Defiant: The Story of Robert Smalls earns 2026 NAACP Image Award nomination

Legion M shared that Defiant: The Story of Robert Smalls has been nominated for a 2026 NAACP Image Award in the category Outstanding Literary Work – Graphic Novel.

If you haven’t heard of it, Defiant has had a pretty wild run already. It became an Amazon Best Seller, sold out fast, and it’s already been making its way into schools and libraries, which is pretty damn cool considering how many graphic novels never make it past a niche audience.

The 57th NAACP Image Awards air February 28, 2026 on BET and CBS.

Amazon listing for the paperback version: https://a.co/d/aZunkdZ

Has anyone read it yet? Would love to hear thoughts. Also curious if anyone’s seen it pop up in local schools/libraries.