Why Read Comics & Graphic Novels?
In Defense of Graphic Novels in the Classroom
The first important thing to remember is that the term “graphic novel” indicates a format—not a genre. Some educators dismiss graphic novels as having educational value because they, erroneously, assume that all graphic novels are superhero fiction or comic strip compilations (Moeller). Graphic novels can be fiction or non-fiction, of any genre or subject—just like traditional print literature! As with traditional fiction or non-fiction, there are countless ways to categorize stories told in the graphic format. In other words, there is a graphic novel that fits your needs.
Secondly, just because a book contains pictures, does not mean it is not complex. Images are not a “crutch” that make a text easier to read. Instead, words and pictures within a graphic novel work together to give the story greater meaning (Friese). By allowing students to analyze images and text together, graphic novels support educational standards and promote multi-modal literacy. Furthermore, as Robin Moeller notes in her article Convincing the Naysayers, “Researchers have demonstrated that graphic novels help make the curriculum more relevant for students by allowing them to connect with and explore popular culture” (Moeller). Young people today are constantly exposed to media of all varieties—print, online, visual, aural—that they must learn to be visually literate in order to grow up to be successful, independent, critically-thinking adults. Graphic novels are the perfect instruments to promote the visual and language fluency, visual and text comprehension, and critical, higher-order thinking skills sometimes lost in curriculum gaps.
Additionally, graphic novels become more popular every year, and you do not want to be left out. According to Nielsen Bookscan’s numbers, Americans purchased 5,618,000 graphic novels in 2014—a 10-percent increase in sales over the previous year (MacDonald). Moreover, many of the great new titles published are written for young people. In 2014, Senator John Lewis’s graphic memoir about his experiences as a non-violent protester during the American Civil Rights movement, March: Book One, became the first ever graphic novel to receive a Robert F. Kennedy Award, special recognition (“Robert F. Kennedy Book Award”). At the 2015 Eisner Awards, the “Oscars” of the graphic novel and comics world, titles for young people won in more than seven categories (“Eisner.”). 2015 also marked the first year a graphic novel, This One Summer, took home both Caldecott and Printz honors in the same year from the American Library Association’s Youth Media Awards.
Lastly, graphic novels add variety to the curriculum. They pair well with classic texts, allow for diversity of media in instruction, and are fun to read (Hansen). Even better? They appeal to visual learners, reluctant readers, English Language Learners, and typical readers alike. The people—and the experts—have spoken: graphic novels are worth reading.
Secondly, just because a book contains pictures, does not mean it is not complex. Images are not a “crutch” that make a text easier to read. Instead, words and pictures within a graphic novel work together to give the story greater meaning (Friese). By allowing students to analyze images and text together, graphic novels support educational standards and promote multi-modal literacy. Furthermore, as Robin Moeller notes in her article Convincing the Naysayers, “Researchers have demonstrated that graphic novels help make the curriculum more relevant for students by allowing them to connect with and explore popular culture” (Moeller). Young people today are constantly exposed to media of all varieties—print, online, visual, aural—that they must learn to be visually literate in order to grow up to be successful, independent, critically-thinking adults. Graphic novels are the perfect instruments to promote the visual and language fluency, visual and text comprehension, and critical, higher-order thinking skills sometimes lost in curriculum gaps.
Additionally, graphic novels become more popular every year, and you do not want to be left out. According to Nielsen Bookscan’s numbers, Americans purchased 5,618,000 graphic novels in 2014—a 10-percent increase in sales over the previous year (MacDonald). Moreover, many of the great new titles published are written for young people. In 2014, Senator John Lewis’s graphic memoir about his experiences as a non-violent protester during the American Civil Rights movement, March: Book One, became the first ever graphic novel to receive a Robert F. Kennedy Award, special recognition (“Robert F. Kennedy Book Award”). At the 2015 Eisner Awards, the “Oscars” of the graphic novel and comics world, titles for young people won in more than seven categories (“Eisner.”). 2015 also marked the first year a graphic novel, This One Summer, took home both Caldecott and Printz honors in the same year from the American Library Association’s Youth Media Awards.
Lastly, graphic novels add variety to the curriculum. They pair well with classic texts, allow for diversity of media in instruction, and are fun to read (Hansen). Even better? They appeal to visual learners, reluctant readers, English Language Learners, and typical readers alike. The people—and the experts—have spoken: graphic novels are worth reading.
Works Cited
"ALA Youth Media Awards." ALA Youth Media Awards. American Library Association, 2015. Web. 17 July 2015.
"Eisner Awards Current Info." Comic-Con International: San Diego--Awards. Comic-Con International: San Diego, July 2015. Web. 16 July 2015.
Friese, Elizabeth. "Visual Narratives." Knowledge Quest 41.3 (2013): 24-29. OmniFile Full Text Select (H.W. Wilson). Web. 16 July 2015.
Hansen, Kathryn Strong. ”In Defense of Graphic Novels.” English Journal 102.2 (2012): 57-63. Expanded Academic ASAP. Web. 17 July 2015.
MacDonald, Heidi. "Bookscan: Graphic Novels Up 10% In 2014 So Far."PublishersWeekly.com. Publishers Weekly, 17 Sept. 2014. Web. 17 July 2015.
Moeller, Robin. "Convincing the Naysayers." Knowledge Quest 41.3 (2013): 12-17. OmniFile Full Text Select (H.W. Wilson). Web. 16 July 2015.
"The Robert F. Kennedy Book Award." Book Award. Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights, n.d. Web. 17 July 2015.
"Eisner Awards Current Info." Comic-Con International: San Diego--Awards. Comic-Con International: San Diego, July 2015. Web. 16 July 2015.
Friese, Elizabeth. "Visual Narratives." Knowledge Quest 41.3 (2013): 24-29. OmniFile Full Text Select (H.W. Wilson). Web. 16 July 2015.
Hansen, Kathryn Strong. ”In Defense of Graphic Novels.” English Journal 102.2 (2012): 57-63. Expanded Academic ASAP. Web. 17 July 2015.
MacDonald, Heidi. "Bookscan: Graphic Novels Up 10% In 2014 So Far."PublishersWeekly.com. Publishers Weekly, 17 Sept. 2014. Web. 17 July 2015.
Moeller, Robin. "Convincing the Naysayers." Knowledge Quest 41.3 (2013): 12-17. OmniFile Full Text Select (H.W. Wilson). Web. 16 July 2015.
"The Robert F. Kennedy Book Award." Book Award. Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights, n.d. Web. 17 July 2015.