We recently spent time exploring a newly-opened used book store and stocked up on books that we’ve been wanting to read and a few classics too. The store was chock-full of books in all categories and for all ages. We were happy to see that the aisles were packed with people who were loading up baskets full of future reads. One thing we found interesting was that in the Graphic Novel section, there were loads of people and they were all ages! Graphic novels are much more than the comic books of our childhood. These books are more sophisticated, in-depth, creatively illustrated, detailed reads, and they are intended for quite a wide audience. So we spent a little time in that aisle and then once home, did a little research into the phenomenon of the graphic novel.
Here’s some interesting info that we found on the Understood website:
Graphic novels can help with reading comprehension. Seeing images next to words can make it easier to understand what is happening in the story.
Graphic novels can help to prepare for other types of reading. These books can make reading feel relevant and achievable.
Graphic novels look and feel approachable. They give kids a more “bite size” reading experience.
Graphic novels feel mature (and cool). Kids can relate to them age-wise, as opposed to typical picture books.
Graphic novels can give a sense of accomplishment. Finishing one can give kids a taste of reading success.
But again, these books aren’t just for kids, as clearly evidenced by our visit to the bookstore. Nathalie Atkinson of Everything Zoomer puts it this way, “As the Graphic Novel medium matures, older readers are seeing their lives reflected in panels and prose. Authors and illustrators are now being recognized by literary prize juries.”
The Markham Public Library in Ontario has this to say about graphic novels:
"They come in many diverse genres and are great for even the most reluctant readers. For a long time, graphic novels were considered as the inferior form of literature, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, they help foster a love of reading and the presence of illustrations helps aid visual and verbal literacy. There are countless benefits to reading graphic novels for children and adults alike."
Graphic Novels Build Vocabulary
Did you know that graphic novels often use advanced vocabulary? There is a common misconception that the lack of text makes graphic novels less beneficial for language learners. However, fewer words does not equal simpler words. The language found in graphic novels is often more complex when compared to regular books. Think about it this way, if the book has limited space for text to tell the story, every word must count!
Graphic Novels Develop Visual Literacy
Visual literacy is the ability to understand, create, and talk about images. As we live in an increasingly visual and digital world, it’s important to critically think about the images we are exposed to on a daily basis. Graphic novels help simultaneously develop verbal and visual literacy. If you have ever read a graphic novel, you know that reading the text alone is never enough to get the full story. You have to interpret the images for clues on characters and plot development.
Graphic Novels Aid Comprehension
In graphic novels, images and text work together to create meaning. The images add additional context clues that do not exist in novels without illustrations. This is why graphic novels are becoming increasingly popular in schools, where students read graphic novel adaptations of classic literature like Moby Dick, Pride and Prejudice, or any Shakesperean play.
Graphic Novels Engage Reluctant Readers
Graphic novels provide a great alternative for children and adults who are reluctant to reading traditional novels. The highly visual content makes graphic novels more engaging and helps readers avoid falling into a reading slump. With so many genres to choose from, there is a graphic novel out there for everyone!
Graphic Novels Are Fast-Paced
Graphic novels offer quick-read alternatives which means that you can read more books. With graphic novels, you do not have to worry about that “to read” pile continuously growing.
Considering all you have learned about graphic novels, get to the library or to your own used bookstore, and dive into the Graphic Novel aisle. It just may be the start of a new reading adventure for you!