Graphic novels offer an incredible new opportunity to engage readers of all abilities by providing a visual foundation that helps accelerate comprehension of the author's ideas.
Graphic Novels also provide a new perspective into lives, stories, and even classic texts that would otherwise seem abstract and unrelated. They are a brilliant tool for establishing empathy by showing how life can be different for many others who live outside the world of that reader.
From graphic novel adaptations of classic literature to profiles of famous scientists, and from nonfiction to memoir, the comics medium employs many visual elements that engage and inform readers on subjects they would not have otherwise chosen to read.
Reading graphic novels invites the reader into worlds and subject matter in a way that helps them gain confidence and build comprehension and critical thinking skills. They allow students to read above their independent reading level so they can engage with more challenging text. Graphic novels help foster a joy of reading, which then helps to level the academic playing field.
Graphic novels, comic books, and manga also inspire creators to find their voices. One of the most common 'side effects' is kids begin to draw their own stories. They start by creating their own characters, which leads to the creation of backstories and personal histories of each character. Readers will often create costumes of their favorite characters…which leads to world-building and maker space opportunities.
Graphic novels get children and teens excited about reading!
Here are some of our teachers' and librarians' most popular ways to use their Comics Plus Collection.