Graphic novels, manga, comic books, and the like continue to be an incredibly misunderstood genre.
One of the complaints I hear most often from parents is that their kids keep reading comic books instead of “real books.”
Well, I have great news for all frustrated parents out there: comic books are great for your children’s reading comprehension! A 2014 study published in The International Electronic Journal of Elementary Education found that in addition to student enjoyment, “the use of graphic novels also improved student comprehension and deeper understanding of reading material.”
Comic books can also introduce complex issues. “Squire” by Nadia Shammas, for example, covers topics such as racism and discrimination in a story that is easy for kids to understand and learn from.
For those who are not familiar with graphic novels, let me tell you, they are really fun to read! The use of illustrations and other art forms can create a beautifully immersive reading experience for all ages, not just for children. “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse” by Charlie Mackesy, is a graphic novel that explores anxiety and societal expectations that many adults feel. “Maus: My Father Bleeds History” by Art Spiegelman, tells the story of one man’s experiences in a Holocaust concentration camp, and how his trauma ended up affecting his children as well.
Give graphic novels a chance… and let your kids read them too!