explore complex issues like politics and elections without making you feel like you are stuck in civics class. They use storytelling and graphics, making it easier and accessible for younger readers to understand and enjoy complex campaigns and voting.

Books Mentioned

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