Just chose our first book for a schoolwide book club and ALL of the selections we voted on were graphic novels (our ultimate pick was the graphic novel version of Jason Reynolds' 'Long Way Down').
Agree! When I was a librarian in a small school graphic novels were books that all levels of ability could access. I saw pride in the face of a child because he was borrowing a novel for the first time ...and I am sure that confidence flowed onto more books !
Well said!! It’s downright horrifying that a parent would throw out books. This reminded me of something from years ago when I was babysitting a friend’s kids. He said if they wanted to read something, I could not read them a comic because they were too “visual.” The only approved books turned out to be children’s books with fewer words on each page than my comics. :/ Everything you’ve written is so true! Kids need graphic novels. Thank you for another great newsletter!
Nidhi, I learned to read from comics. School couldn't do it. But that was in the early 50s. Comics taught good behavior, good values and good English back then. I don't know that comics are the same today. The only graphic novel I've seen is Maus. Parents must always be vigilant. True both then and now.
I agree completely, and I’m wondering if anyone here can direct me to specific research on graphic novels and literacy. (My 4th grader told me tonight that their assistant teacher said they had to read chapter books, not graphic novels, during independent reading today, and I’m feeling cranky about that.)
agree with you so much , get them to read and choose there own books and you have set them on the road to success.
THAT is what success looks like - a kid choosing a book over ipad, video game, phone... !!
Just chose our first book for a schoolwide book club and ALL of the selections we voted on were graphic novels (our ultimate pick was the graphic novel version of Jason Reynolds' 'Long Way Down').
I'm not surprised by this at all.
We wanted to be sure that our first pick was a graphic novel -- by far one of the most popular genres in our HS library!
Excellent comic. Comics are one of the best teaching mediums and just fun. Who doesnt love art?
I'm a teacher and I always tell this to parents. Let your kids read graphic novels! They're a good thing!
Agree! When I was a librarian in a small school graphic novels were books that all levels of ability could access. I saw pride in the face of a child because he was borrowing a novel for the first time ...and I am sure that confidence flowed onto more books !
Well said!! It’s downright horrifying that a parent would throw out books. This reminded me of something from years ago when I was babysitting a friend’s kids. He said if they wanted to read something, I could not read them a comic because they were too “visual.” The only approved books turned out to be children’s books with fewer words on each page than my comics. :/ Everything you’ve written is so true! Kids need graphic novels. Thank you for another great newsletter!
Kids needs graphic novels! And they need less barriers to joy and education.
What if Scott McCloud had a heart... loved this. Angered by it.
I wanted to scream when she said her dad threw out BOOKS.
Nidhi, I learned to read from comics. School couldn't do it. But that was in the early 50s. Comics taught good behavior, good values and good English back then. I don't know that comics are the same today. The only graphic novel I've seen is Maus. Parents must always be vigilant. True both then and now.
Love the message and 100% agree! I’m appalled by what that little girl’s father did!
I couldn't stop thinking about it... which is what lead me to make this comic.
This is a wonderful post, thank you! Just sitting here nodding really!
I agree completely, and I’m wondering if anyone here can direct me to specific research on graphic novels and literacy. (My 4th grader told me tonight that their assistant teacher said they had to read chapter books, not graphic novels, during independent reading today, and I’m feeling cranky about that.)