I’m thrilled to share this guest piece today from Huda Fahmy. Huda joined me last year on the now-retired “Hey YA” podcast to talk about her fictionalized graphic memoir series, and here, she’s sharing a bit about the newest addition to the series. But even more than hearing a bit of the behind-the-scenes of Huda F Would Love You? (out October 20), she talks about why readers love (fictionalized) graphic memoirs and shares three she believes everyone should read.
The Rise of Autobiofictionalgraphy Graphic Novels by Huda Fahmy
It happens to us all. We open TikTok, hear “Boom! Story time!” and we are SAT. A new threads lore drops and forget it. Clear my schedule for the day; my stories are on. It’s the same feeling of anticipation readers get when they pick up the newest autobiofictionalgraphy graphic novel. Cue Marie Kondo voice: I love mess. All jokes aside, if I’ve learned anything from writing the Huda F series, a genre I lovingly refer to as fictionalized memoir, it’s that young readers are more than drawn to stories that pull from real life, they’re desperate for them.
Something undeniable happens when readers turn the page and find themselves smack dab in the middle of someone else’s life. They are enthralled. Fully absorbed in this character’s drama, they are locked in. It’s as if a close friend is spilling the tea and not a middle-aged mother of two crouched over her iPad drawing in a Houston suburb trying to meet a deadline. The popularity and rise of YA graphic novels that pull from real life is not some mysterious phenomenon that needs to be studied. From my upcoming book, Huda F Would Love You? to Malaka Gharib’s It Won’t Always Be Like This to Robin Ha’s Almost American Girl, to Jarrett Krosoczka’s Hey, Kiddo, readers are getting front row seats to illustrated stories full of drama and, well…mess. And while it’s the fascination that pulls them in, ultimately it’s the authenticity and relatability that makes them come back for more.
There’s something to be said about young readers’ longing to find authenticity and connection in the media they consume. Especially living in a society that constantly pushes a certain *cough* demographic’s hegemony, the message to fit in, assimilate, and conform is loud and often means hiding the pieces of themselves that define them. It’s no wonder readers seek out texts that make them feel seen. And while Huda F Would Love You? is about a young Muslim’s journey to finding love, be it through an arranged marriage or connecting with the cute boy in her Jane Austen class, readers don’t have to be Muslim to relate to the character’s awkwardness around a crush or the extreme pressure she feels around wedding Aunties. The illustrations—especially Huda’s exaggerated facial expressions—add to the fun, but it’s her flaws and human shortcomings that allow readers to see themselves represented and that’s exactly why they cheer for Huda when she finally sees past the ne’er-do-wells and roots for herself.
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Readers love these stories because they feel seen. And when readers feel seen they feel understood, which then makes them feel less alone. This in turn makes them more confident in their own skin, comfortable in what makes them different. While traditional escapist fantasy comics are still very popular, the rise of the autobiofictionalgraphy graphic novels speaks to readers’ need to relate on a more realistic level. And authors of these graphic novels are eager to share their lived experiences in flawed and complicated characters that live in worlds that are exactly like the world their readers live in. Whether the message is “hey, you’re not alone” or “please, learn from my mistakes” or “this is a safe space to share your dreams, fears, and tears” these stories serve to bring readers hope. Hope that out there a community and a better future exists.
It Won’t Always Be Like This by Malaka Gharib
I was instantly draw to this story because I’m also an American born half-Egyptian with divorced parents! Malaka does a great job capturing the cultural struggle to belong. Perfect for first generation kids who feel like they have a foot in both worlds but don’t quite fit in anywhere.
Almost American Girl by Robin Ha
An immigrant story at first glance that touches on themes of racism, identity, and bullying, but also a story about the inevitability of change and the lack of control a young teen has when major life decisions are made. Robin’s beautiful illustrations add to the emotional impact of her superb storytelling.
Hey, Kiddo by Jarrett Krosoczka
This book was a National Book Award Finalist for a reason. Jarrett invites us into so many vulnerable moments of his life–from family addiction to absent parents to growing up in an unconventional home—and he does it with humor and levity. Readers can’t help but grip on to the pages and root for his happiness and success. A must read for teens struggling with a difficult home life.
Huda Fahmy grew up in Dearborn, Michigan, and has loved comics since she was a kid. She attended the University of Michigan where she majored in English. She taught English to middle and high schoolers for eight years before she started writing about her experiences as a visibly Muslim woman in America and was encouraged by her older sister to turn these stories into comics. Huda resides in Texas.
Don’t miss out on other excellent author guests posts, including Ryan Douglass on YA retellings and reimaginings, Carolina Ixta on activism and hope, Stacey Lee offered up her experiences and insights into Gothic YA, Diana Ma dove into the popular world offranchise novels, Kody Keplinger wrote about what makes cult stories so dang appealing, and Kit Rosewater on queer history and community in YA lit.
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