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Manga is an effective way to engage reluctant and struggling readers – if a reader gets snagged on the vocabulary or storyline of a graphic novel, illustrated pages offer contextual cues to help decipher meaning.

As well as offering illustrations for context, graphic novels also introduce plot and sequencing, expand vocabulary and enable readers to access more difficult texts that they might struggle to read in traditional format. Graphic novels can act as a bridge to reading and there is considerable evidence that comic books can and do lead to more 'serious' reading”.

Graphic novels are also a powerful way to introduce difficult subject matter, as seen in books such as Maus, Persepolis and Alpha. This helps to increase pupils’ empathy and understanding of wider issues.

Reading Schools' Funding from the Scottish Book Trust enabled us to purchase more manga and graphic novels for our library collection, and you can see some of the books here.