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Lunch Lady

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Lunch Lady - book trailer for the graphic novel series by Jarrett J. Krosoczka

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Baby Mouse

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Snow White by Matt Phelan

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Snow White by Matt Phelan (Book Trailer)

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Book trailer from my upcoming graphic novel, SNOW WHITE. Publishes 9/13/16 from the fine folks at CANDLEWICK PRESS.

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Drama

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Be Prepared

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Vera Brosgol's Be Prepared -- Book Trailer

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In Support of Graphic Novels for Students

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Overview from NY Library project--can be used to teach a variety of graphic novel related topics including details about panels, pacing, etc.

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Graphic Novels Welcome Everyone Into the Reading Conversation

By Kyle Redford, YCDC Education Editor

Every teacher and librarian has witnessed the universal appeal of the graphic novel. They are the books with the tattered covers crowding the "hold" shelf and the books that generate the longest wait lists. Recently, the popularity of graphic novels has noticeably grown, and publishers have responded with a profusion of options for readers of all ages.

In our fifth grade class library, graphic novels are the grand equalizers. They invite all levels of readers into reading conversations. Since everyone can read graphic novels, everyone can talk about them. And talk they do. I love to witness how graphic novels allow everyone in the class to develop a passionate reading identity.

The brilliant thing about the graphic novel is the way they offer dyslexic readers several different cues to the story. If a reader gets snagged on the vocabulary or storyline of a graphic novel, illustrated pages offer contextual cues to help decipher meaning. But don't be fooled; strong readers love the graphic novel as well. The attraction can be likely be explained by the enjoyable format.

My students seem to enjoy all varieties, from the improbable stories about superhero animals to stories that explore Greek Mythology or Shakespeare. It's always exciting to witness the way that the elitism usually associated with reading sophisticated titles seems to fall away when it comes to sharing love for a graphic novel. Additionally, in class discussions, the graphic novel's easy-to-read accessible format allows struggling readers into the world of classic literary references that would otherwise be accessible only to stronger readers. Graphic novels are a wonderful way to help dyslexic readers strengthen their vocabulary, build their reading confidence, and foster a love of story. Who can argue with that?

Percy Jackson & Olympians Series: Graphic Novel Version
by Rick Riordan

With a dyslexic hero and accessible graphic format, this version of the Percy Jackson series is a sure hit among middle graders. Grades 5-9
From School Library Journal:
"Riordan's highly popular "Olympians" series (Hyperion/Disney) is now a graphic novel. Half-Blood Percy Jackson is the son of a mortal mother and the Greek god Poseidon, which explains why he has always felt out of place among his schoolmates. After learning of his paternity, he is charged with the dangerous mission of locating his Uncle Zeus's missing lightning bolt and returning this symbol of power to its rightful owner. Expert editing keeps the salient parts of the story intact while showcasing the additional storytelling capabilities that the graphic format allows. Excellent panel layout makes the story line easy to follow. The use of angled panels in highly dramatic action scenes is particularly effective. As readers follow Percy's adventures, they are also keenly aware of his personal struggles, as facial expressions help readers to relate to this boy "who doesn't fit in." Illustrations brilliantly illuminate the story, portraying seamless world-blending, from typical school drama and well-known U.S. landmarks to mythological elements. A man seated in one panel casually stands to reveal his true identity as a centaur, the eerie woman seated in the attic is an Oracle, and the Nereid of the undersea kingdom seems a natural part of Percy's world. This blend of mythology and magic with realistic action and adventure brings an added dimension and delightful nuances to this adaptation of the well-known novel. Both ardent followers of Riordan's books and those new to the series will not be disappointed."

"This autobiographical graphic novel has been a huge hit in my 5th grade class. It passed through a dozen hands in its first week. El Deafo is a story about a girl with hearing loss who has to navigate middle school with a hearing aid which gives her new ability to hear...lots of things." -Kyle Redford

This 2015 Newbery Honor Book is best for students in grades 2-6.
From the publisher: "Going to school and making new friends can be tough. But going to school and making new friends while wearing a bulky hearing aid strapped to your chest? That requires superpowers! In this funny, poignant graphic novel memoir, author/illustrator Cece Bell chronicles her hearing loss at a young age and her subsequent experiences with the Phonic Ear, a very powerful-and very awkward-hearing aid."
The Phonic Ear gives Cece the ability to hear-sometimes things she shouldn't-but also isolates her from her classmates. She really just wants to fit in and find a true friend, someone who appreciates her as she is. After some trouble, she is finally able to harness the power of the Phonic Ear and become "El Deafo, Listener for All." And more importantly, declare a place for herself in the world and find the friend she's longed for.

Fangbone series
Michael Rex

This comic series is a perfect choice for 2-4th graders who like stories with lots of humor.
From the publisher: "Eastwood Elementary has a new student, and he's nothing like the other kids in 3G. Fangbone is a barbarian warrior from another world! And he's been charged with the task of keeping a deadly weapon from Skullbania's vilest villain, Venomous Drool."
Comics Squad: Recess! a graphic novel anthology
Edited by Jennifer Holm & Matthew Holm

Comics Squad: Recess! is a graphic-novel anthology with contributions by many of the favorite authors of that genre, including Dav Pilkey, Jennifer and Matthew Holm, and Raina Telgemeir. This collection of stories are all about most kids favorite part of the school day-recess. Ages 7-10

Jane, the Fox & Me
by Fanny Britt, illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault.

A gorgeous, poetic graphic novel about a young girl who is cruelly teased and finds refuge in Charlotte Bronte's, Jane Eyre. Grades 5 and up.
From the Publisher:
"This emotionally honest and visually stunning graphic novel reveals the casual brutality of which children are capable, but also assures readers that redemption can be found through connecting with another, whether the other is a friend, a fictional character or even, amazingly, a fox."
Translated from the French by Christelle Morelli and Susan Ourioiu
Sisters
by Raina Telgemeier

From the author who brought us Smile and Drama comes the companion book to Raina Telgemeier's popular book, Smile.
From the publisher: "Raina can't wait to be a big sister. But once Amara is born, things aren't quite how she expected them to be. Amara is cute, but she's also a cranky, grouchy baby, and mostly prefers to play by herself. Their relationship doesn't improve much over the years, but when a baby brother enters the picture and later, something doesn't seem right between their parents, they realize they must figure out how to get along. They are sisters, after all."
Raina uses her signature humor and charm in both present-day narrative and perfectly placed flashbacks to tell the story of her relationship with her sister, which unfolds during the course of a road trip from their home in San Francisco to a family reunion in Colorado.

Smile
Raina Telgemeier
Smile is a graphic novel geared for young people in grades 3 to 7. From the publisher: "Raina just wants to be a normal sixth grader. But one night after Girl Scouts she trips and falls, severely injuring her two front teeth, and what follows is a long and frustrating journey with on-again, off-again braces, surgery, embarrassing headgear, and even a retainer with fake teeth attached. And on top of all that, there's still more to deal with...." Praise: "An utterly charming graphic memoir of tooth trauma, first crushes and fickle friends, sweetly reminiscent of Judy Blume's work....Irresistible, funny and touching - a must read for all teenage girls, whether en-braced or not." - KIRKUS Reviews "A charming addition to the body of young adult literature that focuses on the trials and tribulations of the slightly nerdy girl....This book should appeal to tweens looking for a story that reflects their fears and experiences and gives them hope that things get easier." - Publishers Weekly "Telgemeier's book is an excellent addition to middle school literature." - School Library Journal
Drama
Raina Telgemeier

Drama is from the same author as Smile, but this graphic novel is geared for a slightly older audience-grades 5 - 9.
From the publisher: "Callie loves theater. And while she would totally try out for her middle school's production of Moon over Mississippi, she's a terrible singer. Instead she's the set designer for the stage crew, and this year she's determined to create a set worthy of Broadway on a middle-school budget. But how can she, when she doesn't know much about carpentry, ticket sales are down, and the crew members are having trouble working together?" Praise: "Hilarious. . . . Telgemeier's graphic artist skills make this novel a pleasure to read and re-read." - Horn Book With the clear, stylish art, the strongly appealing characters and just the right pinch of drama, this book will undoubtedly make readers stand up and cheer. Brava! -Kirkus, starred review
The Odyssey
by Gareth Hinds

This well-worn book is in constant circulation in our class. The graphic novel format offers the entire class equal access to this classic Greek Myth, yeilding the question: "I've read the Odyssey, have you?". My fifth graders love this book, but the recommended grades are 7th-12th.
Praise for Hinds' graphic novel interpretation of a Homer classic:
"Gareth Hinds brings THE ODYSSEY to life in a masterful blend of art and storytelling. Vivid and exciting, this graphic novel is a worthy new interpretation of Homer's epic."
-Rick Riordan, author of the Percy Jackson & the Olympians series
A timeless long-ago past comes alive in these images of gods and heroes, monsters and enchantresses; of mayhem, lovemaking, and touching reunions-all arrayed in frames whose shape, number, and palette expertly pace and propel the story. As introduction, outline, illustration, and visual translation, a worthy companion to its great predecessors. -The Horn Book (Starred Review)
Romeo & Juliet
Gareth Hinds

This YA graphic novel by Gareth Hinds will be enjoyed by young people in grades 7 and up.
From the author's website: "Perhaps the greatest tragic love story of all time, Shakespeare's tour de force of emotional and literary power, this play needs no introduction. My graphic novel adaptation underscores the universality of the drama by bringing a multiracial cast to the setting of historical Verona. The art is strongly influenced by classic European comics, with intense manga-style action scenes, as reckless young love plays out in the exquisite rhymed verse of the Bard at his best."
Amulet series
by Kazu Kibuishi (grades 3-7)

This graphic novel series about the adventures of a brother and sister duo-Emily and Navin-as they travel to new, strange worlds to save those they love.
Praise for the series:
"Five-no, three pages into Amulet and you'll be hooked." - Jeff Smith, creator of BONE
"The story hooks the reader; it is filled with adventure, suspense, great characters, and has above all an ending that leaves the reader wanting more. This book is written in graphic format that is a favorite of mine. The format is perfect for reluctant readers who never seem to finish a book on their own. Young adults who want to read anything they can get their hands on will also enjoy the graphics and fast paced text. The graphics make an enormous impact on the story." - Kathie M. Josephs, "Children's Literature"
Babymouse Series Graphic Novels
by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm

Even though their covers are pink, and the protagonist female, boys fall for Babymouse also.
From the publisher: "Meet Babymouse, a sassy young mouse who dreams of glamor, excitement, adventure, straight whiskers, being queen of the world....Readers will love Babymouse's vivid imagination....and the clever illustrations and hilarious storyline of brother-sister team Matthew and Jennifer Holm."
Squish
Jennifer Holm & Matthew Holm

"He's a comic book-loving, twinkie-eating grade school AMOEBA trying to find his place in the world (or at least trying to make it through a school day)."

Squish comes to us from the creators of the Baby Mouse series and is geared to young people in grades 3 to 7. This time, they've created lots of humor out of high school and science in this graphic novel series.
Reviews for Squish: "A perfect mix of writing that is simple enough for early readers but still remarkably snarky, clever, and entertaining. Kids will soak up the humor, tidbits of science instruction, and adventure."
-The Bulletin
Bone (series)
by Jeff Smith

The Bone series is geard toward grades 3 and up. These stories follow the adventures of the Bone cousins that ensue after Fone Bone, Phoney Bone and Smiley Bone are run out of Boneville. They get separated and lost in a vast uncharted desert and eventually find their way into a forested valley where they encounter many magical creatures. Creator Jeff Smith was inspired to learn to read by the Peanuts comic strip, and now does the same for many young readers of today with his own books.

Lunch Lady
by Jarrett J. Krosoczka

A humorous graphic novel series for young people in grades 3-7.
Praise for Lunch Lady: "The Lunch Lady books are fun, quick reads for kids, with lots of zany and culinary-inspired humor." -The Graphic Novel Reporter "With its appealing mix of action and humor, this clever, entertaining addition to the series should have wide appeal."-School Library Journal "...a delightfully fun escapist read. Be sure to recommend this to fans of Captain Underpants." - Kirkus Reviews "Krosoczka's inventive visual details, spot-on characterizations, and grade-school humor make this a standout graphic-novel series." -Booklist
Olympians (series)
by George O'Connor

This graphic novel series is great for young people in grades 4-9. Each book in this ultra-popular graphic novel series features a different Greek god or goddess, and will become an obsession for the Greek Mythology fans in every classroom. And maybe even make some new ones...

Rapunzel's Revenge
by Shannon Hale, Dean Hale, Nathan Hale

A funny retelling of the classic tale done in graphic-novel format. Boys do like it, even though they resist it at first.

Young Adult Books

Both of these powerful coming of age stories are assigned reading in our Middle School and no one is complaining. Grades 7th and up.

American Born Chinese
by Gene Luen Yang

This graphic novel captures the new-kid-in-school perspective from the eyes of Jin Wang, the only Chinese-American student in school.
From Booklist: "With vibrant colors and visual panache, indie writer-illustrator Yang (Rosary Comic Book) focuses on three characters in tales that touch on facets of Chinese American life. Jin is a boy faced with the casual racism of fellow students and the pressure of his crush on a Caucasian girl; the Monkey King, a character from Chinese folklore, has attained great power but feels he is being held back because of what the gods perceive as his lowly status; and Danny, a popular high-school student, suffers through an annual visit from his cousin Chin-Kee, a walking, talking compendium of exaggerated Chinese stereotypes. Each of the characters is flawed but familiar, and, in a clever postmodern twist, all share a deep, unforeseen connection. Yang helps the humor shine by using his art to exaggerate or contradict the words, creating a synthesis that marks an accomplished graphic storyteller. The stories have a simple, engaging sweep to them, but their weighty subjects-shame, racism, and friendship-receive thoughtful, powerful examination. Jesse Karp. Copyright © American Library Association."
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
by Sherman Alexie

Simple cartoons help tell the story of Arnold Spirit, a 14-year-old Indian, who has not had an easy life. Using his humor and sharp observation, Arnold grapples with his own ambitions, his Indian identity and the world around him.

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Every teacher and librarian has witnessed the universal appeal of the graphic novel. They are the books with the tattered covers crowding the "hold" shelf and the books that generate the longest wait lists. Recently, the popularity of graphic novels has noticeably grown, and publishers have responded with a profusion of options for readers of all ages.

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Beginner's Mind
Recently I had a powerful if uncomfortable experience. I spent a month in Italy taking Italian language lessons. Although I'd studied the language off and on before, I was placed in a situation where I felt over my head and frustrated. Voglio dire pìu che quella posso dire. I want to say more than I can say. It was humbling for an extrovert, and at my age, to be placed in a beginner's mind situation. My facility with English did not translate to this new language. Sometimes my head literally hurt from thinking. I worried my sentences sounded like a three-year-old's, or maybe that was a stretch. I immediately thought of my English language learners and how they must feel when suddenly immersed in an alien culture and language. In contrast, I'm continually amazed by how quickly these new students become fluent in English.
Learning a New Language Stephen Krashen and the Input Hypothesis
These English language learners are an integral part of our library program. Their ELL teacher sends them to the library frequently, and they are avid readers of graphic novels. Graphic novels are perfect for English language learners because they are high interest, and the images can fill in, giving clues when they don't know a word. Rather than stopping to look up the meanings of every few words, they can intuit meaning. It is commonly said that it takes about seven years to learn a new language. If that's true, then our students are certainly quick learners. The most rapid advances I've witnessed in language acquisition are in my frequent readers of graphic novels. In fact, if only Raina Telgemeier (graphic novelist of Smile, Sisters, Ghosts) could write a novel a day, my students might become fluent in just weeks! Please take a moment to listen to these testimonials from my former students.
Graphic Novel Collections
Once again, our library and literacy champion, Stephen Krashen, professor emeritus, University of Southern California, has supplied the research to support what I observe in these students. Dr. Krashen developed five hypotheses on language acquisition, summarized as the input hypothesis. Rather than focusing our efforts on direct language instruction, Dr. Krashen's research revealed that comprehensible input, in the form of spoken or written language, results directly in language acquisition and competence. Krashen believes that most language learning is unconsciously acquired and also dependent on the interest level (compellingness) of the input, both aural and written. In fact, his case study of Ramon (see notes below) illustrates what I witness in my students every year.

When I became a middle school librarian fourteen years ago, our graphic novel section was limited to a few Simpsons comics and Calvin and Hobbes. One of my goals has been to grow the collection, and the timing couldn't have been better. After binging on purchasing many Japanese Manga series, I noticed that so many more talented writers were working in the genre: American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang and the Persepolis books by Marjane Satrapi to name but two notable additions. Now Jason Reynolds has added his latest: Miles Morales: Spider-Man, featuring a half-black/half Puerto Rican young Spider-Man. Although it's not a graphic novel but a regular one, it serves as a perfect bridge for comic readers to try out more conventional text. Another recent purchase has gotten positive reviews: Rickety Stitch and the Gelatinous Goo: The Road to Epoli by Ben Costa. And of course the gorgeous, illustrated Snow White by Matt Phelan. I'm thankful to these graphic novel artists and writers who make language more accessible to our dormant readers and to our students who are English language learners.

Notes

Henkin, V. and Krashen, S. 2015. "The Naruto breakthrough: The home run book experience and English language development." Language Magazine 15(1): 32-25, published as "The Home Run book experience." http://www.sdkrashen.com/content/articles/2015_henken_krashen_naruto_breakthrough.pdf

Categories: Blog Topics, Collection Development, Community/Teacher Collaboration, Student Engagement/ Teaching Models

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English Language Learners + Graphic Novels | Knowledge Quest

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Beginner's Mind Recently I had a powerful if uncomfortable experience. I spent a month in Italy taking Italian language lessons. Although I'd studied the language off and on before, I was placed in a situation where I felt over my... Read More ›

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Judd Winick is the author of Brightly's Book Club for Kids pick Hilo: The Boy Who Crashed to Earth. Click here to learn more about the book, discover activities and tips for discussion inspired by Hilo, and join in on the reading fun.

I can make some pretty inappropriate comments about what comic books and graphics novels are. Here are a few:
"Comics are the gateway drug to reading." "They're bear traps for reluctant readers." "Graphic novels are storytelling quicksand."
These are icky ways to describe comics, but oddly, the comparisons have a ring of truth. There are many, many kids and even young adults who are "reluctant readers." When it came to chapter books or books of prose, I was one of them.

I didn't read a book of prose for pleasure until I was 13. It was The World According to Garp. I loved the movie, and I was curious about the book. Though complex, intense, and very emotional, I deeply enjoyed the book. Then it was maybe two more years before I read another book that I wasn't assigned at school. But I was a reader. My folks never worried about my ability to read. I did very well in English; I wrote well; I had a vocabulary that, truth be told, bordered on precocious (a word I think I was using at age 11). This was because I read comics. I read them all the time. With those, I was an avid reader.

Some kids just take to reading in a big way - they find themselves lost in the story, and the words make images in their heads and they won't put the book down until they find out how it ends. Some kids just fall in love with it. Some don't. I think the kids in the "don't" column would dig comics.

Comics and graphic novels are great for children and teens who may find reading prose daunting, the ones who look at those big books full of words and see a mountain. Or in some cases it may not be their ability to read; it just might be that nothing has turned their head yet. And you know what the secret is, the magic formula that makes comics easier to read than prose?

It's all the pictures.

Let's not pretend that it isn't exactly what makes it easier, because it is. Pictures. But please don't get snobby. Don't assume comics are just longer picture books. Trust me, I enjoyed The Very Hungry Caterpillar as a wee one, but I'm sure I got more out of X-Men #137 a few years later.

Graphic novels allow the reluctant reader to slide into the story without as much of the heavy lifting as prose might require. They can see what's going on, they can get ensnared in the story, and those "reader muscles" get a workout.

I think there might be a lot of unnecessary debate about whether comic books constitute "real" reading. You see the words inside the balloons above the characters? You have to read them. It's reading. Do I think kids should only read comics? Heck, no. I think, like with food, one needs a balanced diet. But a kid who doesn't dig reading hasn't fallen in love with stories yet. And comics will get them falling in love. And then they'll read prose. I promise.
"Comics are the gateway drug to reading."
I created my book Hilo: The Boy Who Crashed to Earth with reluctant readers in mind. We begin without any words at all. Pages and pages of just running around, yelling, and general goofiness. The silence ends with a bit of mystery. Then ... we get chatty.
"They're bear traps for reluctant readers."
Graphic novels are faster reads and provide that sense of accomplishment of finishing a book. They tackle as many complex themes as books of prose. And after reading a graphic novel, a kid is more apt to read a similar chapter book. Raina Telgemeier's can lead to Judy Blume's Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing. Jeff Smith's Bone series can lead to The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Jarrett J. Krosoczka's Lunch Lady series can lead to Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Reading is reading. Even if there are pictures on every page.
Judd Winick is an award-winning cartoonist and has scripted bestselling characters including Batman, Green Lantern, and Green Arrow and characters for "Justice League," and "Star Wars." He was the head writer on the Hulu network's animated series "The Awesomes." Judd also appeared as a cast member of MTV's "The Real World: San Francisco" and is the author of the highly acclaimed graphic novel Pedro and Me, about his "Real World" roommate and friend, AIDS activist Pedro Zamora. Visit Judd and Hilo online at www.juddspillowfort.com and follow @JuddWinick on Twitter.

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Why Graphic Novels Are Storytelling Quicksand for Reluctant Readers | Brightly

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Judd Winick is the author of Brightly's Book Club for Kids pick Hilo: The Boy Who Crashed to Earth. Click here to learn more about the book, discover activities and tips for discussion inspired by Hilo, and join in on the reading fun.

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When novels burst onto the literary scene in the 18th century with Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe , they presented something truly new: the idea that a common person and his pursuits could matter. This concept shattered the notion that books needed to focus on high-minded ideals and individuals of high social value. Nearly a quarter of the way into the 21st century, teachers and students find themselves in a familiar place with a new type of book, the graphic novel. Teachers and students alike often ask if graphic novels have a place in the classroom. Let's examine their many benefits and how they can be used in your classroom.

Defining the graphic novel

Since graphic novels look similar in layout to comic books, those new to the genre may confuse the two. Generally speaking, comics are serial - issued over months, years, and often decades. Graphic novels, on the other hand, feature the same key components of a traditional novel: they are full-length (over 100 pages), follow a common narrative thread, and are meant to be read as a single story (or story within a finite series). While comic series can span generations of readers, graphic novels develop as other novels or novel series. In other words, graphic novels are a single narrative told through pictures and words. These novels, misnomered as a genre, can be about any topic and fall into any of the traditional genres.

Benefits of the graphic novel

While preschool and elementary teachers have long used illustrated texts with their students, the idea of bringing graphic novels into the upper grades gives educators pause. Luckily, numerous sources indicate the myriad benefits of welcoming graphic novels into the classroom.

Developing visual literacy skills

First, graphic novels can teach visual literacy. The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) published an article about developing visual literacy and pointed out that while traditional novels ask students to infer based on the text on the page, "To read a graphic novel, much less a wordless one, many essential literacy skills are required, including the ability to understand a sequence of events, interpret characters' nonverbal gestures, discern the story's plot, and make inferences." Through graphic novels, students can develop inference and literacy skills that apply when interacting with photos, paintings, and other people.

Additionally, for dyslexic readers , those visual cues offer a lifeline. The multiple cues within a graphic novel, including the illustrations that readers can explore for context clues, and the emphasis (bold, italic, large font) throughout the text allow students to understand the material without relying solely on the text. Moving beyond supports the specific learning needs of some students and builds a new set of skills in all readers.

Engaging reluctant readers and English Language Learners

Reluctant readers are often enticed by graphic novels. These visually stimulating stories create a gateway to a deeper understanding of a text. As cartoonist Judd Winick , "Graphic novels allow the reluctant reader to slide into the story without as much of the heavy lifting as prose might require." These readers can quickly begin to develop literacy skills such as general reading comprehension, inference, and building new vocabulary, as they leap into the narrative without struggling with the format of a traditional novel.

In the primary grades, teachers happily hand over books filled with pictures. These new readers have similar needs to English Language Learners, but the latter often begin learning English later in life. If younger new readers learn through text pictures, why not offer that same experience to secondary students through graphic novels ? Again, that "heavy lifting" of structures, protocols, and language is lightened through a story enhanced by images of the setting and characters. When educators lift the barrier of text, these students can easily fall into a story, develop a love of reading, or, at a minimum, begin to lose some of the reluctance.

Low-pressure reading - with no grade or mandatory text attached - can foster a love of reading as well as improve reading skills. Teachers can introduce other types of text with fewer pictures and more words while still encouraging students to read those graphic novels they have come to love. And the more these students read, the more they develop as readers.

Some great graphic novels for reluctant readers include James Patterson's Middle School, the Worst Years of My Life , the first in a series about Rafe Khatchadorian, a boy who decides to make school more interesting by attempting to break every possible rule. This title is funny, engaging, and targets those who don't identify as the "smart kids." Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick, is another one that grabs readers, and Selznick also wrote the beautifully illustrated The Invention of Hugo Cabret . Selznick's illustrated novels offer lovely artwork that draws in readers and leaves a great deal of room for conversation and inference. These books say much more with pictures than words ever could. Finally, Raina Telgemeier's graphic novels such as and share the middle school perspective on first crushes, braces, and fitting in, all while keeping readers engaged with the text through delightfully appealing, colorful images and funny dialogue. The best part? Rather than the traditional "High-Low" titles (high interest-low reading level) that attempt to appeal to reluctant readers, graphic novels just like what other students are reading - the most avid readers also pick up graphic novels in droves.

How to use graphic novels in the classroom

Why and how to use graphic novels in the classroom varies by purpose and content area. In the English Language Arts environment, these texts can help students develop skills in the area of , have inference and the elements of storytelling . Additionally, numerous classic texts, such as those by Charles Dickens and William Shakespeare graphic novel versions that can help readers more readily access the content.

Science topics from dinosaurs to evolution and magnets to fractals exist in a graphic novel format. It can be a fun way to introduce or review key concepts. Powerful graphic novels connect to many social studies topics including the Holocaust and the Revolutionary War.

Building graphic novel knowledge

Graphic novels aren't new to the literary scene or to classrooms, but they may feel new to some teachers. Resources for how to implement these novels effectively abound. C heck out NPR's 100 Favorite Comics and Graphic Novels , and Common Sense Media 's book reviews and helpful information for educators. Whatever the content, and whoever the student, graphic novels have a place in the classroom.

Additional resources
Sarah Knutson is a 7th- and 8th-grade English Language Arts teacher at River School in Napa, CA. She holds a BA in English from UC Berkeley, an MLIS from San Jose State University, and a teaching credential from UC Davis.

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Tags: Adolescent Literacy, Art, English Language Development, Language Arts, Literacy, Reading Interventionist

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The Graphic Novel: A Visual Literacy Tool for Educating Students | Resilient Educator

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When novels burst onto the literary scene in the 18th century with Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe, they presented something truly new: the idea that a common person and his pursuits could matter. This concept shattered the notion that books needed to focus on high-minded ideals and individuals of high social value.

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While comic books and graphic novels have increased in popularity among children of all ages in the last few years, there are still some parents and educators that dismiss the medium as trivial or "not a real book" or "junk." We live in a visual society. It only makes sense that children are drawn to visual media.

Here are some things you might not know about comic books and graphic novels and how they can turn your child into a "super" reader:

1. Not all comics are about superheroes, and graphic novels do not always include "graphic" storylines. Did you know that there's a Pride and Prejudice graphic novel? Or that popular Shakespearean plays have been adapted into graphic novels? Did you know that the graphic novel American Born Chinese won the American Library Association's Printz Award in 2007? Face it, comics and graphic novels are on their way to becoming mainstream!

2. Some teachers and librarians on the 2014 New York Comic Con panel "Super Girls: Using Comics to Engage Female Students in the High School Classroom" listed these as some of the benefits and skills strengthened by graphic novels: motivating reluctant readers, inference, memory, sequencing, understanding succinct language, and reading comprehension.

3. Do you have a kid that skims the page or speed reads? When reading comics, children slow down and look at the images and text to fully ingest what's happening in the plot.

4. Graphic novels are bringing art education (which is often an endangered program in schools) into the classroom.

5. Graphic novels can be paired with traditional classics. One high school teacher on the "Super Girls" panel said that he's found success in pairing a canonical text like The Scarlet Letter with a graphic novel like . Both titles are centered on female protagonists feeling alienated, which a lot of tween and teen girls can relate to.

6. Speaking of girls, comics aren't just for boys. Everybody enjoys a good story. And there are plenty of great graphic novels available for kids of all ages. You can check out great graphic novels and comic book titles from Scholastic's store or ask your local librarian for suggestions.

7. Teachers and librarians on the "Why Should I Let My Child Read Comics?" panel agreed that graphic novels are great for kids with learning disabilities. Children with autism can learn a lot about identifying emotions through the images in a graphic novel. Additionally, for children with dyslexia, while it might be very frustrating for them to finish a page of a traditional book, they often feel a sense of accomplishment when they complete a page in a comic book. Accomplishment is important. It's a huge self-esteem booster and leads to kids naturally wanting to read more.

8. However, when kids have lower self-esteem because they aren't strong readers that can discourage them from wanting to read. But graphic novels are a great way to promote literacy. Teachers and librarians do not want to give ESL students picture books. Kids would reject that and deem it embarrassing. However, a comic book at a lower reading level might give kids the reading confidence they need while boosting reading and language skills.

9. Reading comic books is a great way to share the joy of reading with your child. If you grew up reading Archie or Spider-Man comics, you can share that with your reader now. It's a great way to strengthen your bond. Plus, kids look up to their parents and want to share and discuss those favorite comics or moments or scenes with you. It's a no brainer!

10. Do you remember those wordless picture books that your toddler might have chewed on? Well, there are also wordless comic books. These offer a plethora of learning benefits - critical thinking, sequencing, imagination, storytelling, and creativity. Just think, every time that your child reads the book, it will be completely unique. Although the book is filled with pictures, it's a blank slate just waiting for your child's imagination to take shape.

Remember, there are a ton of great books and a ton of not-so-great books. The same is true of graphic novels and comics. Do your homework before choosing graphic novels for kids. Go to the experts if you need advice -- teachers and librarians are there to help!

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Raising Super Readers: Benefits of Comic Books & Graphic Novels

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While comic books and graphic novels have increased in popularity among children of all ages in the last few years, there are still some parents and educators that dismiss the medium as trivial or "not a real book" or "junk." We live in a visual society.