Graphic Novels

To many of us, comic books were a part of our childhood. It is from this form of media that we became acquainted with Superman, the X-Men, and Wonder Woman. They took the comic strip and created in-depth characters and plots. In fact, today many of these comic books are worth thousands of dollars as collectibles and grace the big screen. Where did the comic book go today? How does it fit in with the reading programs offered to our children? You might be surprised how far comic books have advanced and morphed.

Today, books have developed into graphic novels. At first glance, these might just seem thicker comic books. But the creators of graphic novels did not just expand the stories of the Hulk or give us more adventures of the Green Lantern. They looked to existing works and even new creations to bring children further into the world of reading.

The works of Edgar Allan Poe can be found in a graphic novel. Opening up the pages, you'll see sights similar to that of the comic books. You will also read about the Tell-Tale Heart and The Fall of the House of Usher. Graphic novels open up the world of Macbeth, The Boxcar Children,Treasure Island, and many other classics. Why do children open up these graphic novels? Why should these "comic books" be part of a reading program? They get the child's attention.

If you have struggled in trying to get your child to enjoy reading, you realize that picture-less books with very long chapters do not always get them jumping up and down for joy. Most children are very visual, which is one of the reasons they enjoy watching TV, movies, and video games. Graphic novels bring the written word to life with pictures. They're not the childish pictures that many older children and teens see in books. These books remind them of the comic strips which are colorful and exciting. To read about Macbeth through the eyes of a graphic novel instead of trying to read the words of Shakespeare and decipher them makes a world of difference. You will have a bigger chance of your child picking up a graphic novel about a classic that you read many years ago than if you just hand them a printed copy of Treasure Island.

There are many books on the market that have taken our youth by storm. Children, who would never read before, have been found picking up books that are 700 pages long and devouring them. Something about these books entices the children to read them. Sometimes it is the plot. Sometimes it is the way the book is delivered to the child for better comprehension. If they cannot understand it, why should they want to read it? If it cannot hold their attention, why open it?

Why do we go to the theater to watch a particular movie? Because the previews got our attention and sparked our interest. Why should a child pick up a book and read it? Because it interests them. The cover gets their attention first. What is inside keeps them going. To many, a bland book of just words is boring. Graphic novels are not intended to replace the typical book. They are there to fill the hole that has been left by the children who want more than the typical book. As they grow older, they will begin to turn to the traditional books and connect with them because they have read them prior in a graphic novel.

Do not hesitate to bring graphic novels into your reading program. If we use magazines and other materials to get a child to read, graphic novels can be viewed as just another tool to show a child that reading can be fun. Never let an opportunity go by for a child to discover the wonders of reading.

(A note of warning to parents: When looking for graphic novels, be very alert and careful of the material that your child holds. The industry of graphic novels has been taken up by all areas of reading. These areas include many that are for adults only and should be previewed by the parents before purchasing.)