I seemed to have kicked a wasp’s nest…
In my last blog, I said that I was enjoying ‘The Sandman’: Neil Gaiman’s fabulously written and beautifully illustrated series of graphic novels.
Shockingly, I had several comments bemoaning my choice of reading material. Apparently, because I’m a qualified English Teacher, I should only read Jane Austen or Shakespeare. While I love ‘traditional’ literature (and yes, Pride and Prejudice will always be my favourite Austen novel), literary fiction is not limited or bound to classic tomes…
1. Reading graphic novels or comic books is just as valid as reading traditional books.
There is no doubt that reading graphic novels or comic books is just as valuable as reading traditional books. While some may argue that these forms of literature are somehow inferior, the truth is that they offer a unique and engaging reading experience that can be just as fulfilling as any other type of book. Reading is reading.
2. Graphic novels contain vocabulary not found in everyday conversation.
Many blogs cite a well-known study by the University of Oregon. This found that ‘comic books average 53.5 rare words per thousand, while children’s books average 30.9, adult books average 52.7, expert witness testimony averages 28.4, and the conversations of college graduates with friends average 17.3’ – “Big Ideas in Beginning Reading: Vocabulary.” University of Oregon Center on Teaching and Learning. http://reading.uoregon.edu/big_ideas/voc/voc_what.php
That’s quite a vocabulary range there!
I’m often asked how I can support language and vocabulary acquisition for a reluctant reader. My answer is always comics and graphic novels.
3. They support developing readers.
Unlike the 3-cueing system, which encourages readers to guess unknown words, using a comic book’s illustrations to build the nuances of vocabulary supports reading. Brenda Pennella explains that students can investigate characters’ expressions and actions to build their understanding of the context. – “Graphic Novels: The POW!-er in the classroom!” Brodart: Graphic Novels
4. They show complex emotions and situations.
Seeing how role model characters manage moral and ethical situations can act as a springboard for discussion. Often what’s right isn’t easy, and seeing how superheroes or everyday people deal with the emotions and consequences of actions can help build reader empathy and social-emotional learning. https://www.edutopia.org/article/build-empathy-and-understanding-pairing-comics-novels/
5. Graphic novels bring together writers and artists, giving readers a holistic, immersive experience
Many people find that graphic novels and comics can be even more immersive, as the combination of text and visuals allows for a more vivid and memorable storytelling experience.
So, whether you prefer to curl up with a classic novel or dive into the pages of a colourful comic book, rest assured that you are engaging with a form of literature that is just as valid and worthwhile as any other.
Here are some curated lists for children offered by the charity, BookTrust:
https://www.booktrust.org.uk/booklists/g/graphic-novels-teens/
https://www.booktrust.org.uk/booklists/g/graphic-novels-middle-grade/
What are you going to add to your reading list? Let me know in the comments, or on Insta!