How do you get an unenthusiastic reader to take interest in a classic piece of literature? Or Greek mythology? Or the anatomy of the eye?Try a graphic novel.
What are graphic novels?
Essentially, graphic novels are book length stories told with pictures and words in a sequential format. But the stories aren’t limited to Peanuts comics or the exploits of superheroes. Modern graphic novels explore themes of adventure, romance, or history.
According to the Internet Public Library, comics and cartoons have been around for decades, but most experts agree that the first graphic novel appeared in 1978: Will Eisner’s Contract with God and Other Tenement Stories. Eisner’s graphic novel had adult themes and imagery and was well received by the generation of Americans who had grown up with superhero comics.
Why are graphic novels gaining popularity?
In our public library I’m seeing more and more graphic novels with quality art work and a surprising variety of topics. Have you noticed this too? A few weeks ago, my son picked up a graphic novel about the Greek Goddess “Hera”. I’m sure he wouldn’t enjoy reading a reference book or article on Hera, but he flipped through the graphic novel within 30 minutes. And he could tell me some facts about her when he finished.
I’m guessing it has to do with the ratio of pictures to text; less text makes graphic novels less threatening and more fun.
Think about it. If you had to learn about Norse Gods, wouldn’t it be exciting to actually see them in action? And to have a face to associate with a strange name like “Loki”, so that you can more easily recall who he is? Imagine Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones with illustrations; it would be much easier to remember characters!
We are a very visual culture; it makes sense that a book format that caters to our visual preferences should gain popularity. And as I have pointed out earlier, boys in particular prefer visual learning.
Popular Graphic Novels to Try
Many classics, including Dracula, Treasure Island, and The Odyssey have been published in graphic novel form. Maybe high school students could reach for the graphic novel instead of the spark notes! And graphic novels aren’t just for boys; I found one called No Girls Allowed: Tales of Daring Women Dressed as Men for Love, Freedom, and Adventure by Susan Hughes and Willow Dawson.
Some interesting titles to explore: (click the link for details)
- Stormbreaker (From the popular Alex Rider series)
- The Boxcar Children
- Knights of the Lunch Table (Arthurian Legend meets middle school)
- The Arrival (all pictures, no text)
- Macbeth
Honestly, I prefer the old fashioned format. But not everyone loves words as much as I do, and now they have another option. Check out a graphic novel and let me know what you think, share one with the reluctant reader in your life, or recommend a few titles. Thanks for stopping by.
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Julia
I want to thank you. Really interesting writing. Thanks for sharing.
Great suggestion! I see middle school students as the perfect audience for this media- wish I had used them with my students. Thanks for the tip.
My middle school students loved graphic novels and I found some awesome ones when I was teaching. My absolute favorite is American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang. It’s got some really complex themes and I had some great great discussions with kids about it.
Ha, ha … Why not try a graphic novel? I was thinking from the writer’s point of view, and my answer was: Because I can’t draw.
But actually, I see a lot of my students willing to pick up a classic novel written in graphic form. It may not be the original literature, but it is an excellent way to acquaint them with iconic characters, themes, and plots.
Exactly- they can still get exposure to the story, characters, and themes but not feel so overwhelmed by the text.
I’ll be reading my very first graphic novel for the 24 Hour Readathon tomorrow 🙂 I thought that it would be a good way to break up my day.
A graphic novel will definitely add variety to your day!
Julia,
I never heard of graphic novels before. They do sound interesting. Funny thing, The Boxcar Children is on my 2nd graders list to read. 😉 I guess we’ll experience it together. 😉
Take care, Hester 😉
Maybe you could compare the traditional version with the graphic version!
Great suggestions, Julia. And I think graphic novels make otherwise boring/challenging topics easier to understand, especially for visual learners. (I speak from experience!)
Have a great weekend!!
Exactly- I think they can give dull content new life!
I don’t like reading graphic novels, and never have, but my kids LOVE them and pore over them like they’re hungry! The Boxcar Children – one of my favorites; I may have to check that out myself.
Also, just checked out your first impressions first page – good job! I left a comment over there.
Thanks Amy! I appreciate that! I know- it’s definitely not the format I prefer, but if it gets them excited…